Fourth of July Beach

Fourth of July Beach

Fourth of July Beach extends along the west coast of San Juan Island, in the San Juan Islands archipelago off the coast of British Columbia. Located about 1.4 km north of South Beach and immediately adjacent to the village of San Juan, this beach occupies a segment of the island's northwestern coastline, characterized by wooded cliffs plunging towards the Haro Strait. The shore, exposed to the marine influences of the North Pacific, benefits from clear views of the cold and often rough waters separating Canada from the United States. The site presents a typical morphology of the archipelago's coasts: a mix of pebbles and rocks extending to the high tide line, bordered by dense vegetation of conifers and coastal shrubs. Unlike South Beach, which stretches more broadly to the south, Fourth of July Beach retains a more confined and wild character, with limited access and a less frequented atmosphere. The beach remains largely in its natural state, without significant tourist facilities, making it a prime observation point for local marine fauna—seals, sea lions, and occasionally cetaceans—rather than a conventional swimming destination. Access to the site remains basic: no dedicated parking, no sanitary facilities or showers are present on site. The beach is not supervised and does not fly the Blue Flag. The lack of facilities for accessibility for people with reduced mobility reflects the status of this section of the coastline, which remains largely integrated into the natural landscape of the archipelago.