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Long Beach View,  Vancouver Island
Long Beach View,  Vancouver Island
Long Beach View,  Vancouver Island
Long Beach View,  Vancouver Island
Long Beach View,  Vancouver Island
Long Beach View,  Vancouver Island
Surfer walking by the ocean on Long Beach,  Vancouver Island
Long Beach View,  Vancouver Island
Surfer walking by the ocean on Long Beach,  Vancouver Island
Long Beach View,  Vancouver Island
Surfer walking by the ocean on Long Beach,  Vancouver Island
Surfers walking by the ocean on Long Beach,  Vancouver Island
Ucluelet sign by the road - Long Beach,  Vancouver Island
Wya point entrance - Long Beach,  Vancouver Island

Long Beach; The Longest Beach on Vancouver Island

Long Beach is located on the west coast of Vancouver Island, one of the longest sandy beaches in this area and the longest beach on Vancouver Island. As the name suggests, it is the longest beach in Pacific Rim National Park Reserve. The park has an upper section, which includes Long Beach. That is why it is known as Pacific Rim National Park Reserve - Long Beach Unit. Take your ticket and ready up for walking hours from the north of the beach to the south.
You will experience an incredible journey, starting from magical anemones, starfishes, crabs, and much more aquatic creatures saying hi from the low tides to the soft sands under your feet and the cool breeze touching your skin. You'd realize that it's indeed a never-ending beach. You've bettered prepared because it is a rainforest just over the ocean, making the area unique.
Like other beaches on the island, surfing and kayaking are so popular here. You can feel the constant swarm of surfers buzzing and strolling around. In this spectacular stretch of sand at the wild pacific, everyone can enjoy their way of interest. Sometimes, you can see the tracks of animals on the sands that make the adventure complete. Don't miss out on visiting this picturesque spot; you would live here if you could!



Long Beach Location

The beach is extended on the west coast of Vancouver Island, 23.3 km (14.4 miles) west of Kennedy Lake. It has about a one-kilometre distance from the Tofino-Long Beach Airport and is reachable by taking Pacific Rim Hwy. The southern part of the beach starts from Pacific Rim National Park Reserve in front of the Wickaninnish Beach extend to the Tofino-Long Beach Airport. The place includes ample parking lots, washrooms, and campsites, close to the local amenities. There are surfing shops and clubs in Tofino offering lessons with storefronts for renting any gear you need.


How to Get to Long Beach by Car

From Nanaimo:
Getting to Long Beach from Nanaimo is via BC-4 W. It is about 190 km (118 miles). Head west on Fitzwilliam St towards Wesley St; after 800 m (2624.6 ft), continue onto Third St. Drive 1.9 km (1.1 miles) more and continue onto Jingle Pot Rd. After 650 m (2132.5 ft), turn right onto BC-19 N (signs for Campbell R). You have to drive 41.2 km (25.6 miles) to take exit 60 towards Port Alberni. After 1.5 km (0.9 miles), merge onto Memorial Rd/BC-4 W. Continue to follow BC-4 W. 128 km (79,5 miles) drive and turn right onto Pacific Rim Hwy/BC-4 W. On the route after 15.3 km (9.5 miles), you will reach Long Beach.

From Victoria:
You may make your way from Vancouver Island's southern end (Victoria, the capital of BC). The fastest choice is to enter the Trans-Canada Hwy/BC-1 N and BC-4 W. It is 300 km (186.4 miles) long and takes about 4 hours.
Take Government St to Trans-Canada Hwy/BC-1 N for 1.2 km (0.7 miles). Follow Trans-Canada Hwy/BC-1 N and BC-19 N to Memorial Rd/BC-4 W in Nanaimo G. Take exit 60 from BC-19 N. Go on your way for 155 km (96.3 miles). Drive to Pacific Rim Hwy/BC-4 W in Alberni-Clayoquot C. After 144 km (89.4 miles), you will reach Long Beach.


The Hike to Get to Long Beach

1. When you decide to get on foot and explore, there are plenty of various trails around overlooked Long Beach. We recommend starting from the Pacific Rim National Park Reserve south of the beach. 8.2 km (5 miles) of hiking trail allows you to hike and relax along the beach.

2. Another trail on the north is "Schooner Cove Trail," not as long as the previous trail, but it would be a pleasant hike from the beach's northernmost point.

3. "Combers Beach Trail," located in the middle of the beach, will attract your attention. You might want to take a walk through the rainforest trail south of the beach. Although the trail won't end on the beach, taking a hike in these two loop-shaped trails both at the west and east of the Hwy. If you want to explore both sides, cross the highway with caution. You'll pleasure the wildlife under the tall trees resembling pillars of the forest and feeling mudflats littered by stumps under your shoes. Don't forget to bring rain gear during the winter. You can't get enough of it.


History of Long Beach

Throughout history, Long Beach Resort has been popular for professional surf competition series in Tofino, Canada. The area was popular among first nation people for its significant fish resources.
Far before European explorers find the place. Europeans settled it in 1909. From the time that driving became possible to the Tofino, the population increased. In the 1980s and 90s, the beach turns into a well-known tourist attraction. Now, Long Beach is part of Pacific Rim National Park. People come to this oceanfront spot to get a taste of the beauty made over history.


Things to do around the Long Beach Area

On this well-kept sandy beach, there is entertainment for everybody. From water activities such as surfing and kayaking to storm watching, walking, or sandcastle building. Great place for experienced surfers and newbies alike.
Walking from north to south and reverse has its fans here. Some people prefer relaxing and gazing at the peaceful floats between the ocean and people strolling around. Others who seek adventure may choose outdoor exploring in the area; in that case, fall trees and rain forests are excellent choices around the beach.
There are plenty of luxury cafes and restaurants to visit for those who are fans of tasting food. Whale watching, kiteboarding, and going deep-sea fishing are other activities to spend in Long Beach.


The Best Beaches Near Long Beach

Wickaninnish Beach

Wickaninnish Beach

Wickaninnish Beach is a large stunning beach with sand dunes and access to the rainforest. Kilometres of sands make it possible to walk on the beach for a long time. Sit on the driftwoods or cliffs to rest and enjoy the view. It would be great staying there making a fire and watching the sun touch the ocean. This beach could be your excellent choice for swimming, storm watching, and surfing.

Cox Bay Beach

Cox Bay Beach

The beach is an excellent spot for challenging your talents out in the ocean and find happiness in salty waters. Cox Bay Beach is a great place for surfers also where you can do other water-based activities you desire. If you prefer walking beach to beach, start from Cox Bay Beach toward Chesterman Beach, one of the most visited beaches on Vancouver Island.

Long Beach

Long Beach

Find yourself in Long Beach and live by the currents. It is the longest one on Vancouver Island, which gives you hours of walking on the sands of the Pacific Rim region. It feels like a never-ending beach, where green and blue meet. As its park and the ocean are generous for activities, you will not regret spending more time on Long Beach.

Chesterman Beach

Chesterman Beach

Imagine how nature treats your eyes and ears by the magic of glorious stretches of sands, amazing sunset, aquatic creatures, birds flying above your head, and the sound of ocean waves. The relaxing moments of the landscape or the joy of walking on the beach, hiking the trails, or doing water activities would satisfy any visitor at any age. Chesterman Beach makes your stay in Tofino outstanding with all the attention it gains.

Long Beach Activities

Long Beach Surfing

Surfing is the most popular activity on the beaches of BC. The water is cold in almost all seasons, so make sure to bring your wetsuit along with other surfing gear.

Boating

Do you have itineraries for trying water sports on your trip out at sea? Grab your gears and be ready up to get hands-on the paddles. Kayaking, Canoeing, Stand Up Paddling, even Jet skiing, and much more selection for you to choose base on your interest and abilities.

Long Beach Storm Watching

The beautiful and pristine atmosphere of Long Beach made it a hot spot for watching storms.

Whale Watching

Watching Gray whales out in the ocean is pretty common; Coming on the ocean surface for breathing air and expelling water up to the sky, which can make you an outstanding experience during your trip.

Kite surfing

An exciting part of the ocean fun that makes your heart beat faster is kiteboarding. The colourful clump of kites flying over the horizon lining up from surfers riding waves can be looking both amazing and challenging for everyone on the beach.

Sunbathing

Despite all the issues behind getting a sunbath, it can be a desirable experience for many; by following some tips, you will make a pleasant experience. Please check out tips and tricks that help you make the most of your trip.

Swimming

Sometimes, enjoying beside the ocean wouldn't be satisfying enough. In cool seasons like summer and spring, swimming would be a great idea when the water is inviting you to join. Knowing when the tides are low and high can help you with swimming. Are you a good swimmer? So, ready up to lose some heat.

Hiking

Some believe that exploring an outdoor beach is needed to get a whole of your journey, especially when stunning trails and nature surround the ocean. When exploring mysterious wildlife, visualize rare and hidden life behind the woods and under the leaves. You'd be surprised!

Fishing

Going deep sea fishing needs special equipment. If you're interested in developing your trip to higher levels, fishing charters and guides around the Tofino district will help you have a pleasant experience. I hope you hit the target.

Camping

Nothing but a great campfire can warm up your reunion at the beach. Have a nice meal with family and friends while enjoying a view of waves and bird sounds around. Many stories can be said, and great times will be made.

Stargazing

Nights at the beach indebted their beauty to the carpet of stars above. When you immerse yourself into gazing at them, you realize how glorious they look. Some of them are brighter than the others, making an asterism by following one another. Travellers interested in astronomy always bring a telescope with them to follow star trails wherever they are. Take a close eye; you might catch a shooting star.

Wildlife / Bird watching

By listening to the birds around you, you'll realize they are talking to each other. Relaxing and watching birds and rare eagles flying over the sea makes the wildlife even wilder! The best time for bird watching in the area is from May to September.

What you Can Expect to Do Near Long Beach

Ucluelet Whale Watching

Ucluelet Whale Watching

Make your Whale watching experience memorable enough to remember it even with closed eyes. in Ucluelet, you will have ample opportunities to encounter these gigantic marine creatures, and you may be lucky to observe other wildlife too. Those whale watching enthusiasts have the chance to attend the annual Pacific Rim Whale Festival happening at the Pacific Rim National Park Reserve, Ucluelet and Tofino on Vancouver Island's west coast.

Tofino Whale Watching

Tofino Whale Watching

Make your adventure worthwhile on Vancouver Island by visiting Tofino and not missing its whale-watching opportunities for the world. You may have the chance to gaze upon Orcas, the most widespread marine mammal on the earth. Clayoquot Sound, located near the Tofino, is a sandy shoreline with rich rainforest.

Clayoquot Sound Kayaking

Clayoquot Sound Kayaking

Welcoming kayakers from everywhere, Clayoquot Sound is a wild network of offshore islands, including alpine valleys, forests, rivers, lakes, and laidback beach towns. Rocky oceanfront coastlines with endangered and rare species living there have made this place a popular destination for paddlers who are not only satisfied by paddling and seek to experience other adventures.

Wya Point Camping

Wya Point Camping

Find the inside campers of yours while you are camping in Wya Point Campground. In the heart of an oceanside forest, Wya Point Campground offers opportunities for camping, and you are given a chance to choose which campsite you want to spend time at. Crystal water, sandy cove, and tide rocks that offer marine life sights and several beachfront cabins and yurts with ocean-view are available in Wya Point, making it an ideal place.

Cox Bay Kiteboarding

Cox Bay Kiteboarding

Great opportunities for kiteboarding are awaiting you in the realm of Cox Bay, no matter if you are an expert or a beginner. But beforehand, check the reports and wave directions. Besides, the magnificent beach of Cox bay offers an abundance of activities you may enjoy.

Wickaninnish Beach Storm Watching

Wickaninnish Beach Storm Watching

Big swells and harsh waves have made this quiet, beautiful beach a hot spot for storm watchers and surfers. So., let your journey lead you to Wickaninnish Beach, where you can meet your expectations of adventure and fun. It's a big beach for wandering on with a nice and long curving view. Wickaninnish Beach is a kid-friendly beach with high chances of observing diverse sea life. Then, do not miss it for the world.

Wild Pacific Trail Storm Watching

Wild Pacific Trail Storm Watching

While hiking Wild Pacific, you are given a chance to enjoy a fantastic storm watching. With hurricane-force winds, both trails of Wild Pacific offer an excellent opportunity to watch storms. Not to mention that overlooking views are provided throughout the hike, which doubles the joy of walking on this long stunning trail.

Kwisitis Visitor Centre Storm Watching

Kwisitis Visitor Centre Storm Watching

Have you ever experienced storm watching on a perched deck overlooking an eye-catching view of the Pacific Ocean? If not, Kwisitis Visitor Centre is awaiting you. As a beautiful exhibition for the natural and cultural patrimony of Pacific Rim National Park Reserve, this excellent Centre offers unforgettable storm watching right on the Pacific shores, which guarantees your fun and adventure.

Long Beach Storm Watching

Long Beach Storm Watching

As one of the main recreational spots in the Pacific Rim National Park Reserve, Long Beach features strong waves pounding the beach. This quality has made this beautiful scenic beach a hot spot for surfing and storm-watching enthusiasts. It is a beautiful and pristine beach on which having a lounge time or walking feels rejoiced. You can lose yourselves in the sand of Long Beach and find them once again.

Cox Bay Beach Storm Watching

Cox Bay Beach Storm Watching

After a long relaxing time on Cox Bay Beach, away from all the stress from urban life, if your souls are looking for excitement, the storm-watching opportunity provided for you may be able to satisfy that need. This clean and peaceful beach offers you a pristine view of the sunset and the chance to watch the surfers skimming the water. It is a good idea to walk and feel the sand upon your feet.

Chesterman Beach Storm Watching

Chesterman Beach Storm Watching

Fulfil your desires for storm watching in Chesterman Beach, near which you can find another tremendous hot storm watching spot, right on the north, Wickaninnish Inn. Chesterman Beach, known for its biggest swells, is a hot spot to enjoy storm watching. Visit the beach in winter and feel the drops of the rain upon your chicks. Also, while you are lying on the beach, you can enjoy observing paddlers and surfers doing their thing on the water.

Wickaninnish Beach Surfing

Wickaninnish Beach Surfing

Lead an adventurous life and get on the road to experience new adventures. Wickaninnish Beach welcomes surfers from all around the world, and this beautiful sandy beach is a great place to forget about all the bills and responsibilities. If you are looking for more reasons that justify Wickaninnish Beach's superiority for surfers, you may consider the lack of rocks with barnacles.

Long Beach Surfing

Long Beach Surfing

Every day in the round year, whenever you are on Vancouver Island and you crave surfing, Long beach welcomes you to its sandy realm. As one of the most popular recreational destinations on the island, Long Beach is one of the destinations for the hurricanes of the Caribbean, bringing some of the biggest and mightiest waves. This quality has made the beach a perfect place for surfers.

Florencia Bay Surfing

Florencia Bay Surfing

Start your surfing diary on Florencia Bay Beach, a fairly exposed shoreline that provides exciting and consistent surfing opportunities. Waves that come from different directions and hit the sandy beach and their quality are the prime triggers for you to start your surfing journey on this beach. The usual mellow waves are exceptional and fantastic, and they have made this beach a perfect place for surfing.

Chesterman Beach (North) Surfing

Chesterman Beach (North) Surfing

If you are a William, it would be amazing to explore and spend time on a beach with the shape of your first name's initial. Chesterman Beach (North), as one of the most-visited beaches on Vancouver Island, offers several recreational activities on its fabulous coastline. Surfing is one of the delightful adventures provided for you, allowing one to find seasonal tides on this stunning beach.

Long Beach Outline

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1. The numbers are estimated on average.

What you Can Expect to See Near Long Beach

Cape Beale Lighthouse

Cape Beale Lighthouse

The first lighthouse established in BC by the Canadian government is the original Cape Beale Lighthouse. It was constructed on the rugged cliffs of the Pacific Rim. The whole complex consists of the keeper's house and the lantern tower. Visitors can access this station by the hiking trail. The lantern tower is not open to the public, but you can enjoy the surroundings and the panoramic views.

Ucluelet

Ucluelet

Ucluelet is a district municipality in Pacific Rim. After Victoria, the Pacific Rim area is the second most visited tourism centre on Vancouver Island. Ucluelet has a distinctive portion in this field with salt-water fishing, surfing, standup paddleboarding, whale and bear watching, kayaking, canoeing, camping, hiking, biking, swimming, storm watching, and beachcombing.

Wickaninnish Beach

Wickaninnish Beach

Wickaninnish Beach is a large stunning beach with sand dunes and access to the rainforest. Kilometres of sands make it possible to walk on the beach for a long time. Sit on the driftwoods or cliffs to rest and enjoy the view. It would be great staying there making a fire and watching the sun touch the ocean. This beach could be your excellent choice for swimming, storm watching, and surfing.

Tofino

Tofino

Tofino with its incredible sunset is a district on the west coast of Vancouver Island. It is busy in summer due to the various water sports. In winter many people come to Tofino to visit West Coast for storm watching and whale watching. The majority of the tourists are surfers, hikers, bird watchers, campers, whale watchers, anglers, and nature lovers.

Maquinna Marine Provincial Park

Maquinna Marine Provincial Park

With a stunning coastline, Maquinna Marine Provincial Park is a remarkable wilderness area. It has spectacular scenery, a pristine environment and a gorgeous boardwalk. Taking a walk through its old-growth rainforest leads you to Tofino Hot Springs Cove. Wilderness camping, coastal hiking, sea kayaking, swimming, and wildlife viewing are among what you can expect at the park.

Low Tide Sea Cave

Low Tide Sea Cave

When the water retreat, Chesterman Beach magic will show up. Be there to watch the underwater tunnels that turn to damp passageways. This hidden jewel is the Low Tide Sea Cave. While you are walking there, it almost feels like a sandy carpet on the floor. The passage to the cave is encompassed by rock walls moss-covered with trees on top. The scenery is worthy enough to be captured.

Pacific Rim National Park Reserve - Long Beach Unit

Pacific Rim National Park Reserve - Long Beach Unit

Long Beach is part of the Pacific Rim National Park Reserve. Its pristine coastal forest features trails suitable for hiking and biking. The park is one of the earliest and most popular surfing locations in British Columbia. Also, storm watching, bird watching and whale watching take lots of attention. Camping at the park makes it possible to get the most out of your visit.

Kennedy Lake Provincial Park

Kennedy Lake Provincial Park

Find your peaceful and scenic area somewhere between Kennedy Lake, the largest lake on Vancouver Island, and the Pacific Ocean. From freshwater to salty water, from beach to beach, is all the natural beauty of Kennedy Lake Provincial Park, making your beach-based recreation. It is a day-use destination, with an impressive lake and a beautiful intertwined forest.

Tofino Botanical Gardens

Tofino Botanical Gardens

If you are interested in nature and culture, Tofino Botanical Gardens is a chance to learn. Strolling along waterside trails and watching beautiful plants is a great opportunity. Besides walking through stone paths and boardwalks, the herb and flower gardens give you a unique sense of freshness. Attending educational programs about the area's ecosystem is another choice you have.

Virgin Falls

Virgin Falls

In the wilderness area of Alberni-Clayoquot C, where you may have a plan for camping, there is Virgin Falls, a gift from nature to adventure lovers. An abundant fantastic forest surrounds this magnificent 53 m (173.8 ft) waterfall. The pool under the waterfall has crystal clear water with mesmerizing blue shades, perfect for swimming and photography.

Gibson Marine Provincial Park

Gibson Marine Provincial Park

Nature heals, and her secret is patience. Gibson Marine Provincial Park on Flores Island attracts many people worldwide to kayak and gives them gifts; natural hot springs, sandy beaches, scenery, and wildlife. Hike in old-growth Sitka spruce forest, camping, soaking in the hot springs, kayaking, swimming, fishing, hunting, and wildlife viewing are the things you can do at the park.

Ahousat Hot Springs

Ahousat Hot Springs

Ahousat Hot Springs is a tourist destination with therapeutic uses for adventure seekers and nature lovers. Clear and tasteless water, room temperature, and excellent atmosphere put the hot springs into one of the most splendid sites for a relaxing experience. Soaking in hot springs despite several therapeutic benefits they have should be done by considering health conditions.

Cox Bay Beach

Cox Bay Beach

The beach is an excellent spot for challenging your talents out in the ocean and find happiness in salty waters. Cox Bay Beach is a great place for surfers also where you can do other water-based activities you desire. If you prefer walking beach to beach, start from Cox Bay Beach toward Chesterman Beach, one of the most visited beaches on Vancouver Island.

Long Beach

Long Beach

Find yourself in Long Beach and live by the currents. It is the longest one on Vancouver Island, which gives you hours of walking on the sands of the Pacific Rim region. It feels like a never-ending beach, where green and blue meet. As its park and the ocean are generous for activities, you will not regret spending more time on Long Beach.

Kennedy Lake

Kennedy Lake

Are you looking for a freshwater lake near Ucluelet? Then try out Kennedy Lake! As the largest lake on Vancouver Island, it is a reward from the Pacific Rim region. If you need a day hike and enjoy the beautiful wilderness, it's NOT too late! In the heart of Kennedy Lake Provincial Park, Kennedy Lake offers kayaking, canoeing, fishing, and swimming chances.

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