The South Island contains the great majority of Vancouver Island's population as a whole. A faster paced part of the island, it still embodies island life and has tons of great beaches close to urban areas

FRENCH BEACH PROVINCIAL PARK - Located about 22km west of Sooke, this is a gravel beach with a great lawn bordering it.

SIDNEY SPIT PROVINCIAL MARINE PARK - Accessible only by boat from Sidney, this beach is serviced by a ferry in the summer months, but you will have to make your own arrangements otherwise.

ISLAND VIEW BEACH REGIONAL PARK - Located in North Saanich, this is a beautiful driftwood and cobble beach. The secluded north end is a clothing optional beach.

THETIS LAKE REGIONAL PARK - Located in west Victoria, there are sandy beaches on the two lakes in the park.

WITTY'S LAGOON REGIONAL PARK - Located west of Victoria, this stretch of sandy beaches along the strait of Juan de Fuca boasts a constant cool breeze, perfect for hot sunny summer days.

JUAN DE FUCA PROVINCIAL PARK - This park is home to many beaches. Both CHINA BEACH and MYSTIC BEACH are accessible by steep trails. Mystic beach has twin caves on its north end to explore when the tide is low. The park is also home to SANDCUT BEACH, BOTANICAL BEACH, and SOMBRIO BEACH. Sombrio Beach is located about 18 km south of Port Renfrew with a 5 minute walk to beach across Sombrio Creek to the fine gravel and driftwood beach. Botanical Beach is a sandy beach bordered by rocky formations that form spectacular landforms. It is known for its abundance of intertidal lifeforms and is great to explore at low tide, so plan ahead for when the tide is going out.