Spectacular ocean views are offered on a range of hikes around Ucluelet.
Beaches, temperate rainforest and abundant wildlife beckon on trails such as the easy Wild Pacific Trail, the moderate Wickaninnish and Nuu-chah-nulth trails and the strenuous, challenging West Coast Trail.
Ucluelet's perfectly named Wild Pacific Trail proffers some of the most scenic and rewarding walking on the Pacific Rim. This wholly remarkable trail extends for 8.5km/5.3mi. The happy surprise is its accessibility: young and old, fit and unfit alike can do the trail with relative ease. Walking through ancient spruce and cedar forest and across rocky promontories reveals sights normally reserved for hardcore hikers and hardy explorers.
Bring a camera and be wowed and wooed by viewing platforms at the best headlands along the route.
These are the stations for watching sunrises and sunsets and in winter, capturing the rage and spectacle of ocean storms. Be sure to follow the mossy trail that leads out to the Amphitrite Lighthouse, a not-to-be-missed picture opportunity. The 2.5km/1.5mi Phase One of the trail, starting in Ucluelet, can be walked in an easy loop of about 40 minutes. Access is by the main (Peninsula) road through Ucluelet to He-Tin-Kis Park.
West Coast Trail
The West Coast Trail, located in Pacific Rim National Park Reserve, is 75km/47mi long and is open May 1 to September 30. This translates as five to seven days in absolute wilderness on one of the continent's most challenging hikes. Hikers are required to get a park permit to hike the trail; there's also an optional reservation system in place. A tide timetable is essential for beach walking. Access to the West Coast trail is at either Pacheena Bay Trailhead near Bamfield or Gordon River Trailhead near Port Renfrew. Hikers can make arrangements for water taxi transport from Ucluelet to the trailhead.
The Wickaninnish Trail
Other trails may prove more challenging but just as scenic. The Wickaninnish Trail in Pacific Rim National Park Reserve leads through beach, wetlands and rainforest eco-systems. Free maps and trail information are available at the Wickaninnish Centre at the end of Wick Road, 3.5km/2.2mi from Hwy 4.
A Walk with the First Nations
The Nuu-chah-nulth Trail, accessible via Florencia Bay and from behind the Wickaninnish Interpretive Centre, is a moderate 5km/3mi walk there and back. Mostly boardwalk, the trail is highlighted with Aboriginal interpretive signs. Don't miss the first totem pole raised by the Ucluelet First Nation in more than a century.
The Nuu-chah-nulth Trail is located in Pacific Rim National Park Reserve.
For more information on hiking, trails and maps, pop into the Ucluelet Visitor Centre.
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