Pros & cons
PROS
- Iconic Parks Canada chairs with sweeping surf-and-coast views
- Quieter than the big-name beaches, great for a peaceful pause
CONS
- Steep, lengthy stairs make the return climb a workout
- No on-site services like water, food, or lifeguards
Overview
The Red Chairs at Florencia Bay are a classic Parks Canada pause point: two bright Adirondack chairs tucked at a viewpoint above a wide crescent of sand and surf. It’s all about slowing down—listening to the ocean, watching breakers roll in, and soaking up a wilder, less peopled stretch of coast.
What You’ll See
From the chairs you look over an expansive bay framed by sand cliffs, driftwood, and near-constant surf. On good days you’ll spot surfers carving lines and small boats working offshore. It’s a simple scene, and that’s the charm—big sky, bigger ocean, and room to breathe.
Wildlife
Keep an eye on the water and the sky. Seals and sea lions sometimes cruise the lineup, shorebirds work the tideline, and during migration seasons you may catch whales spouting offshore. Bring binoculars and give any wildlife plenty of space.
Getting There
Access is from the Willowbrae Road parking lot. Expect a forest walk and then a long stairway before you reach the viewpoint and beach—totally manageable for most visitors, but you’ll feel it on the way back up.
On-Site Essentials
There’s parking and a basic restroom at the trailhead, but no services at the chairs or on the beach—no water, no food, and no lifeguards. Pack what you need and plan to pack it back out.
A Bit of Context
These chairs are part of a nationwide Parks Canada program that places pairs in scenic or lesser-known spots to encourage quiet reflection. Florencia Bay also nods to local history; the area takes its name from the ship Florencia, and you may find interpretive information about the coast’s storied waters nearby.
Best Time to Visit
For solitude and softer light, aim for early morning or late afternoon. Sunsets can be stellar when the horizon is clear. If you’re here for photos, the low-angle light at the bookends of the day flatters the sand cliffs and surf.
Where it is
49.0021, -125.6370Tips for Red Chairs – Florencia Bay
- 01Start from the Willowbrae Road lot and budget time for the long stairs.
- 02Wear sturdy shoes—the forest trail and stair sections can be slick when wet.
- 03Pack water and snacks; there’s no food or potable water on-site.
- 04Bring binoculars for spotting whales, seabirds, and the occasional seal.
- 05For photos and fewer people, arrive early or linger for golden-hour light.
Amenities
Near Red Chairs – Florencia Bay
All places →All trails →
0.5 mi awayFlorencia BayQuiet, wild beach with low‑tide rock gardens and big surfTrailhead · Restroom
1.1 mi awayShorepine Bog TrailShort boardwalk loop through an otherworldly coastal bogEasy · 0.5 mi · 20 min
1.2 mi awayShorepine BogA short boardwalk through a rare, bonsai-like coastal bogTrailhead · Parking
1.4 mi awayQuisitis PointWind-lashed headland with big surf views and whale sightingsScenic Viewpoint
1.7 mi awaySouth BeachSecluded rocky cove with thunderous surf and storm watchingTrailhead · Parking
1.9 mi awaySouth Beach TrailShort rainforest walk to a wild, wave-battered coveEasy · 1.1 mi · 45 min
1.9 mi awayNuu-chah-nulth TrailRainforest boardwalk with an early Long Beach payoffEasy · 4 mi · 2 hr
2.7 mi awayWillowbrae TrailQuiet rainforest boardwalk to broad beaches and Pacific viewsEasy · 1.8 mi · 1 hr
