Pacific Rim National Park: Exploring the wild west coast

Established in 1970, in British Columbia’s westernmost coast, Pacific Rim National Park Reserve is a crown jewel of the park system. In fact, it was the first park reserve ever established, and there was so much fanfare around its opening that even Princess Anne of England was in attendance. There are actually three unique regions that make up the park, the Broken Group Islands, West Coast Trail, and Long Beach. There’s an adventure for each kind of explorer to be found here. From rugged coastal hikes to immersing yourself deep in the lush rainforests.

Long Beach is probably the most popular part of the park. Here you’ll visit with seals, sea lions, and even see a whale or two. There’s also a campground for tents and people travelling with trailers. You’ll want to head to the Wickaninnish Interpretive Centre when you arrive, in order to situate yourself, grab a bite to eat, and get some information about the park and trails, as well as if there are any closures due to weather. Long Beach is also the only part of the park that you can explore by car.

FUN FACTS: A section of Long Beach was used by draft dodgers, surfers, and hippies until 1970. They lived on the beach until the park was established. In addition, there’s also a “Shipwreck Path” along the West Coast Trail. In fact, the trail itself was created as a rescue path in the early 1900’s for mariners who were stranded after their ships ran aground on a nearby reef.

TIPS:

• The reserve is open from the middle of March through the middle of October.
• Expect to see mammals such as raccoons, cougars, martens, black-tailed deer, wolves, black bears, and minks.
• The best time to visit the park is really between June and September, this is when the weather is at its most temperate. However, if you’re adventurous you can do some storm-watching and big-wave surfing during winter time.
• You’ll definitely want to budget more than just a day to visit the park. And if you’re planning on taking in the sites around the park you’re looking at around a week. The West Coast Trail itself takes about a week. You could also spend a few days exploring the Broken Group Islands aboard a boat.

Aww, if you’re in the area you really should do yourself a favour and visit Little Qualicum Falls Provincial Park. It’s an adorable park featuring waterfalls, a rocky gorge, and plenty of lake swimming and hiking trails along the river. It’s a great place to spend an afternoon, maybe enjoy a picnic, or just spend the day on the lake.

When you’re ready for some serious beach time, head to Rathtrevor Beach Provincial Park, where you’ll experience an unbeatable ocean sunset. This beach is a perfect spot to pitch a tent at one of the forested campsites, which are just a few minutes walk from the beach, and it offers some great swimming. A great place to spend the day with a family (hopefully your own, or who knows maybe you could make some friends!), or enjoy it on your own. Ooh, this park is also known for its awesome bird-watching. In fact, every February-April you can catch the annual Brant geese migration! Because this park is so special and so popular, it’s highly recommended that you make a camping reservation, especially if you want to visit during summer.

At the Petroglyph Provincial Park, you’ll be amidst Canada’s largest concentration of indigenous rock carvings. The petroglyphs at this park depict various animals like snakes and turtles, as well as humans. Be sure to stop by the Learning Place Visitor Centre to learn about the sacred and cultural traditions of this area and the Ojibway (Nishnaabe) people. You can also visit McGinnis Lake, which is a vibrantly-coloured, blue and green-hued lake that’s pretty special in that here the water layers don’t intermix with each other. There are also several fun hikes in the park. You can visit between 10 am and 5 pm. Be aware that hours may change depending on seasonality.

With several beaches, camping, and a few trails, Juan de Fuca Provincial Park is perfect for a night or weekend away. Botanical Beach is a favourite for its tidepools. They're home to a rainbow of unique marine life, including red, purple and orange starfish and sea urchins, white gooseneck barnacles, blue mussels and green sea anemones, sea cucumbers, coralline algae, periwinkles, chitons and sea stars. As for hikes, the Parkinson Creek Trail winds through old-growth forest, regenerating areas that were recently logged, and past rugged coast. And China Beach has a campground and a sandy swath of shoreline perfect for relaxing.

For a change of pace take a leisurely stroll through the Victoria Butterfly Gardens, where you’ll be surrounded by hundreds of butterflies. The setting is akin to a lush jungle…but indoors! The Victoria Butterfly Gardens is home to over 75 species of butterfly and also houses flamingos, large iguanas, parrots, frogs and other tropical wetland species.

Next, head over to the Butchart Gardens and immerse yourself in a floral extravaganza! These gardens welcome about a million visitors a year, and it’s so popular and culturally significant to British Columbia that it’s been designated a National Historic Site of Canada. Be sure to visit the Sunken Garden, Ross Fountain, and Bog Garden.

Black Rock Oceanfront Resort is an absolutely GORGEOUS oceanfront resort, also located on Ucluelet. If rugged coastline, innovative architecture, sexy design, and unreal ocean vistas are your thing, then Black Rock is the place for you. Here you’ll be surrounded by the Wild Pacific Trail, and close to every attraction on Vancouver Island, and just a few minutes drive from the absolutely charming town of Tofino. There are studio rooms and 2-bedroom suites available, with kitchenettes, a balcony, soaking tub, and there’s also an onsite spa and restaurant. Or you could unwind in the lounge, by the fire with a delicious drink, staring out into the ocean.