San Josef Bay

Located at the northern end of Vancouver Island within Cape Scott Provincial Park, San Josef Bay boasts a beach of near-white sand in natural unspoiled surrounds. Lacking cell phone coverage, you’ll need to be prepared for all eventualities, which include a 45 minute easy hike along a well-maintained gravel trail from the nearest parking, as well as regularly sightings of bears and wolves.

The most accessible of Cape Scott’s beaches, it is backed by pristine temperate rainforest. It’s possible to camp overnight on the very soft sand for a small fee, increasing the chances of being able to explore the sea stacks and caves found on the right-hand side of San Josef Bay as you look at the ocean. They can only be reached at low tide.

Swimming, and even surfing, are also possible from San Josef Bay, but you are very much on your own. First-time visitors should be aware that there are no facilities of any kind on or around the beach except for bear-proof central food stores at campsites.