The Pelham Range is a 52 square kilometres (20 sq miles) small hill range located in the northeast of the Sarita community between Alberni Inlet and the Sarita River.
Sarita River watershed includes parcels of the Pelham Range, which is adjacent to the Alberni Inlet. The watershed includes Sarita Lake Fredrick Creek, Sabrina Creek, and several smaller tributaries that drain Sarita Lake.
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. Paddling and fishing a whole day in the calm waters with a pleasant ambiance ornamented by colourful birds are among other options.
Visitors would have a perfect time walking through the forest around gorgeous creeks and lakes and visiting the spectacular series of Sarita Falls surrounded by rainforest.
Climbing the mountains would be fascinating, passing through hills covered with beautiful trees.
The Pelham Range area experience heavy rainfalls and mild temperatures, which result in the rainforest. Due to the area's exposure to heavy winds with low elevations and sunny summers, sturdy and large Sitka spruce, red-cedar and hemlock are abundant.
Many wildlife and birds exist in the area, such as cougar, black bear, and Roosevelt elk. At the west coast and nearby Pacific Rim National Park Reserve, whales, grey whales, seals, and stellar sea lions are copious.
The Pelham Range offers a memorable experience steeped in history and nature. The Sarita River watershed lands, which include most parcels of the Pelham Range, are owned by Huu-ay-aht First Nation and other private lands as Crown Land by Island Timberlands.
The Pelham Range is located on the west side of Vancouver Island between Alberni Inlet and Sarita River parcels within the Sarita River watershed. The range is northeast of the Sarita community adjacent to the Alberni Inlet, with several creeks and lakes within and nearby.
The Sarita River watershed consists of Sabrina Creek, Fredrick Creek, South Sarita River, and smaller tributaries draining to Sarita Lake as Miller, Thompson, Central, and Hunter Creeks. The lakes within the watershed are Sarita Lake at the watershed's center; Bewlay Lake drains to Sarita Lake and Fredrick Lake in the lower part of the watershed.
While visiting the Pelham Range, a series of spectacular waterfalls with 12 m (40 ft.) to 18 m (60 ft.) drops are located near the river. They offer perfect paddling with a stunning atmosphere and temperate forest surroundings.
Fish species such as trout, Coho, chinook, chum salmon, cutthroat, and steelhead are abundant in the watershed creeks and lakes, giving perfect fishing opportunities.
Pacific Rim National Park Reserve is located 22 km (13.6 miles) west of the Pelham Range, which protects gnarled red-cedar, Sitka, and hemlock trees. It would be fun visiting bountiful species of wildlife, birds, and marine creatures.
Should you have time, check out Carmanah Walbran Provincial Park 35 km (21.7 miles) southeast of the Pelham Range, and enjoy several hiking trails garnished with bountiful wildlife and colourful birds inducing a sense of freshness. You can even have a serene time camping in the wilderness.
Bamfield is the nearest community to the Pelham Range.
From Nanaimo:
Getting to the Pelham Range from Nanaimo is via BC-19 N. It is a 153 km (95 miles) route and takes about 2 hours and 47 minutes.
Take BC-19 N and BC-4 W to Franklin River Rd for 87.1 km (54.1 miles). Continue on Franklin River Rd and drive 66.1 km (41 miles) to your destination in Alberni-Clayoquot A.
From Victoria:
The fastest route to get to the Pelham Range from Victoria is via Trans-Canada Hwy/BC-1 N. It is a 193 km (119.9 miles) route and takes almost 3 hours and 28 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 and drive 125 km (77.6 miles). Continue N Shore Rd for 67.6 km (42 miles) to your destination in Alberni-Clayoquot A.
Hikers would experience a perfect stroll along the west coast of Vancouver Island through the "West Coast Trail." The point-to-point 75.3 km (46.7 miles) trail is heavily trafficked out. It offers excellent hiking through the pleasant ambiance of moderate rainforest packed with wildlife and colourful birds. The West Coast Trail is used for backpacking, hiking, and camping and is rated as difficult gaining an elevation of 1822 m (5977 ft.). The best time to hike the trail is from May through September.
Pelham Range area is home to the traditional territory of the Huu-ay-aht. These people's legends and culture are rooted in the mountains and lakes within the Pelham Range and areas around.
While visiting the Pelham Range, you would be fascinated by incredible mountains. They have a beautiful vista overlooking the Alberni Inlet and gnarled trees wrapping the hills of surrounding mountains.
Mountaineers will experience excellent climbing the range's mountains and hiking through the temperate rainforest, passing the lakes and tarns.
Chances for paddling and fishing of various types exist in the crystal clear waters and pleasant environment of the lakes and creeks within and around the Pelham Range.
You can pitch a camp in the area and enjoy a backcountry camping day or at Poett Nook Marina and Campground. Suit up watching storms crashing on the rocks at the west coast sandy beaches and have fun seeing lots of marine creatures.
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.
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.
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.