7 beautiful lagoons to discover in BC this summer

Western Canada is home to a diverse variety of wildlife and landscapes, and beach lovers especially have many natural hidden gems to uncover. For the purposes of this list, we’re focusing on some of the most beautiful lagoons you’ll find in British Columbia – from regional and provincial parks to tiny islands!

Let’s dive right in: Here are 7 beautiful lagoons to discover in BC this summer.

Lost Lagoon at Stanley Park

We’re starting off with a lagoon that’s right here in Vancouver. Marked by the Jubilee Fountain, Stanley Park’s ‘Lost Lagoon’ is a beautiful hidden gem acting as a bio-filtration marsh, and home to a variety of bird species.

Previously a tidal mud flat, the lagoon became a freshwater body when the causeway was built in 1938, according to the City of Vancouver. 

Where: Stanley Park, BC

Esquimalt Lagoon 

We’re starting with one of the most well-known lagoons in the province. Situated in Colwood, Esquimalt Lagoon is part of the town’s miles-long ocean waterfront with breathtaking views across the City of Victoria and the Olympic Mountains.

The Esquimalt Lagoon National Migratory Bird Sanctuary is a large, shallow lagoon enclosed with a sand spit and connected to the ocean by a tidal channel. According to the City of Colwood, it’s a popular spot for birdwatchers and kayakers.

Where: Colwood, BC

Witty’s Lagoon Regional Park

This oceanside park contains diverse natural features, including woodlands, a freshwater creek, a salt marsh, a sandy beach, waterfalls, and rocky headlands. There’s also a sand dune system and more than five kilometres of trails leading past a scenic lagoon.

Where: 525 Witty Beach Road #505, Victoria

Montague Harbour Marine Park

The historic white shell beach dates back 3,000 years, and is known for its scenic beaches and rich tidal lagoons. Visitors can hike through dense forest trails to a natural beach, taking in the diverse marine wildlife at its tide pools.

The park starts five metres below sea level, climbing 180 metres to a steep, rocky precipice. Those travelling by boat can moor their boats in the sheltered Montague Harbour, or travel via ferry and camp in one of the vehicle-accessible or walk-in sites.

Where: Galiano Island, BC

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Cortes Island 

Situated at the entrance of Desolation Sound, the scenic island is at the doorstep of plenty of natural treasures, including a swimming lagoon, deep blue inlets, and dramatic cliffsides.

Visitors have a handful of forests and provincial parks at their fingertips, including Children’s Forest and Grandmother Grove. The former stretches from Whaletown to Carrington Bay, and makes for an ideal half-day trip. The latter sits on the southwestern bank of the bay, with sand disappearing into the mouth of a stream surrounded by forest

Where: Discovery Islands, BC

Vargas Island Park 

Situated near Tofino, this provincial park is a prime spot for wilderness camping, paddling, swimming, and beach hiking, with a powerful intertidal lagoon to check out!

Along the historic telegraph trail, visitors can also spot an array of ancient sand ‘berms’ – or crescent-shaped dunes indicating previous sea levels.

Where: Vargas Island, BC

Albert Head Lagoon Regional Park

This small lagoon serves as a wildlife sanctuary and refuge for a variety of ducks, geese, swans, and migrating birds. During the summer months, it’s a popular spot for family picnics and beachcombing, with views of Victoria and the distant Olympic mountains.

Where: Delgada Road, Victoria

And that’s a wrap on some scenic lagoons you can visit in British Columbia before summer’s end. Happy adventuring!