Wild Pacific Trail
The Wild Pacific Trail is located in the District of Ucluelet. The trail is one of Vancouver Island’s most visited trail with incredible views of Barclay Sound, the Broken Group Islands and the open Pacific Ocean. The trail is accessible to all ages and abilities, including wheel chairs in most areas. It offers spectacular panoramic views of the shoreline through ancient cedar along the ridge and viewing platforms on some of the best headlands along the trail. View some photos from the trail.
Photo used under Creative Commons from andruby
The Wild Pacific Trail is a must destination in the summer for visitors who enjoy sightseeing, birdwatching and wildlife watching. The views along the ever-changing outer coast afforded by this route are breathtaking – sunrise and spectacular sunset are a must see. Storm-watching is a natural on this trail with many breath-taking views 20-30m above surge channels and outer reefs constantly pounded by ocean swells.
The hiking trails are designed to expose visitors to the miles of shoreline, and benches are provided at viewpoints. During the annual gray whale migration, from late February to late May, whales can be spotted not more than 5 km offshore. There are sea lions, seals, mink and otter that can be seen playing in the nearby surf.
Click video below to view a one minute peak at the trail.
The trail has been developed through private, business and government donations to the Wild Pacific Trail Society. The initial phase of the trail was completed through funding and land donation from the provincial and federal governments. The trail, built on gravel pathways and boardwalks, wind through ancient spruce and old growth cedar rainforest and along rock promontories.
The trail is presently divided into 3 sections: Lighthouse loop, Big Beach and Brown’s Beach. When completed, the Wild Pacific Trail will stretch 14 km (8.7 mi). The first hike completed in 1999 (phases 1 and 2) was a 2.7 km (1.7 mi) loop overlooking the Broken Group Islands, past Amphitrite Point Lighthouse and ending at He-Tin-Kis Park. The second stretch (phases 3 and 4) extends the length to 8.5 km (5.3 mi) and travels from Big Beach Park to the bike path just outside of Ucluelet. The final section (phases 5 through 7) will extend the trail to Halfmoon Bay in Pacific Rim National Park.
The Wild Pacific Trail is accessible year around. The natural surroundings are being preserved as no bikes, horses or motorized vehicles are permitted on the park’s beaches or trails.
