Exploring Extreme Low Tides

One of the most memorable aspects of our beaches is just how far out you can walk from the shore: at our lowest tides, it’s a full kilometre of silky sands.

Think about that for a moment. Imagine taking off your shoes and socks, rolling up your pants, and stepping onto soft sands before walking out for half a mile to reach the ocean. It’s an experience we like to enjoy as often as we can – and there just so happens to be a handful of perfect days each year to do so: during extreme low tides.

April 20-22 marks the first extreme low tides of the year – between 0.77m and 0.87m at low tide – which means you get a full 1000 metres of smooth sands at Rathtrevor Beach, Parksville Beach, and Qualicum Beach. May 17-21 also marks between 0.53m-0.81m tides(!).

The best dates to explore the beach are at extreme low tides, and one of the best beaches in Canada just happens to start outside our doors at Ocean Trails.

It’s worth the trip.