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.
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.
Emotional Boost
Finally achieving this long-held goal has given me a huge mood lift. It has also inspired me to pursue other similar activities.
Personal Growth
Taking on something that seemed too hard at first definitely pushed me out of my comfort zone. Finding a way to achieve this goal reminded me of the power of step-by-step planning and added to my self-confidence.
Increased Motivation
Checking off one bucket item, no matter how small can create momentum for checking off more. Our trip to San Josef Bay definitely shook up my routine and lit a spark of energy and inspiration that I didn’t even realize I needed.
Mindfulness
This adventure (seven nights camping in total) has given me time to reflect on what truly matters to me. It helped clarify where I want to focus my energy and reminded me of the importance of prioritizing for the future.
And There Was More
As our trip to San Josef Bay involved social connection and physical activity it also provided benefits in those key areas. Ultimately, completing this bucket list item has given me a wonderful sense of accomplishment. It has reignited my passion and enthusiasm for adventure, leaving 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.
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