Tucked away on the wild northwest coast of Vancouver Island, San Josef Bay is a remote and stunning destination that feels like a hidden world of its own. While the wide, sandy beach is beautiful, the show's real stars are the small, sculpted sea stacks rising from the sand. Topped with twisted, wind-swept conifers, these formations look like something out of a fantasy novel. They're the main reason to make the journey—each tide and shift of light revealing new details in their rugged forms. The best light for photography is in the evening, as the bay faces west, allowing for dramatic sunset shots. If you're lucky, a blanket of coastal fog might roll in, softening the scene and making it easier to separate the sea stacks from their surroundings.

Reaching San Josef Bay is an adventure in itself. The drive is long and rough, following remote logging roads that lead deep into the wilderness. But once you arrive at the trailhead, a well-maintained 2.5 km trail makes the final stretch easy. If you plan to camp, the trail is trolley-friendly, meaning you can haul in gear for a more comfortable stay on the beach. Wake up to the sound of waves and the sight of endless patterns in the sand, shifting daily with the tides. Wildlife is also part of the experience—bald eagles soaring overhead, otters and seals playing in the shallows, and the occasional black bear wandering the forest edge. Whether you're there for photography, solitude, or the raw beauty of Vancouver Island's coast, San Josef Bay is a place you won't forget.