Discover Victoria's Best Beaches

Victoria's prime location, surrounded by picturesque beaches, offers a perfect escape for beach lovers. If one side is windy, simply drive to another beach for calmer waters. Despite their inviting Caribbean-like appearance, be prepared for the chilly water temperatures, averaging 8°C in winter and peaking at 13°C in summer.

There's no shortage of activities, from stand-up paddleboarding and kayaking to shoreline walks and sunbathing. While beach fires are a no-go in Victoria, the beaches offer picnic areas, restrooms, and sometimes playgrounds. Dogs are welcome, with seasonal restrictions on beach access times.

Explore Victoria's top beaches:

1. Cordova Bay

Cordova Bay Beach boasts expansive views and is perfect for seaside strolls. The weather can be unpredictable, so dress accordingly. Nearby, the Beach House Restaurant offers a great dining experience with a view.

2. Esquimalt Lagoon

Esquimalt Lagoon features a long, level beach with stunning views of the Olympic Mountains. It's a birdwatcher's paradise, with species like harlequin ducks making appearances.

Individual excursions in Victoria

3. Gonzales Beach

Gonzales Beach is a sheltered bay ideal for calm swims and sunbathing. It's also a hotspot for paddleboarding and kayaking, with easy access to the water.

4. Spiral Beach (Clover Point)

Spiral Beach, known for its rocky shores and driftwood, is a sensory delight. It's a favorite for kiteboarders and windsurfers, especially during the breezy summer afternoons.

5. Cadboro-Gyro Park

Cadboro Bay Beach and Gyro Park offer a family-friendly beach with a unique playground, including a sea serpent sculpture. The calm waters and pebbly shores are perfect for a day out.

6. Island View Beach

Island View Beach is ideal for those seeking solitude and long beach walks. Seasonal beachside camping offers a serene experience with the sound of waves to lull you to sleep.

7. Willows Beach

Willows Beach features soft sand and a large green space for picnics and sports, with stunning views of Mount Bachelor and the Olympic Mountains.

8. Arbutus Cove

Arbutus Cove, a hidden gem, offers a peaceful setting between headlands. The secluded beach is accessible via stairs and rewards visitors with tranquility and beauty.

9. Thetis Lake

Thetis Lake's Main and West beaches are freshwater havens with calm, warm waters. Main Beach is particularly family-friendly with shallow waters and amenities.

Whether you're looking for adventure or relaxation, Victoria's beaches offer a little something for everyone.