Beaches and Swimming - Southern Vancouver Island, BC

Attention: No lifeguards on duty at most beaches and swimming holes. Swimming is at your own risk.

Sunbathing on an island at Matheson Lake near Victoria, BC.

No matter where you visit on Vancouver Island, you're close to water. From the powerful Pacific Ocean to placid valley lakes, water is the backbone of this coastal paradise. The rocky shores of southern Vancouver Island offer many activities on, in and near the water including beachcombing, swimming and romantic walks along the shore.

The pocket beaches that dot the shores of southern Vancouver Island are small and secluded. Most are cobblestone and pebble beaches. Most have views of the Olympic mountains across the strait in Washington State and offer great viewing of sea life and birds in the intertidal zone. The salt water of the Pacific Ocean is 10ºC year round and the air temperature is usually cool along the shoreline. Wetsuits are recommended for those adventurous enough to take a plunge into the frigid ocean waters.

The freshwater lakes are warmer than the ocean and are popular spots for swimmers. On hot days, local residents escape the heat of the city and relax in the crystal-clear waters of Thetis Lake, Matheson Lake and the Sooke Potholes.

Swimming in the Sooke Basin in front of Comfort Cove Cottage.

SWIMMING IN THE SOOKE BASIN

The cottage is located on the southwestern shores of the Sooke Basin, in a sheltered bay. This bay is protected from the open Pacific Ocean by Whiffin Spit and offers calmer waters around the nearby island. Tides can fluctuate as much as 8 feet between cycles! Many cottage guests have gone for a dip in the water - but fair warning, it is cold! Please remember that there are potential hazards in natural coastal settings and be prepared.

Note that the narrow channel across from Billings Spit (around the corner from the cottage) should be avoided due to strong currents.

SWIMMING AT MATHESON LAKE

Located 25 minutes from the cottage is a quiet, picturesque lake situated at the foot of a forested mountain. This fresh water lake is a popular hangout with locals and offers a quiet oasis in a lushly treed setting. A small sandy beach on the eastern shore makes for a gentle entrance to the lake. On hot days, visitors sunbathe on the small island near in the center of the lake (Gillespie Island).

Note that there are no change facilities but the beach is only 50 meters from the parking lot.

SWIMMING AT SOOKE POTHOLES PROVINCIAL PARK

The Sooke Potholes, located on the banks of the Sooke River, is a swimmer's paradise. The park is named after the deep, naturally-produced pools that were carved into the rocks during the last ice-age. Visitors seek refuge from the summer heat by soaking in the cool, swirling waters. Along the river bank there are a few small sandy beaches that are perfect places to wade and splash.

Taylor Beach is a classic shoreline along southern Vancouver Island.

Taking a stroll along the beach at Witty's Lagoon.

SWIMMING AT THETIS LAKE REGIONAL PARK

Thetis Lake features one of the most popular swimming holes in the region. Change facilities are available near the beach area at Lower Thetis Lake. The gentle slope of the sandy shore makes this an easy lake for families with small children. Swimming, boating (electric-motors only), kayaking, canoeing and fishing are all permitted in the park.

INDOOR SWIMMING - SEAPARC LEISURE COMPLEX

If you'd rather swim indoors, the SEAPARC Leisure Center has a 25 meter competition pool and offers adult and family swim times. SEAPARC is located in the town of Sooke and is 20 minutes away from the cottage.

TAYLOR BEACH AT DEVONIAN REGIONAL PARK

Devonian Park is a small but beautiful park tucked amongst quiet farm land on the edge of the Juan de Fuca Strait. It features Taylor beach, a cobble beach covered in smooth, gravel-sized rocks. Panoramic views of the Strait and the Olympic Mountains makes it a wonderful place for romantic walks along the shoreline.

WITTY'S LAGOON BEACH

Witty's Lagoon is a magnificent ocean-side park that's particularly popular with bird-watchers and beachcombers. Down by the water's edge, a sand-covered beach is located near the picnic area. Visitors swim and sunbathe here, and explore the cobble beach which extends for several kilometers. At low tide, you can walk all the way to Taylor Beach at Devonian Regional Park!

NOTES:

• Don't jump off the rocky cliffs into the water. Every year the EMS team is called to rescue swimmers.

• There are no life guards. Swimming is at your own risk.

• Be cautious of incoming tides and avoid being stranded at high tide.

Ready to visit Sooke? Contact us for availability!