A hidden BC beach with aqua water and white sand was ranked among the best in North America
It beat shorelines in The Bahamas!
San Josef Bay. Right: San Josef Bay in Cape Scott Park.
This stunning shoreline set on an island in B.C. just ranked among the best in North America, and the top beach in all of Canada. With its crystal-clear water washing up onto the shore, sea stacks dotting the fine white sand, and hidden sea caves tucked along the edge – it's not difficult to see how it earned this new title.
The World's 50 Best Beaches released it's 2025 ranking of North America's 50 Best Beaches, and Vancouver Island's San Josef Bay was one of only two Canadian spots to make it onto the list.
Ranked among the likes of Tulum Beach in Mexico, Grace Bay in Turks and Caicos, and Lighthouse Beach in The Bahamas – San Josef Bay is in good company. It came is at #32 on the list, ahead of the other Canadian shore — Indian Head Cove in Ontario.
San Josef Bay is unlike any other place in the world though, feeling almost surreal when you visit. It starts with the journey to Cape Scott Provincial Park. Set on the northwestern tip of Vancouver Island the park is remote — an almost 11 hour drive from the city of Victoria – and is a display of rugged and untamed natural beauty.
Within the borders of the park you'll find kilometres of picturesque coastline, ancient trees surrounded by lush vegetation, and jagged rocks peppering the coast. It's spectacular in every way, and San Josef Bay is one of the most intriguing corners of the park.
A 45-minute walk through the wilderness of Cape Scott will bring you to the soft sand of the beach, where you can roam for hours taking in the breathtaking views. The trail here is actually along a well-maintained gravel path, so it makes for an easier trip than some of the other spots within the park.
It's not just the powdery sand and bright waters that draw you in here. There's little sea caves along the shore that you can explore, and the unique rock formations of the sea stacks which make this place feel especially magical.
Thanks to the remote nature of the area, you won't find crowds of people here. It's just the sounds of the ocean and the wildlife surrounding that will likely be joining you on a visit.
You can camp at this beach, according to BC Parks, if you want to make the trip that much more worth it.
Before you get going, check out our Responsible Travel Guide so you can be informed, be safe, be smart, and most of all, be respectful on your adventure.