On the western fringe of Canada
is the Pacific Rim of Vancouver Island, world renowned for
pristine beaches, whale watching, wilderness camping and hiking,
incredible fishing, and awesome winter storms.
The journey begins on Highway 4 just outside Parksville on the
east side of Vancouver Island and heads to Port Alberni. Along
the way you will drive through MacMillan Provincial Park/Cathedral
Grove where the famous stand of old-growth forest is simply awe
inspiring. Take some time to stop and explore the forest on a
guided trail.
Port Alberni is nestled in Alberni Valley at the head of
Vancouver Island’s longest inlet the Alberni Inlet.
Surrounded by tree covered mountains and the deep blue
waters of the Somass
River, Port Alberni is home to the annual "Salmon Festival".
A visit to the fish hatchery on the Stamp River or the fish
ladders in the Stamp Falls Provincial Campsite is fascinating.
Other
attractions include the Alberni Forestry Information Centre
and the Alberni Valley Museum.
Heading west out of Port Alberni along Highway 4, the road
meanders through unspoiled mountain wilderness on its journey
towards
Ucluelet (96 km) or Tofino (122 km). These picturesque
villages are located 42 km apart, at either end of Long
Beach.
Ucluelet, meaning “safe harbour” and pronounced “yew-kloo-let,” is
8 km (5 mi) south of the West Coast Junction and is the
Gateway to the Broken Group Islands. The harbour bustles with
a mixture
of classic fishing boats and modern yachts. Numerous
picnic areas along the beaches and rocky coast offer spectacular
views and,
in winter time, storm watching is among the world’s
best. Several well known restauranteurs have opted for
the quieter
life and provide Ucluelet with exceptional dining experiences
not normally found in such small communities. Fresh local
seafood is a Ucluelet specialty and is featured on most
menus.
Before reaching Tofino you travel through the Pacific
Rim National Park. The Park consists of three geographically
separate areas
including Long Beach, the Broken Group Islands and
the West Coast Trail. The Long Beach area is named for
the
longest
of a series
of beaches on Vancouver Island's west coast, the Broken
Group Islands is an archipelago of over 100 islets
in the
Barkley
Sound and the West Coast Trail is 77 km (48 mi) of
difficult hiking
which was originally used as a life saving trail for
shipwrecked mariners battling the elements of Vancouver
Island's west
coast. The West Coast Trail is so popular today that
you must book ahead.
By limiting access this helps to protect this environmentally
sensitive area.
The picturesque, coastal district of Tofino is an intriguing
contrast of old-growth forests, white sand beaches,
and the ever-churning Pacific Ocean. Tofino, in the
centre
of Clayoquot
Sound, was
recently designated B.C.’s first United Nations
Biosphere Reserve. A variety of world-class accommodations,
excellent
restaurants specializing in seafood, and plenty of
exhilarating activities
await visitors. It is easy to book an open Zodiac
or boat tour to visit the Gray Whales or to rent
a kayak to enjoy the peaceful
waters of Clayoquot Sound.
On the south arm of the Alberni Inlet from Port Alberni
you can travel 100 km of gravel logging roads to
one of Vancouver
Islands
most remote communities, Bamfield located on Barkeley
Sound. Others take the more peaceful route via
the MV Lady Rose,
a vintage coaster serving remote communities. Bamfield
is a fishing village
with boardwalks that act as the main street, joining
houses, stores, resorts, and marine suppliers.
Bamfield offers
superb salt water fishing and a staging post for
other adventures
such as the north point of the West Coast Trail
or sea kayaking the
broken islands.
Links
Need a place to stay or camp while exploring the
Pacific Rim?
Explore the Communities of the Pacific Rim
Discover Vancouver Island and the Gulf Islands Sub
Regions
Tourism Region Contact
Tourism Vancouver Island
Suite 203, 335 Wesley Street
Nanaimo, BC V9R 2T5
Telephone: (250) 754-3500
Fax: (250) 754-3599
E-mail: visitor@islands.bc.ca |
