05 May Sombrio Beach Has My Summer 2014 Recommendation

I just spent this exceptionally warm May weekend exploring the sights and sounds of Sombrio Beach on the south western tip of beautiful Vancouver Island. This beach isn’t much of a secret to anyone who lives in or near Victoria, but for those mainlanders and new travellers they might want to take note. This is a magical place that is great for a day or night out by yourself, with friends or the while family.

 
Half the fun is getting their and the two hour drive from Victoria or Nanaimo. From Victoria you wind and twist along highway 14 which is full of stunning scenery and stops along the way. If you’re coming from Nanaimo you also get a wicked fun drive through the Cowichan Valley and through the middle of the Island before coming into Port Renfrew.

Surf, Play, Camp!

This is a beach that is fun for all and it even allows camping, but only if you respect the area and take out all you brought in. The surf here is great from everyone including beginners all the way up to expert, so bring your wetsuit and even some booties as the water is very cold year round. I managed to jump in for a minute in just my swimsuit and that was all I could take.

There is a lot of rocky areas on the beach with some sandy spots, so getting a good place to setup depends on how early you get there and how busy it is. Don’t worry though, there is a lot of room for everyone here even though it gets very busy in the summer time.

Another bonus feature is the lush and dense rainforest that covers everywhere else and there are amazing day hikes to take in that just about anyone can do. I highly recommend the Parkinson Creek trail which takes you winding through some of the best forest walks you can experience anywhere in beautiful British Columbia.