Editor’s Note:

As part of our Valley In Sight series we take a look today at the first Valley beach our daughter and I ever truly loved and its neighbouring farm that has become a mainstay in our Summertime and eating universe.

If there’s one thing the Valley has plenty of, it’s beautiful beaches.

I still find it charming that a busy day of surf and sand means a couple dozen families with blankets and plastic pails after California where a day at the beach had some serious personal space issues attached to it.

But, I love quiet…I mean L-O-V-E…especially when it comes to a morning walk on the waterfront or an afternoon tide pooling.

I also have this thing for, on occasion, turning down a road and driving to the end, just to see what is there.

That’s how we discovered Williams Beach in Merville, and the coolest working farm in the Valley.

At the end of a long road lined with thick forest is this gorgeous, relatively undiscovered slice that is beautiful from end to end.

When you need a break from the world, this is your spot…Call ahead to make a reservation and take a tour of the petting farm (awesome) and greenhouses at Seaview Game Farm and make sure to plan for the rest of the day lunching and lounging on Williams Beach.

Your family, guests, neighbour, just about anyone really, will love you for a day outside with fresh food, fresh air and some serious good times.

Here is my original post:

March 29, 2007

If your idea of a family day on the beach involves a quiet, out-of-the-way beach front with a quirky game farm/ice cream stand within a short walk of the shore, Williams Beach near Merville is an unusual, easily accessed spot.

At the end of Williams Beach Road, you can either head toward the beach (which butts up against the Alders cottages) or over to Seaview Game Farm, a funky, fun place to learn, pick up some of the most fantastic venison sausage ever and - as I said before - stop in for an ice cream or a cold drink (we’ll take a look at Seaview more in depth in a future post). There is very limited parking at the beach access point. Be sure to park on the side of the road as not to block others wanting to get out on the sand.

The beach at high tide is very rocky and not much fun for tiny feet and hands. So, as always, check the tide charts to make sure beach time is safe and fun. At low or even mid-tide, though, sand bars are a plenty, with lots of space to play and explore - and plenty of large driftwood to lunch on after.

We love this beach because of its quiet, family nature, its absolutely spectacular views of the Mainland and the fact that Seaview is a favourite stop for the tiny person (and the dinner making person. Their sausage is, again, amazing).

Combined with a Seaview farm tour, a visit to Williams Beach can end up a full day of outside good times for everyone.

DETAILS:
Where: Williams Beach
Directions: Head north from Courtenay on the Old Island Highway until you get to Williams Beach Road (there is a sign for Seaview Game Farm on the highway). Turn right and head to the end of the road.
When: Checking the tide charts is a must for this beach.
Tips: Bring the camera. It’s gorgeous out there.