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Pacific Rim National Park Reserve protects a stretch of Vancouver Island's west coast in three separate areas: the Long Beach unit between Tofino and Ucluelet, the Broken Group Islands in Barkley Sound, and the rugged West Coast Trail farther south. The park lies within the territories of several Nuu-chah-nulth nations, and its landscapes combine wide surf beaches, temperate rainforest and a rocky, island-studded sound.
Most visitors spend their time in the Long Beach unit. Long Beach itself is a vast curve of sand where surfing lessons and storm watching are both popular, and Wickaninnish Beach offers another broad stretch of shoreline. The Kwisitis Visitor Centre, in the former Wickaninnish Interpretive Centre building, presents Nuu-chah-nulth culture and coastal ecology with views over the surf. The Nuu-chah-nulth Trail links the visitor center area with Florencia Bay through forest, and several short rainforest boardwalks branch off the highway. Green Point Campground sits on a bluff above the beach. The Broken Group Islands are reached only by boat and attract experienced kayakers, while Meares Island near Tofino and the Wild Pacific Trail in Ucluelet round out the area.
The park suits surfers, campers and hikers comfortable with rain and changing conditions. Both neighboring towns provide lodging, and a park pass is required for stops in the Long Beach area.
WiserMap travel guidePacific Rim British Columbia Long Beach Surf and RainforestPlan Pacific Rim National Park Reserve: Long Beach surf, rainforest trails, Tofino, Ucluelet, the Broken Group and West Coast Trail, plus food and stays.Read the guide
The park's famous 16 km stretch of sand between Tofino and Ucluelet, backed by rainforest and open to the full Pacific surf. It is great for walking, surfing and storm watching. A Parks Canada pass is needed to park, and you should watch out for rip currents.
Southern end of the Long Beach area beside the Kwisitis Visitor Centre, with wide sand, rocky headlands and tide pools. It is a popular spot for beginner surfers and for beach walks. The parking area gives easy access to the sand and to the Nuu-chah-nulth Trail.
Wild, less-visited section of Long Beach reached by a short forest trail from the parking lot. Driftwood logs, sea stacks and Sea Lion Rocks offshore make it very scenic. The surf can be strong, so swimming is not advised, but it is ideal for walking.
Two short boardwalk loops on either side of the highway, winding through old-growth temperate rainforest with giant western red cedars and hemlocks. Each loop takes about 30 minutes. There are many stairs, and the boardwalk can be slippery in the rain.
Boardwalk trail of about 1 km through rainforest and over a creek to a quiet cove at the north end of Long Beach. At low tide you can explore rocky islands and tide pools. Check tide times before you go, as rising water can cut off the rocks.
Short, flat boardwalk loop of about 800 m through a coastal bog of stunted shore pines, some of them hundreds of years old despite their size. It is wheelchair accessible and has interpretive signs. It shows a very different side of the coastal landscape.
Forest trail of about 2.5 km linking Wickaninnish Beach and Florencia Bay, with signs sharing the culture of the Nuu-chah-nulth peoples. It passes through quiet rainforest with mossy trees. Combine it with a beach walk for a longer outing.
Visitor centre on Wickaninnish Beach with exhibits about the coast, its marine life and Nuu-chah-nulth culture, including a canoe and large windows facing the surf. It is a good first stop for park information. Hours are seasonal, so check before visiting.
Short paved walk up a hill near the north end of the park, once the site of a Cold War radar station. The top offers views over Clayoquot Sound and the forested mountains. A memorial to Canadians who served in the Korean War stands at the top.
Popular Parks Canada campground on a bluff above Long Beach, with trails down to the sand. Sites are in the forest with good shelter from the wind. Reservations are needed in summer and open early in the year, so plan ahead.
Cluster of more than 100 small islands in Barkley Sound, part of the park, with sheltered waters ideal for multi-day sea kayaking. Campsites are on several islands, and a park permit is required. Access is by water taxi or boat from Ucluelet or Bamfield.
Challenging 75 km backpacking route along the outer coast between Bamfield and Port Renfrew, with ladders, cable cars, beaches and rainforest. It usually takes six to eight days. Reservations, an orientation and good fitness are required.
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