South Island · Cowichan
Bamberton Park
About this Park
The inviting water and the 225 metre long sandy beach have made Bamberton Park an ideal spot for visitors.
Frolic in the warm waves, lounge in the sand and enjoy the views across the inlet. To the east are the shores of the Saanich Peninsula, with the southern Gulf Islands and Mt. Baker beyond. Rising sharply to the west are the mountains of south Vancouver Island.
A vehicle-accessible campground is nestled in this forest environment, where eagles and osprey can be seen circling high above. Waterfowl and seals are frequent visitors to the surrounding waters.
The park is very popular in the summer months, and can be busy as well in June, when a number of nearby schools make field trips to study the intertidal life on the beach. With Victoria just a 30 minute drive south over the scenic Malahat Drive, Bamberton is within easy reach of many tourist attractions. You can also hop on the Mill Bay ferry for the 25 minute trip to Brentwood Bay and visit the world-renowned Butchart Gardens.
Location notes
The park is located on southern Vancouver Island, approximately 45 km north of Victoria off Highway 1. Turn east off Highway 1 onto Mill Bay Road, near the north end of the scenic Malahat Drive. BC Ferries offers service from Mill Bay to Brentwood Bay, a distance of 8 km by sea with a crossing time of 25 minutes. Bamberton Park is located a five minute drive south of Mill Bay. Nearby communities include Mill Bay, Shawnigan Lake, Cobble Hill, Duncan, Victoria.
Activities
- 117:Hiking A 1.5 km trail connects the campground to the beach at the day-use area. This trail is steep in parts. The route from the day-use parking lot to the beach is wheelchair-accessible and paved. For your own safety and preservation of the park, obey posted signs and keep to designated trails. Shortcutting trails destroy plant life and soil structure.
- 117:Canoeing Canoes and kayaks may be used in the inlet. Paddlers can put in at the beach area. The sheltered inlet around Bamberton is a great paddling location, offering views of Mount Baker and the Saanich Peninsula.
- 117:Fishing The warm waters surrounding Mill Bay are a popular destination for local fishers seeking a variety of salmon and rock fish. Fishing is permitted as per provincial and federal fishing regulations. All anglers should check the current regulations issued by Fisheries and Oceans Canada, prior to fishing.
- 117:Swimming There is no designated swimming area at this park. However, the inviting warm water and the 225 metre long sandy beach at the day-use area provide excellent opportunities for ocean swimming.
- 117:Interpretive programs Interpretive programs may be available at this park. Contact the park operator for more information.
- 117:Pets on leash Pets and domestic animals must be on a leash and under control at all times. From May 1 to September 15, dogs are not allowed in the lower day-use area (beach and lawn area). You are responsible for their behaviour and must dispose of their excrement.
- 117:Cycling Bicycles must keep to roadways. Bicycle helmets are mandatory in British Columbia.Please note that bicycles with electric assist motors (e-bikes) are not allowed on the trails within Bamberton Park. E-bikes are restricted to park roads and areas where motorized use is permitted. The only exception to this policy will be for authorized and identified trail maintenance bikes conducting work on behalf of BC Parks.
- 117:Windsurfing There are opportunities for windsurfing at this park.
Facilities
- 117:Picnic areas There is a picnicking and day-use area available with a large vehicle parking lot, picnic tables, flush toilets, fresh water, and a large grassy area where children can play. The day-use area has easy access to the beach.From November through March, not all facilities are available.
- 117:Pit or flush toilets The campground has pit toilets. The day-use area has pit toilets and flush toilets. Flush toilets are not available in the winter season.
- 117:Drinking water Cold water taps are located at the campground and day-use area. Taps are shut off during the winter season.Annual Drinking Water System Report 2024: Bamberton Service Yard [PDF] Annual Drinking Water System Report 2024: Bamberton Standpipe [PDF]
- 117:Accessibility information Accessibility information is available for this park.
- 117:Campfires While fires are allowed, we encourage visitors to conserve the environment by minimizing the use of fire and using stoves instead. Campfire rings are provided at each campsite. Firewood can be purchased from the park operator. Fees for firewood are set locally and may vary. You can conserve firewood and air quality by keeping your campfire small. To preserve vegetation and ground cover, please don’t gather firewood from the area around your campsite or elsewhere in the park (this is a ticketable offence under the Park Act). Dead wood is an important habitat element for many plants and animals and it adds organic matter to the soil.
Location
48.60592, -123.52678 · Cowichan