Whenever I visit my brother in Victoria, BC we always make time for a day trip out to Mystic Beach. It’s become a bit of a tradition for us! We pack coffee for the drive, stop for a snack along the way, and make our way down the trail no matter what the weather’s doing.
Some trips have been all fog and drizzle, others have been warm and bright, but regardless of the weather, the beach is magical.
Mystic Beach is a large beach that sits along the Juan de Fuca Trail on Vancouver Island’s west coast, about a 1.5 hour drive from Victoria.
You can access Mystic Beach from a parking lot that is just off Highway 14. It’s about a 2 km hike from there down to the beach, through old-growth forest.
When you reach the end of the trail, it opens up to a rugged shoreline with a waterfall that flows from a cliff, right onto the sand.
On any given day, you’ll spot surfers catching waves out in the water, hikers passing by the beach as they hike the Juan de Fuca trail, and of course, you’re treated to beautiful views of the coastline and ocean.
Ready to visit Mystic Beach? Here’s my complete day trip guide, which includes a stop in the cute town of Jordan River, and a bonus beach that you can visit after Mystic Beach, if you’re up to it!
- The Drive from Victoria to Mystic Beach
- Mystic Beach: Things to Know Before You Go
- Stop for Coffee and Breakfast in Jordan River
- Hiking to Mystic Beach: What to Expect on the Trail
- What to See and Do on Mystic Beach
- Bonus Stop: Sombrio Beach
- Stop for Dinner on the Way Back to Victoria
- Tips for a Responsible Vancouver Island Day Trip
The Drive from Victoria to Mystic Beach
The drive from Victoria to Mystic Beach takes about an hour and a half, covering roughly 75 kilometres along Highway 14, also known as the Pacific Marine Circle Route.
It’s a beautiful stretch of road that follows the island’s southern coast, passing through forest, farmland, and small seaside communities.
You can expect some winding sections and narrow shoulders, especially past the town of Sooke, but the views of the coast and ocean are worth it!
Cell service can be spotty once you pass Sooke, so it’s best to download maps ahead of time. I recommend using the offline maps feature in Google / Apple Maps to do this.
Aim to leave Victoria early in the day so you have plenty of daylight for the hike and time to enjoy the beach.
Remember that it’s a 1.5 hour drive each direction, so it can make for a long day! There are spots to purchase food on the drive there and back (I’ll note some of these spots later in this guide), but I typically pack a lunch for the day.
Mystic Beach: Things to Know Before You Go
Let’s cover some of the logistical things you’ll need to know before heading out on your day trip to Mystic Beach.
Where is Mystic Beach?
Mystic Beach is part of the Juan de Fuca Trail, on the west coast of Vancouver Island between Sooke and Port Renfrew. It’s one of the closest sections of the trail to Victoria, making it an easy day trip.
What time of year is best to visit Mystic Beach?
The best time of year to visit Mystic Beach is in spring, when the waterfall is at its strongest and the forest feels especially lush after the winter rains.
Summer is also a great time to visit if you want warmer weather and calmer seas, but the waterfall slows to more of a trickle. Fall offers quieter trails and dramatic coastal views, though rain and mud are more common.
All this said, I wouldn’t overthink what time of year you visit Mystic Beach. I’ve visited in all three seasons, and each trip, I had a great time. What’s most important is to be prepared for the weather conditions.
Is there parking at Mystic Beach?
On one of my day trips to Mystic Beach, I completely missed the turn-off sign for the parking lot where you’ll find the trailhead to the beach!
Parking for Mystic Beach can be a bit confusing, because the signage isn’t marked for Mystic Beach, it’s marked “China Beach.” This is because the parking lot is the starting point for a trail to both beaches, China Beach, and Mystic Beach.
The key thing to know here is that you are looking for the wooden sign on the left-hand side of Highway 14 that reads “CHINA BEACH, JUAN DE FUCA PROVINCIAL PARK, DAY USE – TRAIL HEAD. ”
When you spot that sign, you’re in the right place! Turn into that parking lot and find yourself a spot. The lot is free to use, but it can get busy on weekends and in summer, so aim to arrive early.
Are there toilets at Mystic Beach?
There are toilets available both in the China Beach parking lot, and on Mystic Beach. The toilets are outhouses, but are typically stocked with toilet paper. I’ve learned to always carry a few squares of toilet paper on me, just in case.
The toilets that are on the beach can be a bit tricky to find because they are in the forest. You’ll find a trail leading to them on the northern end of the beach, just past where the trail from the parking lot connects to Mystic Beach.
Can you camp at Mystic Beach?
If you want to stay overnight, there’s a backcountry campground right on Mystic Beach. It’s first-come, first-served and part of the larger Juan de Fuca Trail system.
If you intend to camp, be sure to pack out everything you bring in, and be ready for changing weather and tide conditions. Be sure to camp right on the edge of the forest to avoid getting soaked when the tide come in.
Tide times
Tides at Mystic Beach can change quickly, and they make a big difference in what you can see. At low tide, you can walk along the beach to explore sea caves and get close to the waterfall, while at high tide parts of the beach become inaccessible.
Given this, you’ll want to be aware of the tides for the day you plan to visit. The tides on Mystic Beach are determined by the location of the beach, and the day of the year. Be sure to check this website for the tide times before you go.
What to pack for Mystic Beach
Before heading out, make sure you’re prepared for changing coastal conditions. The trail can be muddy and the weather unpredictable, so it’s best to pack a few essentials to keep you comfortable and safe on the hike.
- Waterproof shoes or hiking boots
- Reusable water bottle and snacks
- Layers (the forest can be cool even in summer)
- Rain jacket or poncho
- Headlamp if you’re visiting late in the day
- Bear spray and a small first-aid kit
- Camera
Stop for Coffee and Breakfast in Jordan River
Jordan River makes a perfect halfway stop between Victoria and Mystic Beach. I always stop here to grab a coffee and a snack, and to go for a walk along the small local beach (I need to stretch my legs on a long drive!)
Jordan River is a small coastal community that sits right along Highway 14, known for its surf breaks, relaxed vibe, and ocean views. You’ll reach this community about an hour into the drive.
Shirley Delicious is one of the most popular stops for breakfast or coffee. It’s a cozy cafe tucked into the forest, known for yummy coffee, homemade pastries, and breakfast sandwiches.
A little farther up the road is Cold Shoulder Cafe, a family-run cafe that’s been around for over a decade. They serve good espresso (made with locally roasted coffee beans) and delicious baked goods with a view of the water.
This is where I typically stop when I’m on my way to Mystic Beach. I love to grab a latte from the Cold Shoulder Cafe and then wander down to the little beach by the Jordan River campground to watch the surfers, or just take in the coastal scenery before continuing the drive.
Hiking to Mystic Beach: What to Expect on the Trail
The hike to Mystic Beach is about 2 kilometres (1.2 miles) each way. It’s a short section of the Juan de Fuca Trail, but don’t underestimate it, it’s considered a moderately difficult trail.
The path weaves through coastal forest with boardwalks, staircases, a suspension bridge, and a few steep sections.
The trail isn’t wheelchair accessible, and there are stairs, roots, and uneven terrain throughout. It can be muddy even in summer, so wear waterproof shoes and use caution on wet boardwalks.
Most people take around 45 minutes to an hour each way, depending on pace and trail conditions.
It’s important to go slow and keep your eyes on the trail so you don’t trip or stumble over roots that stick up out of the trail. I’ve unfortunately seen a few people with twisted ankles on this trail, it happens!
I always make sure to wear sturdy, waterproof shoes (ankle support is a good idea!), and I bring layers since the forest can feel cool and damp even in summer. Bring plenty of water, and a snack to enjoy once you reach the beach.
Just before the beach, you’ll cross a suspension bridge that sways gently over a creek. This is a great photo stop! One thing to note about this part of the trail is that young children and dogs might need some help or supervision as they cross.
My brother’s dog is always nervous as we cross the suspension bridge, and so he needs some extra love and encouragement to get to the other side.
Stick to the marked trail and avoid cutting switchbacks to help protect the surrounding forest floor. Remember to carry out everything you bring in, including food wrappers, water bottles, and tissues.
There are pit toilets at the parking lot and again near the beach, but no garbage bins, so plan to pack out your waste.
What to See and Do on Mystic Beach
What makes Mystic Beach so special is the way the forest dramatically opens up onto the beach and ocean. I always get excited towards the end of the hike, because I can hear the sound of the ocean before I see it!
You’ll know when you’re nearing the beach because the trees become less dense, and you come to a staircase. This wooden staircase is the final stretch of the walk before you find yourself on Mystic Beach.
The beach is framed by tall trees, cliffs, and driftwood, with a few sea caves carved into the rock and a small waterfall that spills directly onto the sand.
Mystic Beach is known for the small waterfall at the south end of the beach. If you’d like to get up close to the waterfall (and sea caves!), be sure to plan your visit to Mystic Beach around low tide.
At high tide, the water reaches the base of the cliffs and some parts of the beach become inaccessible. Don’t try to venture into the caves or toward the waterfall at high tide, it can be dangerous.
All along Mystic Beach there’s plenty of space to sit, eat, or just watch the waves. We always bring a picnic and find ourselves some driftwood logs to enjoy it on.
Mystic Beach is also a great place for photography, especially in the morning when the light filters through the mist and trees, and at sunset time, when the sun sets over the ocean.
On both the trail to Mystic Beach and on the beach itself, keep an eye out for wildlife. If you’re lucky, you might spot eagles overhead or seals swimming offshore.
If you spot or encounter wildlife, practice responsible wildlife tourism. Don’t approach, chase, or feed animals, and always give them plenty of space to move freely. Stay quiet, observe from a distance, and use binoculars or a zoom lens if you want a closer look.
It’s important to be aware that there are black bears in the area. They are afraid of humans and will keep away, but if you do encounter one, do not feed or approach it. Make yourself known by talking loudly and firmly, and slowly back away.
Don’t worry too much about bears. I encountered a bear on a trail near Campbell River on Vancouver Island, and after making myself known and backing away, the bear went back into the forest. Most bears want nothing to do with people as long as you give them space.
By the way, if you’d like to spot bears, consider going on safe and respectful bear viewing tour. Read my guide to bear watching on Vancouver Island to learn more.
Bonus Stop: Sombrio Beach
On my most recent trip to Mystic Beach, my family and I decided one beach for the day wasn’t enough! With an early enough start to the day, you can fit in a visit to another gorgeous beach: Sombrio.
To reach Sombrio Beach, drive west on Highway 14 for about 20 minutes. It’s another section of the Juan de Fuca Trail, located between Mystic Beach and Port Renfrew.
There are signs for Sombrio Beach, but the turn-off itself isn’t particularly well-marked. There is a sign about 400 meters before the turn-off, and another one about 2 kilometers before it. The turn-off will be a gravel road on the left-hand side of the road.
There’s a large parking lot at the end of the gravel road, and there are outhouses right at the trailhead that leads to the beach. The trail down to Sombrio Beach is short but can be muddy, so wear the same sturdy shoes you used for Mystic Beach.
Sombrio is known for its consistent surf and rugged coastline. There’s almost always surfers here, which are super fun to watch! When the tide is low, you can also explore tide pools filled with starfish and other sea life.
Sombrio Beach is also known for a waterfall! On the south end of the beach, there is a waterfall tucked into a mossy canyon. It can be a bit challenging to find the trail that leads to the waterfall. The key is to look for a stream of water coming from the forest, down the beach, and into the ocean.
Once you spot the stream, follow it into the forest. There are relatively dry paths on either side of the stream that you can use. Just keep following the stream (for about 5 minutes) until you reach the canyon!
The waterfall can be seen from outside the canyon, but if you’re adventurous, you can carefully scramble up some rocks into the canyon for a closer look.
If you’d like to add Sombrio Beach to your day trip, leave Mystic Beach by early afternoon and plan to spend an hour or two exploring before heading back toward Victoria.
Stop for Dinner on the Way Back to Victoria
On the drive back to Victoria, it’s worth stopping at Stoked Wood Fired Pizzeria & Market near Shirley. They serve excellent wood-fired pizzas made with local ingredients, and it’s a cozy spot to break up your drive and refuel after a day on the trail.
Stoked Wood Fired Pizzeria & Market closes on the earlier side, so if you’re heading back in the evening, make sure to check their hours before you stop for pizza.
Tips for a Responsible Vancouver Island Day Trip
Visiting places like Mystic Beach and Sombrio Beach is a privilege, and it’s important to keep these areas natural and healthy for future visitors, and for the wildlife that lives here year-round.
Follow Leave No Trace principles: stay on marked trails, pack out everything you bring in, and avoid disturbing plants or driftwood structures.
Respect wildlife by keeping a safe distance and never feeding animals. Always be aware of tide times before walking near cliffs or exploring sea caves, and turn back before the tide rises.
Before visiting, it’s important to take a moment to recognize that Vancouver Island’s west coast lies on the traditional territories of the Pacheedaht First Nation. Travel here with respect and appreciation for the deep connection Indigenous peoples have to this land and coastline.
When visiting Vancouver Island (and its beautiful beaches), practice being a responsible tourist. This is how we can help ensure that communities benefit from the pros vs. cons of tourism.
If you’re planning to visit the Island, here are some resources to help you visit in a mindful way:
- Learn the main tips for being a responsible tourist.
- Use sustainable tourism tips to travel eco-consciously.
- Travel to places that aren’t facing overtourism to reduce your impact.
- Be aware of cultural appropriation and avoid it.
- Practice responsible wildlife tourism.
- Learn about how you can decenter yourself in travel.
- Shop for souvenirs responsibly.
