French Beach
Port Renfrew, Vancouver Island, British Columbia, Canada

French Beach

French Beach Provincial Park is located south of the community of Port Renfrew and north of the community of Sooke on Vancouver Island, British Columbia, Canada. The 59 hectare park was established in 1974 in honour of an early pioneer who lived in the region named James French.

The park highlights include a 1600 metre sandy beach, a day use area and marine views overlooking the Strait of Juan de Fuca and the Olympic Mountains.

Some of the activities enjoyed when exploring French Beach include wildlife watching, hiking, beachcombing, picnicking and camping. Please note there is a charge for camping. Reservations are recommended with the local BC Parks Office.

A short 2 kilometre well maintained hiking trail leads hikers from the parking lot down to the beach area. The trail explores a forest of Douglas Fir, Western Hemlock, Cedar and some Sitka Spruce trees. The forest floor is lush with ferns, moss, lichens and salal. The unpredictable wet weather can make trail conditions slippery and muddy in the shoulder seasons.

There is a day use area located at the end of the trail on a large grassy knoll fronting the beach. It includes an adventure playground, some picnic tables, fire pits and pit toilets.

From the park there are good opportunities for wildlife viewing. French Beach is an ideal spot for spotting migrating whales, curious seals, sea lions and sea birds like Bald Eagles and ospreys. Be aware that the region is also visited by black bears and cougars.

How to Get to French Beach

Travel to the community of Sooke, BC on Vancouver Island. From Sooke continue on Highway 14 for 9 kilometres to Jordon River. Go up the big hill pass Jordon River for about 12 kilometres to the entrance of French Beach. Look for signs pointing the way.