Want to shred some waves? Here are the best surfing spots in British Columbia

When you think surfing, think British Columbia! The province has the best surfing in Canada, with world-renowned beaches that span Vancouver Island. These shores are spacious with natural coastlines and plenty of room for everyone to surf, sail and swim.  

Vancouver Island’s surf culture arose in the 1960s and 1970s. Since then, British Columbia has become a world-renowned surfing destination! Locals and tourists can now hang out at the beaches, shops, and surf schools that populate the island.  

Look no further if you want to catch the wave of a lifetime. Head to these six great surfing spots in British Columbia.  

Cox Bay, Tofino

At Cox Bay, Tofino’s most popular place to surf, you’ll find consistent conditions and gorgeous mountain views. This beach is excellent for beginners and pros alike. The waves break softly along the sandy shoreline and swell larger the further you swim, so that you can enjoy yourself regardless of your experience level.  

Although this beach can get crowded, the waves typically span the entire shoreline, meaning you can find a spot to call your own without bumping into the surfers around you.  

Chesterman Bay, Tofino

Chesterman Bay is home to two of Tofino’s best beaches. A sandbar divides the area into North Chesterman Beach and South Chesterman Beach. While the ocean is calm in the summer, winter offers chilly vertical waves and even hollow waves if the conditions are right.  

Chesterman Bay is one of the province's most popular winter surfing spots, so don’t be deterred by the cold—gear up in a wetsuit and plunge into the chilly waters to catch some great waves.  

Long Beach, Pacific Rim National Reserve

Located just outside Tofino, Long Beach is, as the name suggests, the longest sandy beach on the west coast of Vancouver Island. Surrounded by dense forests, you’ll feel a sense of serenity while surfing these waves.  

Summer is the best time to swim in Long Beach, as the coastline’s curve shelters the beach from harsh winds, producing gentle, rolling waves that are perfect for beginner to intermediate surfers.  

Sombrio Beach, Southern Vancouver Island

Take in the sea spray and the rhythm of the pounding surf at Sombrio Beach, a rugged shoreline steeped in natural beauty. Located on Southern Vancouver Island, this all-season break has more of a rustic feel due to its pebble beach.  

Despite some hazards to watch out for, summer is suitable for beginners, but fall and winter surfing is better for intermediate or advanced surfers because of the rocky shoreline and exposed reefs.  

Jordan River

The Jordan River is a great place to surf in the fall and winter. Although it’s located in a remote logging community, this area can still get crowded, and so it is more suited to advanced surfers.  

You can also camp and swim in this area along the pebble beaches. While catching some waves, watch for the diverse wildlife, including kelp fields, birds and, if you’re lucky, seals!  

Florencia Bay, Ucluelet

Also called Wreck Beach by locals, this site is named after a ship that capsized there in 1860. It is one of Vancouver Island’s hidden gems, as it’s less known to tourists than Tofino.  

The golden sand and pine forests surrounding the beach are pristine, with no beachside resorts changing the landscape. Watch out for rocks beneath the waves, as they might be challenging to see while surfing.  

Before you leave 

Planning to surf outside your home province? Just a heads-up, your provincial health plan (OHIP) would only cover a small part of emergency medical costs once you’re out of Ontario. So if something happens, like a bad fall or a trip to the emergency room, you could be on the hook for the bill. That’s why travel insurance is a smart add-on. It fills the gaps and gives you peace of mind while you chase waves across Canada. 

You can surf with peace of mind knowing you have comprehensive travel insurance. To learn more, you can visit a CAA Store, call 1-800-705-1803 or get a quote online. Plus, CAA Members save up to 20%^* on policies. 

CAA Travel Insurance, an Orion Travel Insurance product, is underwritten by Echelon Insurance. Certain exclusions, limitations and restrictions apply. Subject to change without notice. A Medical Questionnaire is required if you are 60 years of age and older. Quotes are valid for 30 days.  

Applies to CAA Members in good standing (CAA Membership dues paid in full by Membership expiry date). Up to twenty percent (20%) savings applies to the total premium excluding applicable taxes. Minimum premium applies. Subject to change without notice. Excludes Visitors to Canada Insurance. CAA Everyday, Classic®, and Plus® Members save 10%. CAA Premier® Members save 20% at CAA Stores or by calling 1-800-705-1803. CAA Premier Members save 10% and earn 10% in CAA Dollars® when booking online.  

®CAA trademarks are owned by, and use is authorized by, the Canadian Automobile Association.