Vancouver Island is home to many of Canada’s most prized beaches, but Saratoga Beach is truly straight out of a dream. Long stretches of white sand, mountain views, and a coastline that begs to be explored on foot. There’s nothing better than adding a destination like this to your trip itinerary, whether you’re looking for a classic beach day experience or want to book a longer stay at a beachside resort.
Situated 20 minutes from Campbell River off of Saratoga Beach Road, it’s a popular family beach with a front-row seat to the mainland mountains. It’s considered one of the sandiest beaches in the area, making it a hub for locals and visitors alike.
The parking lot at Saratoga Beach has spots for 20 vehicles and six bikes, as well as a fully accessible beach trail, changing room, outhouse, and waste bins.
And it doesn’t hurt that the calm waters and shelter of the Island’s east coast create a haven for ocean swimming, free from strong currents and powerboats.
Beachside resort and cottages
The Saratoga Beach Resort is open year-round, but now is the prime time to visit. A favourite stay among vacationers for decades, the resort is currently accepting reservation requests from stays between now and Sept. 8, 2026.
The resort sits on 200 feet of the sandy beach, offering visitors the chance to indulge their inner child. Go skimboarding, build a sandcastle, or simply lounge and let your troubles drift away.
At the end of each day, guests can gather around a communal fire pit and keep the relaxation going.
Their oceanside cottages feature full kitchens, three-piece washrooms, electric heat, cable, and WiFi.
Prefer to RV camp? The resort also has a full-service RV Park right by the beach with new washrooms and shower facilities, wifi, and laundry.
Know before your visit
Visitors checking out the area for the day can head to Saratoga Beach Park, which is open from 5 a.m. to 11 p.m daily, according to the Comox Valley Regional District.
Beach fires are allowed, but must not exceed 50 cm (20 inches) in diameter, and must remain below the high tide line.
If you’re planning on building a fire, make sure to leave a bucket of water nearby to put it out with — not sand.
Finally, make sure you’re not using driftwood to build your fire, as the salty wood releases harmful chemicals when burnt.
How to get there: Take a ferry from Horseshoe Bay, West Vancouver to Campbell River, and drive 20 minutes south to Saratoga Beach, off of Saratoga Beach Road.
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