PACIFIC RIM

Travel reviews
4.4 / 5 - 139 reviews

What to do

  • Noteworthy
  • Worth the detour
  • Must see

Ucluelet, BC The Pacific Rim region is on Vancouver Island  and includes Ucluelet, Pacific Rim National Park Reserve and Tofino.

As its name suggests, Pacific Rim is on the edge of the Pacific Ocean. Grey whales pass close to the shoreline in the spring during their annual migration north to their summer feeding grounds, making whale watching one of the region's main attractions.

 

Pacific Rim National Park Reserve

Season: Open year-round, 24 hours a day.

Visitor centres:

The Pacific Rim Visitor Centre (located at the intersection of Highway 4 and the Tofino-Ucluelet Highway).

The Kwisitis Visitor Centre (located at the south end of Wicka­ninnish Beach).


Long Beach

Long Beach, BCA variety of different trails, such as Wickaninnish Trail and Schooner Trail, lead down to the beach, all of which take under an hour to walk. Located between Ucluelet and Tofino, this vast stretch of sand is ideal for casual strolls and is a real surfers' paradise. Don't miss sunset  over the Pacific Ocean.


Big Tree Trail

Distance (round-trip): 2.4 km or 4.2 km (loop)
Time (round-trip): 1 hour or 2½ hours
Level: Easy

Big Tree Trail is located on Meares Island, accessible only by a 10-minute boat ride from Tofino: one of the most enjoyable ways to get there is by sea kayak. Big Tree Trail has some of the largest trees in British Columbia and leads to the largest western red cedar tree on the west coast. The trees of the old-growth forest are about 1,500 years old. It is an enchanting place to go for a stroll. We recommend Remote Passages Marine Excursions in Tofino (Wharf Street).


Tofino

Tofino, BCDespite its reputation as "Canada's surfing capital", Tofino is first and foremost a charming village of fishermen and artists.

You will enjoy strolling through its streets, visiting its First Nations boutiques and art galleries, or taking a break in a café or one of its many restaurants.

The stunning and diverse natural environment is worth the detour to the other side of the island.
 

FREE SHUTTLE TO TOFINO !

The Tofino Shuttle is a free service that makes getting around the village easy. Anyone can hop on and hop off at any stop along the way and surfboards are welcome on board as well. In service from late June to early September. Visit the website for more information.

www.tofino.ca/tofinofreeshuttle


Radar Hill

Distance (round-trip): 0.2 km
Time (round-trip): 15 minutes
Level: Easy

Located in the heart of Pacific Rim National Park Reserve, Radar Hill offers magnificent views of Tofino beach at sunset. Easily accessible by car. Don't miss it, time and visibility permitting!


Ucluelet art galleries

Ucluelet has many beautiful art galleries, several of which are located on the main street through town. These galleries are a great way to learn more about First Nations culture, which still has a significant presence in the region.


Wild Pacific Trail

Amphitrite LighthouseThe Wild Pacific Trail in Ucluelet, on the west coast of Vancouver Island, is in fact a network combining three exceptional hiking trails: Lighthouse Loop, Brown's Beach to Artist Loop, and Ancient Cedars & Rocky Bluffs, with a lotal length of about 9 km. Venture into BC's temperate rainforest, along the wild Pacific coast.

The Wild Pacific Trail was brought to life through the efforts of a visionary affectionately known as “Oyster Jim Martin”, and access has always been free. Secure donation boxes are provided on site for visitors wishing to make a donation to help build and maintain the trails. Discovery programs are shared on site and you can watch educationnal videos on the web site.


Lighthouse loop

Distance (round-trip): 2.6 km (loop)
Time (round-trip): 1 hour
Level: Easy

If you only have time to walk one section, it should be Lighthouse Loop, starting from Amphitrite Lighthouse. This easy 2.6 km loop (45-60 minutes to walk) features many viewpoints and benches offering dramatic views of the ocean and Barkley Sound. The sunsets over the water are spectacular!

 

EN ROUTE TO TOFINO AND UCLUELET...

Here are a few magnificent stops along the way to Tofino and Ucluelet (or on the way back):


CATHEDRAL GROVE

Cathedral Grove is a majestic stand of giant Douglas fir trees in MacMillan Provincial Park. On your way to your next destination, be sure to stop and take a stroll under the shadow of these towering pillars untouched by the modern world. Open daily from 7 a.m. to 11 p.m. The park is 25 km west of Qualicum Beach and 16km east of Port Alberni, on Highway 4.


HOLE IN THE WALL

This unusual short hike just outside Port Alberni is an interesting place to stop and stretch your legs! The short 25-minute round-trip walk takes you through the forest to the famous Hole in the Wall, a massive man-made hole through a shale cliff along the banks of Rogers Creek, which was once a shortcut for the city’s water pipeline. The pipeline was eventually removed, leaving a hole with a picturesque waterfall, a favourite spot with the locals. Park at Coombs County Candy Store (and stock up on candy while you're there!), then cross to the other side of Alberni Highway where you will find a gravel path just to the right of a low concrete wall. The beginning of the trail is unmarked, but wooden signs further on mark the way to the waterfall.


WALLY CREEK

On the way to Tofino, be sure to stop at Wally Creek, a beautiful rocky section of the Kennedy River, with waterfalls and water pools. About 50 km (45 minutes) after Port Alberni, you will see a car pull-out area and "love lock" fence on the right side of the road. There is generally space to park. This is a fabulous spot to stop and stretch your legs, have a picnic or even go swimming. Be very careful as the rocks can be quite slippery and the river current is strong.

 

WHAT ABOUT SOME SURFING?

With its 35 kilometres of open beaches, Tofino is the surfing capital of Canada, and the ultimate place to learn to surf. The town is home to more than a dozen surfing schools offering a variety of formulas, from classic group lessons to family, children's or private lessons, for every level. The ocean water is extremely cold, but with your “wetsuit” on, we promise you won't feel a thing!

Founded in 1998, the Pacific Surf Company was one of Tofino's first surf schools. They offer lessons year round, and all equipment is always included. The maximum student to instructor ratio is 5:1, so you can be sure of getting lots of personal attention and instruction.

 

ROAD WORKS ON HIGHWAY 4

A major road improvement project is planned for the Kennedy Hill area of Highway 4 (adjacent to Kennedy Lake), over a distance of approximately 1.5 km. This may have a significant impact on your movements, depending on when you are driving through the area. In general, single-lane alternating traffic will be enforced during the day (which could cause delays of up to 30 minutes) and the road will be closed for certain periods overnight.

Where to eat

  • $ Inexpensive
  • $$ Moderate
  • $$$ Upscale
  • $$$$ Fine dining

Jigger’s ($-$$)

If you're in the mood for some simple fare prepared with love, head to Jigger's food truck for the best Fish & Chips in town! Also serves a variety of delicious burgers.

 



Sobo Tofino ($$-$$$)

Sobo is short for sophisticated bohemian. The cuisine focuses on wild, foraged, local foods and products. A nice place for a delicious and original meal. Let yourself be tempted by a dessert !

 



Raven Lady Ucluelet ($$-$$$)

High-end food truck serving a fine selection of Pacific oyster dishes. Stop here for lunch or dinner. You can sit at a table or order take-out. The place is very popular, so expect a bit of a wait.

 



Wolf in the fog ($$$)

Here, the main inspiration clearly is the sea: from the amazing view to the freshly sourced ingredients provided by the local fishermen, this is going to be a refreshing night. You’ll be served creative dishes all made with local products.

 



The Pointe Restaurant at Wickaninnish Inn ($$$-$$$$)

One of Tofino's top restaurants, The Pointe offers the most spectacular views of the Pacific Ocean. The menu is varied and the focus is on locally-sourced, high-quality ingredients. The weekly tasting menu provides guests with the chance to sample a variety of fresh seafood fished in the very waters overlooked by the restaurant. This option costs a little more than the regular à la carte menu.

 



Pluvio ($$$-$$$$)

Pluvio is a unique experience celebrating the best local products of Ucluelet, Tofino and Vancouver Island. The chef offers creative and inspired cuisine. The small restaurant and open kitchen allow for personal and refined service.

Festivals calendar

Ukee Days

Dates: end of July

Ukee Days is a 3-day family-oriented festival celebrating west coast life. The peaceful fishing village of Ucluelet comes alive with activities including live concerts, logger sports, a parade and a salmon BBQ.


Pacific Rim Summer Festival

Dates: early July

Free Canada Day shows in Tofino and Ucluelet. A week of festivities with entertainment of all kinds, cultural and artistic events. Fun for the whole family!


Tofino Jazz Festival

Dates: end of June

In late June, at the end of the road in Tofino, you will find a small but charming jazz festival with an interesting program.

Map

When to visit

  • Very Favourable
  • Favourable
  • Unfavourable

Climograph

  • Very Favourable
  • Favourable
  • Unfavourable

Travel reviews

Travel reviews

4.4 / 5 according to 139 reviews
52%
52 %
37%
37 %
11%
11 %
1%
1 %
0%
0 %

Great location, but beware of charges for stepping foot in the national park!

John Bartlett Tuesday September 26, 2023

Stop on the way

Phillip oswald Oswald Wednesday July 12, 2023

Nice area, add a visit to the North Island Wildlife Recovery and Discovery Centre. We walked the restaurant called Tigh-Na-Mara Seaside Spa Resort for dinner which was excellent.

Amazing trees, sea and experiences

Nick Leong Thursday September 15, 2022

Download our travel guide

Authentik Travel Blog

By continuing to browse this site, you accept cookies. Change the settings.