Pacific Rim National Park

Pacific Rim National Park

Central west coast of Vancouver Island

Area: 5110 sq. km (2000 sq. mi.)

Established: 1970

From Victoria: Hwys. 1 and 19 to Parksville, then Hwy. 4 westwards via Port Alberni to Tofino or Ucluelet. (Beyond Port Alberni the road deteriorates.)

The best known part of the Park is the Long Beach section which begins a few kilometers/miles south-east of Tofino. Here on the superb long sandy beaches massive piles of driftwood testify to the violence of the ocean waves. Away from the beach are areas of moss- and fern-covered rain forest typical of the Pacific north-west, and also stretches of swamp and bog. Various hiking and nature trails cross the Park. Beach combing is a more popular pastime than bathing on the magnificent beaches - even in high summer the water is cold (6 to 15°C (43 to 59°F)) and the currents strong. All kinds of flotsam comes ashore (the glass floats from Japanese fishing nets being much sought after) and sea creatures and flora abound. Whales can often be spotted, especially in spring and autumn. Although the maritime climate is relatively mild it tends to be very changeable and damp. Blanketing mist and lengthy rain showers can be expected at any time even in summer.

The Wickaninnish Center is worth visiting (information, natural history displays, films, Park Ranger programs, restaurant, terrace with telescope for sea-lion and whale-watching). North-west of the Center the beach extends for 16 km (10 mi.).