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Summary

6 Sprawling Sandy Beaches In BC That Are Better Than A Tropical Vacation

Out of office. :palm_tree:🏖

Toronto Associate Editor

While tropical getaways may not be the first thing that comes to mind when thinking of Canada, B.C.'s beaches are something that can actually fit the bill. There's no need to hop on a plane when there are plenty of beach-y options spread across our country's west coast.

From downtown Vancouver to the islands, there are plenty of places to escape to for a weekend getaway or to spend a hot summer day lazing out in the sand. You're going to want to put these beauties on your bucket list.

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Savary Island

Address: Savary Island, BC

Why You Need To Go: It's one of the many islands in the Strait of Georgia, which boasts to have some of the warmest warmer north of Mexico. It's a bit of a trek from Vancouver (we're talking over 140 kilometres away), but the island offers several different accommodations that would complete the experience of a tropical getaway – just in Canada's great backyard.

Website

Tribune Bay

Address: St Johns Point Rd., Hornby Island, BC

Why You Need To Go: This beach is known as "Little Hawaii" for a reason– its clear blue waters and sandy beaches will make you feel like you're in Honolulu instead of on Hornby Island. If you come by around the springtime you'll get to see wildflowers framing the hills around the beach.

Website

Spanish Banks

Address: Northwest Marine Dr., Vancouver, BC

Why You Need To Go: There are three different sections to the Spanish Banks and when the tides are low the shore can stretch out to one kilometre long, giving you tons of plenty of room to spread out your towel and get your tan on. Aside from the sandy shores, this beach also offers outdoor volleyball courts and off-leash dog parks.

Website

Chesterman Beach

Address: Tofino, BC

Why You Need To Go: Tofino is known for its surf-style beaches, and Chesterman Beach is one of the places to go and do that. If you head towards the north part of the beach where the tide pools are, you could potentially see some interesting marine life like sea stars and anemones.

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Kal (Kalamaka) Beach

Address: 13836 Kalamaka Rd., Vernon, BC

Why You Need To Go: Kal Beach not only has soft sand, but it also offers stunning south-facing views that look onward to Kelowna. It almost gives you the ability to see the lake from end to end.

Website

Crescent Beach

Address: Beecher St., Crescent Beach, Surrey, BC

Why You Need To Go: With a pier that will almost remind you of the one in Santa Monica, this beach is great if you want to take a stroll on the sand. There are also a variety of nature trails you can take in the area if you want to mix in some play time with a relaxing finish at the beach.

Website

Before you get going, check our Responsible Travel Guide so you can be informed, be safe, be smart, and most of all, be respectful on your adventure.

  • Toronto Associate EditorAlex Arsenych (she/her) was a Calgary-based Associate Editor at Narcity Canada, covering everything from what's trending across the country to what's happening near you. On top of her Bachelor of Journalism, Alex graduated with a history degree from the University of Toronto. She's passionate about past and present events and how they shape our world. Alex has been published at Now Magazine, Much, MTV, and MTV Canada.

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