This hidden beach in BC was named the best in Canada — Here's how to get there

A stunning B.C. beach was recently crowned the best in Canada, and it's a hidden slice of unspoiled paradise that's the perfect weekend getaway from Vancouver.

With its soft, sandy shores and crystal-clear turquoise waters, this hidden gem on Vancouver Island requires a bit of effort in the form of a ferry ride, drive and 45-minute hike — but those who make the journey say it's more than worth it.

What truly sets this B.C. treasure apart is that it was the only beach in Canada to make the 2024 list of the 50 Best Beaches in North America.

San Josef Bay is a stunning beach in Cape Scott Provincial Park, located on the northwestern tip of Vancouver Island.

The beach has a long sandy shore, crisp blue water and rugged coastal views and is surrounded by pine trees and massive boulders along the shores, giving it an otherworldly feel.

Since it's in a remote location, the beach is in pristine condition and rarely crowded, meaning there's a chance you'll have it all to yourself.

If you're travelling from Vancouver, you'll need to take a BC Ferries trip to Departure Bay in Nanaimo and then a drive about five and a half hours north.

Many previous visitors to Cape Scott Provincial Park say that driving along logging roads is part of the journey and urge caution when it comes to logging trucks.

According to a Reddit thread, British Columbians also recommend having a good spare tire just in case.

"Just make sure your spare tire is in good shape and you know how to change it," one person wrote in a thread on r/VancouverIsland.

Once you park your car at the trailhead, it's a 2.5-kilometre hike to San Josef Bay. According to BC Parks, the trail is a well-maintained gravel path and takes about 45 minutes.

In another Reddit thread, many people have shared tips on what can be expected on the trek to the beach. Several people have expressed that good footwear is key for the hike.

"It's easy enough in terms of terrain unless it is very wet but even then it is reasonable," one person wrote.

Cape Scott Provincial Park also allows camping and has other hikes along the North Coast Trail that are much longer than the one to San Josef Bay, so it's worth researching if you plan on staying there for a few days.

People who have been to both Cape Scott Provincial Park and San Josef Bay have raved about the natural beauty you'll see once you're there. Cape Scott has a 4.8-star rating on Google with over 100 reviews.

"Words cannot describe how beautiful this place is. I am truly speechless," one person shared in their review.

"Cape Scott is something special. It reminds me of Tofino before it got busy," another person wrote.

Over on TripAdvisor, people call San Josef Bay a "slice of heaven" and say that it resembles "West Coast life at its finest."

So if you plan on travelling to Vancouver Island this summer, a trip to this magical beach should be at the top of your list!

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.

This article has been updated since it was originally published on June 2, 2024.