Located in the Cape Scott Provincial Park, the San Josef Bay Sea Stacks stand as some of British Columbia’s most breathtaking coastal formations.
Once you reach the pristine sands of San Josef Bay, the sea stacks become the main attraction. These towering rock formations, carved by the relentless forces of the Pacific Ocean, stand like ancient sentinels guarding the shore.
The sea stacks were created through a process called differential erosion, where softer rock erodes faster than harder rock, leaving behind the striking pillars seen today.
Many of the stacks have natural arches, caves, and tunnels, making them fascinating to explore, especially at low tide, when they are most accessible.
If you explore the area you will also find some sea caves that have become popular for photographers along with some sealife in some of the tidepools also found around the beach.
San Josef Bay, often called “San Jo” by locals, is the only part of Cape Scott Provincial Park accessible by a well-maintained trail, making it a perfect destination for those seeking a stunning yet relatively easy-to-reach coastal experience.
The Hike:
This long rainforest hike takes about 1.5 hours to complete and totals 7.4 kms (4.6 miles) out and back from the parking lot. Generally considered a moderately challenging route but the most well-known hike in Cape Scott Provincial Park, this easy 45-minute walk along a wide gravel path leads to a breathtaking West Coast beach that often feels like your own private paradise.
Getting There:
Parking is available at the end of Cape Scott Park Road. Arrive early as parking fills up fast.
Nearby Locations:
Looking for a few stops along the way? Check out Dakota Memorial and Little Huson Caves during your travels.
