The only active lighthouse in the Tofino-Ucluelet area is Amphitrite Point Lighthouse. The public is not allowed to visit the lighthouse tower; however, as part of the Lighthouse Loop section of the Wild Pacific Trail, the grounds are open to the public. Walking 2-3 minutes straight ahead to the lighthouse, visitors may access the point after parking the cars at the end of Coast Guard Road. They may also enjoy a hiking trail on this journey. Like the rest of the Ucluelet Peninsula, the point has an oceanic climate (Köppen Cfb) with approximately 3.3 meters (130 inches) of annual rainfall and frequent winter storms.
Beautiful views of Barkley Sound and a possible detour to Terrace Beach Interpretive Trail are other sights in the area you may enjoy. At the same time, you come to visit Amphitrite in the early days of Vancouver Island, when Terrace Beach was a canoeing spot for First Nations people.
Amphitrite Point Lighthouse is a beautiful place to watch the sun come up or set, especially as it's close to several accommodations options. Start your discovery when it's still dark, bring a flashlight, and get ready for unforgettable dawn.
Amphitrite Point Lighthouse is located approximately 2.7 km (1.6 miles) south of downtown Ucluelet and 43 km (26.7 miles) southeast of Tofino, British Columbia. It is placed at the southern end of the Ucluelet Peninsula and the west side of Barkley Sound. In contrast, the next local lighthouse, Lennard Island Lighthouse, is located on Lennard Island, where the only access point is through the air or boat.
The Ucluelet Aquarium is north of the lighthouse, about 2.9 km (1.8 miles) away. He-Tin-Kis Park is the nearest park to the lighthouse.
Rocky Beach Area is the closest beach to Amphitrite Point Lighthouse. Some other beaches are Terrace Beach, Little Beach, Big Beach, and Brown's Beach.
From Nanaimo:
Getting to Amphitrite Point Lighthouse from Nanaimo is via BC-4 W. It is about 185 km (114.9 miles) and takes about 2 hours and a half.
Follow BC-19 N and BC-4 W to Coast Guard Dr in Ucluelet. After 184 km (114.3 miles), turn right onto Coast Guard Dr. Drive 750 m (2460.6 ft) more to reach Amphitrite Point Lighthouse.
From Victoria:
The fastest route to reach Amphitrite Point Lighthouse from Victoria is via 4 hr (295 km)
via Trans-Canada Hwy/BC-1 N and BC-4 W. It is 295 km (183.3 miles) and takes about 4 hours.
Take Government St to Trans-Canada Hwy/BC-1 N. After 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
and drive 155 km (96.3 miles). Follow BC-4 W to Coast Guard Dr in Ucluelet, and after 139 km (86.3 miles), you will reach Amphitrite Point Lighthouse.
"Wild Pacific Trail: Lighthouse Loop" is an easy trail with 2.6 km (1.6 miles) length and 56 m (183.7 ft) of elevation gain. It is located near Ucluelet and is suitable for hiking and running. People with all skill levels can use the loop and enjoy wildlife viewing. Please keep your dog on a leash.
Lennard Island Lighthouse off Chesterman Beach; and Cape Beale Lightstation on the south side of Barkley Sound are the next two active lighthouses in the area. There was a small wooden tower built in 1906 as the first lighthouse at the Amphitrite Point. In 1906, the decision to build a lighthouse in the area was a response to the tragic Pass of Melfort shipwreck. It is thought to have cost up to 35 lives.
In 1914 the building was collapsed by severe storms. The new concrete lighthouse building was constructed and opened in 1915.
Explore this spectacular section of coastline, remember its beauty hides the fact that this has historically been a treacherous place for ships. Because the frequent gale-force winds, tidal waves, and tsunami threaten the new Amphitrite building yet, it was constructed with a particular design and shape to withstand intense westerly storms coming off the Pacific Ocean and avoid collapsing again. Until 1988, when it was automated, the Amphitrite was staffed by Canadian Coast Guard lighthouse keepers since 1915.
This newer version, built-in 1915, is so cheerful looking that the spot's tragic past may come as a surprise. Although you can't go inside the lighthouse, the views that can be enjoyed from the outside make the hike worthwhile.
A beacon for hikers and ships as well, this pretty lighthouse offers a picturesque hillside location and sweeping panoramic views for all adventure visitors. Follow the route of an essential feature of Vancouver Island's landscape and history, the red and white building, and set out on the Wild Pacific Trail that leads past Amphitrite Point Lighthouse.
The beautiful place is in pretty good shape for its age and marks an ideal spot for snapping photos and enjoying the ocean view. So beautiful that one can never guess that it's over 100 years old.
Set out from your hotel, somewhere in Ucluelet's central cluster of accommodations, so in less than one hour, you can visit the lighthouse walking on your feet through lush forest as you head towards the coast.
Through the trees onto the rugged hillside emerges Amphitrite Lighthouse. Visitors often stay to take in the breathtaking ocean views and enjoy a picnic and look out to sea.
Otters, seals, sea lions, and several whale species, including orcas, are among the animals you can visit on the site. Hundreds of seabirds also migrate through this area each year.
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.
Do you want to find a happy ending for your hiking around Ucluelet? Ucluelet never falls short in attractions. As part of the Lighthouse Loop section of the Wild Pacific Trail, Amphitrite Point Lighthouse is a long-standing and the only active lighthouse nearby. It is an excellent choice with panoramic ocean views, but you can't go up to the lighthouse.
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.
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.
If you try exploring what you haven't seen yet on Vancouver Island, Barkley Sound might be a good start. After decades of close observation and research, humans realize the importance of killer whales as a means of tourism attraction. therefore, to start your adventure in Barkley Sound, keep its fantastic whale watching opportunities in mind.
Adjacent to Pacific Rim National Park Reserve, Bamfield is a favourable destination for whale watching in the Port Alberni area. To make the most out of your journey in Bamfield, you can do salmon fishing around the coast and enjoy the outstanding birdlife living there.
Broken Group Islands is one of the Pacific Rim National Park Reserve's three main recreational components, which offers paddlers undeniable opportunities to spend time on the water. While you are camping in the wilderness, you may be given the pleasure of watching lagoons, sandbars, blowholes, arches and secluded anchorages.
Those who are planning to engage in the adventure of paddling in Barkley Sound would better schedule their visit for July-August and reserve their seats beforehand. During cold months do not forget to bring rain gear. Besides kayaking, other activities are available in Barkley's good area to be fed on by your souls.
Make the best of your journey on Vancouver Island by camping in one of the possibly best campgrounds on the southwest of Vancouver Island. Pachena Bay Campground offers a quiet private campsite for those who want to get away from the bustle in towns. Not to mention the beautiful, clean, and sandy beach in which you are provided with every possible fun opportunity.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Bamfield is a small fishing and harbour village best known for its magnificent salmon fishing adventures. It offers a wide green area and jungles to hike and enjoy the wildlife. For the tens of kilometres, you have shorelines, amazing islands, and beautiful beaches. It is principally a tourist destination for the West Coast Trail, ocean kayaking, or sport fishing.
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 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 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.
Sarita Falls is one of the pieces of music repeatedly playing by the earth. This beautiful set of falls is placed along the Sarita River in a rainforest space with fresh air, making a stunning atmosphere. There is a sign for the place, a white tree trunk that has fallen on the river, which can complete the picture. The area is also rich in wildlife, so get the most out of your visit.
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.
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.
The Pelham Range is a paradise for mountaineers seeking an isolated area and seclusion. They can spend some days camping in peace on lakes or through the wilderness or paddling and fishing a whole day in the calm waters with a pleasant ambiance. Climbing the mountains would be fascinating, passing through hills covered with beautiful trees.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Pacific Rim National Park Reserve is a national park famous for its old-growth rainforest, spectacular coastal scenery and long sandy beaches. Hiking through the lush temperate forests, walking along the expansive soft-sand beaches, kayaking among small islands and hidden bays, discovering wildlife and whales, and surfing the Pacific Ocean waves are the best things to do in the park.
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.
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.