Vancouver Island's volcanic origin promises the energetic hounder a constant supply of interesting treasures and precious finds. The abundance and accessibility of beaches on Vancouver Island makes it a 'gold mine' for the rockhound.
Most beaches are public with good access, and full of treasure at low tide.
The glacial origin of the Island is responsible for large deposits of debris full of rocks, with the fascinating geology visible everywhere here and in the Gulf Islands . Ferocious winter storms constantly churn up the coastline, offering renewed bounty to the rock enthusiast. Even the cobble beaches within Victoria can provide areas of interest to the rockhound. Dallasite, named after Dallas Road, is a volcanic rock found on almost any beach, and is not restricted to the Island. Just outside Victoria on the way to Swartz Bay is Island View beach, the site of several palaeontological finds and a good area for rocks and fossils.