Juan de Fuca Provincial Park
Juan de Fuca Provincial Park
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Detailed Reviews: Reviews order informed by descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as cleanliness, atmosphere, general tips and location information.
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Claire
Calgary768 contributions
Aug 2015 • Couples
China beach campground is a beautiful campground located off Highway 14, about a half hour drive north from Sooke. The campground is noted for the gorgeous environs, 85 spacious sites, as well as being the starting point to the famous Juan de Fuca Trail. There is potable water and outhouses, but no showers. However, we discovered that back in Sooke right behind the visitor center in the local Recreation Center, you can take a shower for $2.00--well worth it, since five days is a little long to go without a shower when hiking and tent camping.
A point of comparison between China and French Beach: although the individual campsites themselves may be very similar, my husband and I agreed that China Beach itself is far more stimulating to the senses and spectacular than French Beach. China Beach has a 'wilder' feel and is far more expansive, offering an abundance of space both to explore and spread out. We found it to be visually more stunning and with many interesting driftwood formations. It is also by and large sandy, whereas French Beach is by and large rocky. Since China Beach is less protected, it makes for far more compelling surf to both watch and listen to. It is a perfect spot in which to spend a day or a few hours, whether with children, friends, alone, or as a couple. No matter how busy, there is enough space to feel as though one practically has the beach to one's self. China Beach can be accessed via either the public day use area, or via a path down from the campground itself. In either case it is about a 20 minute beautiful walk and although a further distance than from parking lot to beach at French Beach, it is well worth it. Watch your timing, however--if staying down at the beach to take in the sunset is on the agenda, a flashlight for the walk back would be recommended.
A point of comparison between China and French Beach: although the individual campsites themselves may be very similar, my husband and I agreed that China Beach itself is far more stimulating to the senses and spectacular than French Beach. China Beach has a 'wilder' feel and is far more expansive, offering an abundance of space both to explore and spread out. We found it to be visually more stunning and with many interesting driftwood formations. It is also by and large sandy, whereas French Beach is by and large rocky. Since China Beach is less protected, it makes for far more compelling surf to both watch and listen to. It is a perfect spot in which to spend a day or a few hours, whether with children, friends, alone, or as a couple. No matter how busy, there is enough space to feel as though one practically has the beach to one's self. China Beach can be accessed via either the public day use area, or via a path down from the campground itself. In either case it is about a 20 minute beautiful walk and although a further distance than from parking lot to beach at French Beach, it is well worth it. Watch your timing, however--if staying down at the beach to take in the sunset is on the agenda, a flashlight for the walk back would be recommended.
Written August 13, 2015
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
savhp1
Victoria, Canada9 contributions
Jul 2016 • Family
nice, forested campground, not too many sites so it's not too big.
They have pit toilets, hand sanitizers, cold potable water taps near toilets.
I liked how the rangers were doing a good job taking care of the campground like the garbage and night quiet times.
20-30 minute hike to either of 2 beaches nearby: China Beach and Second Beach.
path to either beach has lots of roots & stairs. It's not very easy and I don't recommend doing it in the dark.
They have pit toilets, hand sanitizers, cold potable water taps near toilets.
I liked how the rangers were doing a good job taking care of the campground like the garbage and night quiet times.
20-30 minute hike to either of 2 beaches nearby: China Beach and Second Beach.
path to either beach has lots of roots & stairs. It's not very easy and I don't recommend doing it in the dark.
Written July 4, 2016
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Elsee H
Vancouver, Canada46 contributions
Jul 2016 • Family
This was the first beach that we went to on our long weekend holiday in Sooke. It was a 2 km. hike but at the end of the hike is a very nice beach with a small waterfall and long rope swing which my children enjoyed the most. the hike is just moderate. We passed a swinging bridge which is always a scary thing for my dog but he made it, he survived the not too long bridge. China beach and Mystic beach has only one parking lot. Don't be confused with the first sign as we were coz we drove to the campground that says China beach too. there is another sign just few meter away and that is the right entrance for the beach. you have to walk 2 kms. though to get into the beach.
Written July 4, 2016
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Shawn G
Sudbury, Canada59 contributions
Jul 2015 • Couples
After a lengthy drive along the winding Highway 14, a sharp eye will catch the signage for China Beach. The initial drive into the parking area is both "awesome" (my words) and "creepy" (wife's opinion). With extremely tall trees bordering either side of the road leading down to the free parking area. On one side is the East-side entrance to the Juan-de-Fuca trail system (47 km of hiking). On the other is a steep slope that leads down to China Beach. The rough trail to the beach is about 1km long and easy to walk down, but the route back is not for people with heart conditions, as it is quite steep. Definitely not handicap accessible.
The crash of the waves can be heard about 1/2 way along the trail, but there's no site of the ocean until it finally opens up at the end. Then it opens wide and you can see the waves crashing all along the sand & seashell littered beach. There's a bit of a wind, so I highly recommend bringing a light sweater or jacket. Several people were getting setup for a bit of beginner surfing, but the water is generally too cold for most people to consider swimming. Driftwood has happily stacked up in a way that encourages people to use them as benches in order to enjoy the view. Also, the place was pretty empty, so it's not a crowded beach like many of the others can be throughout the tourist season. Truly a bit of a hidden gem.
Other than a light sweater, I would also recommend bringing snacks if you plan to be there for a while. There isn't any restaurant near the beach, or even near the trailhead. So if you want anything to eat or drink, you'll have to bring it out yourself. Definitely too bad, because a small cabana not too far from the washrooms would probably bring in some tourist dollars for the provincial park. Also, avoid the large rocks on the beach as they are covered in barnacles. Cool to look at, but not something you want to sit on!
The crash of the waves can be heard about 1/2 way along the trail, but there's no site of the ocean until it finally opens up at the end. Then it opens wide and you can see the waves crashing all along the sand & seashell littered beach. There's a bit of a wind, so I highly recommend bringing a light sweater or jacket. Several people were getting setup for a bit of beginner surfing, but the water is generally too cold for most people to consider swimming. Driftwood has happily stacked up in a way that encourages people to use them as benches in order to enjoy the view. Also, the place was pretty empty, so it's not a crowded beach like many of the others can be throughout the tourist season. Truly a bit of a hidden gem.
Other than a light sweater, I would also recommend bringing snacks if you plan to be there for a while. There isn't any restaurant near the beach, or even near the trailhead. So if you want anything to eat or drink, you'll have to bring it out yourself. Definitely too bad, because a small cabana not too far from the washrooms would probably bring in some tourist dollars for the provincial park. Also, avoid the large rocks on the beach as they are covered in barnacles. Cool to look at, but not something you want to sit on!
Written July 21, 2015
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
H and W
Vancouver, Canada46 contributions
Aug 2015 • Couples
We are glad we took up the recommendation to come here. The hike down to the beach is shaded, moderately challenging enough to be interesting and a good exercise on the way up (lots of roots and rocks). The views across the Strait to the Olympic peninsula and the sound of the surf in this beach area make definitely worth exploring. There is still a long rope swing over the beach, and we and a few other visitors tried it out-fun! We continued west along the JDF trail, which winds in and out, up and downhill over creekbeds (dry in August), with several beautiful vistas down to the water along the way. The next beach is 6km from Mystic (Bear Beach) and makes a nice day trip from the China Beach Day Use parking lot out and back (allow at least 3 hours to take it all in). We brought a small but very athletic dog, who is great on trails. Some dogs may have difficulty as there are numerous wooden slat bridges over parts of the trail and steep steps. We carried her across the suspension bridge, but otherwise, she was fine.
We would definitely come back and bring hiking gear/tents to camp a few nights along this trail.
We would definitely come back and bring hiking gear/tents to camp a few nights along this trail.
Written August 22, 2015
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
island_m0m
Bowen Island, Canada213 contributions
Jun 2018 • Couples
We stayed at China Beach campground during the one week out of several in which the weather turned wet. Just our luck, but it wasn't so bad. This site is very treed. Even on a sunny day, you would be hard pressed to find sun at the site. There aren't many sites by comparison to other provincial parks, and there weren't many people at the site at all when we were there (mid-June, mid-week). it was quiet, and gorgeous. The park attendants do a fantastic job of driving through and keeping everything clean. They sell firewood bundles for the pits (picnic table and fire pit at each site) 3 for $20.
The campsite has potable water at several locations, and pit toilets that are kept very clean. No power and no cell/wifi service to be found anywhere in the area, including Port Renfrew. Time to unplug!
The walk to the beach is so nice for able-bodied people (and children). The beach is full of interesting sea life, shells, kelp, etc. It's not a swimming beach - cold and strong currents. But sandy and lovely to walk along, though very windy. This site is more adult-oriented. There isn't much for kids other than the beach shores. Some campsites are doubled so larger parties can join together. Good privacy between the single sites.
We also visited Mystic Beach, which you can access from the China Beach day use parking lot, and walk through the forest over the suspension bridge, opening up to another beautiful beach with fantastic cave-like rock formations and sandy shores. Also wilder currents but not as windy. There's a fun little rope swing on the beach. Again, this is down a steep decline, which means a steep incline on the way up, so for able-bodied people. Children would be able to do this.
This is the lush rainforest, and features the natural beauty of BC.
The campsite has potable water at several locations, and pit toilets that are kept very clean. No power and no cell/wifi service to be found anywhere in the area, including Port Renfrew. Time to unplug!
The walk to the beach is so nice for able-bodied people (and children). The beach is full of interesting sea life, shells, kelp, etc. It's not a swimming beach - cold and strong currents. But sandy and lovely to walk along, though very windy. This site is more adult-oriented. There isn't much for kids other than the beach shores. Some campsites are doubled so larger parties can join together. Good privacy between the single sites.
We also visited Mystic Beach, which you can access from the China Beach day use parking lot, and walk through the forest over the suspension bridge, opening up to another beautiful beach with fantastic cave-like rock formations and sandy shores. Also wilder currents but not as windy. There's a fun little rope swing on the beach. Again, this is down a steep decline, which means a steep incline on the way up, so for able-bodied people. Children would be able to do this.
This is the lush rainforest, and features the natural beauty of BC.
Written June 22, 2018
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Talljoy
Fort Worth, Texas69 contributions
Mar 2017 • Family
A great hike in an amazing forest to Mystic Beach. Look for the waterfall(s) on the beach. Spectacular. Lots of roots and can be very muddy in the rainy season. But worth doing if you don't mind getting a bit damp.
Written March 15, 2017
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Vizy2013
Gungahlin, Australia145 contributions
Jul 2016 • Family
Chinamans beach. Well worth the short walk down to the beach. Beach was beautiful with snow covered mountains in the background.
Written August 1, 2016
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
RCYankee
Rancho Cucamonga, CA192 contributions
Jul 2019 • Couples
Since most visitors to the Provincial Park will be coming from Victoria, keep going as far west as you can on route 14. About a third of the way through, you will start to hit the beaches on Juan de Fuca. Each one has hiking trails, forests, and quiet pristine beaches to explore. Final stop is Botanical Beach in Port Renfrew. Takes a good part of the day to make this round trip but it is worth every second.
Written July 29, 2019
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
A L
Vancouver, Canada54 contributions
Aug 2015 • Solo
It is awesome trail that shows you the local beauty and local animals experience. I saw a young black bear, we made eye contact as we were curious of eachother. It was a life experience.
Written January 10, 2016
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
aDeborah2018
Victoria, Canada2 contributions
Can we camp there with our 20 ft campervan in mid-April, even though it's technically not open for another month?
Juan de Fuca Provincial Park (Vancouver Island) - All You Need to Know BEFORE You Go
Frequently Asked Questions about Juan de Fuca Provincial Park
- We recommend booking Juan de Fuca Provincial Park tours ahead of time to secure your spot. If you book with Tripadvisor, you can cancel up to 24 hours before your tour starts for a full refund. See all 1 Juan de Fuca Provincial Park tours on Tripadvisor
- Hotels near Juan de Fuca Provincial Park:
- (1.73 mi) Point No Point Resort
- (0.59 mi) Oceanfront at French Beach, new king studio condo, ocean stairs, quiet area
- (0.59 mi) Oceanfront at French Beach, 3 acre secluded rain forest, new one bedroom condo,
- (0.59 mi) Oceanfront at French Beach, new 2 bed/2bath, condo, quiet, hot tub, ocean stairs
- (7.72 mi) 4 Beaches Bed & Breakfast
- Restaurants near Juan de Fuca Provincial Park:
- (0.50 mi) Stoked Wood Fired Pizzeria and Market
- (1.73 mi) Point No Point Restaurant
- (1.96 mi) Shirley Delicious Cafe
- (5.37 mi) Cold Shoulder Cafe
- (9.82 mi) Republic Food Truck