Wild Pacific Trail, Vancouver Island
At kilometre zero, hikers can see this unique driftwood sign which welcomes visitors the spectacular Wild Pacific Trail.
Type:
HikeSeason:
All SeasonsWeather:
All WeatherTime:
6 hoursCost:
By DonationWhat to bring:
Camera, Binoculars, Drink, Warm Clothes, Hiking Boots, Bird Book, Plant Identification Book, Waterproof ClothingType:
HikeSeason:
All SeasonsWeather:
All WeatherTime:
6 hoursCost:
By DonationWhat to bring:
Camera, Binoculars, Drink, Warm Clothes, Hiking Boots, Bird Book, Plant Identification Book, Waterproof ClothingWrapping along Ucluelet's West Coast, the Wild Pacific Trail spans 8.4 kilometres along the rocky shoreline and coastal temperate rain forests and overlooks Barkley Sound, the Broken Group Islands and the Pacific Ocean. Split into three sections - Lighthouse Loop, Big Beach and Brown Beach and Artists Loop - the Wild Pacific Trail offers hikers the opportunity to enjoy the beauty of Vancouver Island's rugged coastline. From the shore to the cliffs, Ucluelet's Wild Pacific Trail offers a variety of sights and sounds to enjoy from storm watching to sunsets to exploring tide pools at low tide and even whale watching!
Vancouver Island's West Coast offers spectacular views along its distinct rugged shoreline where forest and Ocean meet at the edge of the Pacific. Situated on the western edge of Ucluelet, hikers can explore the Wild Pacific Trail which spans a wide range of ecosystems from ocean to tidal zone to beach to rocky shore to bog and to coastal temperate rain forests.
The Wild Pacific Trail was envisioned and initiated by Ucluelet's 'Oyster Jim' Martin and work began on the trail in 1999. It continues to be an ongoing work in progress with plans to extend the trail north west 14 kilometres to Half Moon Bay in Pacific Rim National Park. Only hikers are permitted on the trails as no bicycles, horses or motorized vehicles are allowed. The Wild Pacific Trail (trail map) is broken into three sections:
- LIGHTHOUSE LOOP | Kilometre 0.0 - 2.6 | The loop trail takes hikers past inlets, rocky beaches, mossy temperate rain forests, the Amphitrite Lighthouse and offers views of Barkley Sound and the Pacific Ocean.
- BIG BEACH: | Kilometre 4.5 - 5.5 | During low tide hikers can stroll along Big Beach, peering into tide pools and during high tide, the boardwalk and bridges offer spectacular views.
- BROWN BEACH AND ARTISTS LOOP | Kilometre 5.5 - 8.4 | This section of trail offers two viewing platforms perfect for storm watching and five painters perches (canopy platforms) perched high above the coastline.
It is important for hikers to stay on the marked trail to prevent damage to the fragile environment. New improvements and trail additions continue to make the Wild Pacific Trail Ucluelet's most popular hiking destinations. Explore Vancouver Island's spectacular shoreline and take in its breathtaking views from the Wild Pacific Trail!
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Location of Wild Pacific Trail, Ucluelet, Vancouver Island, British Columbia
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The Wild Pacific Trail is composed of three sections located on the western edge of Ucluelet.Map of Vancouver Island
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