Beaches
Stories Beach
Campbell River
THINGS TO DO · CAMPBELL RIVER & AREA
Pack your towels and head to the shores of Discovery Passage for sandy stretches, rocky coves, and shallow tidal pools.
6 beaches · Updated October 2026Things To Do Guide · Campbell River Guide
Photo: Stories Beach via Google
01AT A GLANCE
The details that matter.
The coastline here ranges from lively provincial parks with soft sand to quiet, rocky edges where locals watch for whales. Saratoga Beach and Miracle Beach Provincial Park draw families to the Salmon Capital of the World. Meanwhile, tucked-away spots along the Sea Walk give you clear views of the coastal mountains and passing marine traffic.
- Beaches in this guide
- 6
- Swim Season
- May to October
- Water Type
- Ocean & freshwater lakes
- Lifeguards
- No
02THE STORY
Pebbles in town, sand to the south.
The beaches in town are rocky and great for low-tide walks. Drive south and the shore opens up into long sandy beaches.
In Willow Point, Stories Beach has wide views across Discovery Passage, and Willow Point Reef is one of the best places in town to explore tide pools at low tide. Frank James Park (Big Rock) is home to the huge glacial boulder everyone stops to see.
South of town, Saratoga Beach is a long, sandy beach with warm shallow water in summer, and Hill Beach is a quieter stretch nearby.
Check a tide table before you go: low tide is when the beaches here are at their best.
01TOP SPOTS
Most-loved beaches
The sand locals flock to every July.
Beaches
Hill Beach
Campbell River
Beaches
Miracle Beach Provincial Park
Black Creek
Beaches
Saratoga Beach
Campbell River
Hover for a closer look.Tap a card for a closer look. A conversation takes you further.
•LOCAL KNOWLEDGE
Your Local Coastal Handbook
Get to know the best stretches of sand, pebble shores, and freshwater lakes around Black Creek and the surrounding coastal areas.
The short answer
Start your morning at Saratoga Beach for soft sand and shallow tide pools. If you want large shade trees and accessible trails, head straight to Miracle Beach Provincial Park. For a quieter afternoon, locals head to Hill Beach.
01For Everyone
Top Family Swim Spots
For a guaranteed great day with the kids, Saratoga Beach is a top choice. It has a sprawling sandy shoreline, shallow tidal pools for wading, and large areas for a picnic. The area has nearby amenities and a good-sized parking lot, though it fills up quickly on sunny days.
Miracle Beach Provincial Park in Black Creek is another strong option for families. You will find a forested trail network, lots of shade from mature trees, and calm water at low tide. It is a slightly quieter alternative to the main city shorelines, with a large parking lot and public washrooms.
Closer to town, Stories Beach is a local favourite in the south end. This long stretch has great views of Discovery Passage, picnic spots, and plenty of driftwood. With ample parking, it is an easy choice for an afternoon of sun and beachcombing.
Local tips
- Arrive before 11 a.m. on summer weekends to secure a good parking spot.
- Most family swimming spots have a mix of sand and pebbles; water shoes help sensitive feet.
- Pack your own snacks and drinks, as concession stands are rare.
02For Walkers
Oceanfront Parks & Trails
Finding a spot to stroll along the water is easy here. The Sea Walk to Willow Point is the best-known paved path in town, giving you a long, pebbly shoreline where you can walk and watch for whales. You will pass Big Rock and take in unobstructed views of the coastal mountains.
On Quadra Island, you will find a couple of great options just a short ferry ride away. Rebecca Spit Marine Provincial Park is a designated park with picnic tables, making it a scenic place for a walk. For an adventure, head to the shoreline near Heriot Bay; the eastern side of the island is beautiful and remote.
Many other parks allow you to walk the coast. Visitors can walk the Discovery Fishing Pier, Canada's first saltwater fishing pier built in 1987. Always check local signage, as rules and tides change seasonally.
Local tips
- Bring binoculars to spot orcas and humpbacks from the shore.
- Remember to pack out everything you bring in, including garbage.
- Check the tide tables before walking near natural, rocky areas.
03For Peace
Quiet Coves & Local Secrets
If you want to escape the crowds, Hill Beach in the south end is a solid neighbourhood staple. Tucked away off Highway 19, it has a mix of sand and pebbles, giving you a peaceful atmosphere for a quiet afternoon of beachcombing. Parking is free but limited.
Out at McIvor Lake, the freshwater gives a different vibe. This spot has a designated swimming area and works well for a dip after hiking in Strathcona Provincial Park. Nearby, Buttle Lake is another scenic spot surrounded by BC's oldest park, established in 1911.
For a remote feel, taking the ferry to Cortes Island is unmatched. Accessible by a second ferry from Heriot Bay, the sandy stretches on the island reward your effort with rich scenery. Alternatively, drive north along the highway to view the infamous Seymour Narrows, where Ripple Rock was blasted in 1958.
Local tips
- Parking at these smaller spots is very limited; consider carpooling if possible.
- These locations typically do not have concession stands, so bring your own water and food.
- Check maps for access points, as many are tucked away off the main highways.
04Ferry Away
Island Shorelines
A quick 10-minute ferry ride from downtown takes you to a solid variety of shorelines on Quadra Island. Quathiaski Cove is where the ferry docks, giving you rocky edges and clear views. Nearby, Cape Mudge is home to the Nuyumbalees Cultural Centre, making it a strong starting location for an island outing.
For a different pace, Rebecca Spit Marine Provincial Park sits on the eastern side of Quadra Island. Located on a narrow spit of land, its waters are often calm, making it a popular spot for kayaking. The area is near Heriot Bay, a simple shoreline access point and departure spot for grizzly tours to Bute Inlet.
April Point and Painter's Lodge are other local staples. They have clear vistas of Discovery Passage and make getting to the water's edge an adventure. It is a quiet, scenic spot to spend a relaxed afternoon watching the cruise ships glide by.
Local tips
- The ferry to Quadra Island takes only 10 minutes from downtown.
- Parking is very limited at most smaller island access points; plan to arrive early or walk on the ferry.
- The shores along Discovery Passage give you some of the best land-based whale watching in the region.
05Inland Spots
Freshwater Lakes & Rivers
The inland area has its own distinct swimming culture. West of town along Highway 28, McIvor Lake is the main sandy destination, drawing families and sunbathers looking for warmer freshwater. For a quieter spot, Buttle Lake in Strathcona Provincial Park has a coarse sand and pebble shore with picnic tables and clear alpine views.
A smaller, more intimate spot sits near the Quinsam River Hatchery, where riverbanks give you a grassy area and shade. While its rocky bottom is not ideal for wading, it is a great place to watch the salmon runs in late summer and fall. Parking is free along the access roads.
Just a short drive away, Elk Falls has clear views and a suspension bridge, though swimming is not recommended in the fast-moving river. It is a convenient stop for a refreshing hike in the forest.
Local tips
- Highway 28 connects several parks and lakes with a scenic driving route.
- Freshwater lakes are generally warmer than the ocean waters of Discovery Passage.
- Many inland spots have coarser sand or pebbles, so water shoes are a good idea.
06Nature Watching
Best Spots for Wildlife
Watching the wildlife along Discovery Passage is a classic local pastime. The shoreline near the Tyee Club is an excellent spot. This historic area is sheltered and has beautiful views as the rowboats head out for Chinook fishing, a tradition since 1924. Being close to downtown, it is an easy walk to the Discovery Fishing Pier.
South of town, both Stories Beach and Saratoga Beach have eastern-facing views ideal for catching the sunrise and spotting marine life. Stories Beach, in particular, is often mentioned by locals as a top spot to watch for passing orcas and humpbacks. Its quieter vibe makes for a more serene morning experience.
For a simple, accessible viewing spot, the Sea Walk to Willow Point is ideal. Find a bench near Big Rock, and enjoy the sights like a local. These spots are less about swimming and all about the clear, unobstructed view across the water and the chance to see eagles, seals, and whales.
Local tips
- Bring a warm jacket, as the ocean breeze can be cool even in summer.
- The best wildlife viewing often happens early in the morning or late in the evening.
- Check the local salmon run times and plan to visit between late summer and fall for peak activity.
•THE FULL LIST
All 6 beaches.
Search by name, narrow by type or community, and sort by the most-reviewed or highest-rated. Every card opens a full profile.
View on map6 places
BeachesSaratoga BeachDiscover the tranquil beauty of Saratoga Beach, a welcoming outdoor destination in the heart of Comox Valley, British Columbia, perfect for serene coastal escapes.★ 4.8 (37) · Campbell RiverBeachesHill BeachDiscover Hill Beach, a tranquil outdoor park and beach in Campbell River, BC, offering a serene escape for nature lovers and families.★ 4.2 (16) · Campbell River
BeachFrank James Park (Big Rock)Home to the legendary Big Rock erratic on the shoreline — a landmark beach for photos, picnics and First Nations heritage.Campbell RiverBeachRotary Beach ParkA favourite Willow Point swimming and picnic beach along the Rotary Seawalk, with calm pebble shoreline and island views.Campbell RiverBeachStories BeachA quiet south-end beach known for beachcombing, low-tide exploring and sweeping views across Discovery Passage.Campbell RiverBeachWillow Point ReefAn exposed low-tide reef teeming with marine life — a top spot for tide-pooling and shoreline nature walks.Campbell River•ARTICLES
Read more from the Campbell River Guide
Loading articles…
•FAQS
Helpful information
The typical season for enjoying the water here runs from May to October. Freshwater lakes are warmest in late summer, while the ocean in Discovery Passage remains quite cold year-round.
