110 replies to this topic

[Mike K.]

Let's get a list going of sandy beaches in the region. There are lots of pebbly beaches, of course, but I'm after sand! Sand!

A favourite for skimboarding is Witty's Lagoon. At low tide the beach is reminiscent of the beaches in Parksville and, yes, if the temp is high enough, you can swim in the ocean water for lengthy periods.

Another is the main beach in East Sooke Park. It's got good sand, but the sun doesn't shine for much of the mid-afternoon because of the foliage on the bluff above the beach.

The easy ones are Gonzalez (in Fairfield at the foot of Foul Bay Rd) and Willows in Oak Bay (along Beach Dr.) on the heels of Uplands.

[G-Man]

Cordova Bay is pretty sandy, Sidney Spit...

[VicDuck]

What about that beach with the giant octopus and other giant sea creatures that kids play on.

[Nparker]

What about that beach with the giant octopus and other giant sea creatures that kids play on.

Gyro Park???

[VicDuck]

Gyro Park???

Thanks, that's the one.

[Nparker]

My dog and I both love Gyro Park.

[Pyroteknik]

Not sure if it's CRD, but my favorite sandy beach on the south island is Mystic Beach. It's about a half hour hike from the China beach parking lot. Beautiful sand, nice rolling waves and a waterfall that plunges directly on to the sand!.. wow.

[Bob Fugger]

Esquimalt Lagoon is the one behind Juan de Fuca Rec off Ocean Boulevard, near the Fisgard Lighthouse, no? That has a nice sandy beach.

[Baro]

There is no beach but Gonzales beach. Best sand in the city. I build sand-castles and I'm very picky about sand quality. It's right on a bus route or a 10 min walk from my house so I love the place. Very sheltered and good for swimming or pool-toy boating.

[gumgum]

Gonzales is a victim of its own success. It's a favourite spot for younger crowd. Unfortunately, that means a lot of drinking. (Listen to me. I sound like an old man.) While I don't mind people drinking in public, I do have a problem with people pissing all over the place and bottles left broken on the sand for feet to step on.
Seems to be a favourite spot for some junkies as well. My toddler was walking barefoot in the grassy area overlooking the beach and missed a open needle by inches. Although it may be a bit unfair, it has scarred my impression of the place forever.

I was told I should keep this one quiet when I mentioned it in another thread, but I just can't keep my trap shut: Hollydene Park in Gordon Head is quiet nice. Fine white sandy beach, emerald waters that are somewhat bearable to swim if you're brave enough.

The beach at Mount Doug Park is pretty nice. On the south side of the path leading to it there are some fine sandy spots during low tide. Great place to bring your dog all year round.

[Mike K.]

Hollydene is awesome. I didn't realize it was a neighbourhood "secret," though

Only problem with the east facing beaches is the sun can get obscured faster than south or west facing beaches.

[sebberry]

My dog and I both love Gyro Park.

Isn't that beach closed to dogs for the summer?

[Nparker]

Isn't that beach closed to dogs for the summer?

I avoid a lot of beaches in the summer as they are too crowded with people.

[mat]

Isn't that beach closed to dogs for the summer?

The beach area to the east of the storm drain is always open for dogs. The beach in front of the playground is closed to dogs from May to Sept (think those are the correct months) - and the playground area is dog free all year.

What I heard from a parks supervisor last year was the dog friendly beaches are by far the most utilized all year. In the summer the closed areas can be relatively quiet, while the dog friendly zones are packed.

[sebberry]

The beach area to the east of the storm drain is always open for dogs. The beach in front of the playground is closed to dogs from May to Sept (think those are the correct months) - and the playground area is dog free all year.

What I heard from a parks supervisor last year was the dog friendly beaches are by far the most utilized all year. In the summer the closed areas can be relatively quiet, while the dog friendly zones are packed.

Good to know, thanks! (Not that I have a dog)

[Lover Fighter]

There are a few good ones in Cordova Bay, I enjoy Sayward Beach off Parker Road.

[Holden West]

http://www.timescolo...1164/story.html

Here we are on the edge of the Pacific, the largest body of water in creation, yet Victoria might as well be Regina by the way some people live. The rest of the country would kill to live on the sea, yet some of us treat it like a backdrop at best.

[VicHockeyFan]

Island View....

[Victoria Watcher]

Colwood council has decided to keep a 400-metre section of Ocean Boulevard along Lagoon Beach closed until the end of September — even though the city’s own survey found 61 per cent of capital region residents want it open to traffic.

 

In a statement Wednesday, Colwood said the continued closure of the section will allow the city to explore its options on how the area can be used and improved.

 

https://www.timescol...mmer-1.24159623

[Mike K.]

Press release: https://www.colwood....ts-and-visitors