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San Josef Bay
Hidden gem beach on Vancouver Island
Category

Beach

Est. Duration

2-3h

Also

Hike

Message from Fuel For The Sole

San Josef Bay is a hidden gem on Vancouver Island, offering a pristine white sand beach and stunning sea stacks and caves.

It has been listed as one of the best beaches in the world!

The road to Cape Scott Provincial Park is long and rough, but the trail to San Josef Bay is family-friendly and well-maintained. Visitors can camp on the beach and enjoy the peaceful wilderness surroundings, with the chance to spot wildlife like bears and wolves.

The beach is extremely remote and located at the northernmost tip of Vancouver Island - a 7 hour drive from Victoria. 

The road from Port Hardy to Cape Scott is a 70 km, 2 hour drive down a rough logging road. The ride will be easier in a 4x4 vehicle with high clearance but it is not necessary.

There are no services and no cell phone signal when traveling here. So ensure to carry all the necessary safety gear, map out gas stations, download maps/carry paper maps and carry a satellite phone/GPS messenger.

Best times to visit are between May and September. Visit at low tide for the best experience.

AllTrails hike linked here.

This hike is rated as easy/moderate. Length 8.5 km, Elevation 181 m , Route Type out-and-back.

Activity level
Age requirement

All ages

Seasonality

Summer

See all 304 things to do

Things to Do Nearby

Kwa'lilas Hotel
Telegraph Cove

Looking for things to do?

Go check out my guide for the best free things to do as well as itineraries and travel tips to make your trip unforgettable.

Go to Guide