The east coast of Vancouver Island may be more developed and less rugged than the wild west coast, but that doesn’t mean there aren’t some great little spots to explore. In the Nanoose-Parksville area, you won’t find towering cliffs or dramatic sea stacks, but there are still a few gems worth checking out—one of which is the small bluff behind Pacific Shores Resort.

It’s not a massive feature, but a cool little spot that sticks out into the water, offering interesting rock formations and a nice place to spend an evening with your camera. The surrounding area is primarily residential, with large homes lining the shore, but the scenery makes up for the lack of wilderness.

Low tide is a great time to visit if you’re into bird or wildlife photography. You’ll often spot shorebirds foraging along the coastline, and if you’re lucky, you might catch a glimpse of river otters or a curious seal popping up in the waves.

Along with Madrona Park and Seahaven Road, this location rounds out a lovely trio of coastal access points—perfect for a short walk and landscape photography. And the best part? After an evening shoot, you can head to the resort’s restaurant, grab a drink, and enjoy the view as the sun goes down over this peaceful stretch of coastline. If you’re heading there, take Stroulger Road and park at the entrance to the resort—it’s an easy spot to get to and well worth a visit.