Pacific Rim National Park Reserve

Pacific Rim National Park Reserve is a vast protected area located on the west coast of Vancouver Island, British Columbia, just south of Tofino. Established in 1970, this 511-square-kilometer reserve encompasses three distinct regions: Long Beach, the Broken Group Islands, and the West Coast Trail. The park is easily accessible, sitting less than fifteen minutes from Tofino’s town center or a short thirty-five-minute bike ride via the Multi-Use Path.

Visitors encounter rugged coastlines, temperate rainforests, and iconic landmarks like Incinerator Rock. Long Beach serves as a popular hub for surfing, windsurfing, and camping, while the nearby Shorepine Bog Trail, South Beach Trail, and Rainforest Trail A & B offer interpretive hiking experiences through diverse ecosystems. The area holds deep cultural significance for the Nuu-chah-nulth people, whose history is intertwined with the land.

The park supports rich biodiversity, including humpback whales, ochre sea stars, and Vancouver Coastal Sea wolves. The Broken Group Islands provide excellent opportunities for sea kayaking, while the West Coast Trail attracts hikers seeking a challenging multi-day camping experience. Winter visitors often gather at the Kwisitis Visitor Centre, at Wickaninnish Beach, to watch the powerful breakers and learn about the park's natural and cultural history. A park pass is required to stop in the reserve, and only the Long Beach Unit, between Tofino and Ucluelet, is reached by road; the Broken Group Islands are reached by boat and the West Coast Trail runs between Bamfield and Port Renfrew, far to the south.