Facts About Canada

Pacific Rim National Park Reserve

Pacific Rim National Park Reserve protects wild Pacific beaches, surf-battered headlands, temperate rainforest, and island-dotted Barkley Sound on the outer coast of Vancouver Island, British Columbia. The park reserve has three units: the drive-accessible Long Beach between Tofino and Ucluelet, the kayak-only Broken Group Islands in Barkley Sound, and the 75-km West Coast Trail between Pachena Bay and Gordon River.

At a glance — Pacific Rim National Park Reserve
Location Outer coast of Vancouver Island (Long Beach between Tofino–Ucluelet; Broken Group Islands in Barkley Sound; West Coast Trail between Pachena Bay and Gordon River)
Province British Columbia
Place type National Park Reserve (recognizes ongoing Indigenous rights/agreements)
Established 1970
Area (approx.) ≈ 511 km² (three units + intertidal foreshore)
Notable features Long sand beaches (e.g., Long Beach, Wickaninnish, Florencia); storm watching; old-growth rainforest; Broken Group Islands (kayak camping); West Coast Trail (75 km); Green Point Campground; Nuu-chah-nulth Trail boardwalk
Nearby communities Tofino, Ucluelet, Bamfield; regional hub/access: Port Alberni; south trailhead near Port Renfrew

Overview

Pacific Rim NR weaves beaches, islands, and rainforest into a coastline shaped by winter storms and summer fog. Humpback and grey whales migrate offshore; sea otters, seals, and intertidal life thrive around kelp forests and reefs. On land, Sitka spruce, western hemlock, and cedar anchor mossy forests with salmon streams and boardwalk trails.

Lands and relationships

The park reserve lies within the traditional territories of Nuu-chah-nulth First Nations, including Huu-ay-aht, Ditidaht, Pacheedaht, Tla-o-qui-aht, and Yuułuʔiłʔatḥ (Ucluelet). Parks Canada works with Indigenous partners on stewardship, access, and cultural interpretation; many place names, protocols, and stories reflect this living relationship.

Landscapes and ecosystems

  • Ocean & shores: Long arcs of sand, rocky headlands, surge channels, and extensive intertidal flats; powerful swell and rip currents year-round.
  • Islands & inlets: The Broken Group Islands are a maze of low, forested islets with shell middens and rich intertidal life—accessible only by boat/kayak.
  • Rainforest & wetlands: Old-growth Sitka spruce–hemlock with cedar bogs and skunk cabbage wetlands; salmon streams and estuaries.
  • Wildlife (highlights): Whales (seasonal), sea otter, seals/sea lions, shorebirds, eagles, black bear, wolf, cougar; prolific tidepool life—observe only and give space.

Things to do

  • Beaches & day use (Long Beach Unit): Walk Long Beach, Wickaninnish, and Florencia; visit Radar Hill viewpoints; enjoy storm watching (winter) and sunset strolls (summer).
  • Trails & boardwalks: Short rainforest loops and the Nuu-chah-nulth Trail linking headlands and beaches (boardwalk sections).
  • Camping (frontcountry): Green Point Campground above Long Beach (reservations strongly recommended).
  • Broken Group Islands (Barkley Sound): Multi-day kayak camping among island clusters (designated marine camps only; permits required; water taxi options from Ucluelet/Tofino/Bamfield).
  • West Coast Trail (75 km): A strenuous coastal route (Pachena Bay ↔ Gordon River with mid-access at Nitinaht)—ladders, cable cars, tides, and river crossings. Permits, quotas, and shuttles/water taxis apply; season is limited.
  • Paddling & surfing: Cold-water surfing at signed locations; guided sea-kayak tours near Ucluelet/Tofino and in Barkley Sound (experience required).

Access and visitor services

  • Road access (Long Beach): From Nanaimo or Victoria via Highway 4 to the Tofino–Ucluelet corridor; park gates and day-use lots are signed.
  • Broken Group access: Launch from Bamfield, Ucluelet, Toquaht Bay, or via water taxi/charter.
  • West Coast Trail access: Trailheads at Pachena Bay (Bamfield) and Gordon River (near Port Renfrew); mid-access via Nitinaht Village.
  • Visitor centres & passes: Information at Kwisitis (Wickaninnish) and other seasonal centres. Parks Canada entry pass required; separate permits/reservations for Green Point, Broken Group Islands, and the West Coast Trail.

Safety and low-impact travel

  • Cold water & surf: Ocean temps are cold year-round; wear PFDs/wetsuits. Never turn your back on the ocean. Logs in the surf are deadly; rip currents are common.
  • Tides & headlands: Rising tides and swell can cut off beaches—carry tide tables and timing.
  • Wildlife & food storage: Bears, wolves, and cougars frequent shorelines—keep 30 m from deer/elk and 100 m from bears/wolves; store food/garbage securely; pets on leash only and no dogs on the West Coast Trail.
  • Weather & navigation: Heavy rain, wind, and fog reduce visibility; trails/boardwalks are slippery. On the WCT expect ladders, cable cars, and river crossings.
  • Emergency & tsunami: Know evacuation routes from beaches; cell coverage is limited.
  • Practice Leave No Trace—protect shell middens, dunes, tidepools, and culturally sensitive sites.

See also

External links (official)

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