Pacific Rim National Park Trails

#1 Willowbrae Trail to Florencia Bay

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Erroding cliffs present dramatic landslides and sand-covered stones that change with every tide. Best when sun is not strong.

This 2.8 km. round trip trail, traces a portion of the pioneer route linking Ucluelet & Tofino. This wide gravel trail begins from a small unpaved lane marked Willowbrae Road, found two kilometres south of the Tofino - Ucluelet junction. (5 minute drive from Ucluelet). After a few gentle hills the trail is relatively level until the trail splits. Then VERY steep stairs & ramps descend through the rainforest to either Half Moon (a quaint cove) or Florencia Bay (an open, often misty beach). Not a good trail for people unsure of their footing.

Florencia Beach floods on high tides. Plan your walk to allow time to reach an exit, climbing the bluffs is not possible.

#2 Half Moon Bay Trail

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Tropical water colours can be captured here on sunny days. Polarizing filter can cut the glare.

This scenic 500 metre trail branches off the end of Willowbrae Trail 1.7 km from the parking lot. This path is partly boardwalk and partly dirt with tree roots for step stones in wet weather. It is well worth a look if you are sure-footed because it passes through a magnificent stand of large old growth trees. At the coastline ramps and stairs drop you from a high vista to a quaint sandy cove. Note: the final decent is long and VERY STEEP, ending over beach logs that may be difficult for some hikers to cross.

Difficult footing and steep grade just before the beach.

# 3 South Beach Trail

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The steep slope on the beach brings large waves very close to shore for dramatic photos when the surf is high but beware the salt spray. Waves can also be suddenly larger, watch out!

1.5 km round trip trail (including 1/2 km along the Nuu-chah-nulth Trail). Wide, well-drained shoreline trail follows the moss-draped forest fringe accessing scenic coves such as Lismer Beach. Starts behind the Kwisitis Centre. The trail is level until a steep ramp ascends the headlands for a vista of the coast, then a short set of stairs descend to South Beach. This pebble beach is famous for the music of stones rolling in the surf, and dramatic high waves breaking over the rocks. Beware of dangerous waves and currents.

The beach can be flooded by winter storms, always check tides and watch the beach before entering.

# 4 Nuu-chah-nulth Trail

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Trees artistically frame scenic coves near the start of the trail. There is also a totem that is very photogenic.

2.5 km one way. 12 interpretive signs and a totem pole give walkers a glimpse into local First Nations culture. Learn what Hishuk ish ts’awalk means and how this belief influences the lives of the Nuu-chah-nulth people. Starts behind the Kwisitis Visitor Centre at Wickaninnish Beach, then turn left at the trail junction. After a hill the trail is level across a bog and mature forest section, then reaches Florencia Bay parking lot. Beach access via STAIRS.

Quisitis Point shoreline is not passable between beaches. Do not attempt returning this way.

# 5 Bog Trail

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Bonzai style trees growing on islands of moss offer photographers a delightful setting. Be sure to get on your knees to look closely at the tiny artistic community of plant and flowers.

This boardwalk loop is less than a kilometre but take you time to look closely at the stunted and twisted trees that can be hundreds of years old but only a few metres tall. After a rain the bog comes alive with flowing water. The boardwalk is wheelchair accessible.

Please stay on the boardwalk, bog plants are very delicate and footprints are slow to heal. Bears can also visit the forest at the back of the loop, give them space.

# 6 Rainforest Trail

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Visit the forest on cloudy, misty days OR near sunset for the best photos. Sunlight is too high a contrast for good results.

Two 1km loops explore the magical environment of a virgin rainforest. From saplings growing on fallen giant cedars, to huge trees heavy with moss, the 1,500 year life cycle of trees and the creatures who live here are discussed on interpretive signs. Loop B near the parking lot has slightly more stairs than loop B across the highway.

Please do not leave the boardwalk, you can become rapidly lost and plants cover a jumble of decaying logs that crumble under foot.

# 7 Combers Beach Trail

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Shimmering light on pools, textures in the fine sand constantly moving at the confluence of a creek and the ocean, and hundreds of seagulls all offer a photographer a great day at the beach. Don't forget your lens cloth, salt spray is a fact of life on the pacific rim!

500 metre forest trail down a steep hillside to a wind, tide and creek swept beach. This is a very artistic setting popular with families who enjoy wadding in the creek or long walks in any direction.

Watch the tide. The access point to the tail can get cut off on very high tides.

# 8 Schooner Beach & Trail

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Dramatic snow peaks in the distance in winter make this beach particularily photogenic. Islands and scenic coves to the north are also artistic.

Schooner trail is a lovely 1km rainforest walk crossing two creek valleys. Stairs and ramps bring you to a scenic beach at the northern end of Long Beach. The start of the trail is not impressive, but you are shortly enjoying a mossy forest.

WARNING: high tide blocks the way back if you walk a long distance north on the beach. Check a tide guide or this link to be sure you have time to get back to the trailhead.

UCLUELET: Wild Pacific Trail

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Every turn in this trail offers a new award-winning photo framed by wind twisted trees. Storm waves are famous here, and safely viewed in the lee of buildings at the lighthouse. Visit the trail website >

The Wild Pacific Trail is aptly named because it traces the edge of cliffs and beaches for 8.6 kilometres on the Ucluelet peninsula (south of the national park). There are two main sections of trail. The Lighthouse Loop is 2.6 kms along dramatics wild cliffs with a side trail to Terrace Beach. The next section extends 5kms from Big Beach Park near a resort to the Artist Loops to the north.This trail is free, donations at the lighthouse support further trail expansions.

Stay on the trail. Rocks may appear safe but waves can move faster than humans. Keep dogs on a leash.

TOFINO: Meares Island Big Trees Trail

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Rustic hand split bordwalk and large trees are photogenic. Deep shade under large trees can be a challenge, cloudy days are easier to achieve good lighting.

Whale watching companies offer drop-off service to the island so you can experience a short cruise and an old-growth forest in just over an hour. Meares Island is famous as the site of protests to protect virgin forests in Clayoquot Sound.

The hand split boardwalk is very rough and the dock is difficult footing not advised for the elderly. At higher tides the dock is also a scramble to the shore.