Best Beach Hopping Around BC: Must-Visit Summer Beaches By Car
Say the word “beach”, and the first place that comes into mind is sunny California – unless you’re an inhabitant of Kitsilano or somewhere similar, of course. While grabbing a flight there from YVR is easy enough, British Columbia is home to some of Canada’s most beautiful beaches that are seriously worth exploring. After all, Canada does have the longest coastline in the world.
Frequently Asked Questions About Canadian Beaches
Which B.C. Beach Is Named Best In Canada?
San Josef Bay in British Columbia is ranked number 32 among the top 50 beaches in North America as of 2025, not just Canada!
Can You Swim In Vancouver Beaches?
Vancouver Coastal Health (VCH) monitors the water quality by sampling and testing water from various beaches to make sure they are safe for swimming and post signs regarding their findings.
What Is The Warmest Beach In BC?
The south-facing Tribune Bay is one of the warmest in BC. Great for swimming, this 1 km long stretch of white sands is a piece of paradise not to be missed.
Road-Trip Friendly British Columbia Beaches
The beaches in BC offer lively waterfronts, quiet picnic spots, family-friendly shores, and water sports like surfing, paddleboarding, snorkelling, and more. The best part is that beaches in BC are all public, (although not all of them might be accessible). A road trip is a great way to go beach hopping, find secret beaches, and explore more than one of British Columbia’s coastal sanctuaries over the summer. Here’s a quick guide to the best British Columbia beaches including parking tips and the best times to go.
Kitsilano Beach (Kits Beach), Vancouver
Kits Beach is a popular beach is perfect for families, sun-seekers, and sports enthusiasts alike. There are plenty of beachfront activities, a lively promenade, a volleyball court and gorgeous views of the North Shore mountains. If the sea’s too nippy, the heated, saltwater Kitsilano Pool lets you get a refreshing dip!
Parking: You’ll find Kitsilano beach park lots just off Cornwall Avenue as well as Easy Park managed lots nearby.
Chesterman Beach – Tofino
Tofino is one of Canada’s hippest surf towns. Chesterman beach is not just for those who love the swells, it’s perfect for a leisurely stroll along the sand to watch the migratory birds before you retire to your rooms at the Wickaninnish Inn, exploring tidal pools, or spending an idyllic day beachcombing.
Parking: Free public parking available at both North and South Chesterman Beach access points. It’s a popular beach so get there early! Please note, the South Entrance isn’t suitable for wheelchairs.
Long Beach – Pacific Rim National Park Reserve (near Tofino)
Long Beach gives you a 16 km long stretch of beach to enjoy. Lush rainforests complete the backdrop to this wild, natural beach. A trip to Long Beach is going back to the wild – storm watching is a popular activity here and the interplay between light and shadows makes for a photographer’s dream.
Parking: A valid Pacific Rim National Park pass lets you access several parking lots within the park.
Tribune Bay – Hornby Island
Sand dollars, anyone? This hidden gem is worth the journey. “Little Hawaii” offers everything as the original but the palm trees. The warm water and white sand offer a little slice of paradise, right here in BC. The shallow waters during low tide make for safe swimming and paddleboarding – even with little ones
Parking: After the ferry ride and short drive across Hornby Island. Park near Tribune Bay Provincial Park for direct beach access.
White Rock Beach – South Surrey
White Rock Beach has everything that an iconic trip to a beach town should offer. A walk along the 470-metre-long pier ends with ice-cream on the promenade, early morning golf sessions followed by idyllic days on the beach and there’s some great shopping to be had in the quaint little town.
Parking: Paid parking is available along and near Marine Drive.
Beach Hopping Made Easy With Ascent Car Rental
Packing your paddleboards has never been easier. Ascent Car Rentals offers the perfect vehicle for your British Columbia beach trip. When you book with us, you have the option to add on racks for your surfboards, bikes, and luggage so you can make the most of your holiday along the coastline.
Book your rental car today and discover BC’s beaches, one sunny drive at a time.