Tofino Hiking
 Chesterman Beach, Tourism BC/Adrian Dorst photo
Easy Hiking Chesterman Beach Easily one of Tofino's most beautiful beaches, Chesterman Beach is a 2.73k/1.7mi delight to walk or hike. If the pace slows down, it's because visitors are transfixed counting clam holes, discovering marine life, picking up sand dollars and watching legions of surfers braving the waves. Beach access is at both ends of the beach. The Wickaninnish Inn sits on a promontory at the north end; the espresso is excellent.
Long Beach With an amazing 10km/6.2mi of golden beach, Long Beach is the single greatest stretch of sand on Vancouver Island and a natural magnet for swimmers, surfers, hikers, beachcombers and photographers. Two pay parking lots, changing facilities, flush toilets and picnic areas complete the profile of an impeccable beachside destination.
Stroll the Tidal Pools  At low tide, on Long Beach, Cox Beach and smaller inlets, the coast's tidal pools invite curious newcomers to a world of marine wonders. Sea stars in brilliant orange and purple hues, mussels, barnacles and anemones reveal the intricacies of life and survival on the edge of the ocean. Often the beach is afloat in Pacific mist. Then it's most beautiful to behold. The camera sings.
Meares Island Big Trail The cruise to Meares Island by water taxi is more than justified by this knockout 3km/1.85mi hiking trail through old-growth rainforest and ancient cedars. At the end stands the Hanging Garden Tree, more than 2,000 years old and 18.3m/60ft in diameter. Pssst: Nobody's listening. It's OK to say WOW!
Intermediate Hiking Nuu-chah-nulth Trail  Formerly the Wickaninnish Trail, the 5km/3.10mi trail runs between the north end of Long Beach and Florencia Bay. It starts just south of the Wickaninnish Interpretive Centre. Hikers negotiate boardwalk, forest, bog and the "corduroy" road used in the early days of European settlement. Be on the lookout for intriguing flora from sunny yellow skunk cabbages to Labrador tea plants. On wet days, remember the hiking boots.
Rainforest Trails Two boardwalk trails with excellent signage lead to the secrets of Pacific Rim National Park. Route B is a 1km/.62mi loop that leads explorers through dense, mysterious forest. Some say it reminds them of the marching forest in Lord of the Rings. It descends to the floor of the valley, the heart of the rainforest, to reveal 100 varieties of epiphytes - plants growing atop other plants, drawing their nutrients from rain, wind and fog. Hikers realize they're passing through the birth of a rainforest. For more information, on hiking in and around Tofino, drop by the Visitor Centre at 455 Campbell St.
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