This year, summer is shaping up to be exceptionally hot. A strong El Niño, combined with broader climate trends, has already warmed the Pacific waters and brought dry, sunny weather to Vancouver Island much earlier than usual, with record-breaking temperatures expected in the coming weeks. Because of this, we wanted to share a list of Greater Victoria’s best sandy beaches. We hope this guide helps you find a good spot to cool down and enjoy the coast this summer.
The sandy beaches in the Core CRD geographically and administratively fall into two groups:
the East Coast
● Island View Beach [Central Saanich]
● Cordova Bay Beach [Cordova Bay, Saanich]
● Cadboro-Gyro Beach [Cadboro Bay, Saanich]
● Willows Beach [Oak Bay]
● Gonzales Beach [Gonzales, Victoria]
and the West Coast
● Coburg Peninsula [Colwood]
● Lucas Num'ga Beach [Witty's Lagoon, Metchosin]
● Weir's (Sandgate) Beach [William Head, Metchosin]
● Creyke Point Beach [Becher Bay, East Sooke]
● West Sandy (Aylard) Beach [Becher Bay, East Sooke]
Parking: Large beachfront parking areas with easy beach access.
Dog-friendly: Designated dog-friendly beach areas and on-leash sections.
Facilities: Picnic tables, washrooms, walking trails, beach access, seasonal campground nearby.
Our ranking: ✮ ✮ ✮
Island View Beach Regional Park is a large waterfront park located in Central Saanich. Stretching along a wide sandy shoreline on the Haro Strait, the park is known for its driftwood-covered beach, shallow waters, and panoramic views toward the Gulf Islands and Mount Baker. A long sandy beach runs along the coastline, creating one of the best beach experiences in Greater Victoria. The land lies within the traditional territories of the W̱SÁNEĆ Peoples, and parts of the park protect rare coastal dune habitats and wetlands used by wildlife throughout the year. It is an important cultural and ecological area.
Parking: Free parking is available along Cordova Bay Road near the beach access points and at nearby Cordova Bay Park.
Dog-friendly: Between May and August, dogs are not allowed on the beach between 9:00 a.m. and midnight.
Facilities: Seasonal washrooms and picnic area available at nearby Cordova Bay Park.
Our ranking: ✮ ✮
Cordova Bay Beach is a 1 km stretch of sand and pebbles in the Cordova Bay neighborhood. With stunning ocean views and a peaceful atmosphere, it's the perfect spot to relax. The beach is close to seaside cottages, restaurants, and parks, making it an ideal destination for families, couples, and nature lovers. It's easy to access, with multiple access points along Cordova Bay Road and plenty of parking available.
Parking: Free on-site parking lot available at the park, with additional street parking nearby.
Dog-friendly: Dogs must be on leash at all times. The Cadboro-Gyro Park features a designated off-leash dog area.
Facilities: Washrooms, playground and picnic area, tennis court, water bottle filling station, boat launch for non-motorized craft, wheelchair accessible beach ramp (seasonal — in place around the Victoria Day long weekend and removed after Labour Day long weekend).
Our ranking: ✮ ✮ ✮ ✮ ✮
Cadboro-Gyro Park is located on the Oak Bay border, in Saanich, within the Cadboro Bay neighborhood. This waterfront park was established in 1954 after the Gyro Club donated the land to Saanich.
The park features a large asphalt parking lot, restrooms, a tennis court, picnic tables, and expansive lawns.
However, its most famous highlight is the playground, home to large sea-creature sculptures, including the legendary Cadborosaurus (“Caddy”) — a 10-meter-long (30-foot) snake-like creature with a horse's head, a long neck, front flippers, vertical coils, and a fan-like tail. Known to First Nations for generations, the sea serpent received its name in 1933 following an article by Archie Wills.
Opening onto the shores of Cadboro Bay, the park boasts a sprawling sandy beach that stands as one of the most popular in Greater Victoria.
Parking: Free parking lot at the end of Dalhousie Street.
Dog-friendly: Dogs are not permitted on Willows Beach from May 1 to September 30.
Facilities: Washrooms, playground and picnic area, benches, large grassy park.
Our ranking: ✮ ✮ ✮ ✮ ✮
Willows Beach Park is a popular waterfront park in Oak Bay surrounding the sandy shores of Willows Beach. Combining one of Greater Victoria’s best swimming beaches with large grassy picnic areas, sports fields, and family-friendly amenities, it is a favourite gathering place for locals.
One of the park's most charming traditions occurs each summer during Oak Bay Tea Party, when Willows Beach becomes the centre of community celebrations, family activities, and waterfront festivities.
Nearby Kiwanis’ Willows Tea Room, a local landmark since 1949, serves ice cream, snacks, and refreshments during the warmer months.
Parking: A small public parking area is available at the beach entrance off Crescent Road.
Dog-friendly: Dogs are not permitted on the beach at all from June 1 to August 31.
Facilities: Washrooms.
Our ranking: ✮ ✮ ✮ ✮ ✮
Gonzales Beach is a sandy beach located in a quiet residential neighbourhood in Victoria. Sheltered within Gonzales Bay, it is known for its soft sand, calm waters, and open views across the Strait of Juan de Fuca toward the Olympic Mountains.
The beach features a spacious sandy shoreline that is perfect for launching paddleboards and kayaks, and its gentle waves are ideal for a peaceful paddle. Unlike many beaches around Victoria, which are mostly rocky, Gonzales Beach has a wide natural sand area that becomes even larger during low tide.
Because the beach faces south, it receives sunlight for most of the day and is known locally as one of the warmest beaches in Victoria during summer.
The main access point is located just off Crescent Road where you'll find a small parking area, but there are two more access points towards the west side of the beach at the dead end of Foul Bay Rd or Irving Rd.
Parking: Available at both ends of Ocean Boulevard.
Dog-friendly: Dogs must be leashed to protect the sensitive habitat.
Facilities: Washrooms.
Our ranking: ✮ ✮ ✮ ✮ ✮
The Coburg Peninsula is a beautiful, narrow strip of land in Colwood, just outside Victoria. It stretches between the Esquimalt Lagoon — a federally protected Migratory Bird Sanctuary — and the Salish Sea (Strait of Juan de Fuca), offering some of the most scenic ocean views in Greater Victoria.
This spot is a favorite for sunset watching, storm watching, and birdwatching — and the best part? You can enjoy much of it right from your car parked along Ocean Boulevard! The Esquimalt Lagoon is home to over 200 species of birds, so bring your binoculars. You might also spot seals, sea lions, and passing ships cruising through the strait. As you stroll the shoreline, you’ll come across driftwood forts, public art pieces, and plenty of spots to sit and take in the view.
Remember: no open fires or camping are allowed.
Parking: A small public parking area is available at the beach entrance off William Head Road.
Dog-friendly: Dogs are not allowed in the beach area between June 1 and September 15.
Facilities: Washrooms at Witty's Lagoon Regional Park.
Our ranking: ✮ ✮ ✮ ✮ ✮
Lucas Num'ga Beach is a part of Witty's Lagoon Regional Park. This hidden gem is a mix of rocky and sandy areas, with driftwood-lined shores and panoramic views of the Juan de Fuca Strait. Ideal for beachcombing, wildlife spotting, and quiet coastal walks.
Parking: Limited roadside parking available at the end of Sandgate Road.
Dog-friendly: Dogs are permitted under control at all times. Dogs must not approach or interfere with other beach or trail users without explicit permission.
Facilities: No.
Our ranking: ✮ ✮ ✮ ✮
Weir's Beach is a charming sandy beach ideal for swimming and soaking in Metchosin. The beach is also home to an RV resort that offers direct beach access, making it a great spot for both day visitors and overnight stays.
Parking: Aylard Farm parking lot.
Dog-friendly: Dogs must remain on a leash on the beach.
Facilities: Picnic tables, restrooms, and trail maps available at the Aylard Farm trailhead.
Our ranking: ✮ ✮ ✮ ✮ ✮
Creyke Point Beach is a small, scenic rocky outcrop in East Sooke Regional Park, offering a peaceful coastal atmosphere.
Even the parking lot at Aylard Farm — a picturesque, flower-filled clearing — is enchanting. The path winding through fruitful apple trees toward Becher Bay naturally encourages a slower pace. If you can resist the temptation of the trees laden with juicy fruit, you’ll reach Creyke Point in just a few minutes — a stunning rocky peninsula with a famous stone window.
This is where the Coast Trail begins, renowned for its breathtaking views. The very first stop on this trail is the beach at Becher Bay, right by Creyke Point.
The stunning view of the Olympic Mountains across the strait is impressive, as are the stately, slow-moving ships on the horizon and the playful birds that occasionally pause to snack on fish. On the cozy sandy beach, there’s a wooden shack and a swing. Creyke Point Beach is a wonderful, picturesque, and safe spot for everyone — solo visitors, couples, or families with small children.
Parking: Aylard Farm parking lot.
Dog-friendly: Dogs must remain on a leash on the beach.
Facilities: Restrooms and picnic area at Aylard Farm trailhead (none at the beach).
Our ranking: ✮ ✮ ✮ ✮ ✮
Next to Creyke Point Beach, West Sandy Beach is one of the quietest and most peaceful spots in East Sooke Regional Park. Less visited than its neighbour, this secluded cove is a perfect escape for those seeking solitude, ocean views, and the sound of gentle waves against the shore. With its mix of tranquility, rugged scenery, and natural beauty, West Sandy Beach feels wild and untouched — a true coastal gem just a short drive from Victoria.










