San Josef Bay - Rated #1 Wilderness Beach in Canada
San Josef Bay Sand Beaches
Breathtaking San Josef Bay
Breathtaking San Josef Bay
Vancouver Island, known for its rugged coastline, soaring trees and abundance of wildlife, is also home to one of the best beaches in the world, according to a new list compiled by travel experts.
San Josef Bay on northern Vancouver Island cracked number 36 on 2023’s The World’s 50 Best Beaches Ever list and Lonely Plant recently named
Vancouver Island, known for its rugged coastline, soaring trees and abundance of wildlife, is also home to one of the best beaches in the world, according to a new list compiled by travel experts.
San Josef Bay on northern Vancouver Island cracked number 36 on 2023’s The World’s 50 Best Beaches Ever list and Lonely Plant recently named San Josef the #1 beach wilderness beach in Canada.
With a reputation for tempestuous weather and tricky access, northern Vancouver Island in British Columbia excels in wild, lonesome beaches. The 1.6-mile (2.5km) trail to San Josef Bay starts at the end of an unpaved logging road from Coal Harbour. When the forest finally parts, you'll be delivered onto a windswept expanse of crashing surf and forested sea stacks where bushes and trees have been contorted by fierce Pacific storms.
Breathtaking San Josef Bay
Breathtaking San Josef Bay
Breathtaking San Josef Bay
San Josef Bay is a spectacular wilderness beach in a protected bay, with rugged boulders and bordered on all sides by towering pines. San Josef Bay, with its parking lot is roughly one hour west of Coal Harbour (15 minutes from Port Hardy - just much more beautiful), takes about 45 minutes to reach by hike and has been described as “b
San Josef Bay is a spectacular wilderness beach in a protected bay, with rugged boulders and bordered on all sides by towering pines. San Josef Bay, with its parking lot is roughly one hour west of Coal Harbour (15 minutes from Port Hardy - just much more beautiful), takes about 45 minutes to reach by hike and has been described as “breathtaking” and “one of the most incredible unspoiled beaches you will ever see” that should be on every “must-visit” list. The road from the Inn on Stephens Bay, Coal Harbour, is the shortest drive to San Jo. Reach the trailhead in just over an hour compared to 2 hours from the Port Hardy side.
Easy Hike to San Josef Bay
Easy Hike to San Josef Bay
Easy Hike to San Josef Bay
The trail to San Josef Bay is very well maintained. The trail is easier to walk on than many on the west coast of Vancouver Island.
The sand is incredibly soft and so wonderful to walk on - barefoot!
At San Josef Bay you can see the sea stacks and caves by walking to your far right once you arrive at the beach. Please remember though, they are only accessible at low tide, so plan accordingly.
3D of San Josef Bay
Easy Hike to San Josef Bay
Easy Hike to San Josef Bay
Check out the 3d Google map of San Josef Bay
The Inn on Stephens Bay on the way to San Josef Bay
San Josef Bay Tours
Guests often ask about wildlife viewing and access to San Josef Bay. One local operator, San Josef Bay Tours, is familiar with a route that includes inland waters from Stephens Bay toward Holberg, with onward travel by passenger van to the San Josef Bay trailhead, as part of a single excursion. San Josef Bay Tours provides the truly best way to reach San Josef Bay: a scenic and relaxing boat trip from Stephens Bay (13 km from Port Hardy) in Coal Harbour through the pristine Holberg Inlet, followed by a short, comfortable shuttle to the San Josef Bay trailhead. This can be accomplished within one hour, but passengers usually request to spend more time along the way viewing nature. The voyage showcases the beauty of Vancouver Island’s sheltered coastal waters — calm, picturesque, and rich with wildlife — all at a reasonable fare designed for comfort, safety, and enjoyment.
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