Sand in Your Toes
Hanging out at the beach is a favourite pastime
On Salt Spring Island, one of the most popular swimming beaches is at Vesuvius Bay, near the ferry to Crofton. A steep, wooden staircase takes you down to the large public area, which offers some of the warmest waters on the island. If you go at low tide, there are fascinating rock formations and acres of mussels, clams, starfish, crabs and tide pools to explore. This beach is fun for kids, but water shoes or sandals are recommended since the rocks, shells and barnacles can be sharp. A sun umbrella is also a good idea, as shade is limited.
• Another popular spot is Beddis Beach, a fairly central island location off Beddis Road. After walking down a lovely wooded path to the beach, you will find a stunning mixture of black and white rock and shell sand that has been pounded smooth over the centuries. The water is colder here, but visitors (especially kids) will still brave the waters on a hot day and have a brisk dip. The view of nearby islands and open ocean is stunning and Beddis provides one of the most romantic spots on Salt Spring for a sunset picnic or evening stroll. Many locals will arrive with a blanket and a book and nestle down under one of the shade trees for an afternoon of sheer relaxation and peace.
• Drummond Park provides the best of both worlds, with a rocky, driftwood-strewn beach near the parking area, and sandy and sunny areas further down the shore. Situated right across from the Fulford Harbour ferry, Drummond also offers a children’s playground, washrooms and a picnic area.
• Ruckle Park has one of the most beautiful beaches in the province. A provincial park, you can either choose to visit the camping area or the picnic area. In both you will find spectacular open ocean vistas, sandstone lace rock formations, huge climbing areas with boulders and driftwood, nature trails, stunning cliffs and abundant marine life.
• Favourite Pender spots are Medicine Beach and Bricky Bay on North Pender, and Mortimer Spit at the dredged canal just over the one-lane bridge connecting the two Penders. Brooks Point on South Pender is a favourite site for watching orcas, dolphins, birds and passing freighters.
• While on Saturna Island, check out East Point Regional Park, Veruna Bay and Thomson Park.
• Bennett, Campbell or Piggott bays are a few of Mayne Island’s most welcoming beach spots.
• Galiano’s Montague Harbour Provincial Park includes the most accessible sandy beach on the island.
• Gabriola Island boasts Twin Beaches in Gabriola Sands Provincial Park, and great swimming near Descanso Bay Regional Park and Drumbeg Park.