Wild animals
are a big part of a west coast visit. It is common to see bears, deer, the occasional wolf print and only very rarely a cougar print. Visitors should read the advise link here to prepare themselves for a truly wild encounter.

Interpretive trail (Trails with more than 1 sign) Trails to beaches Trails in rainforest Trail numbers match yellow circles on map above. Click numbers on map or Scroll down for list.

Willowbrae Trail
Map # 1 & 2
This 2.8 km. round trip trail, traces a portion of the pioneer route linking Ucluelet & Tofino. This wide gravel trail begins from a small unpaved lane marked Willowbrae Road, found two kilometres south of the Tofino - Ucluelet junction. (5 minutes. drive from Ucluelet). After a few gentle hills the trail is relatively level until the trail splits. Then very steep stairs & ramps descend through the rainforest to either Half Moon (a quaint cove) or Florencia Bay (an open, often misty beach). Not a good trail for people unsure of their footing.

Gold Mine Trail
Map # 3
This trail was washed out several years ago by storm action and erosion along Lost Shoe Creek.All markers for the trail have been removed and beach access is closed.

South Beach Trail
Map # 4
1.5 km round trip trail, departs from behind the Wickaninnish Centre, and follows the moss-draped forest fringe of the shore along coves such as Lismer Beach. Please resist any temptation to collect shells or souvenirs! The trail is level until the boardwalk ascends the headlands for a vista of the coast and access to South Beach itself. This pebble beach is famous for the music of stones rolling in the surf, and dramatic high waves breaking over the rocks. Beware the waves. This trail is now considered a side trail from the Nuu-chah-nulth Trail.

Nuu-chah-nulth Trail
Map # 5
Newly rennovated with cedar boardwalk and 12 richly illustrated interpretive signs about the cultural, and natural history of the First Nations peoples. This 2.5 km one way trail (formerly the Wickaninnish Trail) links Long Beach to Florencia Bay. Access from behind the Wickaninnish Centre, follow the beach-side trail then turn left at the sign found at the top of the first hill, for a nice rainforest walk. Watch for glimpses of old corduroy logs under the moss, this is part of a pioneer road. Trail ends at a parking area near a nice viewpoint. Descend to Florencia Bay via stairs.

Bog Trail
Map # 6
This 0.8 km. boardwalk loop is an easy & fascinating self guided nature tour of the unique bog environment. Stunted and twisted shorepine trees, hundreds of years old, grow only metres tall. Multiple color sphagnum, or peat moss, grows in hummocks several metres deep, and tiny sundews with sticky leaves trap insects for nutrients. Pamphlets describe many flowers, plants, and the effects of poorly drained soil conditions in a climate that receives 300cm of annual rain. WHEELCHAIR accessible.

Rainforest Trail
Map # 7
Two 1 km trails explore the magical world of a pristine old growth rainforest. The boardwalk leads you through centuries of growth, where gigantic trees and ancient fallen logs are carpeted with hanging gardens of moss, ferns and young trees. Loop A (across the highway) uses interpretive signs to explore forest life cycles, Loop B (at the parking lot) emphasizes forest structure and inhabitants such as the salmon which spawn in the cool protective shade of Sandhill Creek. Both loops can be walked easily with a few stairs.

Spruce Fringe Trail
Map # 8
This 2.1 km. loop trail is partially closed, but the section leading to Combers Beach is well maintained. The dramatic effect of the ocean's high winds and waves have erroded the coastline so access to the beach may be rough. This gentle trail leads you from the parking lot on top of the headland to the log fringe of the beach where the bent and weathered spruce take a brave hold. The trail leads to a mature forest growing progressively more diverse as the ocean's salt and wind effects grow more remote. Stairs and cedar boardwalk.

Schooner Beach Trail
Map # 9
This 1 km trail leads you through a lovely mature rainforest, over a moss draped stream, and down a series of stairs to a very scenic beach on Schooner Cove. This wide secluded cove is the northern end of Long Beach. Day use only. a few muddy areas but new stairs and sections of boardwalk have been added.

Radar Hill
Panoramic views of Clayoquot Sound can be enjoyed from the top of this hill. Formerly cleared for a radar installation during World War II, evidence of foundations can still be seen when climbing the ramp to the view point. WHEELCHAIR accessible. First viewpoint is near the parking lot, the others are up a ramp.

Long Beach,
Vancouver Island
Beach access via a trail

Long Beach
Famous as the longest stretch of surf swept sand on Vancouver Island's west coast, this spectacular beach attracts surfers & vacationers from all over the world. Surf guards are on duty during July & August, but you must be cautious in the cold, powerful surf. Also, PLEASE respect the fragile beach environment. Leave only foot prints and take only photographs! Two parking areas service day use of the beach. WHEELCHAIR accessible. The next two beaches are actually sections of Long Beach, but carry their own names. It is possible if the tides are low to hike between beaches such as Greenpoint and Combers then catch the Beach Bus (operated by Tofino Bus) back to your car.

Combers Beach
Parking access has been moved to the side of the highway, Look for Spruce Fringe Trailhead to walk down the new trail to the beach. Here the confluence of the ocean with a small creek can be seen. Beach access must cross shifting sand and logs. Rich bird life, and the effects of water erosion on the foreshore are dramatically in evidence.

Wickaninnish Beach/Centre
Wickaninnish Beach is at the south end of Long Beach. This area offers trails and viewpoints of storm waves from a safe distance. The Wickaninnish Centre is build right on the surf splashed rocks. This remarkable interpretive centre has exhibits and movies exploring the natural, and cultural history of the Pacific Rim. A whaling canoe, murals of ocean life and whale bones are on display. Park interpreters will assist you with info. The centre also contains the Wickaninnish Restaurant. Open mid March to mid October. WHEELCHAIR accessible.

Schooner Cove
Long stretch of scenic beach at the North end of Long Beach. See hike number 9 for access information. No camping permitted.

Florencia Bay
This is a very scenic beach, ideal for long walks, but beware rising tides. Beach access from Florencia parking lot down a short series of stairs. The south end of this beach can be reach via Willowbrae Trail and a long series of stairs.

Greenpoint
Camping & Theatre
Indoor heated theatre for nightly park programs late June to September. Popular campsites include walk-in non-reservable sites or reservable drive-in forest sites (call: 1-800-689-9025). Pets on a leash permitted in drive-in sites only.

Beach Tips

Nothing brings a more memorable day of relaxing than time at a spectacular beach. Remember the tide however or your picnic will be a washout! Tides change every 6 hours, so there are two low tides a day. Low tides expose rocks and reefs which offer endless hours observing tiny crabs, anemone and urchins in tidepools (please be warned, most shells contain something living and therefore very smelly in a day or two). It is best to collect pictures! Also be aware of large rogue waves anywhere near the edge of the ocean.

Winter Storm Watching

Many people visit the Pacific Rim in the winter to witness enormous breakers pounding the rugged coast. Waves break more dramatically on rocky headlands or reefs. SAFE viewing spots are the Ucluelet lighthouse/Wild Pacific Trail, the Wickaninnish Interpretive Centre and trails to South Beach or any path above rocky points. Avoid beaches and rocks at this time, waves are faster and stronger than any mortal!

For more detail on wild waves