Wild Pacific Trail
Pacific Rim, BC, Canada

Along the west coast of Vancouver Island near Ucluelet BC of the Pacific Rim area are the gravelled, sometimes boardwalk, maintained walking paths of the Wild Pacific Trail. The first and last sections of the trail follow the rocky shorelines of the Pacific Rim coastline though old growth rainforests. The Wild Pacific Trail in total covers approximately 8 kilometres.

The Wild Pacific Trail is mostly a coastal walking path teaming with wilderness scenery and exploding natural sounds including the endless beat of the waves being thrown against the rocky coastlines. The west coast of Vancouver Island's Wild Pacific Trail is a pebbled gravel, sometimes boardwalk path, weaving in and out, from coastline to rainforest to coastline, with captivating views of Barclay Sound and the Broken Islands out on the Pacific Ocean.

Because the Wild Pacific Trail is a coastal trail there are many opportunities, if your timing is right, to spot various wildlife from the shores of the trail like whales and Bald Eagles. The area of the Pacific Rim, although confrontations are rare, is also the home to many Black Bears and some Wolves and cougars. Be prepared with the know-how and proper responses when confronted by one of the more territorial wildlife species found on the Wild Pacific Trail.

The Wild Pacific Trail consists of three sections with many viewing platforms and sitting benches positioned along the nature path for all to enjoy the view. The main trailhead leading to the first section of the nature trail is located at the small Wild Pacific Trail parking lot at the corner of Peninsula Road, main street Ucluelet BC, and Coast Guard Road.

The 2.5 kilometre first section of the Wild Pacific Trail is a loop trail exploring the coastal rocky shores of Ucluelet leading to the Amphitrite Lighthouse sitting out on the peninsula. The first section of the trail is relatively easy grade walking with top notch marine scenery and wildlife spottings. The last section of the loop trail to the Wild Pacific mostly consists of boardwalk through forests or along coastlines to the He-Tin-Kis Park. To the right, just down the street is the Wild Pacific Trail parking lot. To the left is the next middle section of the Wild Pacific Trail.

The middle section of the Wild Pacific Trail from He-Tin-Kis Park is under development by the Wild Pacific Trail Society so a temporary route is in place following the sidewalks along Peninsula Road through Ucluelet neighbourhoods lined with west coast homes. On the walk towards the village of Ucluelet BC take a left at Marine Drive and follow it to the end continuing down the gravel walking road through thick bush to Big Beach Park where the Wild Pacific Trail picks up again. In total, covering 2 kilometres.

The third section of the Wild Pacific walking path, or the first depending on which end you are starting your adventure from, is back to trekking along walking paths exploring coastlines, hiking over bluffs and through rainforests for 4 kilometres. This section of the Wild Pacific Trail is a steeper hike and involves more hill climbing then the previous parts of the trail. The exit trailhead of this section of the Wild Pacific finishes north of the Village of Ucluelet on Peninsula Road. Follow the bike path back to the village centre.

The Wild Pacific Trail is one of the finest trails capturing the west coast scenery that is accessible by all ages and abilities including wheel chairs in most areas. The winter season brings storms and heavy gusts of winds and ocean mists to the coastline followed by sometimes rain, so please prepare for the weather.