Choose wisely. Connect locally.Add your business Pacific Rim National Park Reserve is where Vancouver Island meets the open Pacific. Surf rolls onto wide sandy beaches, rain-soaked forest grows right to the shoreline, and the weather can change from fog to sunshine in an hour.
The reserve is made up of three very different parts: Long Beach between Tofino and Ucluelet, the island-studded Broken Group in Barkley Sound, and the long West Coast Trail.
The reserve covers about 511 square kilometres of land and sea and was established in 1970. It protects rugged coastline and temperate rainforest that gets more than 3,000 millimetres of rain a year, which is what keeps the forest so lush.
It is also the traditional territory of the Nuu-chah-nulth peoples, including the Tla-o-qui-aht and Yuułuʔiłʔatḥ.
This is the largest and longest beach in the reserve, set on Wickaninnish Bay between Tofino and Ucluelet.
Consistent surf at Long Beach made it one of the first popular surfing spots in British Columbia. Photo: Buiobuione, Wikimedia Commons, CC BY-SA 4.0
Surf rolls in all year, with moderate conditions in summer and bigger swells in winter that suit only experienced surfers. Wickaninnish Beach offers a good mix of waves for beginners.
Wickaninnish Beach offers a good mix of waves for beginner riders. Photo: Kyla Duhamel from Saskatoon, Canada, Wikimedia Commons, CC BY 2.0
The main education centre in the area has exhibits on wildlife, plants, Indigenous culture and history, along with a theatre, a restaurant and a gift shop. It makes a good rainy-day stop, and you can pair it with a beach walk.
The Kwisitis Visitor Centre shares Nuu-chah-nulth stories and displays. Photo: Kristina D.C. Hoeppner from Wellington, New Zealand, Wikimedia Commons, CC BY-SA 2.0
Here you can see a carved post marking the traditional territory of Kwisitis and hear stories shared by Nuu-chah-nulth elders, with interactive displays. The gift shop sells work by Nuu-chah-nulth artisans, so it is a thoughtful place to shop for a souvenir.
This self-guided interpretive walk teaches you about the lands and seas that are essential to the people of this coast.
Tofino sits at the western end of Highway 4 on the edge of Clayoquot Sound. Photo: Alasdair McLellan, Wikimedia Commons, CC BY-SA 3.0
The only campground inside the reserve between Tofino and Ucluelet sits near the south end of Long Beach and is open seasonally. It has flush toilets and showers, plus assembled tent cabins for those who prefer not to bring a tent.
Ucluelet, known locally as Ukee, lies at the western edge of Barkley Sound. The Wild Pacific Trail starts at Amphitrite Point Lighthouse and follows the open coast, ideal for a shoreline stroll with ocean views.
Meares Island is reached by boat or water taxi from Tofino. Photo: Darren Kirby from Penticton, Canada, Wikimedia Commons, CC BY-SA 2.0
This forested island near Tofino is reached by boat or water taxi and is home to Opitsat, the main village of the Tla-o-qui-aht. A large part of the island is protected by conservancies.
The Broken Group Islands are reachable only by boat and are popular with kayakers. Photo: Roy Luck, Wikimedia Commons, CC BY 2.0
More than 100 small islands and islets in Barkley Sound make up this unit, reachable only by boat and loved by kayakers. There are seven camping areas, and there is no fresh water on the islands, so bring all you need.
The West Coast Trail follows the shoreline from Port Renfrew to Bamfield. Photo: Paxson Woelber, Wikimedia Commons, CC BY 2.0
This 75 kilometre trail runs along the coast from Port Renfrew to Bamfield, built after shipwrecks to help rescue sailors. It is a demanding hike of five to seven days, open from May 1 to September 30, and reservations are required because permits are limited each day.
The west coast of Vancouver Island is a seafood destination. Look for Dungeness crab, one of the most important catches on the coast, and for spot prawns, which are harvested in a short window around May and June and are prized for their sweet flavour.
For dessert, try Nanaimo bars, the no-bake chocolate, custard and coconut squares named for the city of Nanaimo on Vancouver Island. Tofino has attracted many chefs, so expect creative menus alongside simple harbour spots.
Popular dishes to try in Pacific Rim National Park Reserve
Tofino is the most lively base, with a wide choice of lodging, restaurants and tour operators.
Ucluelet is quieter and works well for hikers, anglers and anyone planning to walk the Wild Pacific Trail.
Green Point Campground is the in-park option for campers, close to Long Beach and the forest.
Bamfield, on the far side of Barkley Sound, is the stop for those starting or finishing the West Coast Trail, or planning a quieter stay.
Where to stay in Pacific Rim National Park Reserve
The reserve is open from mid-March to mid-October, though Long Beach can be visited year-round. Summer is drier, though fog often covers the coast in the mornings, and it is also the busiest season on Highway 4.
March brings the Pacific Rim Whale Festival, based in Ucluelet, and from November to March storm watching draws visitors who enjoy big surf from a safe distance.
Highway 4, the Pacific Rim Highway, runs west from Port Alberni and takes at least 90 minutes on a steep, twisting road. It is busy in summer, so use pullouts to let others pass. Driving times to Long Beach are about five hours from Victoria and about three and a half from Nanaimo.
A small regional airport serves the area, and Tofino Bus runs services from Victoria, Vancouver, Nanaimo and Port Alberni. Between Tofino and Ucluelet, a network of trails and multi-use paths links many beaches, so cycling is an option.
Arrive in Ucluelet, walk a section of the Wild Pacific Trail and visit Amphitrite Point Lighthouse. Eat dinner in town.
Drive to Long Beach for a morning walk at low tide, then visit Wickaninnish Interpretive Centre.
Continue to Tofino.
Add a kayaking trip in the Broken Group, or plan a longer stay and tackle part of the West Coast Trail with a reservation.
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