When you get there, the best tide pools are on the left, on top of the flat rock. Check the tide charts, come at low tide. The giant anemonies are in the deepest pools where the waves are crashing

A must see in the area, go at low tide and see the tidal pools filled with diverse life! Short walk from the parking lot, a loop trail that's short. Expect to spend 1-2 hrs here including walking and sightseeing time.

A lovely easy loop hike through gnarled trees and including a lovely little beach and some fascinating rock formations and tide pools. We went at fairly high tide and could still scramble on the rocks but few tide pools. There was still exposed sandy beach. If you can, go at low tide to enjoy the tide pools.

What a wonderful trail the youth team from the Pacheedaht First Nation built along this remote beach! No wonder why it is called Big Wave (or Botanical Beach for the abundance of plant and animal diversity) - when we arrived at low tide, waves were nothing short of majestic, slowly breathing in and out of sediment and sandstone rocks. Striking contrast of the blackish rocks with turquoise waves; green kelp and purple sea urchins... At the lowest tide, the anemones look all green-lip pursed up close, but surely open up and bloom generously when the tide returns. The bed rock on the big beach allows for some great exploration of tidal pools, and easy to not step over sea creatures and become a murderous human yet again. Crows enjoyed their sea food lunch unperturbed by the wingless two-legged strangers in this wild place. The trail is well planned amid coastal rainforest, and easy for any hiking level, just wear waterproof hiking boots. Cudos to the Pacheedaht youth team who built these stairs at the more challenging spots, making it accessible to both children and seniors with limited mobility (although it is not wheel-chair accessible yet) - while keeping the tidal zone landscape more or less intact... Wish I had more time to spend there. Travel from Victoria takes a long time, indeed.

This was a 2+ hour drive from Victoria but a very pretty walk. I enjoyed sitting on the rocks and just watching the ocean for a while. There were many shells on the rocks and sea creatures in the random bodies of water in the rocks. It was very cool to see.

Absolutely a beautiful place! Cool forest hike, with some challenging root navigation at times, if you have balance issues. When the tide is out there are so many tide pools with sea life to observe!

Sept.20/2023 Botanical Beach is one of those places that is in the Wow category for a place to say wow look at that view. The Juan De Fuca Marine Trail is a place to see spectacular views that many don't see every day.I haven't done the whole trail but in segments that required you to step over rocks & roots with steps that could be missing a few boards. All in all, regular hiking, come prepared & pack out what you packed in, play safe.

Popular place with lots of steps on the trail but mostly moderate hike. A little muddy in some sections but well worth the hike to the beach area. We had a great day with our dog.

The little trail is worth going. The view is amazing and breathtaking. You will see a seamless blend of sky and sea. Waves roll gracefully toward the shore, their rhythmic motion both soothing and mesmerizing. As they approach, the waves curl and crest, releasing a soft, soothing sound that fills the air with a calming melody. The sea breeze carries the refreshing coolness of the water, invigorating your senses. Make sure you dont miss this beautiful spot. Keep walking with the water 🚶‍♀️ you will some beautiful views on the other side as well.

Wow! This beach and trail are amazing!!! It does have a lot of roots and steps so it’s not good for people with mobility issues. Views are great!

Beautiful relatively easy trails and the different lookouts along the trail were all beautiful. Very Muddy and some flooded spots since there had been lots of rain. Amazing how you can walk out so far at low tide and see all these amazing sea creatures in nature.

Beautiful beach, enough said.. Well, I can definitely say more haha! This beach taught me a lot about the ocean. The power of the water, how quickly water levels height change with the waves and the rocks, how tide pools form… oh man, a lot! This is a must stop if you love the ocean and rocky shores! I have posted some pictures to add to the collection of things I have never seen before! Definitely a cool experience to walk from top to bottom along the shore line. You can even leave your own stacked rock formation amongst hundreds of others!

This is the best beach in the world. Incredible waves. Breath taking scenery. Interesting rock formations. Perfect.

We went late morning at low tide in early October. It was beautifully sunny (probably not always like that). This is a spectacular and wild place where you will feel in awe at the beauty and power of nature. There is a 15-20 minute hike down to the beach through the prehistoric feeling forest. Not steep but a little muddy/gravelly. It's a bit long drive for a day trip from Victoria, but probably doable. I'd recommend staying at least a night in Port Renfrew if you are driving, to really make the most of the area. Overall this place alone is worth a trip to Vancouver Island.

How could anyone not love this place? This place is so fascinating! There are lots of muscles, sea urchins, sea anemones, and little crabs! It is such a beautiful place that we are granted by nature.

If you check the tide times and visit when the tide is low, you will see something amazing. Unusual topography attracts the eye. And you must go to Botanical Beach, not Botanical Bay. I had a hard time going to the bay and jumping over rocks.

Gorgeous beach and trail to experience here in Beautiful British Columbia. Simply breathtaking views sculpted by millions of years of natural erosion. The tidal pools are full of life and a few curious seals checking us out. You can explore for hours and not get enough.

This is definitely a must-see on Vancouver Island! Such a unique and beautiful place! The walk from parking to the beach is easy. We also got to see a baby bear on the beach while we were there.

This Beautiful Excursion right here is 🔥🔥🔥 It's so beautiful this area 💯 it never gets old ❣️ the drive here is always amazing ❤️ This the first time down this hike,walk,trail to Botanical Beach 😎 been in the area a few times but never this way 👍🏽 The trail is so cool 😎 the way the trees are like that😮 I found that super cool and neat ❤️ Mother Nature is Beautiful 💯 Everything here is Beautiful❣️ V.I The Best 🙂 always something to adventure to, always a hike to do, a beautiful walk somewhere 😀 Mountains ⛰️ 🏔 Trees 🌳 🌲 Ocean = ❤️ Always finding new adventures along this side of Island ❣️I love it 💯😎👍🏽🔥

Wow is this place amazing or what !!!!? I honestly don't know where to start . Botanical beach is my happy place .it's natural beauty will leave you in awe and amazement some times I heard you can see whales here I never have . Whether you have lived on the island for ever or visiting take the twisty drive down to botanical Beach just make sure you check the tide schedule before you go. Also PLEASE DONT LEAVE GARBAGE AND RESPECT NATURE WHEN YOUR THERE SO WE CAN ALL CONTINUE TO ENJOY THIS NATURAL TREASURE

I've visited during both winter and summer seasons. Went early February and enjoyed watching the waves crash onto the rocks. Wear proper footwear and be cautious of your footing. It was quite beautiful and serene as it was winter and not busy at all. It's not possible to go onto the shelf to see the tidal pools in the winter during the day. I recommend going in the summer if it's your first time visiting!

Peaceful beauty and crashing waves and charming pools for kids to search for marine creatures. Nice loop trail provides a look at the intense rain forest undergrowth.

Beautiful loop, best done during low tide to access tidal pools. Abundant sea life from sea urchin, abalone, gooseneck barnacles to jellyfish, mossy chilton, anemone and blue mussels!

A beautiful spot with lots to explore! A bit if a hike down sk be orepared for that but not overly long. Worth the trip down, and for sure try to go at low tide.

Beautiful beach, cool tidal pools. Lots of sea creatures watch where you step and protect their environment.

Beautiful beach with tons of diverse marine life and tidepools. Swirling eddies and crashing waves are cool to watch. Trail winds through a lush and gnarled rainforest. Would definitely go back. Mind your step as the wet rocks can be hazardous and there's living things everywhere!

I liked Botanical beach much better than Mystic beach. Very interesting and mystic. Walk was doable too.

A very special place to explore if you are on Vancouver Island. You must check the tide table if you want to experience all the sea life in the tidal pools!!

very nice beach, every small pool is different,enjoy~

Most beautiful magical spot I've been to on the island. Fills the soul with childlike wonder and curiosity. The life is abundant. It's a hopeful place. Was 14 degrees and wind chill where as lake Cowichan was 30 so dress for the weather and wear good shoes.

Amazing nature miracle that is worth a detour according to Michelin guide classification (***). The hike is beautiful and mussel fields during low tide are marvelous. I strongly recommend visiting this inspirational place and spend here a few hours. Enjoy!

Mystical place a short drive from Vic or Nanaimo... very winedy logging road will bring you there. Would recommend for a easy hike, ocean walk or even for a photoshoot! Favorite place on the Island!