Hiking on the Wild Pacific Trail Vancouver Island

Hiking the Wild Pacific Trail near Ucluelet on Vancouver Island

We experience the Wild Pacific Trail Lighthouse Loop, an easy version of the Wild Pacific Trail near Ucluelet on Vancouver Island, probably one of the most beautiful hiking trails on Canada's west coast in April this year. We actually chose this time of year because we wanted to experience one of the infamous Pacific Rim storms. Instead, the weather gods gift us with a stay full of sun and wonderful weather. There was no sign of the famous storms on Vancouver Island's West Coast! Well, that certainly wasn't the last time we visited this wonderful part of the world. And so we take advantage of the opportunity to hike on the southernmost part of the hiking trail, which stretches - in sections - between Ucluelet and the Pacific Rim National Park. The Wild Pacific Trail is an experience not to be missed on a trip to Vancouver Island. Card

The Wild Pacific Trail in Ucluelet

Our walk on the Wild Pacific Trail in Ucluelet showed us a beautiful section of the coast of Vancouver Island.

 

The Lighthouse Loop on the Wild Pacific Trail, Ucluelet BC

The plan is for it to one day cover the entire length between the fishing village and the national park. At the moment there are several sections, each one more beautiful than the last. Since I love lighthouses, we decide on the section that starts south of Ucluelet and leads past the Amphitrite Lighthouse through the coastal rainforest, offering wonderful views of the cliffs, the Broken Islands and Barkley Sound.

This section of the trail is just two and a half kilometers long, and we'll take a good hour to complete it - some will say that's a lot. We'll say that's not enough, because the wonderful views along the way invite you to stop and marvel, but above all to enjoy. Another advantage of this section of the Wild Pacific Trail near Ucluelet BC is that it's a circular trail. It starts and ends at a parking lot where you can easily park your car.

 

 

Hike on the Lighthouse Loop Trail

Cozy leads the well-maintained path in a circle through a forest area. Most of the time we walk along the edge of the forest with ever-changing views of cliffs, wild surf and offshore islands. In between, there are small lookouts, sometimes with, sometimes without a bank, from which you can enjoy the wild coast even better. In some places I like it so much that I would like to spend the whole day here.

 

 

The Broken Island Group from the Wild Pacific Trail BC

In the southern part of the Wild Pacific Trail BC, views of the Broken Island Group open up. Behind them we see the mountains that stretch southwards on the west side of Vancouver Island. This region cannot be reached by road. The only means of transport that can get there are seaplanes or chartered boats. Alternatively, you can hike along the coast on the rough West Coast Trail. However, this is extremely demanding for hikers. You are on the road for several days. You climb over hill and dale. You use wobbly cable cars that you operate under your own steam to cross deep gorges. You spend the night in the wilderness. An adventure for anyone looking for a wilderness experience.

 

 

A hiking trail for connoisseurs

The Wild Pacific Trail is completely different: this hiking trail is a well-developed path that runs along the coast. Sections cross the coastal rainforest. Here the hiker experiences the nature of the West Coast up close - but in a tame way. Another advantage of the Wild Pacific Trail is that it is accessible to everyone at all times. In contrast to the West Coast Trail. If you want to hike this, you have to register. Because on the route through the wilderness only a certain number of hikers are allowed per day. Registration also ensures that those who embark on this adventure will log out after the adventure ends. In this way, the authority keeps an overview that all hikers arrive safely at their destination. Actions like this are not required on the Wild Pacific Trail.

 

 

The coastal rainforest on the Wild Pacific Trail

Sections of the Lighthouse Loop run through the coastal rainforest. Here, too, the Wild Pacific Trail offers an easy option to get to know the typical flora of the region. The paths are well maintained and easy to walk. In the Pacific Rim National Park a few kilometers further north there are also paths that lead into the coastal rainforest. However, these are more difficult to master than the Wild Pacific Trail. As you climb and hike across boardwalks through the harsh world of forests, the Wild Pacific Trail path is an easy trail that contains only a few easy climbs. This makes it easy for most hikers to master.

 

 

The Wild Pacific Trail offers hiking for slow travelers

Unlike the West Coast Trail, which begins on the other side of the estuary and stretches south on adventurous trails on the west coast of Vancouver Island, the Wild Pacific Trail also allows inexperienced hikers to experience the beautiful nature of the Pacific Rim up close. This path can be mastered without climbing sections, gorges and rock crossings. You should only bring enough time and leisure to enjoy the scenic beauty of this nature intensively. Take it especially in spring and autumn when the Gray whales on the coast passing by, enough time, you can maybe even watch the whales from the coast.

 

 

The second section of the Wild Pacific Trail at Ucluelet

The second section of the Wild Pacific Trail starts at the Black Rock Resort's car park and winds its way along the coast for about three kilometers. Again, there are lookout points that offer the best views. However, you have to go back this section again, as this piece is not a circular route, as in the southern section.

 

 

A hike on The Wild Pacific Trail Lighthouse Loop should be a must for every visit to the Pacific Rim, because you can hardly experience the great nature of this region more beautifully than here. It can easily be divided into a Road trip through Vancouver Island plan on.

 

 

Stormwatching vantage points along the Wild Pacific Trail

The west coast of Vancouver Island is famous for its storms. Even though we didn't experience any of them on our trip, they are notorious. They mainly occur between October and April. This is when the biggest waves hit the west coast of the island.

Along the hiking trail there are always places where the bare rock reaches into the water. This is an indication of how high the waves can reach. They tear away any vegetation clinging there. These places are also dangerous for hikers. Waves are faster and stronger than humans. Therefore, one should not go to the bare rocks on the coast. Waves can appear unexpectedly.

A safe viewing point is located at the Amphitrite Lighthouse, and there are numerous vantage points along the trail from which you can observe the storms.

Guided tours of the Wild Pacific Trail on Vancouver Island

From March to October you can also take part in a free guided tour of the hiking trail. The topics range from natural history to the cultural history of the region. The tours usually last an hour and go along easy paths.

There are no fixed themes for guided tours. These vary from appointment to appointment. You can find the current topics on the Website of the Wild Pacific Trail.

Example topics are:

• tide pool and beach exploration
• What is in the peat bog?
• Bears - how do they change their behavior
• Salmon Trails - Insight into forest, fish and ecosystems

Guest speakers also give lectures on guided tours along the trail.

Questions and Answers about the Wild Pacific Trail on Vancouver Island near Ucluelet:

What is the best time of year to hike the Wild Pacific Trail?

The best time to hike the Wild Pacific Trail is during the summer months, when the weather is at its best and the wildflowers are in bloom.

How long is the Wild Pacific Trail?

The Wild Pacific Trail is a total of 10 km long and is divided into several sections, each offering different scenic highlights.

Can I spot wildlife on the Wild Pacific Trail?

Yes, if you enjoy spotting wildlife, you won't be disappointed on the Wild Pacific Trail. Seals, otters, bald eagles and even whales can be spotted in the area.

Do I need to be physically fit to hike the Wild Pacific Trail?

The trail is suitable for all fitness levels, but it is important to wear appropriate hiking shoes and clothing and to bring plenty of water and snacks. A backpack is a good idea.

Are there guided hikes?

Yes, the community of Ucluelet, which manages the Wild Pacific Trail, also offers guided hikes and other activities. A guided tour can be a great way to learn more about the region and visit the best places.

 

Travel Arrangements:

Parking at the airport

Here you can reserve your parking space at the airport.

How to reach it

Compare and book flights here*. (Advertisement) The nearest airport is in Tofino. International flights land in Vancouver. From there you can then take a rental car or a Caravan drive to Tofino. Then you should plan 2-3 days for the journey.

Rental car

Rental car you can rent at the airport in Vancouver. You should know that landslides occur on the Pacific Rim road after long rains.

 

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Further Slow Travel Tips .

 

 

Do you know this?

• The most beautiful lighthouses on the Lighthouse Route
• Hiking at Ucluelet, Vancouver Island, on the Wild Pacific Trail
• Fresh fish for the Aquarium of Ucluelet
• Which rain jacket is the best?
• Gifts for hikers
• Why not grill game? - You need to know that

 

 

Source: On-site research supported by Tourism British Columbia and Tourism Tofino. However, our opinion remains our own.

Text: © Copyright Monika Fuchs and TravelWorldOnline
Photos: © Copyright Monika Fuchs and TravelWorldOnline
Video: © Copyright Petar Fuchs and TravelWorldOnline