Greater Victoria boasts many beaches; some sandy, some rocky, some busy, some not. Agate Park is one of the multiple access points for Cordova Bay Beach and is typically a peaceful spot in nature. The bay is sheltered from the harshest winds by the bulk of PKOLS (Mount Douglas), which looms in the distance to the south. Looking east, visitors enjoy views of D’Arcy Island, San Juan Island, and Mount Constitution on Orcas Island, the highest point in the San Juan or Gulf Islands.

The park offers two picnic tables in a grassy area with shade trees, and limited parking, but the main attraction is access to several kilometers of sandy beach. Access to the beach is via a short, open pathway with no stairs. Swimming and paddleboarding are both fantastic experiences here. The shallow water, tiny lapping waves, and gently-sloping beach make access to the water simple. Exploring the beach can occupy your senses for hours, as you watch for wildlife, smell the fresh air, and feel the sand pebbles under your feet. Near the small point, north of the beach access are a few large rocks that offer miniature tidepools to observe during low tide. A multitude of logs are washed up along the shoreline, offering myriad options for wooden sculpture builders. Evening visitors may be treated to a beautiful sunset across the Haro Strait.

Keep an eye out for
  • Eagles, seals, and perhaps a rare glimpse of a Pacific Great Blue Heron 
Know before you go
How to get there

A small parking lot for Agate Park is located off Agate Lane in Cordova Bay. Agate Park is also accessible via 10-minute bus ride from the Royal Oak Bus Exchange on Route #32 (use the Doumac stop and wheel or walk 250 meters down Agate Lane to the Park).