VANCOUVER ISLAND - Discover Your Next Adventure:
Couple walking on one of the best beaches in Nanaimo

Blueback Beach

Beach Icon
Activity:
Beach
Difficulty:
Moderate
Location:
Nanaimo
Time:
30 min - Half a Day
Distance:
0.3km (0.2mi)

Activity:

Beach Icon

Accessibility:

Family access icon with child
Dogs on leash Icon

Highlights Include:

Info Map

BLUEBACK BEACH – Uncrowded and Stunning Beach

Visit this lovely beach during low tide to get the most out of the soft sand and expansive area. However, during high tide, the never-ending sand Blueback Beach quickly disappears to a rocky shoreline.

Stairs Are in Your Future at Blueback Beach

To access Nanaimo’s hidden gem, expect to climb down about 300 steps to the beach. Although it’s steep, blueback stairs are well maintained, and the trail is only 300 meters, and there are plenty of resting spots and benches on the way up.

It is well worth the trek to experience the breathtaking views of the coastal mountains, soft sand and unforgettable sunsets.

Blueback Beach is the nicest beach on Vancouver Island that no one knows about. A favourite for the locals and a challenge to get to, this long sandy beach holds its own against almost any on Vancouver Island.

Parking: Small Parking lot. No amenities on the beach or in the parking lot.

Low Tide: The beach is accessible at high tide, but it’s fairly narrow and rocky

Helpful links:

Parking for Blueback Beach is available off Icarus Drive and at the end of Blueback RD. The parking lot has room for roughly 15 vehicles. There is on-street parking available as well. If the Blueback parking lot is full there is another beach access down the road at the end of Invermere Road.

Lovely beach with rock and soft sand. Significant stairway access with nearly 300 steps. Well worth it.

The park is open all year round, making it a great place to beat the heat in the summer or a quiet hideaway in the winter. However, regardless of the season, the stairs themselves are a popular place for those searching for a high-intensity workout.

Play Video

FAQ:

HOW MANY STAIRS?
After improvements over the years there are around 300 Stairs.
IS IT AN OFF-LEASH BEACH?
No, Dogs should be on a leash at all times.
ARE BEACH FIRES ALLOWED?
Nope

Photo Gallery:

Waterfalls outside of Parksville on Vancouver Island. Provincial Park worth visiting.
Waterfall icon
Picnic Icon
walk icon

Englishman River...

Everything you need to know about Englishman River Falls Provincial Park. The waterfalls, accessible trail, parking camping and more.
Goats on the roof in Coombs BC. The perfect quick stop when heading west from Nanaimo to Tofino.
10 min stop icon
icon directory food
icon directory shopping

Coombs Goats on ...

Coombs is a charming stop on your drive to Tofino and is well known for its iconic goats that live on the roof of the local grocery store
Couple walking on one of the best beaches in Nanaimo
Beach Icon

Blueback Beach

Visit this lovely beach during low tide to get the most out of the soft sand and expansive area
Cathedral Grove Vancouver Island
walk icon
View point icon
big tree icon

Cathedral Grove

Cathedral Grove is like stepping into another world. A popular stop with 2 walking trails located within MacMillan Provincial Park on Vancouver Island

Did we miss something?
Have more to add?

Original Author:

Modified: May 17, 2023
Last Visit: July 14, 2022
Join Our Weekly Newsletter
Vancouver Island's Ultimate Experiences!
For the adventurous, curious and those who love Vancouver Island.
Includes lesser known hikes, stories, and more.

Unsubscribe anytime. For more details, review our Privacy Policy.

Pack Out:
We love this Island, and want to keep the natural beauty please respect the places you visit and pack out what you pack in and leave the area better than when you arrived. We all know how much trash can spoil an experience and the environment, so please help us keep it clean!

Wildlife:
Vancouver Island is a land of natural beauty and abundant wildlife. Please be aware of your surroundings and take the usual precautions for personal and wildlife safety.
Black bears, cougars and even wolves are common on Vancouver Island for more on Wildlife Safety Click Here 

Tide and Seasonal Safety:
Changing seasons and tides can have a drastic effect on most locations on Vancouver Island. Please be cautious as the information in this post may vary depending on the time of year and weather. Make sure to check for current weather and tide information before you make your journey!
When visiting the beach, it’s essential to pay attention and stay safe! Please be cautious walking on the shore during high tide. At this time, some areas may not be accessible. Click here for the tides in your area. Be aware of ocean currents before swimming, paddle boarding or kayaking.

Land Acknowledgement:
We would like to acknowledge the land we appreciate daily within the 50 First Nations that make up the traditional territories of the Coast Salish, Nuu chah nulth, and Kwakiutl–the first peoples of Vancouver Island .

Disclaimer:
The information on this website should not be taken as accurate, complete or up-to-date. Please check and look into the information yourself. We do not assume any liabilities for the use of this information. It is unreasonable to rely solely upon the information from this website. 

Join Our Weekly Newsletter
For the adventurous, curious and people who love Vancouver Island.
Includes lesser known hikes, stories, and more.

Unsubscribe anytime. For more details, review our Privacy Policy.

Submit a change suggestion:

max of 4 images
Facebook
Twitter
LinkedIn
Email