×

Canada🇨🇦 | national parksPacific Rim National Park ReserveWest Coast Trail, Long Beach surf, Broken Group kayaking, old-growth boardwalks | things to do and best time to go

Explore Nahanni National Park ReserveExplore Waterton Glacier International Peace Park

Backpacking in Pacific Rim Reserve
🏆 Top picknational park ranked #5
By Johan Kruseman 🇳🇱 | Updated October 22, 2026

The decision that shapes a trip here is whether to spend your days on the West Coast Trail or stay with the easier Long Beach Unit and Broken Group Islands. Pacific Rim National Park Reserve sits on the west coast of Vancouver Island in Canada, and the trail needs a permit booked months ahead, which is why experienced hikers often settle for Wild Pacific or Rainforest walks instead. Boardwalks wind through cedar so thick the air smells of wet bark, and surf thunders for kilometers. Crowds pack Long Beach in summer, and the water stays cold and rain is routine. In Tofino I paid US$7 for a chowder in a paper cup, salty and peppery, and ate it on a driftwood log while gulls hovered. Black bears, sea otters and gray whales roam the shoreline, and the tide line is strewn with bull kelp.

Discover everything you want to know in the 📖 Canada Travel Guide.


example page 0 from our offline Travel Guide for Canada
example page 1 from our offline Travel Guide for Canada
example page 2 from our offline Travel Guide for Canada
example page 3 from our offline Travel Guide for Canada
example page 4 from our offline Travel Guide for Canada
example page 5 from our offline Travel Guide for Canada
example page 6 from our offline Travel Guide for Canada
example page 7 from our offline Travel Guide for Canada
Loading the map 🌍
CLICK TO FILTER
cities
towns
villages
landmarks
national parks
hikes
beaches
attractions
festivals
regions
SHOW COUNTRY’S BESTSHOW ALL

✨ Why go?
Ranked #5 national park in CanadaWhat sets this place apart

Pacific Rim National Park Reserve rewards people who like to plan their own route. The West Coast Trail, 75 kilometers of ladders, cable cars and beach walking, is a serious self-guided multi-day trek, with a quota system that makes booking part of the adventure. Those who prefer shorter outings can string together rainforest boardwalks and beach walks in the Long Beach Unit using nothing more than a tide table and a rain shell. Paddlers can reach the Broken Group Islands, over 100 islands and islets in Barkley Sound, by water taxi from Ucluelet, then camp on island sites without a guide. The park also suits the budget-minded, since campgrounds and beach camping keep sleeping costs low, and the long surf beaches need no tour. Tours exist for whales and bears, but the walking itself is entirely independent.

💡 HighlightsDon't-miss highlights and experiences

  1. West Coast Trail: The park’s best-known route, 75 kilometers between Bamfield and Port Renfrew, usually hiked in 5 to 7 days over roots, mud, ladders and beach.
  2. Long Beach: About 16 kilometers of broad, hard sand backed by forest, where surfers in wetsuits ride cold swells year-round.
  3. Broken Group Islands: Sheltered sea kayaking among more than 100 islands, with campsites on a few of them and sea lions hauled out on the rocks.
  4. Rainforest Trail: Two short boardwalk loops through old cedar and hemlock, with nurse logs and moss draped from every branch.
  5. Schooner Cove Trail: A steep forest descent of about 1 kilometer to a quiet cove where you can walk the tide-line sand toward Long Beach.
  6. Nuu-chah-nulth cultural sites: The park lies in Nuu-chah-nulth territory, and Tla-o-qui-aht, Yuułuʔiłʔatḥ and
… read more 👉
  1. West Coast Trail: The park’s best-known route, 75 kilometers between Bamfield and Port Renfrew, usually hiked in 5 to 7 days over roots, mud, ladders and beach.
  2. Long Beach: About 16 kilometers of broad, hard sand backed by forest, where surfers in wetsuits ride cold swells year-round.
  3. Broken Group Islands: Sheltered sea kayaking among more than 100 islands, with campsites on a few of them and sea lions hauled out on the rocks.
  4. Rainforest Trail: Two short boardwalk loops through old cedar and hemlock, with nurse logs and moss draped from every branch.
  5. Schooner Cove Trail: A steep forest descent of about 1 kilometer to a quiet cove where you can walk the tide-line sand toward Long Beach.
  6. Nuu-chah-nulth cultural sites: The park lies in Nuu-chah-nulth territory, and Tla-o-qui-aht, Yuułuʔiłʔatḥ and Huu-ay-aht lands offer guided cultural tours and carved house posts along the coast.
  7. Wickaninnish Beach and Kwisitis Visitor Centre: A coastal viewpoint for storm watching in winter, with exhibits on tides and marine life.
Pacific Rim National Park Reserve is best started on Long Beach at low tide, since the wide sand lets you gauge the surf and the weather before committing to longer routes.
Spotted a mistake or missing something? Contact us.

🌤️ When to go?Seasonal considerations and timing

  • Summer (July to September): Dry, mild weather runs 12 to 20°C (54 to 68°F), with long days and the West Coast Trail and Long Beach at their busiest. Fog often sits on the beaches until midday. Lodging prices peak and the West Coast Trail quota fills early.
  • Storm Watching (November to February): Highs of 6 to 10°C (43 to 50°F), heavy rain, and big Pacific swells that draw crowds to Tofino and Ucluelet. Daylight drops to roughly 8 to 9 hours. Room rates fall sharply midweek.
  • Spring (March to May): Temperatures of 8 to 14°C (46 to 57°F), grey whales migrating past the shore from March, and quiet trails. Showers are frequent.
  • Shoulder Season (late September to October): Rain returns gradually, with highs of 10 to 15°C (50 to 59°F) and thinner crowds. The West Coast Trail is closed from October to
… read more 👉
  • Summer (July to September): Dry, mild weather runs 12 to 20°C (54 to 68°F), with long days and the West Coast Trail and Long Beach at their busiest. Fog often sits on the beaches until midday. Lodging prices peak and the West Coast Trail quota fills early.
  • Storm Watching (November to February): Highs of 6 to 10°C (43 to 50°F), heavy rain, and big Pacific swells that draw crowds to Tofino and Ucluelet. Daylight drops to roughly 8 to 9 hours. Room rates fall sharply midweek.
  • Spring (March to May): Temperatures of 8 to 14°C (46 to 57°F), grey whales migrating past the shore from March, and quiet trails. Showers are frequent.
  • Shoulder Season (late September to October): Rain returns gradually, with highs of 10 to 15°C (50 to 59°F) and thinner crowds. The West Coast Trail is closed from October to April.
Pacific Rim National Park Reserve is wet in every month, so book a summer bed or trail permit in January and pack rain gear regardless.


source: climatestotravel.comJANJanuary: below average for travelingFEBFebruary: below average for travelingMARMarch: fair for travelingAPRApril: good for travelingMAYMay: highly recommended for travelingJUNJune: highly recommended for travelingJULJuly: good for travelingAUGAugust: good for travelingSEPSeptember: highly recommended for travelingOCTOctober: fair for travelingNOVNovember: below average for travelingDECDecember: below average for traveling
canada-national-park-pacific-rim-national-park-reserve
© Google | Jose Domínguez

✈️ The backpacker research shortcutCanada Travel Guide

An offline-friendly backpacking guide with optimized travel routes, ranked highlights, transport advice, and the best areas to stay.
example page 0 from our offline Travel Guide for Canada
example page 1 from our offline Travel Guide for Canada
example page 2 from our offline Travel Guide for Canada
example page 3 from our offline Travel Guide for Canada
example page 4 from our offline Travel Guide for Canada
example page 5 from our offline Travel Guide for Canada
example page 6 from our offline Travel Guide for Canada
example page 7 from our offline Travel Guide for Canada
The digital guide (385 pages) contains:
✅ 125 highlights, ranked by travel appeal
✅ Optimized 14, 21 & 30-day travel routes
✅ Cities, national parks, landmarks, beaches
✅ How to get around
✅ Offline-friendly for travel without Wi-Fi
👉 Click to see all 30+ guide features

📅 Plan smarter in minutes, not weeks
✅ Month by month travel advice
✅ Festivals & national holidays
✅ Budget expectations

🗺️ Go to the right places, skip the overrated ones
✅ Honest pros & cons of destinations
✅ Top hikes, parks & viewpoints
✅ Lesser-known places most travelers miss
✅ Clear “worth it vs skip it” guidance

🛏️ Travel smoothly without rookie mistakes
✅ Best areas to stay
✅ Transport systems explained simply
✅ Common scams & safety advice
✅ SIM cards, money & practical tips

🌍 Understand the country, not just visit it
✅ Culture & traditions
✅ Local customs
✅ Festivals worth planning around
✅ Traveler-friendly historical context
✅ Insights that make places more meaningful

📱 Built for real travel conditions
✅ Fully downloadable PDF
✅ Works completely offline
✅ Optimized for phone use
✅ Useful in remote areas & buses
✅ Everything in one place
Stop searching, start planning
Get instant access to your full guide. 30‑day money-back guarantee.
+ Add another guide for just

By proceeding you agree to our terms.
Sent to your inbox immediately after payment • 100% Secure Checkout
Best Backpacking Travel Advisor 2025 tourism awardBest Backpacking
Travel Advisor
2025
What others say about Take Your Backpack Guides:
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Fantastic, amazing amount of information!
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
My goodness this is amazing, it's what I've been looking for hats off too you!
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
I think this is absolutely BRILLIANT
⭐⭐⭐⭐
Very complete and informative. It's still missing places, but I gotta to commend you
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
This is truly amazing, thank you, can't wait to explore it with my kids!
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Awesome resource, thank you!
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
This is amazing! Can't wait to explore the ones I haven't seen
⭐⭐⭐⭐
I love this! Well done, great idea.
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Thanks for taking the time to make this gem!
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
This might be the best website I've ever seen.
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Congratulations, and thank you so much for your work; it's incredibly valuable.
⭐⭐⭐⭐
In all seriousness I think you did a great job pointing out the important spots
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
10/10 very good
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
As someone who's only just starting to visit regularly this is awesome, thank you.
⭐⭐⭐⭐
Thank you very much! I'm going to visit my dad, it's going to be very useful!
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
This is really cool! We'll be travelling for the first time and this definitely come in handy.
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
You are now our minister of culture, congratulations 👨‍💼
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Just wanted to tell you that this is a pearl! Going to follow your recommendations.
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
This is so cool. I'll definitely be using the resource for my travels soon.
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
This is very impressive! Good work.
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
This is an amazing and informative site. Very well done!

🛏️ Where to stay?Where staying makes the most sense

Tofino and Ucluelet are the two bases for Pacific Rim National Park Reserve, and Ucluelet is the cheaper and quieter of the pair. Inside the park, the only beds are tent sites. Green Point Campground, above Long Beach, takes reservations through Parks Canada and costs about US$25 to 32 a night, and it sells out for July and August within hours of opening. Backcountry camping on Broken Group Islands sites and along the West Coast Trail is also available, with permits and reservations required.

In Tofino, Whalers on the Point Guesthouse (HI Tofino) has dorm beds for roughly US$45 to 75 in summer. … read more 👉
Tofino and Ucluelet are the two bases for Pacific Rim National Park Reserve, and Ucluelet is the cheaper and quieter of the pair. Inside the park, the only beds are tent sites. Green Point Campground, above Long Beach, takes reservations through Parks Canada and costs about US$25 to 32 a night, and it sells out for July and August within hours of opening. Backcountry camping on Broken Group Islands sites and along the West Coast Trail is also available, with permits and reservations required.

In Tofino, Whalers on the Point Guesthouse (HI Tofino) has dorm beds for roughly US$45 to 75 in summer. Private rooms start around US$150 and climb quickly. Ucluelet has a few hostels and cabins, plus more affordable motels, often US$20 to 50 below Tofino prices. Both towns have campgrounds on private land, such as those near Chesterman and Mackenzie beaches.

For the West Coast Trail, Bamfield (north end) and Port Renfrew (south end) have hostels, B&Bs and small campgrounds for the nights before and after your hike. Nanaimo and Port Alberni are the last larger towns with cheaper chain motels on the road in from the east.
Best hostels in Canada


Best quality hotels in Canada

👛 Costs (as of 22 October 2026)What things cost and how to budget

Pacific Rim National Park Reserve costs about US$67 to 173 per day for a backpacker in high season, with accommodation taking the largest share.
CategoryBudget RangeLocal Reality
Park entry (Long Beach Unit)US$7 to 8Per adult per day, paid at the machines or by day pass, also valid with a Discovery Pass.
Accommodation (high season)US$25 to 75Campsites run US$25 to 32, and hostel dorms US$45 to 75. Winter prices drop noticeably.
Local transportUS$10 to 25Few buses run between Tofino, Ucluelet and the beaches, so hitching or car sharing is common. Rental cars cost more, and parking is limited.
Food and suppliesUS$25 to 40Groceries in Tofino and Ucluelet are pricey. Casual meals cost US$15 to 25, and fish tacos and chowder are local staples.
Activities and permitsUS$0 to 25Beach walks and rainforest
… read more 👉
Pacific Rim National Park Reserve costs about US$67 to 173 per day for a backpacker in high season, with accommodation taking the largest share.
CategoryBudget RangeLocal Reality
Park entry (Long Beach Unit)US$7 to 8Per adult per day, paid at the machines or by day pass, also valid with a Discovery Pass.
Accommodation (high season)US$25 to 75Campsites run US$25 to 32, and hostel dorms US$45 to 75. Winter prices drop noticeably.
Local transportUS$10 to 25Few buses run between Tofino, Ucluelet and the beaches, so hitching or car sharing is common. Rental cars cost more, and parking is limited.
Food and suppliesUS$25 to 40Groceries in Tofino and Ucluelet are pricey. Casual meals cost US$15 to 25, and fish tacos and chowder are local staples.
Activities and permitsUS$0 to 25Beach walks and rainforest boardwalks are covered by the entry fee. The West Coast Trail costs about US$220 or more in permits and fees, and Broken Group paddling needs separate camping fees.
Total Daily BudgetUS$67 to 173Roughly US$95 to 150 is realistic for most backpackers, who camp and cook their own meals.


source: parks.canada.ca
⚠️ Prices can change and everyone travels differently, so take this as a rough guide. Hope it helps you plan your adventure!

🥾 TrailsDiscover Pacific Rim Reserve's top trails and natural wonders

Pacific Rim National Park Reserve has three parts: Long Beach, the Broken Group Islands and the West Coast Trail, each with a different feel.
  • West Coast Trail: 75 kilometers, usually 5 to 7 days, strenuous. Expect slick boardwalks, steep ladders, cable car river crossings and beach stretches timed to the tide. Permits are limited and need advance reservation.
  • Rainforest Trail: Two loops of about 1 kilometer each, easy, roughly 30 minutes. Boardwalk and stairs under giant cedars and hemlocks.
  • Schooner Cove Trail: About 2.5 kilometers round trip, easy to moderate, an hour or so. Forest boardwalk leads
… read more 👉
Pacific Rim National Park Reserve has three parts: Long Beach, the Broken Group Islands and the West Coast Trail, each with a different feel.
  • West Coast Trail: 75 kilometers, usually 5 to 7 days, strenuous. Expect slick boardwalks, steep ladders, cable car river crossings and beach stretches timed to the tide. Permits are limited and need advance reservation.
  • Rainforest Trail: Two loops of about 1 kilometer each, easy, roughly 30 minutes. Boardwalk and stairs under giant cedars and hemlocks.
  • Schooner Cove Trail: About 2.5 kilometers round trip, easy to moderate, an hour or so. Forest boardwalk leads down to sand and tidal pools.
  • Nuu-chah-nulth Trail: About 2.5 kilometers one way, moderate, about an hour. It links Florencia Bay and the Kwisitis Visitor Centre through forest.
  • South Beach Trail: Short, easy, around 20 minutes, ending at a rocky shore popular for watching surf.
  • Broken Group Islands: Paddle-only access, suited to experienced kayakers comfortable with fog, wind and open water.
Wildlife includes black bears, wolves, sea otters, harbor seals and migrating gray whales in spring. Keep distance from bears and never leave food unattended. Check tide tables before beach hikes, as incoming water can cut off headlands.
The Long Beach Unit is reached by road, with Tofino and Ucluelet the nearest towns and no regular public transit running into the park itself, so most visitors drive or arrange shuttles. Summer weekends bring crowds to the parking areas, while the West Coast Trail stays limited by its quota. A park pass is required, and fees are paid in Canadian dollars.
⚠️ Hiking info can sometimes be outdated or inaccurate. Before you hit the trail, check the latest conditions with locals. If you do spot anything that's off, I'd love to hear from you, so I can update it for fellow travelers.

🛡️ SafetyStaying Safe: What Travelers Should Know

Most hazards at Pacific Rim National Park Reserve come from weather and water rather than wildlife. Rain, fog and cold wind arrive in any month, so carry a waterproof shell and a warm layer even on short beach walks. Tides matter: check tide tables before walking headlands or rocky shorelines, because sections can be cut off. Never turn your back on the surf, as sneaker waves and drift logs can knock people down. Swimming is cold and rip currents are common, so stay in the shallows unless you are in a wetsuit at a supervised spot.

The West Coast Trail is demanding. Expect slippery boardwalks, steep ladders, mud, and cable-car river crossings, so go slowly and train with a loaded pack. Black bears, wolves and cougars live here. Store food in the provided bear lockers, keep dogs leashed, and … read more 👉
Most hazards at Pacific Rim National Park Reserve come from weather and water rather than wildlife. Rain, fog and cold wind arrive in any month, so carry a waterproof shell and a warm layer even on short beach walks. Tides matter: check tide tables before walking headlands or rocky shorelines, because sections can be cut off. Never turn your back on the surf, as sneaker waves and drift logs can knock people down. Swimming is cold and rip currents are common, so stay in the shallows unless you are in a wetsuit at a supervised spot.

The West Coast Trail is demanding. Expect slippery boardwalks, steep ladders, mud, and cable-car river crossings, so go slowly and train with a loaded pack. Black bears, wolves and cougars live here. Store food in the provided bear lockers, keep dogs leashed, and give wildlife plenty of space. Cell service is spotty away from the towns.
Check Country Safety

FAQTraveler FAQ

Three to four days works well for Pacific Rim National Park Reserve if you stick to the Long Beach Unit, with time for the Rainforest Trail, Wickaninnish Beach and a surf lesson in Tofino. Add a day for a Broken Group Islands paddle from Ucluelet. The West Coast Trail needs 5 to 7 days on its own, and the full hike is 75 km (47 miles).
Yes, though it is far easier with a car. Pacific Rim National Park Reserve is reachable by the Island Link Tofino Express bus from Nanaimo or Victoria, and the roughly 3.5 hour trip ends in Tofino or Ucluelet. A local transit shuttle runs along the beaches in summer, and trail shuttles connect Bamfield and Port Renfrew with Victoria and Nanaimo for West Coast Trail hikers.
Yes. Pacific Rim National Park Reserve charges a daily fee of about US$7 to 8 per adult in the Long Beach Unit, paid at pay-and-display machines at the trailheads. The West Coast Trail needs a reservation and a permit, which together cost roughly US$220 or more, and an orientation is mandatory before you start. Broken Group Islands camping and Green Point Campground also require bookings, usually released months ahead.
⚠️ Things can change over time, so always validate details locally before you go.

Other Canadian national parks near Pacific Rim Reserve

Explore more nearby:


💡 Not sure where to go next?
Create a personalized itinerary for Canada including Pacific Rim Reserve and the places that fit your trip.

Generate my itinerary

👉 Discover all national parks

Or checkout all Canada has to offer (think cities, towns, villages, national parks, hikes, beaches, festivals)
Explore Canada
Country photo of Canada
© Google Images

We 💚 feedbackWhat to keep in mind

Pacific Rim National Park Reserve trips go wrong when people treat the weather and tides as suggestions. Check the tide table before every beach walk, carry real rain gear even in July, and book trail or island permits long before you arrive. I would pack a waterproof pack liner and a spare dry pair of socks.

✈️ When did I visit Canada?
As part of my 1.5 year travel around the world trip, I visited Canada in 2016.

✍️ Help improve this page!
The information on this page is based on my own backpacking experience in Canada, supplemented with up-to-date research and feedback from other travelers. Travel details can change, so if you notice anything outdated or incomplete, feel free to let me know.



🙋‍♂️ Give feedback

👋 Meet the founderWho’s Behind Take Your Backpack?

Johan, backpacker and founder of TakeYourBackpackHi, I’m Johan (Netherlands 🇳🇱), the creator of TakeYourBackpack. Over the past 3 decades, I’ve backpacked through 90+ countries across six continents, gaining extensive experience with independent travel, long-term trips, and overland routes.

This site is built on a combination of firsthand travel experience and carefully curated insights from other backpackers. Many guides are based on places I’ve personally visited, while others bring together tips, observations, and practical advice shared by trusted travelers I’ve met along the way.

The goal is to provide realistic, experience-driven guidance — not generic itineraries — so you can explore destinations with better context, clearer expectations, and more confidence.

Read the full story