A hidden canyon-side waterfall is tucked away at this famous B.C. beach

Sombrio Beach is situated in Juan de Fuca Park, an outdoor treasure trove of rich tide pools, old-growth, and ecological marvels. An hour and 45 minutes away from Victoria, the remote beach is one of the park’s most popular natural attractions, boasting a large sea cave and a hidden waterfall that’s the stuff of dreams.

In terms of wildlife, Humpback whales, orcas, and seals are frequently spotted throughout the year, making it all the more a must-visit.

The beach is also considered B.C.’s most accessible backcountry camping spot, attracting campers and surfers year-round.

There’s also a famous sea stack to snap a photo of during your visit, and a sphinx (rock formation) at Sombrio Beach.

Where is the hidden waterfall?

Visitors will find the magical hidden waterfall inside a canyon located east, 15 minutes away from the beach parking lot.

Located at approximately Kilometre 29 of the Juan de Fuca Marine Trail, the large cobbled Sombrio Beach can be reached via a 250-metre access trail from the Sombrio Beach Trailhead parking lot, off Hwy 14. There are three designated wilderness camping areas at Sombrio Beach: East Sombrio, Main Sombrio, and West Sombrio.

Visitors can hike east or west along the beach or take a dip in this world-class surfing area. As the beach is part of the famed 47-kilometre Juan de Fuca Marine Trail, trail hikers are frequent passers-by; the nearest trailhead to the east is the Juan de Fuca East (China Beach) Trailhead at Kilometre 0.

BC Parks adds that the nearest trailhead west of Sombrio Beach is Parkinson Creek.

Note that the Juan de Fuca Marine Trail officially reopens for the season following storm repairs on July 1, 2026.

Looking to extend your day trip? Juan de Fuca Park is also home to China Beach and Botanical Beach (temporarily closed from June 19 to 21), which are equally as spectacular to behold. Botanical Beach is revered for its vibrant intertidal marine life and rich biodiversity.

For fine sand and magnificent grey whale-viewing in spring and fall, head to China Beach.

The park has limited cell phone reception throughout, so plan your trip ahead!

How to get there: Take a ferry from Horseshoe Bay, West Vancouver, to Nanaimo and drive two hours and 18 minutes to Sombrio Beach via Trans-Canada Highway/BC-1 S and Pacific Marine Road.

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Isabelle Vauclair

Staff Writer, Vancouver – Isabelle is a West Coast native with an appreciation for Vancouver’s natural landscape, patio scene, and community spaces. She loves to discover new hidden gems in her neighbourhood and share them with readers across the city.

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