Pacific Rim National Park Reserve

Just a short bike ride or drive from the Wickaninnish Inn, Pacific Rim National Park Reserve beckons with enchanting coastlines and ancient temperate rainforest. It’s a protected sanctuary where the beauty of Vancouver Island feels both humbling and inspiring.

Spanning 511 square kilometres within the renowned Clayoquot Sound UNESCO Biosphere Reserve, the park is a living tapestry of stories, wildlife and landscapes. It is home to the Nuu-chah-nulth people and comprises three distinct regions: the expansive Long Beach Unit along Highway 4 between Tofino and Ucluelet, the serene Broken Group Islands in Barkley Sound, and the rugged 75 km West Coast Trail stretching from Port Renfrew to Bamfield.

A misty wooden pathway stretching through dense coastal forest at dawn. Caption: A serene morning on the South Beach Trail.
A serene misty morning on the South Beach Trail
A family walking along Long Beach at sunset with mountains in the distance
Sunset stroll on Long Beach

Beaches and trails

Stroll along the scenic boardwalks and trails, winding through lush forests of Western Hemlock, Sitka Spruce and Western Red-Cedar. With nine official trails totalling 12 kilometres, visitors can venture through temperate rainforests and along sandy beaches where the rhythm of the waves varies from thunderous surf to gentle tidepools. Cultural interpretive tours, available within the park or at the Kwisitis Visitor Centre, deepen understanding of the land and Indigenous heritage.

Within the park, approximately 22 km of beaches await. The Long Beach Unit encompasses Wickanninnish Bay, Long Beach, Combers Beach, Wickaninnish Beach and Florencia Bay. Each offers a different experience, from exhilarating surf and big swells to calm waters perfect for kayaking, paddleboarding and beachside picnics.

Aerial view of Pacific Rim National Park Reserve showing forested headlands and sandy coves
The rugged coastline of Pacific Rim National Park Reserve

Park access

A National Park Entry Pass is required to enjoy the beaches and trails in the park. Passes available for four hours, daily, or annually can be purchased at parking lot machines that resemble parking meters or at the Tourism Tofino Visitor Centre.

Furry friends

Dogs are permitted in the Long Beach area, except on Combers Beach from April 1 to October 1. In permitted areas, dogs must be on a leash and under control at all times, whether on beaches, trails, parking lots or in the water, to protect the surrounding wildlife.

Dr. Howard McDiarmid speaking on stage during an outdoor ceremony with dignitaries behind him
Dr. Howard McDiarmid at a community ceremony
Dr. Howard McDiarmid smiling with three boys cheering beside him
Dr. Howard McDiarmid celebrating with his sons

Ties to the Wickanninish

The story of Pacific Rim National Park Reserve’s creation is a tale of community effort and a shared commitment to preservation. In the 1960s, as Highway 4 was built and Tofino grew in popularity, visitors flocked to the region. Limited accommodations in the small town led many to camp on the beaches, often leaving behind garbage and makeshift shelters. Recognizing the urgent need to protect this fragile landscape, Dr. Howard McDiarmid, Charles’ father and local MLA, rallied with the community to advocate for a national park. Their collective efforts culminated in the park’s official opening in 1971, ensuring this extraordinary place would be preserved for generations to come.