Lace up your boots and load your camera with film — the Pacific Rim region has more trails than you can shake your walking stick at.
The West Coast Trail is the region’s most famous trail; this 75-kilometre coastal trail between Bamfield and Port Renfrew was originally constructed just after the turn of the century as a lifesaving trail for shipwrecked mariners who found themselves stranded along this coast, known historically as the Graveyard of the Pacific. Upgraded during the 1970’s, the trail can only be
traveled on foot and requires much experience, stamina, and strength. The entire trail takes a minimum of five days to complete, requires preparation for total self-sufficiency, and is definitely not for beginners. However, nature’s rewards to hardy hikers are ample and include immense old-growth rainforests, prolific and abundant marine life, isolated beaches swept by powerful
surf, cliffs, sea stacks, and surge channels. The Bamfield trailhead is only accessible via gravel road from Port Alberni and Lake Cowichan or via passenger and cargo freighter from Port Alberni; there is no vehicle access to the trail itself. Transportation to the trail’s entrance and exit points can be arranged from Port Alberni and Port Renfrew in the South Island region through private companies.
The West Coast Trail is open to hikers between May 1 and September 30 only, and reservations are recommended during peak season (June 15 to September 15). More information is available at www.SeeTheIslands.com and seasonal information can be obtained by calling (250)726-7721 or at www.parkscanada.gc.ca/pacificrim. To book your hike, call 1-800-HELLO BC.
The Long Beach section of Pacific Rim National Park Reserve offers outstanding beach hiking along its 20-kilometre stretch of surf-swept sand. As well, in the headlands and woodlands that border the beach, you’ll find nine hiking trails to explore. At the south end of Long Beach, stop in at the Wickaninnish Interpretive Centre, a marine interpretive centre that presents a glimpse into the natural and human history of the Pacific Rim and provides information about park
programs, activities, and events. Long
Beach facilities are open from March 13 to
October 11.
From Port Alberni, you can travel by
boat (or kayak) to the far end of Great Central Lake and trek to Della Falls, Canada’s highest waterfalls at 444
meters, in the southern section of Strathcona Provincial Park in the North Central Island region. Three to five days are recommended for this wilderness hike.
The 20-kilometre Log Train Trail Regional Park is a multi-purpose linear park for bikers, hikers, and horseback riders. The trail begins at the Port Alberni Info Centre and follows a railbed through the glorious scenery of the Alberni Valley to the McLean Mill National Historic Site (see Attractions and Museums).
In the Bamfield area, several great hiking trails lead to incredible beaches. You can take the short walk to Brady’s Beach or hike farther to Cape Beale Lighthouse or to Keeha and Tapaltos beaches.
In Ucluelet, the Wild Pacific Trail is now complete. The 8.5-kilometre section wraps around the tip of the peninsula, past spectacular Amphitrite Point and Lighthouse and to He-Tin-Kis Park. You can then follow the roadside trail along the coast to Big Beach where another more difficult and steeper section of the Wild Pacific Trail traces the coastline for almost five
kilometers.
In the Tofino area, trails wind through the forests and lead to picturesque beaches, bays, and inlets.
Neighboring islands, accessible by water taxi, kayak, and boat, offer additional trails. Meares Island, a 15-minute boat trip from Tofino, is a good choice and is home to a 2,000-year-old cedar tree. On Flores Island, just 30 minutes north of Tofino by boat, the eleven-kilometer Ahousaht Wildside Heritage Trail ambles through forests, along beaches, and past First Nations heritage sites; guided hiking tours are available.
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