5 Best Beaches in Victoria: Find Your Favourite Sandy Beach

If you're dreaming of a relaxing day outdoors, soaking up the sun, and enjoying the water, the city of Victoria has some incredible beaches to visit. Whether you're looking for a secluded spot to unwind, somewhere with several amenities, or a place to catch some waves, one thing is for sure: you're in for a treat! From the breathtaking scenery to the endless activities, here are some of the best beaches near Victoria, British Columbia.

Willows Beach

Willows Beach is located just 15 minutes from downtown Victoria in the tree-lined residential community of Oak Bay. Locals widely consider it to have some of the best views of any Victoria beach, with Mount Baker dominating the horizon across the Strait of Juan de Fuca on clear days.

This is also one of the largest beaches on Vancouver Island, with a broad swath of soft sand and a sizable open grassy area, perfect for having a picnic, tossing a football, or flying a kite. A popular walkway runs alongside Willows Beach, and you'll spot locals getting fresh air here year-round—even when it's less than ideal beach weather.

Stop into the Kiwanis Willows Beach Tea Room mid-May through early September for refreshing drinks and snacks. Don't miss the $10 Sunday breakfast! The cafe is volunteer- and student-run, and proceeds go to a number of local community and philanthropic organizations.

No beach pass is required for entry to Willow Beach, and it's open year-round with free parking. Dogs are also welcome in the off-season, which runs from October to April. Amenities include restrooms, picnic tables, and a playground.

No lifeguards are on duty at Willows Beach, so exercise caution when swimming. However, the shallow waters make it one of Victoria's best places to swim and paddle.

Gonzales Bay

Gonzales Bay should be a top contender if you only have time to check out one beach in the Victoria area. Located in the residential neighbourhood of Fairfield, this beach is nestled in a deep crescent-shaped bay with luxury homes overlooking it.

Because of the beach's unique geography, it's remarkably calm and sheltered. While the water is crystal-clear and typically mirror-still, it's almost always cold.

Driftwood on the shore and interesting rock formations just offshore offer unique experiences, encouraging beach-goers to build sand castles or explore the tide pools at low tide. Look out for resident wildlife, including otters, jellyfish, and starfish.

No entry or parking fee is required, and the beach is open daily. Dogs are not allowed on the beach itself from June through August.

Amenities at Gonzales Beach include restrooms and picnic tables in a small grassy area, but there are no food vendors or showers onsite, so bring snacks and water. You'll also find several food options in nearby Fairfield Village, just a 15-minute walk from the beach.

Thetis Lake Regional Park

Although it's not an ocean beach, Thetis Lake Regional Park is one of the most popular beaches near Victoria for outdoor enthusiasts. Located in the town of View Royal, the park offers several kilometres of hiking trails and two freshwater lakes for swimming, fishing, and boating (human-powered or electric motors only).

The lakes here are Upper and Lower Thetis Lake, connected by a small waterway. The main beach area and parking lot are along the shores of Lower Thetis Lake, while Upper Thetis Lake has a small sandy beach popular with kayakers and other boaters. Main Beach has restrooms, a changing area, picnic tables, and bicycle racks; West Beach offers a small bike rack and a smaller bathroom without changing facilities.

If you're looking for a swimming beach in Victoria, this is an excellent option, as the water is notably warmer than ocean beaches. Several small islands in the water make for ideal swimming or paddling destinations.

There's a $2.25 fee to park between May 1 and September 30, and locals can purchase a season pass for just $20. A quick note about parking: bypass the first lot, as it's significantly further from the water.

Cordova Bay Beach

On the eastern side of the Saanich Peninsula, about 12 kilometres north of downtown Victoria, Cordova Bay Beach is one of the most traditional beaches in Victoria. It's a particularly long stretch of sand with some pebbly areas and has postcard-worthy views of San Juan Island and Mount Baker.

Because of its long, narrow shape, Cordova Bay Beach is somewhat of a hidden gem. The area has several beach cottages, waterfront homes, and restaurants lining the road, and you could easily drive right by without even realizing there's a beach here if you don't know to look. It also rarely feels crowded, and it's easy to carve out your own little area, again thanks to the beach's long design. After swimming, building sandcastles, paddling, strolling the beach, or sunbathing, head up the staircase to The Beach House Restaurant for drinks or a delicious meal while taking in the stunning views across the bay.

There are several public access points to the beach and free parking along Cordova Bay Road, one of the most popular being Cordova Bay Park. The beach and park are open year-round, but the public restrooms are only available seasonally.

Spiral Beach

Unlike many other Victoria-area beaches, Spiral Beach is rocky rather than sandy. It's also framed by sea cliffs and bluffs covered in greenery, more reminiscent of Southern California than Vancouver Island. While people don't come here to build sand castles or swim, it's one of the most unique beaches in the city in terms of scenery, and there's no better place to take a walk.

Right near Beacon Hill Park and easily accessible via the paved Dallas Rd. Waterfront Trail, Spiral Beach is a short three kilometres from downtown. To get to the beach, you'll descend a spiral staircase, the beach's namesake, covered in colourful graffiti.

The beach is covered in driftwood, jagged rocks, and pebbles, which is why it's more of a walking destination than a traditional beach experience. Much of the shoreline disappears during high tide, so check local tide tables before heading out.

One of the best things to do during your visit to Spiral Beach is watch the local windsurfers and kiteboarders. Pack a picnic or grab takeaway in nearby Cook Street Village, then find a sunny spot to watch the colourful show! There are no public restrooms or other facilities here, but you'll find some a short walk away at Beacon Hill Park.

Spend Time at One (or All!) of Victoria's Best Beaches

Victoria, British Columbia, offers several breathtaking beaches for locals and visitors to explore. Whether you are looking for a peaceful spot to relax or a lively area for activities, the beauty of Victoria's beaches is truly unparalleled. Add some of these stunning beaches to your must-visit list and enjoy Victoria's offerings.