Wild Pacific Trail (WPT)

Located in the community of Ucluelet, BC , the Wild Pacific Trail is one of the best maintained walking and hiking trails on the west coast of Vancouver Island, British Columbia, Canada. The trail is rich in marine scenery, ocean sounds and rainforest scents. The points-of-interest along the trail include a working lighthouse and a few sandy beach parks.

The 8 kilometre Wild Pacific Trail follows along a boardwalk and gravel pathway. The path is considered an easy going route with little or no hills. There are many sitting benches, viewing platforms and picnic tables located on the route. Many sections of the trail are wheelchair friendly.

Because of the length of the trail the scenery changes every kilometre. Some sections of the trail are wide with great open views while others are single track, hidden in the trees, with peek-a boo ocean views. The views from high above look down onto surge channels, white water tides and razor sharp reefs. Look out over the ocean and one sees Barclay Sound and the Broken Islands.

Some sections of the trail hike along the edge of cliffs and over headlands. Other parts explore the forest and along the shoreline. Trees are everywhere. Many are giants while others are wind battered dwarf trees. In the trees hide song birds. Some sing others just watch. High above Bald Eagles soar patrolling the shoreline for food.

The Wild Pacific Trail is a must destination in the summer for visitors who enjoy sightseeing, birdwatching and wildlife watching. In winter people flock to the trail for storm watching. Suited up in rain gear and rubber boots people watch the storms batter the shore.

While hiking the trail there have been many sightings of wildlife like whales, bears and cougars. It is a good reminder to always be aware of your surroundings and carry a good set of binoculars with you when hiking on the Wild Pacific Trail.

The south trailhead is located in the WPT parking lot on Peninsula Road in Ucluelet BC. Another nearby access point to the Wild Pacific Trail is the Coast Guard parking lot located a few hundred metres north of the trailhead. This southern section of the Wild Pacific Trail is 2.5 kilometres long. It is a loop trail exploring above cliffs leading to Amphitrite Lighthouse.

The middle section of the Wild Pacific Trail is from He-Tin-Kis Park to Big Beach Park. Big Beach is main destination of the trail with a picnic shelter, picnic tables and a sandy beach.

The northern section of the Wild Pacific Trail hikes over bluffs and through rainforests for 4 kilometres. This section is a steep and involves more hill climbing then the previous parts of the trail. The northern trailhead of this section of the Wild Pacific is located near the entrance of Ucluelet.

The Wild Pacific Trail is enjoyed by all ages and abilities. It is truly a unique trail in the heart of Ucluelet. Plans in the near future have the trail extending to 16 kilometres. More views coming soon!

How to get to the Wild Pacific Trail:

South Trailhead: Follow the Pacific Rim Hwy to Ucluelet. The Pacific Rim Hwy turns into Peninsula Rd in Ucluelet. Continue driving along Peninsula Road, pass the school zone, until you reach Coast Guard Rd. on your right. On the corner of Peninsula and Coast Guard Rd is a parking lot for the Wild Pacific Trail.

Middle Trailhead: Follow the Pacific Rim Hwy to Ucluelet. The Pacific Rim Hwy turns into Peninsula Rd in Ucluelet. Continue driving along Peninsula Road, pass the school zone, until Matterson Drive. Take a right and follow the road until you reach the gravel parking lot at the end of the road.

North Trailhead: Follow the Pacific Rim Hwy to the northern entrance of the Village of Ucluelet. Look for a large Wild Pacific Trail billboard route map sign sitting by itself on the side of the road (same side as the paved bike path).