Wild Pacific Trail

The Wild Pacific Trail near Ucluelet, BC on Vancouver Island is THE trail to explore when near and in this Pacific Rim community. The 9 kilometre Wild Pacific Trail meanders along a boardwalk and gravel pathway. The walking trail is rich in marine scenery, ocean sounds and rainforest scents. The points-of-interest along the trail include a working lighthouse and a few sandy beach parks. There are many sitting benches, viewing platforms and picnic tables located along the route as well. Many sections of the trail are wheelchair and baby stroller friendly. 

The views from high above look down onto surge channels, white water tides and razor sharp reefs. Look out over the ocean and one sees Barclay Sound and the Broken Islands. Some sections of the trail run along the edge of cliffs and over headlands. Other parts explore the forest and along the shoreline. Trees are everywhere. Many are giants while others are wind battered dwarf trees. 

The south trailhead is located in the WPT parking lot on Peninsula Road in Ucluelet BC. Another nearby access point to the Wild Pacific Trail is the Coast Guard parking lot located a few hundred metres north of the trailhead. This southern section of the Wild Pacific Trail is 2.5 kilometres long. It is a loop trail exploring above cliffs leading to Amphitrite Lighthouse.

The middle section of the Wild Pacific Trail is from He-Tin-Kis Park to Big Beach Park. Big Beach is main destination of the trail with a picnic shelter, picnic tables and a sandy beach.

The northern section of the Wild Pacific Trail hikes over bluffs and through rainforests for 4 kilometres. This section is a steep and involves more hill climbing than the previous parts of the trail. The northern trailhead of this section of the Wild Pacific is located near the entrance of Ucluelet.

The Wild Pacific Trail is enjoyed by all ages and abilities. It is truly a unique trail in the heart of Ucluelet. Plans in the near future have the trail extending to 16 kilometres.

How to get to the Wild Pacific Trail:

South Trailhead: Follow the Pacific Rim Hwy to Ucluelet. The Pacific Rim Hwy turns into Peninsula Rd in Ucluelet. Continue driving along Peninsula Road, pass the school zone, until you reach Coast Guard Rd. on your right. On the corner of Peninsula and Coast Guard Rd is a parking lot for the Wild Pacific Trail.

Middle Trailhead: Follow the Pacific Rim Hwy to Ucluelet. The Pacific Rim Hwy turns into Peninsula Rd in Ucluelet. Continue driving along Peninsula Road, pass the school zone, until Matterson Drive. Take a right and follow the road until you reach the gravel parking lot at the end of the road.

North Trailhead: Follow the Pacific Rim Hwy to the northern entrance of the Village of Ucluelet. Look for a large Wild Pacific Trail billboard route map sign sitting by itself on the side of the road (same side as the paved bike path).