San Josef Bay is a very popular easy day hike which offers a great taste of the coastal wilderness found in Cape Scott Provincial Park. The beach is best known for the beautiful sea stacks that separate the two beaches.

The 5km return hike to San Josef Bay is family friendly as well as being very accessible for anyone with mobility issues.

The path is almost completely flat, wide and well graded. Some people use strollers and carts to bring items to the beach. Camping is available, for $10 per person/per night (pay online or at the trailhead in cash). No reservations.

Please note that access to the second beach is much more difficult during high tide - be sure to check the posted tides before heading to the second (furthest) beach. The inland hike back is very steep.

The drive from Port Hardy to the Cape Scott parking lot is 65km but takes around two hours. It is unpaved and includes some private logging roads. Though the route is well-travelled, it is still remote. Bring a good spare tire and give way to industrial traffic.