Must-See Storm Watching Spots

Nestled at the south end of Pacific Rim National Park Reserve, Florencia Bay has a viewing deck high above the beach (about 200 meters from the parking lot) where you can witness the swell rolling in. Take the picturesque stairs down to the beach at low tide - be sure to check the tides beforehand so that you don't get stuck on the beach. Then, stroll the shore and watch the big rollers coming in at the mouth of the bay, and towering sand cliffs that cascade onto the beach. 

The viewing deck attached to the Kʷisitis Visitor Centre has an accessibility ramp, and overlooks the beach - a great place to watch waves break on the big rocks right out front. Looking to escape the rain for a little while? Spend some time inside the Visitor Centre to learn more about the natural history of the area, the animals that inhabit foreshore, wetlands and old growth forests, and the First Peoples who live and practice their cultural traditions in the area. 

Getting to see the waves break up against čaw̓inʔis (Lovekin Rock) as you stroll the 16-kilometre sandy shoreline is part of what makes Long Beach so iconic. The large stretch of beach is a great place to feel windswept, go for a beach run, fly a kite, or jump rope with the long stretches of bull kelp that have washed ashore with storms. 

The parking at Maltby Rd at Cox Bay makes for a great view of the waves crashing up against Pettinger Point, at the north end of the beach. Check out the massive spruce stump washed up at this end and just imagine the force of the waves needed to carry it so far up the shoreline. 

Pettinger Point itself is private property of Pacific Sands Beach Resort - a perk of staying there during storm season! 

Take in the power of the ocean with waves breaking up against the headland at the north end, where the Wickaninnish Inn sits. Watch from a safe perch at The Pointe Restaurant - plan a brunch or early dinner to have enough daylight to view the waves in the winter months.