Tofino, BC Parks : Chesterman Beach
Tofino, Vancouver Island, British Columbia, Canada

Chesterman Beach

Chesterman Beach is one of the longer, larger sandy beach destinations closest to the community of Tofino, BC on Vancouver Island, Canada.

The beach is a popular gathering place in the summer for activities like beachcombing, picnicking, frisbee, bocce ball, walking, sightseeing, surfing, kayaking and swimming. In the winter months the beach is visited by storm watchers and surfers.

Chesterman Beach at low tide is a great place to be on a sunshine day as the receding tides expose new layers of wet sand, some rock outcroppings and many mini tidal pools. The exposed sandy shoreline attracts many to the beach for suntanning, sand castles and relaxation.

The southern half of Chesterman Beach enjoys calmer conditions on windy days. The rock cliffs and dwarfed trees protect the area from winds. The smaller waves make the ocean more accessible and enjoyable to play in for smaller children.

Being that the south end of the beach is closer to the shoreline cliffs the ocean waters are calmer for kayak beach launchings. Many kayakers decide to launch from this end of the beach when exploring the shoreline of the Pacific Rim National Park.

How to Get to Chesterman Beach

Travel to the community of Tofino on the west coast of Vancouver Island, BC. Before entering Tofino access Lynn or Chesterman Road (same road - loop route). There are three access areas to the beach with varying sizes of parking lots. Beach is accessed from short dirt trail.