There’s a scenic coastal park in BC with a boardwalk leading to breathtaking ocean vistas

Located between the scenic town of Sooke and Jordan River, French Beach Provincial Park is a fantastic place to explore year-round. Why? Its ideal location on the Strait of Juan de Fuca makes it a memorable adventure no matter the season.

Whether you want to enjoy some breathtaking sunsets, hike through lush forests, dip into the cool waters of a pebble beach, or a combination of the three – there’s plenty to explore here.

First off, the park offers visitors a 1,600-metre sand and pebble beach to roam with ideal views of Juan de Fuca, the Olympic Mountains, and migrating gray whales and seabirds.

For campers, French Beach offers vehicle-accessible campingeary all  in a truly stunning natural setting. Park amenities include a picnic/day-use area, a sani station, pit toilets, and fresh water.

For hikers, there are approximately 2 kilometres of well-maintained hiking trails to explore, taking visitors through salt marshes and second-growth forests of Douglas Fir, Sitka Spruce, and Western Cedar.

Although there are no designated swimming areas, the park is located on the Pacific Ocean, and the waters make for a beautiful (albeit colder) dip.

So there you have it, Vancouver! Your coastal getaway on Vancouver Island is just a day trip away.

French Beach Park 

How to get there: Take the ferry from Vancouver to Swartz Bay, Victoria and drive one and a half hours to French Beach Park via Patricia Bay Highway/BC-17 and Juan De Fuca Highway/BC-14 W.

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