There are many great beaches along the southern coast of Vancouver Island but popular China Beach BC, located within the Juan de Fuca Provincial Park, is undoubtedly one of the best. Like many of the beaches in this area, it requires a bit of hiking to reach, but at least it is only a nice 15-minute walk through the trees in this case. Although it is fairly steep and there are quite a few stairs, it isn’t particularly strenuous, and requires just enough effort to keep the place from getting overrun.
At the end of the trail you emerge to a long, gorgeous stretch of soft sand with amazing views across the Juan de Fuca Strait to the mountains of the Olympic Peninsula in Washington state.
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Marine life is commonly spotted in the waters just off the beach, including seals, orcas and even grey whales (best seen during their migration from Mexico to Alaska in March/April).
For all the planning details, check out: The Ultimate Vancouver Island Road Trip Itinerary
China Beach BC Map
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To the northwest, the beach ends after a few hundred metres in some sheer rock walls and a small waterfall, backed by an impressive set of hills that separate China Beach from Mystic Beach (also known for its awesome beach waterfall) on the Juan de Fuca Marine Trail.
While there are some excellent surf breaks on China Beach, there are not nearly as many surfers as at the nearby Jordan River area, probably because of the need to hike in with your board and gear.
China Beach Vancouver Island
A beautiful spot for a family outing, China Beach is the ideal place to bring a picnic lunch, set up in the shelter of some of the atmospheric deadfall and watch the kids play in the sand, collect shells and explore the driftwood. While it is possible to swim all year-round, the water is considerably warmer in summer (although, in general, the younger the child, the less they care about the water temperature).
There isn’t a lot of shade on the beach itself so in summer it’s a good idea to bring an umbrella if you planning a beach day. The sunsets can also be pretty amazing, just make sure you bring a flashlight or headlamp to navigate your way back up the trail in the dark.
Keep in mind, there are no fires or camping allowed in the beach area, only in the designated campground. Dogs are allowed on both the trails and the beach but they should be kept on a leash. There are outhouses available both at the parking lot and near the beach.
China Beach Trail
Even though the beach is the highlight, the trail to get there is worth the trip as well. A really nice walk through old trees, it features typical Vancouver Island forest scenery. It does get a bit steep in a few spots, although there are a few sets of steps to make it easier.
There are two parking lots – upper and lower. The multi-day Juan de Fuca Marine Trail that passes Mystic Beach starts from the upper lot. The trail to China Beach BC starts from the eastern end of the lower parking lot, right near a handy set of outhouses.
How long is the hike to China Beach?
The hike to China Beach takes most people around 15-20 minutes each way. At first it is an easy, wide path between towering Sitka spruce and western red cedars, then it slowly gets narrower and more uneven, continuing through some bushes before passing some massive Douglas firs. Near the end you’ll reach a wooden viewing platform with tremendous views of the strait. From there it descends steeply down to the beach.
Can you camp on China Beach?
You cannot camp on China Beach itself but there is a really nice campground nearby. Or another option is overnight camping in your vehicle in the trailhead parking lot. The camping fee also applies for overnight camping in the parking lot.
China Beach Campsite
The China Beach campground is located close to the entrance to the hike to China Beach. This nice, sheltered campground is open in the summer months, from mid-May to mid-September. The 85 vehicle and tenting sites are large, roomy and nicely sheltered in the forest. Most are well separated by the trees and shrubberies.
There are no showers, just pit toilets, but there is a tap with drinking water, as well as garbage and recycling bins. You can book sites through BC Parks for $20/night. In summer you can buy firewood for $8/bundle. There is no Sanidump on site but you can use the one at French Beach (13 km east toward Victoria). The China Beach camping options are some of the best on this part of Vancouver Island.
How far is the beach from China Beach Campground?
From the campground a steep 1-kilometre trail leads down to “Second Beach”, also known as “Campground Beach”, where there is another pit toilet and not much else (other than a nice beach and wonderful views, of course). Keep in mind, the trail features 260 stairs. Each way, so don’t get too complacent on the way down…
How to Get to China Beach Vancouver Island
China Beach is located just off Highway 14 roughly 15 kilometres west of Shirley and 30 kilometres west of the town of Sooke. The popular surfing area where the Jordan River meets the ocean is just around the corner to the east. Port Renfrew, meanwhile, is about another 40-minute drive farther west.
How far is China Beach from Victoria?
China Beach is 70 kilometres from Victoria (1 hr 15 min). The highway is relatively narrow and winding which means slower driving. Make sure to account for the longer than usual drive time, especially in the summer. Coming from the east you’ll pass French Beach (a popular family beach with easy access) and the Jordan River, then the sign for the China Beach Day Use area will be soon after.
You can park in either the upper or lower parking lot but if there’s room the lower one is closer to the China Beach trailhead. Both lots sometimes fill up but it is also possible to park in a few spots along the side of the highway. As with any hiking trailhead, we recommend never leaving valuables in your vehicle.
China Beach Accommodation
If you are planning to visit the rest of the great beaches along the coast, you may want to stay at one of these nice options about halfway between Port Renfrew and Victoria.
Great Escape – Shirley
For something a little different, check out this luxurious RV parked in the beautiful forest near about an hour outside Victoria and close to all the best beaches. Even though you stay in a (stationary) RV at Great Escape – Shirley, there is wifi, satellite TV, BBQ, comfortable furniture and even a hot tub. A nice, secluded getaway along the Vancouver Island coast.
Click here to check availability at Great Escape – Shirley
Ocean Wilderness Inn
This beautiful hideaway is one of the best places to stay along the south coast of Vancouver Island. Occupying a large section of lush forest, Ocean Wilderness Inn is completely surrounded by nature, wildlife and excellent hiking. There is a jacuzzi, exceptional views, an excellent breakfast and a gorgeous private beach is just a short walk away.
Located close to the small village of Shirley, this is an ideal location for exploring the many beaches, hikes and waterfalls found in both directions along the coast.
Click here to check prices at Ocean Wilderness Inn
Port Renfrew Accommodation
Many people visiting the beaches of Vancouver Island’s south coast opt to base themselves in one of the excellent options in Port Renfrew.
Great Escape – Port Renfrew
This fantastic 2-bedroom bunkhouse features a nice terrace with a BBQ, fireplace and views of beautiful blue water of Port San Juan. Guests rave about the amazing hot tub at Great Escape – Port Renfrew and it is located conveniently close to all the outstanding Port Renfrew sights and activities.
Click here to check availability at Great Escape – Port Renfrew
Wild Renfrew Seaside Cottages
With an incredible view and the sound of the waves to lull you to sleep, Wild Renfrew Seaside Cottages is a great choice for accommodation in Port Renfrew. It is close to the local pub and marina and also has a private beach to relax on.
Click here to check prices at Wild Renfrew Seaside Cottages
Or if camping is more up your alley, check out all the other excellent campgrounds in and around Port Renfrew.
Things to Do Near China Beach BC
This part of Vancouver Island is filled with things to do. You could base yourself in the area or make day trips from Victoria. It took us four separate day trips to see all of the highlights along the southern Vancouver Island coast so depending on the length of your visit you may have to pick and choose.
Just outside of Victoria, you’ll find the fascinatingly diverse Witty’s Lagoon, featuring a beach, a rocky headland and Sitting Lady Falls.
The Sooke Potholes are a series of interesting rapids, pools and small waterfalls on the Sooke River. They are actually at their most scenic in the summer when the river is lower because in the rainy season the water gets up so high that the “potholes” actually disappear. Nearby Mary Vine Creek waterfall, on the other hand, is at its roaring, frothing best after a big rain.
There are a lot of scenic hiking trails in East Sooke Park, with the East Sooke Coast Trail, in particular, considered by many (including us) to be one of the best day hikes in British Columbia.
Beach lovers can make a whole day of it, stopping at family-friendly French Beach, Sandcut Beach with its cute waterfall and maybe even check out an even bigger beach waterfall at Mystic Beach (if you are up for the rugged, hilly and muddy 4 km hike to the beach and back).
If you have time to continue on to Port Renfrew there are several more highlights to add to the list, including hikes to Sombrio Beach for a hidden waterfall and Botanical Beach for the tide pools, or visits to Fairy Lake and Avatar Grove.
On your way back to the excellent beaches in and around Victoria, the Jordan River is worth a stop to watch the surfers do their thing, and a little farther along, Shirley Delicious is a wonderful little café with snacks and desserts to hold you over until you make it back.
Whale watching in the Salish Sea is undoubtedly one of the most iconic and memorable Vancouver Island activities. Head out on a 3-hour whale watching tour in a modern (and perfectly safe!) Zodiac to get up close and personal with the giants of the sea while spending the entire time enjoying the unbelievable scenery of the island’s beautiful coastline. The trip goes from the Victoria Harbour, a reasonable drive from any of the south coast beaches.
China Beach BC Summary
The walk to China Beach seems to be just enough of a deterrent to keep it from getting as busy as some of the other beaches that are accessible directly from the parking lot (French Beach, for example). With great waves, the standard incredible views, some great forest hiking and a nice, if basic, campground, China Beach ticks all the boxes for an enjoyable day trip or as an overnight stop on a Vancouver Island road trip.
Other useful articles you may want to check out:
Esquimalt Lagoon: Bird Sanctuary and Driftwood Sculpture Beach
Cumberland BC: Hiking, Biking and Baked Goods
13 Amazing Things to Do on Hornby Island