The sun is shining, the sky is blue, and while summer may be dwindling by the day, there’s still time to enjoy some of the most beautiful outdoor destinations across British Columbia. Near Victoria, the remote China Beach is a popular spot for day-trippers and campers alike. So grab your beach towels and sunblock, and let’s make the most of the season!

About the beach

One of four main areas making up the famed Juan de Fuca Provincial Park, the beach offers visitors spectacular marine life viewing and hiking options – including access to the iconic Juan de Fuca Marine Trail.

According to Tourism Victoria, a short walk from the parking lot brings you through lush coastal rainforest down to the sprawling, sandy beach. Here, visitors can spot a hidden waterfall, enjoy the day-use area, and set up for the night at the China Beach Campground.

If your beach adventure extends to fall, you might just catch a migrating grey whale offshore as it travels south for winter. In fact, as many as 17,000 grey whales travel down the coast throughout the entire migration period, according to BC Parks – so keep your eye out!

Come spring, they’ll migrate back to Vancouver Island for the summer.

china beach british columbia
Photo via Shutterstock

Camping info

Here, campers will find 78 reservable front-country campsites and 79 vehicle-accessible sites, which can be accessed until the campground closes for the season on September 30th. 

Backcountry hike-in camping is also an option along the Juan de Fuca Marine Trail, with beach and forest campsites to choose from. So remember to leave no trace behind and stick with with designated camping areas only.

As cell phone reception is limited in the area, be sure to prepare ahead.

So there you have it, beach lovers! Whether it’s a trip to some amazing surf you’re after, or one last round of beach camping, you’re sure to have a blast here.

Happy exploring!

China Beach 

Where: 12287 Highway 14, Juan de Fuca, BC

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Isabelle Vauclair

Staff Writer, Vancouver – Isabelle is a West Coast native with an appreciation for Vancouver’s natural landscape, patio scene, and community spaces. She loves to discover new hidden gems in her neighbourhood and share them with readers across the city.

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