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Surfers at Cox Bay on Vancouver Island

Ocean

Journey to the water's edge

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Over 25 thousand kilometres of Pacific coastline, from sandy beaches to dramatic cliffs, shapes British Columbia’s geography and way of life.  A rich ecosystem of fish and plant life, the Pacific Ocean is a source of sustenance and spirit for British Columbia. Explore BC’s Pacific Ocean and coast in the stories below.

Nature & Wildlife, Indigenous Culture

Illahee: The Importance of Whales in Indigenous Cultures

Members of the Tla-o-qui-aht First Nation keep the community’s traditional history and stories alive through local whale-watching operations....

Play Video

Coastal Circle Route

3 to 7 days / 563.84 km (350 mi)

Uncover the places where many of British Columbia's artists and artisans live, work and showcase their art.

Explore Road Trip

Discover the East Coast of Vancouver Island

5 to 7 Days / 500 km (311 mi)

Relax and rejuvenate along this coastal road trip
from Victoria to Port Hardy.

Explore Road Trip

Adventure & Outdoors

Plan Your Trip to Haida Gwaii

Discover the best of this remote archipelago including Haida First Nation food and art.

Read the Article

Travel Now to Tofino, Ucluelet, and Port Alberni

1 to 3 days / 300 km (186 mi)

Visit, Shop, and Stay in these Vancouver Island Communities.

Explore Road Trip

Whale Watching

How to Go Whale Watching from Vancouver

Visiting Vancouver and want to see whales? You have options! Read about the companies and locations near Vancouver that offer whale watching...

Read the Article

1-3 Days, 4-6 Days, Fall

11 BC Coastal Towns to Visit This Fall

Find a coastal town to visit in BC this fall and enjoy Indigenous culture, lush rainforests, long stretches of shoreline, and tasty West Coast...

Read the Article

Accommodation

Stay Cozy in These Oceanfront Getaways

Looking to unplug for a weekend? Here are five oceanfront getaways on Vancouver Island, including Tigh-Na-Mara Seaside Spa Resort, Beach Acres...

Read the Article

Nature & Wildlife, Indigenous Culture

Illahee: The Importance of Whales in Indigenous Cultures

Members of the Tla-o-qui-aht First Nation keep the community’s traditional history and stories alive through local whale-watching operations....

Play Video

Coastal Circle Route

3 to 7 days / 563.84 km (350 mi)

Uncover the places where many of British Columbia's artists and artisans live, work and showcase their art.

Explore Road Trip

Discover the East Coast of Vancouver Island

5 to 7 Days / 500 km (311 mi)

Relax and rejuvenate along this coastal road trip
from Victoria to Port Hardy.

Explore Road Trip

Adventure & Outdoors

Plan Your Trip to Haida Gwaii

Discover the best of this remote archipelago including Haida First Nation food and art.

Read the Article

Travel Now to Tofino, Ucluelet, and Port Alberni

1 to 3 days / 300 km (186 mi)

Visit, Shop, and Stay in these Vancouver Island Communities.

Explore Road Trip

Whale Watching

How to Go Whale Watching from Vancouver

Visiting Vancouver and want to see whales? You have options! Read about the companies and locations near Vancouver that offer whale watching...

Read the Article

1-3 Days, 4-6 Days, Fall

11 BC Coastal Towns to Visit This Fall

Find a coastal town to visit in BC this fall and enjoy Indigenous culture, lush rainforests, long stretches of shoreline, and tasty West Coast...

Read the Article

Accommodation

Stay Cozy in These Oceanfront Getaways

Looking to unplug for a weekend? Here are five oceanfront getaways on Vancouver Island, including Tigh-Na-Mara Seaside Spa Resort, Beach Acres...

Read the Article

Tofino | Johan Lolos

Respect the Ocean: Be CoastSmart

The Pacific Rim coastline of BC is breathtaking, but don’t let it take your breath away permanently. Understand the hazards of our wildly beautiful beaches and trails with these safety tips.

Become CoastSmart
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