If you take the ferry to Vancouver Island, drive a few hours through stunning wilderness and charming towns, take a turn down a gravel road in Port Hardy, and keep going…you’ll stumble upon San Josef Bay beach in Cape Scott Provincial Park. A lesser-known beach elopement location that just might be the best of the bunch.

While you might be pulled toward Tofino's beaches for your Vancouver Island elopements, this secluded paradise on the island's northern tip offers an underrated alternative without the crowds. Sydney and Wyatt’s adventure-filled wedding day here shows exactly why this hidden gem should be on every nature-loving couple’s radar

A newly married couple runs towards their dog on a beach with waves and trees in the background on their elopement day at san josef bay in Cape Scott Provincial Park

Is San Josef Bay the perfect elopement location for you? Here’s what you need to know:

Why San Josef Bay Might Be Vancouver Island’s Ultimate Elopement Location

A Look into a Real San Josef Bay Elopement

Things to Consider When Eloping in Cape Scott Provincial Park

My #1 Tip for Eloping in San Josef Bay - Check the Tides!

Looking for a local Vancouver Elopement Photographer?

Why San Josef Bay Might Be Vancouver Island’s Ultimate Elopement Location

Never heard of Cape Scott, San Josef Bay, or Port Hardy? That’s okay, neither have plenty of Vancouver locals. When visitors take the trip over to the island, Campbell River might be the northernmost stop on the itinerary. Why, you ask? Because there a lot of the area is wilderness past that point.

That’s exactly why it’s perfect for your adventure elopement.

Here are four reasons I think you’ll love eloping in San Josef Bay:

1. Uniquely stunning scenery! The beach is wide and peaceful, surrounded by rainforest, sea caves that feel like a secret treasure, and dramatic sea stacks jutting out from the shoreline. It feels untouched, almost otherworldly (and if you time it right, you might have the whole place to yourself). Your photos will make people ask, "Where IS that?" Because honestly? It deserves a spot on any nature-lover’s bucket list.

2. Seclusion without extreme difficulty! Tucked within Cape Scott Park on Vancouver Island’s rugged northwestern edge, San Josef Bay is remote in all the best ways. While it takes some effort to reach, it provides a sense of adventure without backcountry experience. I’m always down to slog up a mountain for some epic views, but here it isn’t needed. The perfect middle-ground for a laid-back outdoor elopement!

3. Perfect for including dogs! If your four-legged friend is an important part of your family (like Freya is for Sydney and Wyatt), San Josef Bay offers plenty of space for them to be part of your celebration. The beach provides plenty of room for your pup to explore during photos (over 2,400 metres long and 210 metres wide at low tide)! *Just be mindful of wildlife in the area.

4. Truly off the beaten path!
In recent years, elopements and adventure weddings have surged in popularity. At the same time, national parks and outdoor recreation spots across Canada (and around the globe) have seen record-breaking visitor numbers. As an outdoor enthusiast myself, I'm thrilled to see more people connecting with nature. But as an elopement photographer, it’s safe to say that true hidden gems are becoming increasingly rare. That’s why Cape Scott gets a 10/10 in my book!

A Look into a Real San Josef Bay Elopement

Sydney and Wyatt got engaged under the northern lights in a Yukon yurt (yes, really), so naturally, a remote, coastal elopement felt just right. Instead of a big wedding, they opted for something way more them: a convoy of their sisters, partners, a few close friends, and their very beloved dog Freya.

We met in the fishing town of Port Hardy, drove into Cape Scott, and hiked to the beach with a wagon full of wedding florals and a cake Sydney baked herself (iconic if you ask me). After a quick switch into wedding attire, they had a first look by the ocean before heading over to the sea stacks where Sydney’s sister performed a symbolic ceremony.

Pro Tip → Getting legally married before or after your elopement can make your day truly intimate and fuss-free. Plenty of couples do this! You can have a loved one perform the ceremony or simply exchange personal vows, rather than having a licensed officiant make the trek with you.

The post-ceremony celebrations included running around on the beaches with the pup, toasting with some fizzy drinks, snacking on cake, and one VERY brave dip into the freezing Pacific Ocean! A day that felt completely and totally them.

Now that you’ve gotten a taste of what an elopement here looks like, let’s get practical with what you’ll need to know for your own adventure (followed by a look into some elopement photo inspiration)!

Things to Consider When Eloping in Cape Scott Provincial Park

It's quite the journey!

The adventure is part of the experience, but be prepared for it. From Vancouver, you'll need to take the ferry from Horseshoe Bay to Nanaimo, then drive 3-4 hours to Port Hardy. From there, it's another 1.5-2 hour drive on a gravel logging road, followed by the 45-minute hike (and then all of it in reverse)!

→ Pro Tip: Plan accordingly and consider making it a multi-day adventure. The payoff is absolutely worth it, but this isn't a location for couples wanting convenience above all else.

Vehicle considerations are important.

While I managed the logging road in a VW Golf in September when the road was in good condition, a 4x4 vehicle is often recommended for the trip. Be prepared with spare tires and know how to change them—there's no cell service along much of the route.

→ Pro Tip: I’d suggest checking the current road conditions for the road before you make the journey. This North Island Road Conditions Facebook group is active and helpful!

Pack everything you need.

Port Hardy has general stores and restaurants, but it doesn't have the vendor options or a huge variety of options for last-minute needs. And once you leave Port Hardy? There are no amenities along the way, so bring all necessary food, water, and supplies—and remember to pack everything out.

Consider limited accommodations near San Josef Bay!

You won’t find endless resorts to choose from like you would in larger, more popular towns. Booking accommodation well in advance is highly recommended!

→ My Suggestion: I stayed at the Ecoscape Cabins in Port Hardy and found them super charming! While Sydney and Wyatt stayed at an Airbnb that could accommodate more people.

Be aware of wildlife.

Black bears, cougars, elk, and wolves are present in the area, so proper precautions are essential, especially if you're bringing a dog like Sydney and Wyatt did with Freya. Research wildlife safety before your trip and come prepared!

Consider the weather and seasons.

Weekdays and shoulder seasons will offer more privacy, but weather is also an important factor, as this area can be quite cloudy and rainy. September worked beautifully for Sydney and Wyatt, with good road conditions and mild weather without the summer crowds.

My #1 Tip for Eloping in San Josef Bay - Check the Tides!

Ask anyone who’s been to San Josef Bay and you’ll get the same answer: timing your visit with the tides makes a huge difference. At low tide, the beach opens up into a wide, explorable beach area, and the distinct sea stacks are fully visible. You can wander through tide pools, explore hidden sea caves and rock formations, and have more flexibility for your ceremony location and photos.

High tide doesn’t make it any less beautiful, but it does shrink your options. The beach narrows significantly, and many of the best photo spots around the stacks become inaccessible or covered by water.

For obvious reasons, I’d recommend scheduling your timeline around the tides! If you’re envisioning a barefoot beach ceremony with the sea stacks in the background, you’ll want to plan carefully.

Pro Tip → The tide times change seasonally and with lunar cycles. You can get tide reports here!

Looking for a local Vancouver Elopement Photographer?

If San Josef Bay is calling your name but the logistics feel overwhelming, I get it! Whether you’re living in the area or planning a destination wedding, you don’t have to figure it all out by yourself.

As an elopement photographer, I help couples not only plan their timelines (around tides, lighting, their must-haves, etc) but also navigate everything from permits, packing lists, and elopement locations.

And it just so happens, I’m dying to get back to this sweet little nook of nature. So what do you say?

Let's Plan Your San Josef Bay Elopement