About the Park

Situated on the scenic Strait of Juan de Fuca on the west coast of southern Vancouver Island, French Beach Provincial Park offers much more than just beautiful hiking trails through lush forests. A wide swatch of green lawn fronts this sand and pebble beach, where visitors can relax and enjoy a picnic or take a cool dip in the ocean. In addition to offering fabulous views of the Strait of Juan de Fuca and the Olympic Mountains, the 1,600-meter beach at this park is an ideal location for exploring and whale watching. The magnificent Gray whales pass by this park in the spring as they migrate to northern feeding grounds, and return again in the fall. Roaming pods of resident killer whales can also be seen offshore, as well as otters, seals and sea lions. French Beach is also a good spot to observe Bald eagles, ospreys and a variety of seabirds.

For more information, please visit www.bcparks.ca.

Picnicking

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This park has a large, grassy day-use/picnic area with an adventure playground, picnic tables, fire rings, fresh water taps and pit toilets. The day use area is located next to the pebbly beach. First-come, first-serve in the day use picnic area.

Camping

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This park has vehicle-accessible campsites, located in the forest approximately a 5-10 minute walk from the beach. Campsite reservations are accepted and recommended during the peak season.

Group Camping

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This lovely group site is situated beside the campground in French Beach Provincial Park and is about a 10-minute hike from the beach. The shelter and grassy area accommodate up to 50 campers or picnickers. The gravel parking area accommodates vehicles along with RV’s, campers and trailers while the grassy area is perfect for tenting. The shelter includes both hot and cold running water (available mid-March to October), sinks, potbelly stoves and counters. There are picnic tables as well as a communal fire pit with surrounding benches. Pit toilets are located nearby.

Reservations are accepted up to 1 year in advance of arrival.

Fires

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Campfires are allowed in designated fire rings provided that a fire ban is not in effect. Firewood is available for purchase in the park. To preserve vegetation and ground cover, please do not gather firewood from the area around your campsite or elsewhere in the park (this is a ticketable offence under the Park Act). Dead wood is an important habitat element for many plants and animals and it adds organic matter to the soil. It is illegal to burn wood or material from the forest because it is destructive and damages the protected ecosystems within the park.

Park Info

Activities


  • Hiking

  • Swimming

  • Fishing

  • Pets on leash

  • Bicycling
  • Windsurfing

  • Playground

  • Beach

  • BBQ

Amenities


  • Vehicle accessible

  • Picnic sites

  • Camping

  • Group campsites

  • Drinking water

  • Wheelchair accessible

  • Sani-station / dump facilities

  • Winter recreation

Location

French Beach Provincial Park is located on the west coast of southern Vancouver Island. The park can be accessed via Hwy 14, 20 km west of Sooke. Directional signs are posted. The park is located approximately 11 km from Jordan River. Nearest communities, towns or cities are Sooke, Jordan River, Port Renfrew, and Victoria.

Nearby Parks

Nearby parks include the Sooke Potholes, China Beach, and the Juan de Fuca Marine Trail.

For more information, please visit www.bcparks.ca.

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