Explore the Best Beaches and Lakes in Victoria, BC: A Virtual Tour Guide
Are you planning a day by the water in Victoria, BC? We’ve got you covered. Whether you're a local looking for a weekend escape or a visitor crafting your itinerary, we’ve got the inside scoop on the best beaches and lakes in the city. Below you can find short descriptions and virtual tours of each location that we’ve put together on our MetaTours web-app, providing an immersive preview of your next sandy escape!
Willows Beach
Location: Oak Bay
Willows Beach is a local favourite situated in the heart of Oak Bay. It’s renowned for it’s long sandy shore, incredible views and suitability as a swimming and beach recreation spot. This expansive beach invites leisurely strolls, and the sheltered waters afford a year-round wading experience, catering to both families and individuals alike. The beachfront offers picturesque views of Oak Bay Marina, Discovery Island, and Mount Baker, creating a serene backdrop for visitors. Adjacent to the beach, the Willows Tea Room (open May to September) serves as a concession stand, providing a variety of fare ranging from fries, hot dogs, and sandwiches to beverages, ice cream, and poutine. Additionally, the beach area features amenities such as a playground, a spacious grassy park, washrooms, change rooms, picnic tables and benches. A short walk from Willows Beach leads to Estevan Village, a charming locale complete with restaurants, cafes, a boutique gift shop, and the renowned Willows Galley Fish & Chips establishment.
Gonzales Beach
Location: Victoria
Gonzales Beach is located just a 10 minute drive from downtown Victoria. It’s a popular spot among locals for its calm waters, soft sand, and stunning views. This sheltered bay is perfect for swimming, kayaking, skimboarding, paddleboarding, or sunbathing, with impressive views of the Olympic Mountains and the Juan de Fuca Strait. Gonzales Bay is also home to a variety of wildlife, such as herons, seals, otters, and jellyfish. When the tide is high, the beach disappears under the ocean. Visitors can head up to the nearby Gonzales Hill or Trafalgar Park where they can find picnic benches, a small park and washrooms. Parking at the two lots located at either end of the beach is limited, so visitors may need to park on the street.
Ross Bay Beach
Location: Victoria
Ross Bay Beach is a hidden gem located off Dallas Rd in Victoria, BC. With its serene and secluded atmosphere, this pebbled shore is the perfect spot to escape the hustle and bustle of the city. Visitors can stroll along the beach, listen to the waves, and take in the breathtaking views of the Olympic Mountains. The beach is also a popular spot for birdwatching, and many species of shorebirds can be seen along the shoreline. If you're looking to relax and unwind, Ross Bay Beach is the perfect spot for you.
Thetis Lake
Location: View Royal
Thetis Lake Regional Park is one of the most popular swimming destinations in Victoria. With its pristine freshwater lakes and sandy beaches, it's the perfect spot to cool off on a hot summer day. The park offers a variety of activities for visitors, including swimming, canoeing, and fishing. The network of trails that surround the lake are also popular for hiking and trail running, and in the spring, the hillsides are covered in beautiful wildflowers. As Canada's first nature sanctuary, Thetis Lake Regional Park is committed to natural area conservation and recreation, making it a favorite among locals and visitors alike.
Cordova Bay Beach
Location: Saanich
Cordova Bay Beach, located on the northeast end of Saanich, offers a tranquil retreat just 10 kilometers from downtown Victoria. Despite its close proximity, the beach imparts a sense of peaceful seclusion, making it feel worlds away from the city. The beach, with its quiet charm and long sandy shore, is a serene escape for those looking to enjoy the natural beauty of the area.
Gyro Beach
Location: Saanich
Unwind and soak up the sun at Gyro Beach, a local favorite in Victoria. Children can enjoy a playground with zipline and slide down the historic octopus, while families can make use of the picnic areas for a leisurely outdoor meal. The park also features tennis courts, a large open field, and a boat launch for non-motorized craft. Whether you're into beach volleyball, sunbathing, or beachside picnics, Gyro Beach has something for everyone.
Elk/Beaver Lake
Location: Saanich
Escape the urban hustle and find tranquility at Elk/Beaver Lake. This lake is shared among swimmers, wind surfers, sailors, rowers, water-skiers and fishers. It’s an excellent spot for a swim in the summer, with a large sandy beach at Eagle Beach on the north end of Elk Lake. A flat 10km trail circles the lakes, making it a perfect location for a jog.
Esquimalt Lagoon
Location: Colwood
Esquimalt Lagoon is a picturesque coastal nature reserve. With its long sandy beach, marshland and lagoon, the area is a haven for wildlife such as birds, seals and otters. Visitors can take a stroll along the beach, watch the sunset over the Olympic Mountains or even go for a swim. The park also features picnic areas, washrooms, and parking facilities. It's a popular spot for families, birdwatchers, and beachgoers alike.
Witty’s Lagoon
Location: Colwood
Witty's Lagoon is a stunning nature park that is perfect for the entire family. With a diverse landscape that includes a large salt marsh, sandy seashore, and rocky headlands, it offers an excellent opportunity to see a wide variety of plant and animal life. The park boasts over five kilometres of woodland trails that lead to Sitting Lady Falls, the lagoon, and the salt marsh. Birdwatchers will also be thrilled with the more than 160 species of birds that have been documented in the park.
Beachlands Park
Location: Colwood
The Beachlands Park in Colwood is a coastal park that promises family-friendly fun, breathtaking panoramas, and waterfront access. Our virtual tour guides you through the oceanside playground, volleyball courts with ocean views, and the spectacular ocean backdrop. Plus, get a sneak peek into the future with plans for large-scale development, transforming the land into the largest masterplanned oceanfront community on Vancouver Island.
Conclusion
Greater Victoria boasts some pristine beaches and lakes that offer endless summer fun. Use our virtual tours on MetaTours to get a sneak peek of these beautiful locations and plan your perfect day by the water. Whether you're a local or a visitor, let our virtual tours guide you to the best destinations Victoria has to offer.
See More with MetaTours
Ready to plan your trip and explore more of Victoria? Our MetaTours app provides a seamless experience to discover various beaches, destinations, and attractions. Click the link below to visit our homepage and start your virtual journey.