Davis Bay and the beaches of Sechelt at a glance
Sechelt sits between the Strait of Georgia and Sechelt Inlet, so its beaches are not all alike. Davis Bay Beach, at 4757 Sunshine Coast Highway, is an open public access that is easy to reach. Its pier is used for swimming and fishing, and shops and restaurants are within walking distance.
Other options are the Trail Bay Pier near the downtown shops, the Shorncliffe access at Snickett Park, the forest-backed shore of Sargeant Bay and the sandy beach at Porpoise Bay. If you want to be on the water instead of beside it, look at Sechelt Inlet kayak tours and rentals. Further along the coast, Roberts Creek has its own shore, covered by Roberts Creek Pier and beach.
Beaches compared
The same five places side by side. Camping prices are for 2026.
| Beach | Setting | Good for | Good to know |
|---|---|---|---|
| Davis Bay | Open shore with a pier | Evening walks, a swim, fishing from the pier | Shops and restaurants within walking distance |
| Trail Bay | Shore and pier near downtown | A walk combined with a meal | Close to the shops of Sechelt Village |
| Snickett Park | Access at 5440 Shorncliffe Avenue | A short stop in Sechelt Village | Open and easy to reach |
| Sargeant Bay | Grass and pebble beach, forest trails | A day trip with a short walk | Day use only, no camping, no swim area |
| Porpoise Bay | Sandy beach on the inlet | Families, camping, estuary walks | Dogs are not allowed on the beach |
For most visitors, Davis Bay is the easiest first stop: it is open, close to food and easy to combine with a drive along the highway. Choose Porpoise Bay if you want sand and a campsite, and Sargeant Bay if you prefer a quiet day with a walk.
Boat trips and day tours from Sechelt
Kayak outings, boat trips and day tours around Sechelt and the Sunshine Coast, with live prices and availability.
Davis Bay: pier, driftwood and evening light
Davis Bay is the beach most people mean when they say Sechelt beach. The access is open, so you can reach the shore without trouble. That does not mean the water has been cleared for swimming on a given day.
The pier is the natural centre of a visit. People swim and fish from it, and because restaurants and shops are a short walk away, it works well as a stop before dinner. Driftwood collects along the shore, and the light in the evening is the reason many people come. Clouds decide how good a sunset is, so treat it as a bonus and not a promise.
Trail Bay Pier and Snickett Park in Sechelt Village
The Trail Bay Pier lies close to the downtown shops and restaurants. That makes it the easiest beach stop if you are already in the village. There is no need for a separate trip: walk down to the water, then back to the shops. Our guide to where to eat in Sechelt covers the food side.
Snickett Park is a public access at 5440 Shorncliffe Avenue, in Sechelt Village. It is open and easy to reach. It is a short stop rather than a destination, and a good place to look at the water on your way through.
Sargeant Bay: trails, a fish ladder and a quiet shore
Sargeant Bay is a day-use area and camping is not allowed. You reach it along Redroofs Road, 8.2 km from Sechelt. The beach is made of grass and pebbles, the seawater is cold, and there is no marked swimming area and no lifeguard.
- Colvin Creek Trail: about 1 km.
- Shore path to the fish ladder: about 300 m.
- Paddling: kayaks and canoes are allowed.
- E-bikes: not allowed on park trails, except on roads and motor areas where they are permitted.
Sargeant Bay is a good choice when Davis Bay feels busy and you want a walk with a view of the water.
Porpoise Bay: sand, estuary and campsites
Porpoise Bay lies 4 km north of Sechelt along Sechelt Inlet Road. It has a sandy beach, the Angus Creek trails and an estuary area. It sits on the inlet, so the water and the feel are different from the open strait at Davis Bay. There is no lifeguard service. Dogs must be on a leash and are not allowed on the beach.
The campground operates from 15 April to 15 October 2026. A night costs CAD 42 per party in high season, which runs from 15 June to Labour Day, and CAD 29 in the off-season. Walk-in and cycle-in sites cost CAD 15. Reservations are recommended in July and August but are not required in general. Fires are allowed only at three shared fire pits. Full details are on our Porpoise Bay Provincial Park page.
Swimming around Sechelt: what to know
- Open access is not a water check. A beach that is open can be reached. Whether you should swim depends on weather, water quality and local notices, so look for signs on the day.
- The water is cold. The sea at Sargeant Bay is cold, so plan a short dip and not a long swim.
- Few lifeguards. Neither Sargeant Bay nor Porpoise Bay has lifeguards, so keep children close.
- Not every shore is a swimming spot. The tidal rapids at Skookumchuck Narrows can run faster than 30 km/h. They are not a swimming stop. See Skookumchuck Narrows for how to see them safely.
Davis Bay and Sechelt beaches: frequently asked questions
Where is Davis Bay Beach?
At 4757 Sunshine Coast Highway, just outside Sechelt Village. The pier is on the same shore, with shops and restaurants within walking distance.
Can you swim at Davis Bay?
People swim and fish from the pier, and the beach is open. That describes access, not water quality, so look for local notices on the day. The water is cold, so plan short swims.
Is there a lifeguard at Sargeant Bay or Porpoise Bay?
No. Neither beach has a lifeguard service. Sargeant Bay also has no marked swimming area.
Can you camp at Sargeant Bay?
No. It is a day-use area. The nearby campground is at Porpoise Bay, which operates from 15 April to 15 October 2026.
Are dogs allowed on the beaches?
At Porpoise Bay dogs must be on a leash and are not allowed on the beach. Check the signs at other beaches before you bring a dog.
Is this an official site of Sechelt?
No. This is an independent guide. It is not run by the District of Sechelt, the shíshálh Nation, BC Parks or any tour operator.