A Vancouver Island beach has been named one of the top 20 in all the world, according to travel magazine Lonely Planet.
Chesterman Beach in Tofino took home the sixth spot in the top 20 list, released by Lonely Planet on Tuesday.
The magazine praised the beach for its all-season appeal, from sunny summer days on the sand to moody misty mornings in the fall.
It also highlighted its prime surfing conditions, as long as you bring a wetsuit.
“Most people come to Chesterman Beach to surf, but it’s the views that will take your breath away,” said Lonely Planet.
“The beach is also great for kayaking, stand-up paddleboarding, and observing the hundreds of colourful starfish, anemones, urchins and other sea creatures that appear in tide pools.”
Lonely Planet compiled a list of the top 100 beaches in the world, then released this shortlist of the top 20 as decided by its editors.
The title of best beach in the world went to The Pass in New South Wales, Australia.
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Vancouver Island beaches
On Jan. 22, Lonely Planet author Brendan Sainsbury, who lives in B.C., released the magazine’s list of the top 10 beaches in Canada.
Chesterman Beach returned for the list, taking home the fourth spot.
The top spot, however, went to another Vancouver Island beach.
San Josef Bay, at the tip of northern Vancouver Island, was named the best beach in the country.
“With a reputation for tempestuous weather and tricky access, northern Vancouver Island in British Columbia excels in wild, lonesome beaches,” wrote Sainsbury.
“When the forest finally parts, you’ll be delivered onto a windswept expanse of crashing surf and forested sea stacks where bushes and trees have been contorted by fierce Pacific storms.”
Lonely Planet recommends that visitors bring a tent and binoculars and camp directly on one of the smooth, sandy beaches in the area.
READ ALSO: Cleaning North Island shores one beach at a time, on a paddleboard
San Josef Bay is pictured in this file photo.
Adam Chan
