Wild Pacific Trail
Wild Pacific Trail
5
About
The Wild Pacific Trail is located in Ucluelet and is a seven phase trail system skirting the rugged cliffs and shoreline of the west coast of Vancouver Island. Overlooking Barkley Sound and the Broken Group Islands to the east and the open Pacific Ocean to the south and west, it offers spectacular shoreline panoramas and seaward vistas through ancient cedar and spruce-framed viewing platforms constructed on the best headlands along the route.
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5.0
2,766 reviews
Excellent
2,383
Very good
345
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35
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3
Terrible
0
S F
Ucluelet, Canada888 contributions
Nov 2022 • Family
Travel writers will say things like, if there is only one thing you can do, then such and such is it.
Happily, there are many wonderful things to do in spectacular Ucluelet, an ocean village on the Wild West coast of Vancouver Island, located as it is in ocean rainforest, home to ancient trees, & looking out over the Pacific Ocean, also habitat of many species, & now a village know as a culinary Mecca.
It reminds me of places like DC with its museums, art galleries, outdoor memorials, vibrant food scene, architectural hub, & on it goes.
London too; New York also. There are a good number of such cities & villages.
Ucluelet stands among them.
One can visit for a fortnight, & still feel you want to take in what the place offers for far, far longer.
In Ukee, as named by locals, that one thing mentioned could be the Wild Pacific Trail (WPT) which comes in three parts, built up since the 1980s, when an oyster fisher arrived in the area. He realized how perfect a trail would be in this terrain of rugged shorelines, opening up to beaches, as well as vistas of the Pacific Ocean, waves lapping or crashing on the shore, depending on the day & season.
There are benches & rest spots, where one can catch one’s breath in this environment, which is indeed breathtaking.
It is very likely there were trails built by Ucluelet’s First Nations before European settlement but the one we walked this week has aspects which give it a built structure with its benches etc.
In the summer, free interpretive talks are given.
Winter offers Storm watching.
The WPT has been build to have many places at which it can be entered.
I, with my son, granddaughter & their recently rescued dog from Qatar, have been walking the section accessed from Marine Drive, coming out at Big Beach, every joyful afternoon this sunny week.
It takes us around 30 mins, both ways.
The more one discovers its joys, the more one wants to come back.
It is just in from Big Beach that Black Rock Oceanfront Resort finds its home, built just over a decade ago.
Open with places to eat, a spa, also offering accommodation,it is a good place to start or end one’s journey through this rainforest terroir.
Other Ukee culinary spots: Zoe’s; YuZu Cafe; Heartwood,Ucluelet’ Brewing Co; Pluvio & more.
As well there is nice sushi place on Peninsula.
Posted by S Fuller
Happily, there are many wonderful things to do in spectacular Ucluelet, an ocean village on the Wild West coast of Vancouver Island, located as it is in ocean rainforest, home to ancient trees, & looking out over the Pacific Ocean, also habitat of many species, & now a village know as a culinary Mecca.
It reminds me of places like DC with its museums, art galleries, outdoor memorials, vibrant food scene, architectural hub, & on it goes.
London too; New York also. There are a good number of such cities & villages.
Ucluelet stands among them.
One can visit for a fortnight, & still feel you want to take in what the place offers for far, far longer.
In Ukee, as named by locals, that one thing mentioned could be the Wild Pacific Trail (WPT) which comes in three parts, built up since the 1980s, when an oyster fisher arrived in the area. He realized how perfect a trail would be in this terrain of rugged shorelines, opening up to beaches, as well as vistas of the Pacific Ocean, waves lapping or crashing on the shore, depending on the day & season.
There are benches & rest spots, where one can catch one’s breath in this environment, which is indeed breathtaking.
It is very likely there were trails built by Ucluelet’s First Nations before European settlement but the one we walked this week has aspects which give it a built structure with its benches etc.
In the summer, free interpretive talks are given.
Winter offers Storm watching.
The WPT has been build to have many places at which it can be entered.
I, with my son, granddaughter & their recently rescued dog from Qatar, have been walking the section accessed from Marine Drive, coming out at Big Beach, every joyful afternoon this sunny week.
It takes us around 30 mins, both ways.
The more one discovers its joys, the more one wants to come back.
It is just in from Big Beach that Black Rock Oceanfront Resort finds its home, built just over a decade ago.
Open with places to eat, a spa, also offering accommodation,it is a good place to start or end one’s journey through this rainforest terroir.
Other Ukee culinary spots: Zoe’s; YuZu Cafe; Heartwood,Ucluelet’ Brewing Co; Pluvio & more.
As well there is nice sushi place on Peninsula.
Posted by S Fuller
Written 9 November 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Thank you S. Fuller for your positive review and heartfelt endorsement of Ucluelet! We're glad you continue to love the unique experience the Wild Pacific Trail provides and the special connection you have to the Ucluelet area. We appreciate you helping to promote all the wonderful features of Ucluelet and our remarkable Trail.
Written 13 November 2022
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
mariedesjardins
Prince George, Canada6,906 contributions
Aug 2020 • Solo
Nice peaceful coastal trail running from Ucluelet to Tofino. Many were on the 2 km loop which included the light house and thick forested areas. Didn’t encounter any wildlife and kept close to others. The waves were up but not as much as during storm season which would be winter.
Written 11 September 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Thank you for taking the time to share your Wild Pacific Trail experience. Happy you were able to see some wave action as we get closer to the winter storm season. Cheers!
Written 25 September 2020
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Vancouver_dan
North Vancouver, Canada725 contributions
Sept 2021
I was very impressed by how well this trail was maintained and marked. This is a "walk in the park" hike that can be enjoyed by folks of most fitness levels. There are numerous viewpoints with benches along the way - looking out on a very rough rocky shoreline. There are many signs offering information - including a sign discussing shipwrecks in the area. I also loved the sign at the lighthouse - the fog horn blows every 20 seconds!
Written 13 September 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Thank you for encouraging others to venture out on to the Trail when in Ucluelet. Appreciate receiving such a glowing review!
Written 1 November 2021
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
StevoinMinnesoto
Cottage Grove, MN547 contributions
Sept 2019
First off, the trail does NOT start by the large map off of the parking lot. It starts much closer to the parking lot and is easy to walk right by. We know because we did and after our hike, we ate our lunch in the car and watched about 90% of the people walk to the map to look for the trail. Once you find the trail, it is well maintained but could use a few more direction signage. The views are spectacular and there are many small spurs you can take to get down to the water. Highly Recommended!
Written 24 February 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Thank you for taking the time to write a review and for highly recommending us. There are many entry and exit points along the Wild Pacific Trail. The start of the trail as noted on our website has plenty of parking and can be walked in either direction as it is a loop. There are trail brochures at the trailheads to guide you as you walk the trail, please feel free to take one. Happy hiking!
Written 15 March 2020
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
GheartsM
Oak Harbor, WA9 contributions
Aug 2020
From the parking lot at the Amphitrite Lighthouse, the Wild Pacific Trail on the southern tip of the peninsula, called the Lighthouse Loop, is an easy walk with a couple of short hills. There are many spots from which you get a great view of the ocean and the many inlets along the coast. During the COVID-19 pandemic, the trail must be walked one-way only (counter-clockwise) to minimize proximity with other walkers.
Most of the trail is under cover of the trees, and is pleasant to walk in the rain.
Most of the trail is under cover of the trees, and is pleasant to walk in the rain.
Written 31 August 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Thanks for the glowing review. Glad you enjoyed your time well spent on the Wild Pacific Trail!
Written 2 September 2020
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
S F
Ucluelet, Canada888 contributions
Jan 2024 • Solo
The wondrous Wild Pacific Trail in the ocean village of Ucluelet on Canada’s Wild West coast, has a 2024 programme which extends its mission to teach, both nature & local cultural history to those who visit.
Visitors are residents of Ukee, as locals refer to the ocean village, but also come from afar, both nationally & internationally.
One learns of course by just being exposed to the flora & fauna which one observes as one walks this breath-taking trail but programmes led by experts, both on line & in person, are available for this new year of 2024.
The organization is a non profit & needs donations to sustain itself & grow. It is easy to donate online.
Posted by S Fuller
Visitors are residents of Ukee, as locals refer to the ocean village, but also come from afar, both nationally & internationally.
One learns of course by just being exposed to the flora & fauna which one observes as one walks this breath-taking trail but programmes led by experts, both on line & in person, are available for this new year of 2024.
The organization is a non profit & needs donations to sustain itself & grow. It is easy to donate online.
Posted by S Fuller
Written 8 January 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
WR Bird
9 contributions
May 2019
The Wild Pacific Trail is a nice easy walk through some of the most seanic area on Vancouver Island. We also did a guided bicycle tour on part of the trail both very enjoyable. Lots of wild life,seals,whales,Eagles and in the late afternoon great sunsets.
Written 6 March 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Thank you for highlighting all the wonderful things to see and experience on the Wild Pacific Trail. We just wanted to mention that bicycles are not allowed on the trail, and I am sure your tour had you leave your bikes at the trailhead in one of our bike racks provided. As the trail has no sightlines around frequent corners and many trail users, biking poses a danger to the hikers.
Written 11 March 2020
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Ann S
Sudbury, Canada76 contributions
Sept 2022
If I could give this 10 stars I would. Absolutely beautiful, it reminded me of Hawaii. Nice quiet walk in the woods with beautiful areas where you can just sit and enjoy all nature has to give. If you are in this part of Vancouver Island and only have time to do one thing, this is it!
Written 11 October 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Thanks for making us a part of your hiking experience while on the West Coast. Glad you enjoyed the views and time spent on the Trail.
Written 13 November 2022
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Christine P
Vancouver, Canada306 contributions
Jul 2020
An exceptional hike with the option to make it as long as you want(to some extent). The popular lighthouse loop is just under 3 km, and offers absolutely stunning views of the broken islands chain, the rainforest, the bogs, the Amphitrite lighthouse and powerful waves of the coast. Well marked path, one way in Covid times. Bring bear spray and wear runners. A lot of photo opportunities, takes about an hour or more at a brisk pace, with photo stops. Highly recommended! Outhouses at the lighthouse are in pretty rough shape though. Be warned!
Written 7 August 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Thank you for highlighting all the wonderful things that the Wild Pacific Trail has to offer. We do recognize that our bathroom facilities need regular maintenance in the summer with the higher volume of visitors to the area. Hopefully in the future, we can upgrade them.
Written 31 August 2020
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Blair C
3 contributions
Jul 2023
After arriving in Ucluelet I set out on this trail for what I thought would be a 10-minute walk to see the sunset. I was astonished to find myself in one of the most beautiful settings I’ve ever been in: Rocky rugged coastline, a storybook lighthouse (with foghorn) and amazing views at nearly every lookout. I ended up coming back to my car an hour later by headlamp with a nearly dead iPhone and dozens and dozens of photos to show my widpfe, lol. We went back together the next morning for a seaside run.
The trail itself is not difficult. It’s very well maintained and every few metres there’s a bench with an amazing view.
The Ancient Cedar trail north of the town is not to be missed either.
Very highly recommended
The trail itself is not difficult. It’s very well maintained and every few metres there’s a bench with an amazing view.
The Ancient Cedar trail north of the town is not to be missed either.
Very highly recommended
Written 6 August 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Do you see much wildlife? Any to be concerned about bears cougars? Do they recommend carrying bear spray?
Written 17 April 2019
I have never seen any bears or cougars on the Wild pacific coast trail. It may also depend on what time of year you go what you might encounter. I go in November so by that time the bears are in hibernation. I have however seen wildlife in the Pacific Rim park and recommend if you walk on the interior trails that you carry a bear bell. The park is good about putting up signs if dangerous wildlife have been spotted in the area so make sure you check the hiking signs at the trailheads for updates before you hike.
Written 17 April 2019
Well that will depend upon the time of year and conditions. I suggest you have something that cuts out the wind but you can experience very hot still conditions or wind and rain. It was beautiful walking temperature of 16C when we walked it. Many were wearing shorts! June 2019.
Written 20 June 2019
Are dogs allowed on trails? Also, are there lots of stairs as one of us (the dog) has difficulty with flights of stairs. Steep hills and boardwalks are ok! Thanks
Written 15 August 2018
WildPacificTrail
Ucluelet, Canada
Yes, dogs on a leash are welcome to walk the trail. There are some flights of stairs but there are alternate routes to avoid them.
Dogs running off leash have been hurt by wolves so please protect your pets with a leash. No dog on a leash has ever come to harm on this trail. Please bring bags to pick up your dog's waste and carry it to a garbage bin.
Written 18 August 2018
Hello! Coming to Ucluelet in about a week and can't wait to hike this 8 km stretch. We are staying at the Black Rock - what's the best place to start and end? I'm a bit confused as the lighthouse section seems split off from the rest..... would we need to drive between the lighthouse section and the rest of the trail?
Written 15 March 2018
I would go and park by the lighthouse, and do the loop there. It takes about 45 minutes, but you could easily take 90 minutes! Lots of wonderful benches to sit on, and enjoy the view. And take binoculars too. You may see some whales off in the distance, as they head back to Alaska.
Also, from the Black Rock resort, you can walk on another section of the trail going north. It actually goes for quite a ways that direction, all the way to the Artist's loop, and the big cedar tree loop. But then it's back the way you came from the resort.
Make sure you pick up the brochure of the trail once you get there. They usually have some by the lighthouse parking lot. I don't remember if the resort has them or not. Or, just download the map.
You can see then, the trail doesn't connect up all the way. Not without going out to the road to walk for a ways.
The answers are not allowed to include website links, so just google Wild Pacific Trail.
Written 15 March 2018
Hi all, is this trail wheelchair /stroller accessible as well? (I mean: are there a lot if branches, roots,... on the path?)
Written 24 July 2017
WildPacificTrail
Ucluelet, Canada
The Trail is stroller accessible (strollers with off-road tires work best). Some sections of the Artist Loops have steep sections, so a more level stroller route is available. There are few roots on the Trail, as our Trail maintenance crew ensures that they are not exposed/tripping hazards are removed.
Wheelchairs can access the Amphitrite Lighthouse from the end of Coast Guard Road. There is a short paved section there. Wheelchair users can access other short sections of the Trail; however there may be stairs, steep sections and the trail can be uneven and soft. Our Trail map outlines the steeper sections of the Trail and the easier grade.
Written 30 July 2017
Can you just do short hikes without reservations?
Written 14 July 2017
No reservations are needed for this trail. You may be confusing it with the "West Coast Trail", which takes up to a week to hike and does require reservations. The "Wild Pacific Trail" is a day use hiking trail and does not require a reservation.
Written 14 July 2017
SoloTravelQueen
Thunder Bay, Canada
Passing through and do not have time to hike the whole series of trails. Which is the most scenic? I see lots of photos through the trees of beautiful walkways on the edge of rocks and sunrises/sun sets in the background, but I'm having trouble distinguishing which photos belong with what paths. I will have done a few forest walks already on the trip and am more interested in "coastal" views.
Written 11 July 2017
WildPacificTrail
Ucluelet, Canada
If you are short on time, the Lighthouse Loop is wonderful as it encapsulates a little bit of everything that the Trail has to offer in terms of scenery.
The Artist Loops, on a different section of the Trail, provides spectacular extended views of the coast line (parking at Brown's Beach).
Happy Hiking!
Written 11 July 2017
When is the best time to visit.? Is this close or far from other attractions?
Written 8 August 2016
More on the Seaplane, this is an added adventure to your trip, but the flight has a 25lb luggage restriction, you will need to plan accordingly.
Written 23 August 2016
If we stay on the opposite side of Ucluelet to the Pacific Trail, how long would it take us to walk to reach it, please? Is there a better side of the resort to be based?
Written 1 July 2016
WildPacificTrail
Ucluelet, Canada
Hello Amanda,
Wonderful to hear that you are planning to visit the Wild Pacific Trail on your trip to Ucluelet. The Trail is easily accessed from all local accommodation providers within the town of Ucluelet (some require further walking than others). The Trail map is the best resource to assist you in planning your walk. Be sure to check out our free interpretive walks with posters located on trailheads and our website.
Written 7 July 2016
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