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Tofino and Ucluelet West Coast Hiking Trails |
The West Coast of Vancouver Island is vibrant & alive with old growth cedars tangled in moss and ferns. Running through this forest are several rivers and creeks, home and feeding ground to wildlife of all kinds. The trees echo with the sound of birds and most times the pounding ocean surf can be heard just beyond the limits of the forest. Within this majestic forest lies several trails, ranging from short easy walks, to long, challenging hikes; each one unique in its beauty and scenery. Listed below are short descriptions of what you can expect of some of these west coast trails: The Wild Pacific Trail (Ucluelet): Radar Hill: Originally a radar installation during World War II, this lookout is now accessible by vehicle to the lower parking lot, where a breathtaking panoramic view of Clayquot sound may be seen. For anyone seeking a more challenging hike, radar beach (which can be seen from above) can be accessed by foot on a steep incline. Please be aware that the terrain is slippery and unstable, and should only be hiked upon at your own risk. Schooner Cove Trail: A fairly moderate walk, consisting of approximately 2 kilometres (round trip) from the parking lot. This trail is a mix between boardwalk and forest floor, surrounded by old growth rainforest. Spruce Fringe Trail: This trail is moderate in difficulty, is approximately 15 kilometres and only has one set of stairs throughout. This trail is situated on the outermost layer of trees which bare the salty ocean winds and weather systems on the west coast. All along this trail are plaques offering educational information about the plants and trees surrounding you. Rainforest Trail: This boardwalk trail is 2 kilometres long, and crosses the Pacific Rim Highway along the way. Several streams meander through this temperate rainforest, where salmon can be found spawning in the autumn. Educational plaques offer information on plants and the area's history on this trail as well. Shoreline Bog Trail: This is a nice, easy walk for all ages to enjoy. The 800m boardwalk loops through a boggy rainforest, stunted in growth by the acidic soils it grows in. The boardwalk is spacious, flat, and wheelchair accessible, making this trail and enjoyable for anyone of any age. The trail is marked with plaques offering educational information about this unique "bonsai" forest. Wickaninnish Trail: This 5km trail is a loop, and connects the South end of Long Beach and Florencia Bay, showcasing different types of forest throughout. This path is marked with a historic plaque offering information about the origin of the path. This path was originally an aboriginal pathway, and an early pioneer roadway. South Beach Trail: This trail begins at the Wickaninnish interpretive centre, and is moderate. It is approximately 1.5 kilometres (round trip) and leads you to one of the park's most unique pebble beaches. The steep incline of the beach, and pounding surf, offer some of the park's largest, most breathtaking waves. Be cautious of unexpected surges while standing on this beach, as they may quickly catch you of guard and can be hazardous. Gold Mine Trail: This 3 kilometre trail is a leisurely walk connecting Lost Shoe Creek to Florencia Beach. The creek bed along this trail was worked in search of gold, and the area was later logged and made into a tree farm in the 1960's. Willowbrae Trail: This trail is a wide, moderate, comfortable trail leading to the long beautiful sandy Florencia Bay Beach. At the end of this 1.5 kilometre trail, however, is a long steep set of stairs for accessing the beach. The trail itself is an old pioneer roadway, used to connect Ucluelet and Tofino. Half Moon Bay: This trail branches off from the end of the Willowbrae trail, and is not a trail recommended for everyone. The steep, windy boardwalk twists and turns in amongst a most majestic old growth forest. Several sets of steep stairs wind through the giant Spruce trees to eventually lead you to a quiet, sandy bay with pristine ocean waters. Bomber Trail: Located deep within the Pacific Rim National Park is a crashed World War II Bomber |
Trail Legend: 1. Tofino Bike Path 2. Radar Hill Beach Trail 3. Schooner Cove Trail 4. Spruce Fringe Trail 5. Combers Beach Trail 6. Rainforest Trail 7. Shorepine Bog Trail 8. South Beach Trail 9. Wickaninnish Trail 10. Gold Mine Trail 11. Willowbrae Trail 12. Half Moon Bay Trail 13. Fletchers Cove Trail 14. Ucluelet Bike Path 15. Wild Pacific Trail 16. Thornton Creek Boardwalk 17. Mount Ozzard Road 18. Dead Bear Trail 19. Bear Alley 20. A Walk In The Forest Trail 21. 5 Km Fisheries Interpretive Trail 22. Sand River Road 23. Clayoquot Arm Road 24. Muriel Lake Trail 25. Virgin Falls Road 26. West Coast Trail (Bamfield) Click here for a large printable PDF map |