China Beach, located just outside of Sooke along Highway 14, is one of the most accessible and family-friendly stops on the road between Victoria and Port Renfrew. With its long sandy shoreline, forested campsites, and well-maintained day-use area, this BC Park is a favorite destination for both weekend campers and day-trippers from southern Vancouver Island.
For families, China Beach is the perfect balance of rugged coastal scenery and easy accessibility. The day-use area is just a short walk from the parking lot, making it simple to bring along wagons, strollers, or coolers packed for a picnic. Once you arrive, the reward is a wide sandy beach framed by driftwood, cliffs, and the crashing waves of the Pacific. Kids can spend hours running along the shore, building forts, or exploring tide pools at low tide.
The campground at China Beach is another highlight. Surrounded by lush rainforest, the sites are spacious and private, offering a true West Coast camping experience. Even during busier summer months, the layout makes it easy to feel tucked away in nature. Campers enjoy the sound of waves in the distance and the convenience of being close to both Sooke and Port Renfrew for side trips.
Beyond the beach and campground, China Beach is also the southern trailhead for the Juan de Fuca Marine Trail, a 47-kilometer backcountry hiking route that stretches north to Botanical Beach near Port Renfrew. While most visitors aren’t tackling the entire trail, even a short walk on the Juan de Fuca offers a taste of Vancouver Island’s coastal rainforest, with moss-covered trees, streams, and glimpses of the ocean through the forest.
How to Get There
China Beach is located about one hour from Victoria, along Highway 14 (West Coast Road). The drive takes you through Langford and Sooke before reaching the park entrance, which is clearly marked with BC Parks signage. The day-use parking lot is near the beach trailhead, while the campground entrance is located slightly farther down the highway.
For travelers coming from Nanaimo, expect a three-hour drive. Head south on Highway 1 toward Victoria, then connect to Highway 14 at Langford and continue west until you reach China Beach. Parking is available in the day-use area, though it can fill quickly on sunny weekends.
Why China Beach Belongs on Your Vancouver Island Itinerary
- Easy day-use access for families with wagons or strollers
- Spacious, forested campsites for a true West Coast camping experience
- A wide sandy shoreline perfect for picnics, fort building, and tide pooling
- Southern starting point of the Juan de Fuca Marine Trail
- Conveniently located between Sooke and Port Renfrew along Highway 14
- A scenic introduction to Vancouver Island’s wild coastline
China Beach is the kind of destination that works for everyone—from families looking for a simple beach day to campers wanting to immerse themselves in nature. Whether you’re passing through on a road trip or setting up camp for a long weekend, it’s a spot that belongs on every Vancouver Island itinerary.
