Local Getaway: 3 Beachfront Stays in B.C.

It feels like summer is nearly upon us. What better way to enjoy the warm sun and longer days than treating yourself to a beachfront getaway? Take a break from the city’s hustle and bustle and enjoy the best B.C. summers have to offer—salty air, blue skies and rolling tides. Here are a few stays right by the water, so you can conveniently dip your toes in the sand any time you want. 

1. Shorewater Loft

Location: Qualicum Beach, British Columbia

The breakdown: $387 per night plus fees (two-night minimum stay, price fluctuates); sleeps four 

The details: Enjoy Vancouver Island’s ocean views with a private beach just off your balcony. This stay is located on Qualicum Beach, so you can easily access the sand and water. The interior is an open floor plan with high ceilings, a fully stocked kitchen and a full bathroom (with a bathtub!). You can find the primary “bedroom” in the loft area, equipped with a queen bed and enough room for books and an additional dresser. The couch in the living space pulls out to make a double bed, so this stay can comfortably house two couples or a small family. You can easily spend a night indoors while cozying up next to the fireplace, or sipping a glass of red while stargazing on the balcony.

2. Beachfront Studio Hideaway

Location: Deep Bay, British Columbia

The breakdown: $217 per night plus fees (two-night minimum stay, price fluctuates); sleeps three

The details: Enjoy the breathtaking views of Denman, Hornby and Chrome Island in this cozy waterfront studio. This detached studio is a true hideaway, located right on the beach and overlooking Baynes Sound. Listen to the rolling waves splash onto shore as you fall asleep, and wake up to birds chirping outside your window. You’ll have all the essentials you need in this quaint space—a kitchenette equipped to cook simple meals, a queen-sized bed and an en-suite bathroom. This stay is truly made for spending time outdoors, as you’ll have access to a designated outdoor space with a small BBQ grill, picnic table and two lounge chairs. Take your paddleboard or kayak out by day, and watch the sun set over the water by night. This peaceful oasis is sure to have you feeling refreshed.  

3. Driftwood Cabin

Location: Parksville, British Columbia

The breakdown: $379 per night plus fees (price fluctuates); sleeps five

The details:  This spacious two-bedroom cabin is lined with driftwood for an outdoorsy, cozy feel. Located just steps away from Parksville Beach, you can enjoy water activities whenever you want, or simply admire the expansive views from the comfort of your patio. In this space, you’ll find a fully-stocked kitchen with all the cooking essentials, an open floor plan with a large dining table and a full bathroom. Each of the two bedrooms has a queen-size bed, and the living room couch converts into an additional bed. 

Enjoy a communal fire pit and picnic area perfect for roasting marshmallows or sipping your morning coffee with a side of sunrise. Since this stay is just minutes away from downtown Parksville, you can explore the restaurants there or take advantage of the unlimited complimentary mini golf at Paradise Mini-Golf and Fun Park.