10 Best Swimming Holes and Beaches in Victoria, BC

Victoria is blessed with many great beaches. You don’t have to drive far to find a pretty lake. Also, Victoria’s beaches are awesome for, kayaking, picnicking, reading a book, snoozing, and more!

Well, if you want to really swim and spend time in the water, the lakes around Victoria are better than the ocean because the water is warmer.

West Shawnigan Lake Park

Encircled by holiday cabins and fancy homes, Shawnigan Lake is a pretty summer vacation spot about a 45-minute drive from Victoria.

01.

Gonzales Beach

Hugs the shore of a smaller bay in a residential neighborhood of Victoria and has lovely south-facing views of the Olympic Mountains across the Juan de Fuca Strait.

Photo: South Island SUP

02.

Sooke Potholes Regional Park

The Sooke Potholes are a unique series of deep pools of fresh water, created by water falling over enormous polished boulders in the Sooke River.

03.

Thetis Lake

Canada’s first nature sanctuary. Scenic walking/hiking trails weave through the forest around the lakes, and there are also picnic areas. There are little islands which you can swim to.

04.

Cordova Bay Beach

Cordova Bay is a small community just north of Victoria with a long, expansive sand and pebble beach. All beaches are public; you can enjoy the whole length of the beach.

Photo: Beach House Restaurant

05.

Willows Beach

This long sandy beach has a huge grass area with plenty of trees for shade along with a tiny, plain-but-charming tea room run by the Kiwanis Club. Below the lawn lies a long stretch of sandy beach lined by logs.

06.

Swipe up to see all the recommendations!

Photo: Gyro Beach Board Shop