A hiker’s guide to Pacific Rim National Park

Pacific Rim National Park Reserve is one of Canada's most popular tourist attractions and for good reason. Offering miles of trails for hiking and mountain biking, beaches for kayaking, surfing, and swimming (in a wetsuit), and amazing bird and marine life, it’s an adventurer’s dream. Fully embrace this historic site by sleeping under the stars in one of three distinct areas, each with different camping options.

Our guide is going to reveal some of the best spots for campers and how you can make the most of Pacific Rim National Park Reserve.

Getting to Pacific Rim National Park Reserve

You will need a car to get to most parts of Pacific Rim National Park Reserve. From Vancouver, take a ferry to Nanaimo and drive along Highway 4 to the Tofino–Ucluelet junction to get to Long Beach. 

The drive to the West Coast Trail involves traversing gravel logging roads. The West Coast Trail Express bus runs from Victoria and Nanaimo. To reach Broken Islands, take a boat from Toquart Bay. If you don't have much boating experience, it's best to work with a boating or kayaking company.

Once you’re there, you get to choose your own adventure. Whether you’re into challenging but rewarding hikes or fancy a calm boat trip spotting wildlife, you’ll find something to satisfy your inner explorer. 

Long Beach

Long Beach offers the most developed campground in the park. Green Point has over 90 drive-in sites with flush toilets, showers, fire pits and picnic areas. Reservations are recommended during the peak season from June to August. It also has over 20 walk-in sites with flush toilets, fire pits and cold water. Book your campsite through Parks Canada Reservation Service or by calling 1-877-737-3783.

With your spot secured, prepare to explore 34,800 acres of beautiful beaches and the only rainforest in North America – a must-visit. Long Beach Headlands Trail is the most accessible. Don't miss Big Trees Trail, a stunning boardwalk trail maintained by the Tla-o-qui-aht First Nations band. A long stairway leads to Hanging Garden Tree, the province's fourth-largest western red cedar.

Broken Group Islands

Experienced campers will never forget a trip to Broken Group Islands. Designated camping areas on Hand, Willis, Turret, Dodd, Gibraltar, Clarke, and Gilbert Islands provide solar composting outhouses, but you're on your own beyond that. Pack adequate water, and make sure you take everything with you when you leave. To reduce your environmental impact, Parks Canada has a few recommendations:

• Using biodegradable soap
• Ropes instead of nails
• Using a small camp stove rather than a fire for cooking.

A cluster of more than 100 rugged islands at the center of Barkley Sound, Broken Group Islands is popular with kayakers. Navigate quiet coves on relatively calm waters while doing a spot of nature watching – keep a look out for whales, eagles, bears, harbor seals and marine life. If you need guidance (or you want a little adventure and are looking for a kayak to rent), book a half or full-day trip with Majestic Ocean Kayaking or Tofino Sea Kayaking Company. Note: you can only access these islands by boat so booking a tour can ensure you don’t miss a thing.

West Coast Trail

Experienced hikers and backcountry campers routinely visit the West Coast Trail for its challenging terrain and stunning scenery. The trail has designated campsites along the route, so you have plenty of choice when it comes to finding a spot to pitch up. As with any outdoor adventure, respect the environment by leaving no trace of your presence – remember, we leave only footsteps and take only memories. It takes six to eight days to hike the entire 45-mile West Coast Trail. It isn’t one to be entered into lightly but is definitely a rewarding hike. Be prepared for an isolated, physically challenging, rewarding journey across deep gullies, steep slopes and wet, slippery trails. Take time to plan your trip by studying maps and tide tables.

Don’t have a week to spare? No worries. For those who want a lighter West Coast Trail experience, you can still enjoy the park. There is a third entrance, Nitinat Narrows, which allows for a two to three-day adventure. While it is shorter, we do recommend you plan for the same rigorous conditions as the full hike.

To decompress from days of backcountry camping, end your trip with a night of comfort camping; with tents and cabins to choose from, you can end your adventure with a little luxury. The canvas tents contain wood-burning stoves, cots and outdoor decks. You can also learn more about the Ditidaht First Nation and its territory while you’re there.

Planning the camping trip of a lifetime in North America's version of a jungle? Hire a car with Hertz to explore as much as possible.