Surfers at Long Beach 1

With the Pacific Coast bordering this province's western edges, British Columbia is a great place to explore seaside beaches. From sandy expanses of land with clothing optional areas, to ultimate surfing and taking a dip in warm ocean waters, BC offers a nearly innumerable amount of seaside recreation areas. Whether it's the chilly - yet popular - waters of Northern BC, the secluded beaches of the Cariboo Chilcotin Coast, the rugged yet scenic expanses of sand on Vancouver Island and the Gulf Islands, or the hip and trendy beaches of Vancouver's coast, visitors to the far side of the province are sure to find a beach that suits their needs. So pack a windbreaker, slap on some sunscreen and get ready to explore a couple of popular stretches of sand this part of the sea.

NORTHERN BC

Taking up about 53 per cent of the province, Northern BC is a wilderness ruled by spectacular mountain ranges. This rocky region encompasses forest valleys, glacial lakes and even volcanic cinder cones left over from Northern BC's fiery past. The Northern region is home to the Queen Charlotte Islands, also known as Haida Gwaii. From pebbly shores to white sand coasts, this archipelago of more than 150 islands offers a wide variety of beaches ready to be strolled.

One of the top spots to experience Northern BC's beaches is at Naikoon Provincial Park. The park is dedicated to preserving and sharing the far Northeastern coast of the Queen Charlotte Islands. Located on the eastern arm of Graham Island near Masset (the largest city on the island), the park offers about 100 km (62 mi) of beach shore. While not the best for taking a dip, this misty and sometimes windy seashore offers great opportunities for beachcombing. Those looking for a little solitude will find it here. The more popular North Beach, a 23 km (14 mi) expanse of sandy seashore, is found within the park on the northern tip and is a great place for a stroll. Visitors may also do some clam digging, and pick up scallops and clamshells.

Northern BC is also known for its great saltwater fishing, especially off the island of Prince Rupert. Anglers fishing these waters may hook a halibut or a variety of salmon, including Chinook, coho and chum.

	The Historic White Rock Pier 2

CARIBOO CHILCOTIN COAST

The Cariboo Chilcotin Coast region is a cowboy country where ranchland living is the norm. Located directly beneath Northern British Columbia, this region not only offers a Wild West territory but also provides visitors with 15,000 km (9,320 mi) of coastline waiting to be explored. The Pacific Coast in this region is extremely diverse, and can range from soft beaches to grassland shores.

Bella Bella, the largest village in this region's coast, is found on Campbell Island. A primary home to the Heiltsuk Nation, this little town is a great base for exploring the surrounding area's quiet yet impressive beaches. This region boasts a varied landscape, from secluded beaches and coves to tiny inlets, rocky shorelines and overgrown forest coasts. Easily accessible by ferry or a short flight from Vancouver, Bella Bella is an ideal location for a long and lazy daytrip. Visitors may stroll along the extensive beaches, go on a boat tour through the straits or simply lounge about on a secluded beach.

VANCOUVER ISLAND AND THE GULF ISLANDS

Vancouver Island and the Gulf Islands offer a seemingly endless supply of beaches. This rugged yet picturesque region is a diverse land filled with sandy and rocky coasts, rolling hills and splendid mountains, ancient forests and untouched wilderness. Home to Victoria, BC's capital city, the island offers a relaxed and laid-back atmosphere. The island is also home to Long Beach, one of the most well known beaches in Canada.

Overlooking the vast Pacific Ocean, Long Beach is a natural and extremely popular recreation area. While the beach's waters are chilly even in the summer (usually around 6ºC (42ºF)) and the entire area is subject to the elements, the beach draws more than one million visitors each year. Although there are a wide range of water activities to be enjoyed, Long Beach is known for its surf. Rolling in from the expansive west, Long Beach offers exceptional waves, especially during the winter months. The beach covers an area of 13,715 ha (33,890 acres) and is located within Pacific Rim National Park, between the communities of Tofino and Ucluelet. Other features of the beach include picnic areas, boardwalks, natural trails and lifeguards on duty in July and August.

	A Lazy Day on Kits Beach 3

Other popular beaches in this region include Qualicum Beach, ideal for swimming and beachcombing, Willows Beach, a shallow water beach in Victoria, and Cadboro-Gyro Park, great for swimming as well as boating.

VANCOUVER, COAST AND MOUNTAINS

With Vancouver Island acting as a barrier from harsh tides, this region offers gentle waters along an extensive coastline. Warm sandy shores and mountain scenery provide the perfect backdrop for a lazy day at the beach. Located at the core of this region is the vibrant city of Vancouver, where visitors can stroll along a stretch of sand and hit the slopes all in the same day. While dozens of little beaches dot the Vancouver coast, one of the most popular is Kitsilano Beach.

Reminiscent of trendy California beaches, Kitsilano is a hip and lively destination. Simply known as Kits, this often-crowded shore is the place to be during the summer months. With designer shops and Vancouver's most luxurious homes found nearby, it's easy to see why this is one of the greatest places to people watch while lounging on the sand. Located 15 minutes from downtown Vancouver, this 12 ha (31 acre) public park offers numerous volleyball, tennis and basketball courts, public change rooms complete with washrooms and showers, and various concession stands throughout. With lifeguards on site during the warm summer months, Kits is also an ideal place for families.

	Infamous Wreck Beach 4

Known for its great beaches and a mild climate throughout the year, White Rock is a seaside community characterized by warm waters and sunny days. The spot provides an ideal setting for the avid beachcomber. Located just north of the United States border, this Lower Mainland community has two major beaches. White Rock Beach, also known as West Beach, is home to the 470 m (1,542 ft) long pier, as well as a 2.5 km (1.6 mi) long promenade. This bustling beach is a favourite spot for activities such as swimming, strolling along the sand, picnicking and fishing off the pier. Those looking for a calmer and more family-oriented excursion will appreciate East Beach, which is on the other side of White Rock Beach.

Not far from White Rock is Crescent Beach, which is located in Surrey, on Boundary Bay. Another quiet alternative to the busy White Rock Beach, the warm waters of Crescent Beach are ideal for swimming but also have calm enough tides suitable for sea kayaking and other water sports. Crabbing is also a popular pastime.

Located within Pacific Spirit Regional Park, the clothing-optional Wreck Beach is one of Canada's largest nudist beaches. While definitely not for everyone, the defiant and notorious beach has been around since the 1960's. Despite being a fairly secluded point, this stretch of sand does have a strip called Vendor's Row, where visitors may buy food, handmade crafts and souvenirs.