Sand Beach Provincial Park is a rugged coastal park on Vancouver Island offering stunning ocean views, rocky shorelines, and opportunities for hiking, beachcombing, and wildlife observation.
Located on the western coast of Vancouver Island, British Columbia, Sand Beach Provincial Park protects a scenic stretch of rugged coastline along the Pacific Ocean. The park features steep cliffs, rocky beaches, and tidal pools that support diverse marine life. The landscape is characterized by temperate rainforest vegetation, including dense coniferous trees, ferns, and mosses. Established in 1963, the park provides habitat for coastal birds, marine mammals, and various intertidal species. Visitors are drawn to Sand Beach for its dramatic natural beauty and peaceful atmosphere, making it ideal for hiking along the shoreline, wildlife watching, and photography. The park’s remote location and undeveloped beach areas offer solitude away from more crowded destinations. Sand Beach is part of the larger Clayoquot Sound UNESCO Biosphere Reserve, highlighting its ecological significance. While there are no formal campgrounds within the park itself, nearby communities offer lodging options. Key recreation activities include exploring tidal flats at low tide, spotting sea stars and anemones, and enjoying panoramic views of the Pacific Ocean and island outcrops. Sand Beach Provincial Park appeals to outdoor enthusiasts seeking a blend of coastal wilderness and quiet exploration on Vancouver Island’s west coast.
Rocky shoreline with tide pools rich in marine life
Views of the Pacific Ocean and nearby offshore islands
Located within the Clayoquot Sound UNESCO Biosphere Reserve
Quiet, undeveloped beach ideal for solitude and wildlife observation
Extensive tide pools along the rocky beach support starfish, anemones, crabs, and other marine species.
Dramatic granite cliffs rise above the shore, providing striking vistas and nesting spots for seabirds.
The park borders areas of mature temperate rainforest featuring western red cedar, Douglas fir, and western hemlock.