I knew couldn’t do EVERYTHING when I was on Vancouver Island. I wanted a good balance of being active, taking in the sites and wandering aimlessly.
One thing I did not want to skip was the Wild Pacific Trail in Ucluelet. It’s “a family-friendly hike that traces the edges of reefs where shipwrecks, whales and vistas abound.” Oh my! With a description like that .. how can you not want to marvel at one of the island’s natural beauties?
The coastal trail is eight kilometres – Lighthouse Loop, Brown’s Beach, Artist Loops, Big Beach, Ancient Cedars and Rocky Bluffs. Because it is a relatively short and easy hike, you could walk the route in a couple hours. I wanted to take in the scenes so I walked the Lighthouse Loop one day and the remainder on the following day.
Celebrating its 100th anniversary, the Amphitrite Lighthouse was a popular spot for photo ops and to ignore the “don’t climb on the rocks” warnings. There were tons of families and individuals milling about and breaking all the rules.
This is the only trail in the Long Beach region with panoramic views of Barkley Sound and the Broken Group of Islands of the Pacific Rim National Park Reserve. My iPhone photos did not do the trail or the vistas justice. It’s simply breathtaking.
I am an early riser so I set out pretty early on the trails. I didn’t see many people which allowed the silent beauty of the coastal trail to shine more than ever.
No chance of getting lost on these trails. It was marked well with some interpretive signage. (New signs for the 100th anniversary of the lighthouse.)
I always stop to read whenever I come across locks. Someone took my picture while I was reading them. Weird.
What I really like about this hike were the countless benches and platforms. You had many options for a sit down, a picnic or to take photos.
Trees are my thing. I hugged a few cedars as I walked through the ancient forest. Love the feeling.
I recommend this eye candy for those who love spectacular ocean views. The trail was built with funds directed to the Wild Pacific Trail Society.
Read more from my road trip here:
Coastal scenery is just gorgeous especially when you add those amazing old trees. I'm glad you got a chance to relax, things can be crazy hectic sometimes. You look great, the outdoors agrees with you 🙂
Thanks buddy! I love the great outdoors. I think it agrees with you too 🙂