At the other
end is the Town of Ucluelet with the waters of Barkley Sound just
to the south of it. Once a local getaway for those in the know,
the region has turned into a major destination for surfers, kayakers,
beachcombers, nature lovers and those that just want to get away
from the hustle and bustle of modern life. Fine restaurants, art
galleries and other vestiges of creeping culture are a big part
of the scene now. The area has come a long way from it's logging
and fishing past but fortunately has retained some of the best facets
of its heritage.
Most visitors
make their way to the Pacific Rim area on one of the regions ferries
(flights from the lower mainland, Victoria and Washington State
are also available), which for many is an adventure unto itself,
particularly for the kids. If you're traveling from the Vancouver
area take the Horseshoe Bay ferry to Nanaimo. If you plan to visit
Victoria first take the Tswwassen ferry to Swartz Bay. From Nanaimo
head north along the Island Highway (19 or 19a) to just passed Parksville
where you pick up the 4 heading west. It takes several hours to
drive across the island but the scenery and parks along the way
are a wonderful diversion. If you want to pick up supplies or do
a little touring Port Alberni is the major centre on route. Once
you reach the T intersection on the peninsula (the Info Centre is
on your right) turn left (south) for Ucluelet or right (north) for
Pacific Rim National Park or Tofino.
Out-There
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Pacific
Rim National Park
Culture
- Adrian
Dorst - Photography, Appointment Only, Pacific Rim
- Beadcomber
- Jewellery, Appointment Only, Pacific Rim
- Claudia
Kargl - Photography, Tofino
- Clayoquot
Crafts - Hand Crafted Furniture, Tofino
- Du
Quah Gallery - Gallery, 1971 Peninsula Road, Ucluelet
- House
of Himwitsa - Tofino
- Mark
Hobson - Tofino
- Marla
Thirsk - Paintings, Ucluelet
- Out
of Our Tree - Hand Crafted Furniture, Ucluelet
- Tofino
Art Glass Studio - Glass, Tofino
- Tofino
Eagle Aerie Gallery
- 350 Campbell Street, Tofino
- Tofino
Workshop for the Arts - Paintings & Prints, Tofino
- Waterman
Photo - Photography, Appointment Only, Tofino
Pacific Rim
National Park makes up a large part of the Pacific Rim peninsula
but that's only a part of it. The park is broken up into three separate
sectors. The Long Beach area in the north, which is accessible by
car, is the by far the busiest. With this sector you'll find great
areas to practice your surf launches and landings in your kayak,
great surfing beaches, rain forest hikes and wonderful areas to
observe nature. South of Ucluelet is the Barkley Sound sector of
the park, with the Broken Group of Islands providing an exceptional
sea kayaking destination. The third sector is the world famous West
Coast Trail that stretches from Bamfield in the north to Port Renfrew
in the south.
The areas hiking
trails offer a variety of different environments. From rain forest
walks taking you passed the moss strewn big trees to seaside hikes
along the rocky shorelines. Beach hikes are another alternative,
many of which are connected by short trials through the forest.
Ucluelet's Wild Pacific Trail is a wonderful introduction to the
areas rugged beauty and should definitely be on your list. On any
shoreline hike be sure to have tide tables and a watch to avoid
getting stranded when the tide come in. Keep a close eye on the
ocean for the possibility of rogue waves. Do not attempt to cross
or swim surge channels.
Intermediate
and expert sea kayakers can choose from some of the finest paddling
areas in the world. Barkley Sound south of Ucluelet has campsites
available on many of the islands. North of Tofino you can paddle
through the islands of Clayoquot Sound where you'll find campsites,
hiking trails and a wonderful hot spring in Maquinna Provincial
Park at the north end of the sound.
Mountain bikers
can take advantage of the areas logging roads as well as the 26
km Log Train Trail outside Port Alberni, which has a number of trials
leading off of it. Both Ucluelet and Tofino have bike paths which
lead out of town giving you access to the nearby beaches and area
accommodations. Plans are for the path to be extended from one end
of the peninsula to the other - that would be awesome!
Surfing is what
it's all about in the Pacific Rim. Winter is best for the waves
but summer is the best for all out fun. Most days see good conditions
but you have to be flexible and willing to work for your rides.
Wet suites are essential any time of year, most particularly in
the winter. There are a number of surfing schools available for
the uninitiated, have a look at our resources section for more information
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Pacific Rim National Park
Outdoor
Adventure
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