An 88-metre natural sandy beach, a designated National Heritage Lighthouse and a community hall that serves as a central hub for social activities reveal different sides of Shirley: coastal nature, history and community life.
Fishboat Bay: Beach and Tides
Fishboat Bay Community Park is in Shirley, at the end of the dead-end Fishboat Road. The nature park covers 7.7 acres and includes an 88-metre natural sandy beach. The park has an information kiosk, a seasonal washroom, a short trail and stairs leading to the beach. Safe use of the beach depends on the tides, so check the tide level before visiting. The area and length figures refer to different things: 7.7 acres describes the park, while 88 metres is the beach length.
Lighthouse and Community Hall
Sheringham Point Lighthouse is in Shirley and is designated as a National Heritage Lighthouse. There are two clear reference points for access: the parking lot at the end of Sheringham Point Road and Jennie’s Trail. Check for current trail information before setting out.
Shirley’s community hall was built in 1937 and is a central hub for social activities, including the Shirley Sunday Summer Market. Thus, alongside coastal nature and lighthouse heritage, community activities are another distinct part of Shirley.
More Coastal Highlights
Nearby French Beach is a destination featuring a one-kilometre stretch of coastline, a playground and a year-round campground. The two shoreline figures refer to different scales: Fishboat Bay has an 88-metre natural sandy beach, while French Beach has a one-kilometre stretch of coastline. As operations and facilities may change, check current information before visiting. Geographically, Fishboat Bay Community Park and Sheringham Point Lighthouse are in Shirley; French Beach is a nearby destination.
The Wider Region: Capital Regional District
In the wider Capital Regional District destination, Regional Parks protect and manage more than 13,350 hectares of natural areas across 34 regional parks and four regional trails. This system extends across southern Vancouver Island and the Gulf Islands.
The Galloping Goose Regional Trail is one example of the region’s scale. It runs 55 kilometres from Victoria to Sooke, passing through urban, rural and wilderness areas. On the rural sections of the Lochside Regional Trail, cycling, walking, running and horseback riding are possible.
The rock formations in Sooke Potholes Regional Park were created by glaciers about 15,000 years ago. A salmon run takes place on the Sooke River every fall. Visitors can picnic or swim by the river; water conditions may vary. Thetis Lake Regional Park offers more than 40 kilometres of recreation trails and was established in 1958 as Canada’s first nature sanctuary. Swimming, canoeing and fishing are possible in its freshwater lakes; here, too, water conditions may vary.
Discover more destinations: Victoria, Pender Island, Mayne, Sidney, Port Renfrew, Langford, Saanich, Sooke.
For the wider travel overview: Capital Regional District.
