San Josef Bay
San Josef Bay, located within Cape Scott Provincial Park on the northern tip of Vancouver Island, is a remote and breathtaking stretch of wild coastline. Known for its dramatic sea stacks, soft sandy beaches, and lush rainforest trails, it’s been on my bucket list for many years.
*Sea stacks are tall, isolated columns of rock found in the sea near coastal cliffs. They are the eroded remnants of coastal rock formations that were once connected to the mainland. Over time, the waves, wind, and weather gradually wear away softer rock, forming sea caves and arches. When these arches collapse, they leave behind freestanding rock pillars known as sea stacks.
However, getting to Cape Scott Provincial Park is no small feat. It’s just over 400 km from my home. But the final 60 km are only accessible via a rough logging road.**
This journey is not for the faint of heart or all vehicles–especially when massive logging trucks come barreling past –they can’t and don’t slow down for anyone!
Cove Adventure Tours offers a one-day guided tour that shuttles visitors from Port Hardy to San Josef Bay and back ($375 per person, with a minimum of two people). If you’re camping in Cape Scott, Cape Scott Water Taxi offers boat transport there and shuttle pickup back on another day (check with them for rates and details).
Whichever way you choose to get there, you’ll definitely want to time your visit to coincide with low tide. Otherwise, the majestic sea stacks won’t be visible.
As there are no logging trucks allowed on this stretch of roads on weekends, we bravely decided to drive there on a Saturday afternoon — timing our visit for low tide.
Driving slowly in our Jeep SUV was quite doable. I didn’t scream my signature, “We’re gonna die,”…not even once!
Once you arrive at the trailhead, it’s a 2.5+ km hike through coastal rainforest and along boardwalks to reach the bay.
When we visited, a massive tree had fallen across the trail, turning part of the walk into an unexpected ninja warrior challenge. Seriously!
But all those challenges made finally arriving at San Josef Bay—and seeing its pristine beach, deep caves and iconic sea stacks—feel even more extraordinary.
What Does This Have to Do With Wellness?
A great deal!
Achieving a bucket list item, big or small, can do wonders. Reaching this long-time goal gave me a huge boost on many different levels. It reminded me of the power of step-by-step planning. It pushed me out of my comfort zone, built my confidence, and motivated me to pull more things out of my “Too Hard Basket.”
Our seven-night camping trip gave me time to reflect on what matters most. The mix of nature, movement, and social connection made the experience even richer. I came home with my mind percolating: “Mmmm, I’ve accomplished this — what can I do next?”
And, of course, this post would not be complete without the schmoopy photo!
What’s on your bucket list? Do you have a bucket list item that you recently tackled or have plans to tackle in the immediate future? I’d love to hear more.
- Feature photo from Coastal Waves Fine Art, “San Josef Sentinels” by Port McNeil artist, Kathy Harder. The framed version is now proudly hanging in our home.
- Logging Road Image from Cove Adventure Tours Road Report. (This is a great company to contact if not wishing to make the drive yourself).
Wellness ReImaged Co-hosts Debbie, Jennifer, Jo, Sue and me.
Retirement Reflections 
Those are amazing photos. I would like to visit too, but like you I would drive on Sunday.
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Hi, Thomas – Thank you for reading and commenting. I hope you and your family get a chance to visit the area. It truly is stunning. Driving there on a weekend is definitely my recommendation — and don’t forget to check the tide schedule too! ❤
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Thank you so much. I hope so too.
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I love the schmoopy photo (I love that word too)… and even in the grey, the scenery is stunning. It’s a hard no from me for the tents though… I also love how the time in nature has helped you clarify what’s important.
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Great news, Jo – When you and Grant come out to visit (hint, hint), you totally do not need to camp in order to visit San Josef Bay. Actually, the day of our visit we stayed in Holberg in cute little ‘adventure huts’ that were part of a larger pub. The next night we stayed in well equipped cabins in Port Hardy (1.5 hours away and the town that most people stay in when day tripping to Cape Scott Provincial Park.
Oh, and the Schmoopy reference…it’s a Seinfeld thing!
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The schmoopy photo is a gem. I don’t do bucket lists , but good for you. I just go with the flow, do what makes sense in the moment, then saunter forward.
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Come to think of it, I’m not sure if Cape Scott was on the ‘Bucket List’ or stuck inthe ‘Too Hard Basket’. Either way, I’ve always wanted to go there and am delighted that we finally took the plunge! ❤
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That sounds like a fabulous goal completed! I have a bucket list goal to try and see all of America’s National parks but it’s quite the list so I’m not sure it’s doable. But I still feel a sense of a pride each time we see one and try out a few new challenging or inspiring hikes.
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Hi, Joanne – That is a huge goal. The good thing is that you can break it down into 63 smaller goals. I wholeheartedly agree that we do feel pride when we’ve accomplished something that we had long wanted to do. ❤
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Love that scmoopy photo! Sure made me smile. What a breathtaking place. Holy cats! I can sure see why it was on your list. Glad you didn’t have to scream. 😉
As for my bucket list…reading as many good books until I shuffle off this mortal coil. And wtiting as many books as I can. And greeting each spring with a joyous yes. 😉
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Reading and writing as many good books as you can, and greeting each Spring with a joyous yes are both fabulous goals. They also both indicate a life well-lived! ❤
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It looks so remote and beautiful (and inaccessible!) Donna – Vancouver Island has so much diversity for such a small place. So glad you had a good time and that Deb got to enjoy it with you guys. 🙂
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Hi, Leanne – Vancouver Island is actually much larger than most people realize. It’s the largest island by area and the most populous along the west coasts of North Americas.(size 32,100 km2, population 500,292). However, Holberg, the town that we stayed on the day that we visited Cape Scott, is population 15, yup fifteen. Now that’s tiny! There were more of us than that in the Holberg pub that night! ❤
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You all look happy and rested, er exhausted, Donna. What a wonderful visit to enjoy the great outdoors. I’m going to look up the area. Hiking is one of the best exercises for taking in nature, feeding, mind, body and soul. Well done!
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Hi, Terri – Your wise words here are very true. Although it seems a contradiction of terms, the evening after our adventure at Cape Scott we were happy, rested and exhausted. Who knew all three could coexist at once! ❤
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Once a teacher, always a teacher . . . and you were obviously a very good one! Oh . . . and my favourite subject always was and is geography and you have shown enough fascinating stuff here for me to look further – thank you! And . . . put me on the list for also loving the ‘schmoopy’ photo!
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Hi, Eha – Thank you for your kind words. Actually, our youngest son is a Geography (and Urban Design) Professor at the University of Hong Kong, so geography is definitely a family thing. I’m glad that I have inspired you to look into some of this post contents further. Sea Stacks are so cool and are also famous in such places as Ball’s Pyramid in Australia, The Isle of Hoy in Scotland, Cannon Beach on the Oregon Coast, etc.
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Hi Donna what a wonderful experience and you have made some good points about what achieving a goal can do for our health and wellbeing. I’ve actually written something similar for my WR post this month. The scenery is stunning and well done on ticking another thing off your bucket list. x
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Thanks, Sue – Great minds think alike! I look forward to reading your WR post. Congratulations on your half-marathon yesterday. The photos looked wonderful!
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Looks a nice place to visit, but as someone who does not enjoy tramping and the thought of camping fills me with horror, I will enjoy it all through your wonderful post!
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Hi, Barbara – I totally get that hiking and/or camping are not for everyone. I am glad that you could experience Cape Scott virtually through this post!
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What an amazing place to visit Donna. I would say your trip had everything to do with wellness. I’ve always loved camping but haven’t been since my knee went kaput. You have reminded me that it’s a long time since I looked at me bucket list. I will definitely get to it as I’m sure it needs revising.
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Hi, Jennifer – Thank you for your kind words. I hope that your knee is doing better. And I hope that you rediscover some exciting items on your Adventure Bucket List!
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How marvelous, Donna. A most amazing place to visit. Maybe TC will be assigned Canada next year. It’s always unexpected where he goes 😉. My bucket list is opportunistic. There are many places I’d like to visit and much I’d like to see. When TC gets an assignment, I create a list of places I want to see and book those. I leave some time for adventuring.
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Cheers to that, Robbie. It would be wonderful if you were able to explore Canada a bit…especially BC…and more especially, Vancouver Island! ❤
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Yes!
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Hi Donna. I left a comment but it seems to have disappeared. I hope you don’t get it twice. I just wanted to say that I think your trip was definitely a wellness trip. It looks absolutely wonderful. I used to love camping but haven’t been for a while. You have reminded me to check my list of things to do. I haven’t thought about it for a while.
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Hi, Jennifer – Your other comment did come through as ‘Anonymous’ but I recognized you right away! We also camped a lot when we were younger…but have found that we have needed/wanted to make some modifications to our camping style as we have gotten older. Eg. Our tent now becomes the larger part of our SUV, and we have camp cots — no more sleeping on the ground! ❤
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What a wonderful trip! I always forget how big Vancouver Island is (underlined by your answer to Leanne) so was surprised when you said it was 400km from home. I suppose because I live on a big island, which I don’t really think of as an island most of the time, islands to me are the small ones off our coast.
A question – when you scream “we’re gonna die!” are you the passenger or the driver? Makes a difference!
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Hi, Anabel – Your comment completely made me smile. Yes, my signature ‘we’re gonna die’ scream is from me as a passenger. You are totally correct. If I was screaming that as a driver — that would mean a HUGE difference! ❤
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We are looking forward to some kayaking in North Island is July, thanks for sharing your pictures.
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Kayaking in the North Island sounds wonderful. There are some very beautiful spots out there. I have already begun to compile a new Bucket List of those places. ❤
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Your post reminded me its been a long time since I reviewed my Possibilities List, created when I first retired. I did try many of the things on there, did mark some “no, never” (like jumping out of a plane – sorry, just no). But now I’m wondering if I need to relook to see what might still be on the “maybe” list!
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Hi, Pat – I am with you 100% on never (and I mean NEVER) jumping out of a plane. I agree that revisiting our possibilities list is a great idea. You never know what inspiration it might strike! Thank you for reading and commenting!
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Hi Donna, I love the little smooch photo at the end – and also, oh my goodness does the road look treacherous and glad your jeep got you there. Also, I once heard that three nights away was a good amount to really feel change – and so to imagine a seven-night camping trip – ahhhh that does sound like wellness fuel.
Also, like that photo by the old rusty car –
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Thanks, Yvette – It truly was a wonderful trip and all three of us are delighted that we finally made it to Cape Scott. However, Richard and I do have some new camping rules. When booking camping far in advance we will only book for guaranteed warm weather (i.e. July and August), and we will only be setting our tent up once per trip. ❤ ❤ ❤
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oh those rules sound like seasoned approaches to what to do next.
My husband is into hiking but he hates to go in the summer months because of how buggy it is – which he says really ruins it for him.
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he also brings a hammock and has some high tech gear so he enjoy colder weather.
I only go occasionally – and glad I finally did because a 3-mile hike and one tent night is a perfect adventure for me – and not much more than that!
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Hi, Yvette – We are lucky that we haven’t experienced many bugs when camping on the island (or in our backyard)…at least not so far. We also always bring a camping hammock with us for these adventures. That’s makes a perfect little reading area for me! I like how you know your limits for hiking and tenting. That makes everything more enjoyable when we know what works best for each of us. ❤
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Wow, I had no idea that such exquisite beauty existed north of Port Hardy (which is a pretty beautiful area, itself). Knowing that Deb drove her EV a good part of the way, gives me the idea that we could do a combo road trip/tour ourselves. I would definitely pick a warmer month, though. Because of its isolation, I don’t imagine it gets too terrible crowded at any time… right?
Thank you for sharing your big adventure! You can’t do much better than “mix of nature, movement, and social connection.”
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Hi, Janis – I had high expectations for our trip to San Josef Bay and that stunning beach surpassed all of my expectations and then some. (It has been consistently ranked in the Top 50 Beautiful Beaches in the World). I also had high fears about us driving there on those dreaded logging roads. But going on the weekend, when no logging trucks are allowed, was very doable. Deb drove her car to Port Hardy. From there it was 49 km to Holberg (where we stayed in a cute little Adventure Hut overnight….right next door to a Pub). From there it was only 20 km more to the parking lot at San Josef Bay. I think that you and P would love it and find it quite doable to get there. Although San Josef Bay is more crowded than it once was, you are right, it’s remoteness, the logging roads and the hike in and out have kept it much less crowded than other Vancouver Island beaches. We loved it and believe that you will love it too!
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Wow Donna, this looks amazing and what an adventure to tick off your bucket list! Well done for all your planning and sharing how your trip played into your wellness, I love it!!
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Thanks, Debbie – Despite the weather (cool, wet and very muddy) it was an awesome trip. I am so glad we finally got there.
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I agree 💯 with this post! It was fantastic to cross this one off my list too, and with such excellent company 💕
Deb
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I loved the excellent company as well! Thank you for helping to make this an extra fun adventure!
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Fantastic that you made this happen, Donna. It’s a long way to go to see sea stacks but I can feel your satisfaction with the trip. I have friends holidaying on Vancouver Island this year, and I’m wondering if they have any idea about this place. I must mention it to them xx
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Hi, Jo – We loved this trip and didn’t consider 400 km far at all (we regularly travel 500 km to visit my mom in the interior of BC….and that seems much farther because of the ferry schedule, the 2 hour ferry ride and the Highway from Hell Mountain Pass). 😀 We also took this opportunity to visit other Northern Island places like Port Alice, Port Hope, Holberg, Sayward and Telegraph Cove. We will definitely return back that way to see even more. Depending where on the Island your friends are staying, this could be a fantastic side trip for them. ❤
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I guess I was comparing with seeing sea stacks here, because they’re only about 40km away, but it’s a very different experience. My friend’s daughter lives in Vancouver and they’re spending a 2 week holiday with her on the Island xx
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That’s awesome. I hope you friends enjoy their time here. I am very biased but I absolutely love our island and am always delighted when others enjoy their time here as well.
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Whenever I visit VI, I feel like I’ve gone to another country. And that was just under a year ago. I’m guessing the only thing that would have made San Josef Bay/Cape Scott better would have been warmer weather. Crossing off the bucket list goals (just crossing items off the seasonal to-do list) does lend to a feeling of accomplishment & well-being. A change of scenery always seems to give me a new appreciation for home. On my bucket list – a St. Lawrence River boat cruise.
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I love hearing that, Mona. When I go to Quebec, I feel that that is a whole different country — I love that about Quebec and about Canada. So, it’s cool that VI is viewed that way too. The weather at San Jose Bay was 12ish C so that was fine and it all added to the charm! A St. Lawrence River Boat Cruise sounds fabulous. Please keep me posted.
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Looks like a fun, but wet adventure, Donna! I’m sure you were happy to return to the comforts of your home after a week of primitive camping. Well done reaching this goal and bucket list item.
I don’t have a bucket list (I find the term overused and misused), but I do have a long mental list of places I’d like to visit one day and experiences I’d like to indulge in. Antarctica was one of those and I started 2025 with it, so I’m pretty happy this year. 🙂
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Hi, Liesbet – Whatever we call it, having a list of things (mental or otherwise) we would like to do, or even just possibilities, can make a huge difference in the long run. I am delighted to hear that you have already achieved a big item off your list in 2025. Your trip to Antarctica truly sounded amazing. Big hugs to your, Mark and Maya. ❤
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I can see why this spot was on your bucket list! It’s breathtaking! I was able to visit British Columbia as a child and I’ve always had fond memories of that trip and the beauty found all around me! My husband and I may have to add San Josef Bay to our own list of places to visit! So happy for you!
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Thanks so much for this lovely comment, Laura. I am delighted that you were able to visit BC as a child. If you and your husband do decide to visit San Josef Bay please stop by center island and we can meet up for coffee! ❤
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Your story shares great information and your photos are gorgeous, Donna! The concept of a seven night camping trip and reflecting on what matters most resonates with me. We were on a week’s camping trip the beginning of May on the west coast and I find these getaways life changing on many levels. We just arrived home from another adventure late last night. I will catch up around here and connect with you and Deb likely next week to find a good time to meet up. You did a wonderful job showcasing a remote part of ‘our’ Island. I loved reading this! 💕 Erica
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Hi, Erica – Thank you for reading, commenting and for your kind words. I thought you had been away camping too. We can all share recent camp stories when we meet. Looking forward to getting together soon! ❤
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Hi Donna, when Deb wrote about this trip I compared the experience to visiting the Bay of Fundy in Nova Scotia – chills, in the best way possible. You have confirmed that notion. I understand how you were drawn to this beautiful place. It is stunning, and your photos convey how rare this place is. Congratulations on checking it off your bucket list. I have a big bucket list item to face next year in New Zealand. It will take me until then to work up my nerve. Thanks for sharing.
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Hi, Suzanne – Thank you for this uplifting comment. I love ‘chills in the best possible way,’ especially when they involve travel! I’m excited to hear about your big bucket list item in New Zealand. I can’t wait to read more about this! ❤
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Hi Donna, What a wonderful adventure and a beautiful place! Congrats on checking off this item on your bucket list. I can relate to the sense of accomplishment and the “what’s next” thinking after finishing an adventure like this. Keep going! I don’t have a bucket list but every solo trip that I take to a foreign place is an adventure to me. Thank you for sharing.
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Hi, Natalie – I love your adventures. If you call them ‘bucket list items’ or not, you have had incredible, well-planned, exciting adventures. They never fail to inspire me!
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Wow, what an adventure! Those sea stacks sound incredible, and that hike sounds like quite the workout (ninja warrior challenge included!). I’m all about tackling bucket list goals too, though mine are usually a bit closer to home these days. For example, I recently committed to spending more time outdoors with my dog, thankfully, I’ve got a trusty pooper scooper service to handle the less glamorous side of that commitment! It’s amazing how small things like that can free up more time for bigger adventures. Thanks for sharing your story, it’s super inspiring!
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Hi, Jeanie – Thanks so much for dropping by. Time outdoor with your dog sounds perfect. I don’t have a dog, but I do walk twice weekly in a walking group with my friends who have dog. That outdoor time with dogs (and friends) is always one of the highlights of my week.
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Loved, loved reading this post. Life is a journey. So much to do, so many places to visit (smile). I feel you! I had a recent trip to Thailand ( come see my post). We have a lot in common. There is so much to experience but most requires us to move out of our comfort zone.
I have a bucket list a mile long-mostly travel experiences.
Cheers.
Velva
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Hi, Vella- nice to meet you here. Thank you for your kind comment. I will definitely check out your site. Cheers to bucket lists and travel l!
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Amazing achievement, Donna! The San Josef Bay is my kind of beach. I don’t have a bucket list because it sounds kind of final. At 70 I am superstitious. Silly, I know. Maybe I should create a list and call it something else. 🙂 Anywasy, well done for climbing over the tree.
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Awesome photos! It is good to go on adventures…especially ones on our bucket list!
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Thanks, Linda – It truly was a fabulous trip. Despite all of our beautiful beaches across Canada, San Josef Bay beach is the only Canadian beach listed on ‘The World’s 50 most beautiful beaches.’ ❤
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I love beaches! I think I would love to visit this one!!!
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I highly recommend this one – especially if you like pristine, out-of-the way, non-peopley ones!
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Hi Donna – great post … bucket list is full of memories – I’m happy being there. I loved reading about the sea stacks, and the northerly Straits, when I was over on VI … fascinating topic – but that trip looks to have been amazing … so glad you all had that chance to go. Cheers Hilary
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Hi, Hilary – I am so sorry I missed meeting you in person when you were living on Vancouver Island. It would have been so great to have the chance to talk in person. I’ve been knocking through some small bucket list items – which has been very motivating. I hope that all is well for you! ❤
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