Ahh, romance. Snuggling with your significant other on a sandy beach, with the sunset painting the sky pink and orange.
For some, the scenario might seem more suited to a tropical holiday thousands of kilometres south of Victoria.
Chin up, frustrated lovers, Greater Victoria has miles of coastline available for such romantic interludes, much of it very accessible – some areas even feature the aforementioned sand.
But just how to pick the most romantic beach in the region?
It really depends on one’s idea of romantic, but there are plenty of options out there.
Take Willows Beach, for example. The long stretch of coastline in Oak Bay has long been popular with families and young people for a summer day of digging in the sand and cooling off with a dip.
There’s an added bit of romantic appeal for others.
“I’m a dancer, and when my friends and I want to go dancing barefoot in the sand, Willows is always our No. 1 choice,” says Kelsey Coplin.
“It’s beautiful any time of the day and in any season. Whether the sun is high in the sky or sinking below the horizon, Willows is always welcoming and romantic.”
Given the abundance of coastline around Greater Victoria, many other spots received votes, including Esquimalt Lagoon.
“One of the attractions is you
can enjoy the view in your vehicle, if it’s cold out, or on the beach if it’s warm, because of how close you can get to the water,” says Langford resident Janys Langer.
Not only that, she says, it has a number of secluded places to gain some privacy and can be a perfect spot from which to watch the stars.
For stargazing, anywhere along the Dallas Road waterfront can work well, since the lights of the city drop from sight at beach level. The large number of logs, rocky outcroppings and other natural and man-made seats provide many spots to perch or snuggle up.
Same for Gonzales Beach in Fairfield, Cordova Bay beach in Saanich, Witty’s Lagoon in Metchosin and Becher Bay in East Sooke Park, to name but a few.
The way to one’s heart …
Want to make a beach visit even more romantic? Pack a picnic lunch, with plastic wine or champagne glasses, champagne and orange juice, fruit, cheese and crackers, and of course, chocolate!