Swimming - Beaches in Victoria area
Arbutus Cove
Tue, 10/02/2007 - 12:44 — admin
If you don’t live in the area, you might not know this lovely Gordon Head beach exists, but it’s definitely worth discovering. Just look for the teens with skim boards to find the way! The sheltered, sandy cove is a favourite for skim-boarding, along with sand castle building and paddling, and the treed setting often offers a choice of sun or shade.
Download a Saanich Parks Map for Arbutus and Cadboro beaches (112 kb PDF)
Cadboro Gyro Park
Tue, 10/02/2007 - 12:53 — admin
If you’re looking to while away the day at the beach, it’s tough to beat this 5.3-hectare Saanich park in Cadboro Bay. From the unique play structures and wide-open play fields to the expansive, driftwood-lined beach and terrific views, this is one of Victoria’s best family beaches. Amenities include washrooms, tennis courts and picnic tables.
Download a map for Cadboro Gyro Park (56.5 kb PDF)
Esquimalt Lagoon
Tue, 10/02/2007 - 13:13 — admin
The Esquimalt Lagoon itself is actually in the western community of Colwood and not in Esquimalt. The east end of the lagoon is quite shallow and enjoyed by many exploring sand dollars and crabs. The tide flows through a channel at this end leaving a "salt-water river" effect for families with children of all ages to have fun in the water. Low tide also reveals a vast expanse of sandy beach. The 2 mile sandy spit is Victoria’s favourite family BBQ and picnic gathering spots.
Sidney Spit
Tue, 10/02/2007 - 12:36 — admin
Hop aboard the small passenger ferry to Sidney Spit, part of the Gulf Islands National Park Reserve of Canada, and discover the long sandy beaches perfect for beachcombing, bird-watching or swimming. Amenities include walk-in camp sites, a wharf, picnic area, water and toilet facilities.
Willows Beach
Tue, 10/02/2007 - 13:12 — adminA little farther along the waterfront into Oak Bay is Willows Beach, another favourite among all ages. The sandy beach is perfect for building sand castles, there’s a large open grassy field (home to the Oak Bay Tea Party in June), a play structure for the kids, washrooms and a concession.
Wittys Lagoon Regional Park
Tue, 10/02/2007 - 12:57 — admin
Offering forest trails, wildlife, a vast expanse of sandy beach at low tide and terrific scenery. Witty’s Lagoon Regional Park in Metchosin is a must for anyone wanting to explore tidal pools, build sand castles, skim board or play around in the water this summer. Several picnic areas and toilets are available.
Download a map showing directions to Witty’s Lagoon Regional Park (23 kb PDF)
