Island View Beach

Island View Beach is the place to go if you want long, uninterrupted stretches of beach and a little quiet time. The 25-minute drive north of Victoria is well worth the time investment since it rewards you with open spaces and few people.

At low tide, you can walk for miles, even out to Cordova Spit if you're feeling adventurous. If you prefer more level terrain, a three-kilometer circular trail runs just behind the beach. Offshore, you'll have views across the Haro Strait of Darcy Island, Sidney Island, San Juan Island in the USA, and the sand-colored bluffs of James Island. The beach is pebbly, with some sand and a lot of driftwood in the back, ideal for resting on and contemplating life. Each summer, seasonal beachside camping is available, with tent sites just steps from the water. This is true beachfront camping, with the sound of the waves lulling you to sleep and the sun rising over the water awakening you up each morning.