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The Real West Coast - BC
For the love of a good beach fire - Noel Hendrickson photo
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JEREMY KORESKI
The Real West Coast - BC
Year round beach fun - Jeremy Koreski photo
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Jeremy Koreski
The Real West Coast - BC
Beach in Pacific Rim National Park Reserve - Jeremy Koreski photo
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The Real West Coast - BC
Beach runners in Pacific Rim National Park Reserve - Parks Canada photo
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Douglas Ludwig
The Real West Coast - BC
Wild Pacific Trail - Douglas Ludwig photo
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Barbara Schramm
The Real West Coast - BC
Wild Pacific Trail in Ucluelet - Barbara Schramm photo
By Samantha Flyeris
If you are looking for rejuvenation and adventure – visit the Real West Coast: Pacific Rim National Park Reserve and the communities of Tofino and Ucluelet. Renowned for its temperate rainforest, expansive sandy beaches and rugged coastline you are sure to leave this region with the desire to return!
Situated alongside the Pacific Ocean this area is home to the most exceptional dining, hiking, kayaking, boating, surfing and exploring British Columbia has to offer!
Pacific Rim National Park Reserve
Located between Tofino and Ucluelet the Long Beach Unit of the Pacific Rim National Park Reserve offers activities such as, beach walking, hiking, surfing and camping. Feel the sand between your toes as you walk along the pristine sandy beaches or catch a wave at Long Beach. Immerse yourself in the rainforest, surrounded by ancient cedar trees, hanging moss, abundant ferns and salal in various shades of green. The Broken Group Islands located off the coast of Ucluelet offers exquisite kayaking and boating. Paddle or cruise through crystal clear waters and explore the protected bays and islands of Barkley Sound. If you are ready for a challenge, hike the rugged coastline of the West Coast Trail, a 75 km backpacking trail located between Bamfield and Port Renfrew.
Experience the Real West Coast, where the Pacific Ocean and temperate rainforest come together to create awe-inspiring beauty. http://therealwestcoast.ca/
Ucluelet
Ucluelet (pronounced U-CLUE-let) will leave an imprint on your soul. Nestled at the end of a rainforest clad peninsula between the Long Beach Unit and Broken Group Islands Unit of the Pacific Rim National Park Reserve, the tranquil community of Ucluelet showcases world class accommodation, fishing and kayaking, wildlife tours, surfing and a catch and release Aquarium. While exploring local tantalizing restaurants and eateries, unique gift shops and galleries, take the opportunity to immerse yourself in a supernatural BC experience on the 9km Wild Pacific Trail. This local gem offers a revitalizing experience walking through the rainforest while the trail undulates along the coastline with vistas of the Pacific Ocean at every turn. You will go away feeling restored, rejuvenated and will want to return. Ucluelet is yours to discover...
Tofino
You could say that Tofitians, known as residents of Tofino, have mastered the art of laidback coastal living. Plan your time in Tofino and celebrate the season like the locals do.
How to skip into spring the Tofitian way:
- Witness giants of the marine mammal kind. A whale watching tour in Tofino often yields a mosaic of wildlife sightings, including Gray and Humpback whales (with the thrill of transient orcas at times), sea lions, seals, sea otters and more.
- Be moved. Paddle the calm waters of Clayoquot Sound on a stand-up paddle board (SUP) or a sea kayak and take in the traditional territory of the Tla-o-qui-aht people.
- Light your fire. Beach fire, that is. Locals will tell you that time is always well spent by a crackling flame and the sound of waves.
- Go fish. Sweet, delicate spot prawns can be fished year-round in our inshore waters.
- Take a hike. Whether you opt to hike up Lone Cone in Meares Island Tribal Park, amble along the Tonquin Trail or follow one of the many paths in Pacific Rim National Park Reserve, your choices are many.
- Get stoked! Get amped! In other words, get excited to pull on a wetsuit and learn to surf with fun and knowledgeable instructors.
- Hit it. The Long Beach Golf Course celebrated its 30-year anniversary in 2015, and the location can’t be beat, adjacent to Pacific Rim National Park Reserve and minutes from… Long Beach .
- Dine out, literally. Enjoy outdoor dining, from Shelter Restaurant’s chic, covered patio to SoBo’s fireplace-heated seating, from the rustic setting at Wildside Grill to the Driftwood Café's beachside patio at the Wickaninnish Inn.
- Put your feet up. It’s always spa time on the Real West Coast. Complement your beach or water time with a variety of soothing treatments.
- Picture yourself here. Capture your West Coast moments in photos, writing, maybe drawing or painting. Join our thriving arts community and keep your eyes peeled for original works throughout our coast, found in our eateries, accommodations, galleries and more. It’s the art of West Coast living.
Find your travel inspiration at www.therealwestcoast.ca
Nearby RV parks include:
- Pacific Rim National Park Reserve - Green Point Campground , Hwy 4 midway between Tofino & Ucluelet, 1-877-737-3783, email: pacrim.info@pc.gc.ca - www.pc.gc.ca/pacrim
- Bella Pacifica Campground, 400 Mackenzie Beach Rd., Tofino BC V0R 2Z0, 250-725-3400, email: campground@bellapacifica.com - www.bellapacifica.com
- Crystal Cove Beach Resort, 1165 Cedarwood Pl., Tofino BC V0R 2Z0, 1-877-725-4213, email: info@crystalcove.ca - www.crystalcove.ca
- Mackenzie Beach Resort, 1101 Pacific Rim Hwy, Tofino BC V0R 2Z0, 250-725-3439 - www.mackenziebeach.com