Pacific Rim National Park Reserve is a piece of paradise for those eager to discover the best outdoors on Vancouver Island's stunning west coast.
This national park is famous for its remarkable old-growth rainforest, spectacular coastal scenery and long sandy beaches.
This dazzling area, with lots of exciting activities and attractions to explore, delights all visitors. The Pacific Rim National Park Reserve activities include hiking through the lush temperate forests, walking along the expansive soft-sand beaches, and watching the epic sunset views. You can also enjoy kayaking among hundreds of small islands and hidden bays, discovering wildlife, and have the pleasure of visiting the migrating whales.
The region's extensive vegetation includes Sitka spruce, western hemlock, deer fern, western red-cedar, and sword fern. Animal species vary from marine and sea-coast, like ochre echinoderm and humpback whales, to terrestrial mammals like Vancouver Island wolves.
Pacific Rim National Park Reserve is situated along Vancouver Island's stunning west coast in British Columbia, Canada, nestled just southeast of Tofino.
The park has a 511 km² (197 mi²) surface area divided into three parts. They include Pacific Rim National Park Reserve - Long Beach Unit, the Broken Group Islands and the West Coast Trail, all bordered by mountains to the northwest and the Pacific Ocean to the west. Long Beach is the easiest one to access. It is one of Canada's most visited tourist attractions, which welcomes more than a million visitors yearly.
The Broken Group Islands is the only water access directly to the east of Ucluelet, an archipelago of more than a hundred small, rugged islands at the heart of Barkley Sound, between Loudoun Channel and Imperial Eagle Channel. This maze of channels and waterways is only accessible by watercraft and is a popular destination for kayaking.
This tranquil group of islands' natural features includes arches, sandbars, lagoons, blowholes, and secluded anchorages.
The largest forest islands are Nettle, Effingham, Turret, Dodd, Turtle, Jacques, and Gibraltar Island.
The West Coast Trail Unit in the park is a temperate coastal rainforest that includes the section of the coast southeast of Barkley Sound between Bamfield and Port Renfrew villages.
Numbers of the tallest and largest trees in Canada exist on the West Coast Trail. Old-growth cedar, hemlock and spruce inhabit this land.
West Coast Trail is known around the world for the wilderness variety and merits of hiking.
This region features natural wonders like the Tsusiat Falls at the Tsusiat River's mouth, a natural sandstone arch, countless caves, rocky headlands, creeks, coves, and tidal pools.
If you are interested, you can visit Amphitrite Point Lighthouse from the waterway, which is about 33 km (20.5 miles) to the northwest.
There are several beaches near Pacific Rim National Park Reserve, including Keeha Beach, Tapaltos Beach, Second Beach, and Mabens Beach.
Kichha Lake is at the park, but there are also some other lakes nearby. Among them are Calamity Lake, Pachena Lake, Sugsaw Lake, Frederick Lake, Black Lake and Rosseau Lake. The famous Nitinat Lake is about 80 km (49.7 miles) away, near Carmanah Walbran Provincial Park.
From Victoria:
The Fastest route from Victoria is via Trans-Canada Hwy/BC-1 N, which is 200 km (12 miles) and takes about 3 hours and 18 minutes.
Take Trans-Canada Hwy/BC-1 N, Cowichan Valley Hwy/BC-18 W and Youbou Rd to N Shore Rd in Cowichan Valley I, which is 125 km (77.6 miles). Continue on N Shore Rd to your destination in Alberni-Clayoquot A, and after 74.6 km (46.3 miles), you will reach the Pacific Rim National Park Reserve.
From Nanaimo:
Nanaimo's fastest route is via BC-4 W, which is 176 km (109 miles) and takes about 2 hours and 22 minutes.
Head west on Fitzwilliam St towards Wesley St. After 800 m (2624.6 ft), continue onto Third St for 1.9 km (1.1 miles). Then continue onto Jingle Pot Rd and, after 650 m (2132 ft.), turn right onto BC-19 N (signs for Campbell R). After 41.2 km (26.6 miles), take exit 60 towards Port Alberni. Drive for 1.5 km (0.9 miles) and merge onto Memorial Rd/BC-4 W. Continue to follow BC-4 W and after 128 km (79.5 miles), turn right onto Pacific Rim Hwy/BC-4 W. Drive for 1.1 km (0.68 miles) to reach Pacific Rim National Park Reserve.
Note: After passing these trails, you'll reach Long Beach. The Broken Group Islands are accessible by water only on the east of Ucluelet.
There is no designated hiking trail to reach Pacific Rim National Park Reserve.
The Pacific Rim National Park Reserve was inaugurated in 1971 in the presence of Princess Anne of England.
In the Broken Group area, an archeological site on Benson Island has uncovered evidence of human existence dating back over 5,000 years. Still, the Tseshaht is the only surviving group whose people live on the islands. At the same time, Benson Island hosted a summer village (now known as Port Elburney).
There are lots of exciting activities and attractions to explore in this national park; several things to do, such as hiking through the old-growth rainforest, walking along sandy beaches. Maybe you desire to enjoy water activities like kayaking among hundreds of small islands and hidden bays and surfing the wild Pacific Ocean waves. You can also discover the wildlife and enjoy whale watching and spectacular coastal views or watching the sunset.
Long Beach is exceptionally well known for its brilliant scenery, beautiful landscapes and moss-covered western hemlock forests, Pacific silver Fir trees, and western red cedar. Due to the strong winds and heavy rains in the winter months, this area is also a popular destination for storm watching.
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.
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 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.
The Somerset Range is a chain of small low mountains. The highest peak is Hobiton Ridge. Have a perfect time hiking through the packed trees covering the hills with ponds and tars dotting the area. Up at the peak, the vista of trees and valley overlooking the water and awe-inspiring view of surrounding mountains lying through the gorgeous forest garnished by colourful birds.
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.
Caves teach us to face our fears. They are signs of history and are full of secrets. Nitinat Caves are a series of small and not very deep caves between Bamfield and Port Renfrew. It needs a sharp eye to find the entrance along the river. Water flows in them, and they lead you to a canyon with gem green water perfect for swimming. The caves offer you beauty and great scenes.
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.
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.
Let's get lost in the west coast nature and find ourselves beside a lake following the smell of the Pacific Ocean. Nitinat Lake is beyond your expectations, kiteboarding heaven and a windsurfers' choice. Cruise the cool and clean water and explore freshwater coves and inlets. Get more of your visit with Nitinat Caves and the underground world of Looper Creek Canyon.
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.
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.
Nitinat Triangle provides an excellent opportunity for those fearless paddlers that lets them set their adventure-thirsty souls on fire. Schedule your trip to Nitinat Triangle when you have 4 or 5 days free. The triangle features campsite facilities and magnetic vies of the land.
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.
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.
All Five senses come together to give the possibility to experience the endless adventure in the Nitinat Lake area. As one of the destinations for consistent winds, Nitinat Lake is a popular place for windsurfing. This lake with long, narrow, and strongly salt-stratified water offers you the best opportunities to fulfil your desires for adventure, kiteboarding in particular.
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.
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 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.
The Somerset Range is a chain of small low mountains. The highest peak is Hobiton Ridge. Have a perfect time hiking through the packed trees covering the hills with ponds and tars dotting the area. Up at the peak, the vista of trees and valley overlooking the water and awe-inspiring view of surrounding mountains lying through the gorgeous forest garnished by colourful birds.
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.
Caves teach us to face our fears. They are signs of history and are full of secrets. Nitinat Caves are a series of small and not very deep caves between Bamfield and Port Renfrew. It needs a sharp eye to find the entrance along the river. Water flows in them, and they lead you to a canyon with gem green water perfect for swimming. The caves offer you beauty and great scenes.
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.
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.
Let's get lost in the west coast nature and find ourselves beside a lake following the smell of the Pacific Ocean. Nitinat Lake is beyond your expectations, kiteboarding heaven and a windsurfers' choice. Cruise the cool and clean water and explore freshwater coves and inlets. Get more of your visit with Nitinat Caves and the underground world of Looper Creek Canyon.
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.