Nope thy Reese Witherspoon adorer, this article is NOT about the PCT – the Pacific Crest Trail – that hike that has been made famous by the book (and movie – or is it the other way ’round?) ‘Wild’.
Although it might be just as much of a healing kind of experience as the PCT, the Wild Pacific Trail in Canada is only 9 km / 5.5 miles long. Sounds a lot more feasible right? And don’t be mistaken, albeit short, the trail is absolutely stunning.
Spread along the west coast in the very scenic village of Ucluelet (just say ‘Ukulele’, if you really can’t pronounce this word), you’ll find this trail some 300 kilometres northwest of Victoria on Vancouver Island. Ucluelet is 40 kilometres south of Tofino, one of the West Coast’s most popular vacation spots.
Ucluelet – or Ukee as called by locals – once was a logging and fishing dependent village of around 1600 people. The locals never were really keen on the influx of tourists. Because Tofino used to be much more welcoming, all the tourist turned right at the Tofino-Ucluelet junction in the far west of Vancouver Island. Ucluelet remained an overlooked place.
But there’s been a bit of a switch lately, so I’ve been told. Slowly Ucluelet has been embracing its spectacular location on the west coast as a gateway to tourism opportunities. Since Tofino is getting way more expensive (realty is skyrocketing in the town), Ukee is now known as the ‘next Tofino’.
But let’s get back to the main reason why visitors are drawn to this place: the outdoor opportunities.
The beaches are just absolutely magical down on the west coast. No matter what particular strip you’re walking on, tidepools, bald eagles and dense forests are never far away. Some of the beaches are wide and long and others are more like tiny bays, but all of them are a joy for lovers of nature for sure.
Many visitors travel great distances to experience ‘spiritual retreats’ and when I was walking around I could understand why. I’m pretty sure nature can heal whatever you’re dealing with in here. Plus the sunsets alone are worth the long drive from Victoria. Even the locals still take a moment everyday to see the sun plunging into the sea and islands in front of the coast.
The Wild Pacific Trail might be the ultimate form of ‘forest bathing’ in this region. This hike is fairly unique, as it’s spread out along a giant rocky peninsula and as it’s easily accessible as well.
The trail can be found in the heart of Ucluelet on the Pacific side. It’s not just one long section, but can is split into two areas. The first part is like a 3 km / 1.8 mile loop that starts near the Amphitrite Lighthouse and gives you an overlook of the Broken Group Islands. The second part extends 6 km north from Big Beach Park, where you walk between trees that are over 800 years old. Although both are scenic, the Lighthouse Loop is (arguably) the prettier one of the two.
Although you’re walking through a dense forest there are all sorts of sweeping vistas around you, as the sea is always close to the trail. Add to that the shortness of the trail, and you’ll get that you don’t need a superb condition nor a lot of time to enjoy this trail.
Despite the location of the trail being close to town, this top outdoor attraction still remains relatively quiet. I hiked the trail on a Wednesday afternoon and although I ran into fellow hikers, in general I had the trail pretty much to myself.
I personally hitchhiked to the area (from Tofino) but if you’re with a car then it’s easy to access the trail and park your car close to the lighthouse.
I loved the trail, especially because it really feels like you’re hiking at the edge of the sea.
For those who need it (or enjoy it) there are tons of benches and even a couple of easily accessible lookout points. Take a moment, bring a sandwich and try to spot the whale spouts, bald eagles and sea birds while having a break. Perhaps you’ll even hear some sea lions.
Along the lighthouse loop there’s also an inner section that’s worth an extra 15 minutes of your time. It’s next to the parking lot. The forest over here is even more dense and allows you to see an abundance of nature. I spotted a two deers over here and a blue jay!
Although the trail is quiet you may encounter more people at the end (or beginning) of the trail near the lighthouse. The iconic Amphitrite Point Lighthouse is like a cherry on the pie for this trail. You can’t enter the building, and it may not be the prettiest building, but it makes for a wonderful spectacular forefront to the open ocean, especially since huge waves as crashing against the rocks.
At this spot you can also hear the life saving whistle buoys in the ocean. It’s a bit of a weird sound. At first I thought it a whale or something, but as I came closer I ran into this sign explaining all about this old, floating marine guide.
I walked this trail really on the middle of the day, but personally I think it would even be more scenic if you start your walk very early in the day. For sure you’ll even see more birds and mammals.
One way or another, this is a good trail for the soul, so try to include it to the itinerary if you’re visiting Vancouver Island!
Here’s where to find that trail:
