SECRET SPOTS – MYSTIC BEACH
Mystic Beach is a stunning secret spot about 75km or 1.5 hours from Victoria following the scenic Highway 14.
We started our Mystic Adventure from Sooke which is only 35 mins away however it took us almost 1.5 hours to get there as we made a little stop at French Beach, which I definitely suggest doing. The more beaches the merrier, right? Can you go to too many beaches? No, no you cannot.
While driving on the highway keep your eyes peeled for China Beach.
There’s no actual sign for Mystic Beach, cause it’s secret, obviously. China Beach Day Use area has some pretty obvious signs though as well as parking and portable washrooms. At the upper lot you’ll find a wooden map board and trail head for the Juan de Fuca Trail. The Juan de Fuca Trail is a multi day 47km hike but don’t worry, Mystic Beach is less than 2km and no more than an hour away. We did see many hikers doing the full Fuca, seems like a very popular hike. I suggest double checking you’re on the right trail before you get too far, as the other obvious trail is for China Beach which I know nothing about cause we obviously went for the secret one instead cause that’s cooler.
On the right trail? You sureeee? Excellent.
On the magical journey to Mystic Beach enjoy the stunning forest that surrounds you. The trees are tall and green and gorgeous. Yes, I’ve seen trees before, but there was just a extra special feeling walking through these trees. You can look for orange markers to guide your way but the path is pretty worn and easy to follow for the most part. It can be quite muddy apparently depending on when you go so keep that in mind. We were lucky to have nice dry ground on a gorgeous August day.
Be sure to watch where you’re walking, there’s loads of steps, planks, rocks, roots, and holes to maneuvre around.
I may have tripped a few times while staring at trees thinking of Fangorn Forest. Sad to say we didn’t see any Ents (the talking trees from The Lord of the Rings) but we did see a giant tree stump with a face which was neat. The path goes up and down a bit and though overall it doesn’t feel super hilly apparently the total elevation for this hike is over 150m.
After a bit of hiking you’ll reach a suspension bridge that crosses Peter Wolfe Creek.
I have quite the thing for suspension bridges, super Indiana Jones vibes. On both the way there and back we had to wait for terrified hikers crossing the bridge while holding on for dear life. It was a bit amusing.
Following the bridge continue along the trail and the maze of roots.
Honestly, I loved the zig zagging through the trees while stepping over natures obstacles. Eventually the trail does reach a wider gravel section which is a lot more straightforward walking and not as much fun in my opinion. I wouldn’t call this a difficult hike at all, but definitely not stroller friendly. So don’t be like the grumpy looking couple we saw lifting their stroller over a particular long stretch of crazy tree roots.
What’s that? The sound of glorious waves? You’re getting close.
From here you’ll come to some wooden steps and a small bridge over a creek before you continue on your forest trek a bit further. What’s that? The sounds of people enjoying a beautiful beach day? You’re nearly there now! Within minutes you’ll come across a long wooden staircase. Make your descent and enter Mystic Beach.
What can I say about the beach itself besides it being fucking sweet?
A glorious stretch of perfect sand, natural driftwood benches, little caves. The Pacific Ocean right in front of you, with rocks just a bit into the water if you want to live out your childhood dream of being Little Mermaid. Warning though, it is the ocean. It was a hot sunny day in August went we went and my boyfriend lasted a whole ten seconds in the water. Also note that there is no where to throw out your trash down here, so whatever you bring in, prepare to bring it out as well. Let’s keep this little patch of paradise clean shall we?
oh and then there’s the waterfall. Yup, this beach has a waterfall.
A small shower like stream from 15ms up, it certainly isn’t Niagara Falls but it’s lovely and adds to the awesome vibe of the beach and nice to jump under for a little refresh. Visit at low tide so you can get right up under the waterfall. Also freezing, but fun. Apparently there is/used to be a rope swing but we didn’t see one while we were there cause I totally would have been alllll over that.
Mystic Beach is a bit of a secret gem mostly filled with locals.
With it being a bit of a mission to get to, it doesn’t get as overrun with people as it would if it was right next to a parking lot. We spent a good chunk of time on our little patch of the beach next to a cave having a picnic and drinking a couple well earned beers before making the trek back. We probably would have stayed longer if we didn’t have plans to hit up a couple other spots that day. Mystic Beach is definitely a secret gem that I highly suggest checking out if you end up on Vancouver Island. It was a highlight on our trip to British Columbia for sure.
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