Pacific · British Columbia
Pacific Rim National Park Reserve
Surf-pounded sand, rainforest cathedrals, and the West Coast Trail.
Province
British Columbia
Established
1970
Size
511 km²
Coordinates
49.02°, -125.65°
Family friendliness
Hidden gem
Photography
Overview
About Pacific Rim National Park Reserve
Three units stretch along the rugged west coast of Vancouver Island — Long Beach, the Broken Group Islands and the West Coast Trail. It is at once Canada's most accessible beach park and one of its most demanding backcountry experiences.
Why visit
- Long Beach — 16 km of open-Pacific sand
- Storm watching (Nov–Feb)
- Rainforest Trail boardwalks through old-growth
- The West Coast Trail (75 km, reservation required)
- Broken Group Islands sea kayaking
Things to do
Plan your days.
Long Beach storm watching or surfing
photography
Green Point Campground
camping
Rainforest Trail A & B
interpretive
Schooner Cove walk
hiking
Broken Group sea kayaking (multi-day)
kayaking
West Coast Trail thru-hike (May–Sept)
hiking
Camping
Camping in the park.
- Green Point — drive-in within steps of the beach
- Backcountry: WCT shelters, Broken Group island sites
Best time to visit
- Spring
- March–April: grey whale migration.
- Summer
- July–August: warmest and driest.
- Fall
- September–October: shoulder calm, salmon runs.
- Winter
- November–February: legendary storm watching.
- Peak
- July through August.
- Shoulder
- May and late September.
Wildlife
What you'll see.
Whale watching tours from Tofino and Ucluelet; bears along the intertidal at low tide.
Common species
Bald eagle · Black-tailed deer · Harbour seal
Signature species
Gray whale · Black bear · Sea otter · Wolf
Wildlife safety
Sneaker waves, hypothermia and tide cycles — always check the tide table before walking the beach.
Nearby communities
Where to base yourself.
- Tofino
- Ucluelet
- Port Alberni
Nearby attractions
- Clayoquot Sound
- Hot Springs Cove
- Vancouver Island wine route
Suggested itineraries
Pick a length.
weekend
Tofino beach weekend
Long Beach + Rainforest Trail + Cox Bay sunset.
5 day
Coast immersion
Add a Broken Group day kayak and Hot Springs Cove boat trip.
photography
Storm watch week
Late November — book a beachfront lodge.
Frequently asked
Common questions about Pacific Rim National Park Reserve.
Can I camp in Pacific Rim National Park Reserve?+
Yes. Pacific Rim National Park Reserve operates Parks Canada campgrounds with a mix of frontcountry sites and, on most loops, oTENTik or backcountry options.
Do I need reservations to visit Pacific Rim National Park Reserve?+
Yes — campsite reservations are required during peak season and open via the Parks Canada Reservation Service in mid-winter.
Are dogs allowed?+
Yes — dogs are welcome on a leash (max 3 m) throughout the park, but must be supervised at all times and kept off closed trails and beaches with wildlife restrictions.
Is Pacific Rim National Park Reserve family friendly?+
Our family score is 9/10. Excellent for families — wide trails, interpretive programs and accessible viewpoints.
When is the best time to visit Pacific Rim National Park Reserve?+
July–August for sun; November–February for storms. Shoulder seasons reward visitors with fewer crowds and softer light, while winter opens its own set of opportunities (or, in the far north, closes road access entirely).
What wildlife can I see?+
Signature species include gray whales, black bears, bald eagles and the occasional coastal wolf. Always keep at least 30 m from large mammals and 100 m from bears; carry bear spray on backcountry trails.
Can I bring an RV?+
Yes — designated loops accommodate RVs and trailers. Check site dimensions and service availability (electrical/water/sewer) when booking, as not every site offers full hookups.
How many days should I spend here?+
Two to three days for Long Beach; four to seven for the West Coast Trail.
Nearby parks
