Tourism
Sombrio beach lies in the middle of the Juan de Fuca Marine trail along the southwestern coast of Vancouver Island.
The picturesque Marine trail was created as a tribute to the spirit of Victoria 1994 Commonwealth Games.
The Juan de Fuca Marine trail is a total of 47-km ranging from China beach to Botanical Beach; Sombrio is located at km 26 to km 30 of the trail, and offers everything from easy day strolls to challenging coastal excursions.
For more information on the Juan de Fuca trail: check the maps and link page.
The trailhead at Sombrio beach offers parking, information, and toilets.
Camping is allowed on the beach, Make sure that your camp is ABOVE the high tide mark!
Fires are allowed below the tide mark, please do NOT cut the trees - use the driftwood from the beach.
There is a camping fee.
you can leave your money in an envelope at the top trailhead or wait for the park ranger to rouse you early in the morning.
Sombrio Beach offers one of the few spots to surf on the south coast of the island, and is passionately pursued by locals. The best time to partake in a little wave action is in the fall when the waves roll straight in from the pacific. For great pictures, goto Tubular Takeson the Maps & link page. There are no lifeguards or immediate help out here, so venture at your own risk.
Hiking is also a popular past time at Sombrio, with something for everyone:
the novice: an easy walk along the beach
more challenging trails: east and west of the beach itself.
Be prepared, this is the raincoast, and if it can rain - it will.
Along the east side, there is a small portion of the beach that is cut off at high tide, so check the tide tables posted at the trailhead.
Trails are marked with orange balls before and after the tide cut off.
And most of all enjoy; the scenic vistas of Sombrio beach are exceptional, for more pictures check out the photo gallery!
