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Surfers at Cox Bay on Vancouver Island

Ocean

Journey to the water's edge

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Over 25 thousand kilometres of Pacific coastline, from sandy beaches to dramatic cliffs, shapes British Columbia’s geography and way of life.  A rich ecosystem of fish and plant life, the Pacific Ocean is a source of sustenance and spirit for British Columbia. Explore BC’s Pacific Ocean and coast in the stories below.

Nature & Wildlife

Plan your trip to Tofino

Tofino, on the rugged west coast of Vancouver Island, is popular for sandy beaches, surfing, and hot springs.

Read the Article

Whale Watching

Plan Your Trip to Northern Vancouver Island

Northern Vancouver Island is a West Coast escape filled with big nature, incredible wildlife viewing, and rich Indigenous culture. Plan your...

Read the Article

Beaches & Lakes, Spring, Summer

Top 12 Beaches in BC

Ready to hit the beach? Learn more about some of BC's top picks.

Read the Article

Whale Watching, Wildlife Tours, Summer

Top Places to Spot Whales in BC

Top places in BC to spot the province's biggest residents.

Read the Article

Nature & Wildlife, Indigenous Culture

Illahee: The Importance of Whales in Indigenous Cultures

Members of the Tla-o-qui-aht First Nation keep the community’s traditional history and stories alive through local whale-watching operations....

Play Video
Coastal Circle Route

3 to 7 days / 563.84 km (350 mi)

Uncover the places where many of British Columbia's artists and artisans live, work and showcase their art.

Explore Road Trip

Nature & Wildlife, Indigenous Culture, Adventure & Outdoors, Museums & Heritage Sites

Transformative Travels in BC: 12 Trips for the Conscious Traveller

Learn about Indigenous land stewardship, support wildlife initiatives, and discover biodiverse regions on your next trip.

Read the Article

Beaches & Lakes

Stewards of the Sea: Protecting the Ocean Around Vancouver Island Through Responsible Travel

Ocean conservation is vital to life and travel on Vancouver Island.

Read the Article

Nature & Wildlife

Plan your trip to Tofino

Tofino, on the rugged west coast of Vancouver Island, is popular for sandy beaches, surfing, and hot springs.

Read the Article

Whale Watching

Plan Your Trip to Northern Vancouver Island

Northern Vancouver Island is a West Coast escape filled with big nature, incredible wildlife viewing, and rich Indigenous culture. Plan your...

Read the Article

Beaches & Lakes, Spring, Summer

Top 12 Beaches in BC

Ready to hit the beach? Learn more about some of BC's top picks.

Read the Article

Whale Watching, Wildlife Tours, Summer

Top Places to Spot Whales in BC

Top places in BC to spot the province's biggest residents.

Read the Article

Nature & Wildlife, Indigenous Culture

Illahee: The Importance of Whales in Indigenous Cultures

Members of the Tla-o-qui-aht First Nation keep the community’s traditional history and stories alive through local whale-watching operations....

Play Video
Coastal Circle Route

3 to 7 days / 563.84 km (350 mi)

Uncover the places where many of British Columbia's artists and artisans live, work and showcase their art.

Explore Road Trip

Nature & Wildlife, Indigenous Culture, Adventure & Outdoors, Museums & Heritage Sites

Transformative Travels in BC: 12 Trips for the Conscious Traveller

Learn about Indigenous land stewardship, support wildlife initiatives, and discover biodiverse regions on your next trip.

Read the Article

Beaches & Lakes

Stewards of the Sea: Protecting the Ocean Around Vancouver Island Through Responsible Travel

Ocean conservation is vital to life and travel on Vancouver Island.

Read the Article
Tofino | Johan Lolos

Respect the Ocean: Be CoastSmart

The Pacific Rim coastline of BC is breathtaking, but don’t let it take your breath away permanently. Understand the hazards of our wildly beautiful beaches and trails with these safety tips.

Become CoastSmart

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Local Secrets: Where to Find BC’s Best Beaches

With miles of coastline, British Columbia has plenty of spectacular beaches. Here are five that may surprise you, including Savary Island and North Beach.
Top 12 Beaches in BC

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BC’s Captivating Coastal Towns

Looking for a seaside holiday in a BC coastal town? Try surfing in Tofino, buying fish off the boat in Steveston, or viewing wildlife in Prince Rupert.
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