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Pacific Rim National Park Reserve         

photo courtesy of Tim Olson

Contact Information:
Pacific Rim National Park Reserve    
2185 Ocean Terrace Rd.
P.O. Box 280
Ucluelet, B.C.
Canada V0R 3A0 
250-726-7721

Size: 499.6 sq. km. 

Location: Pacific Rim National Park Reserve is composed of three sections: Long Beach, the West Coast Trail and the Broken Group of Islands. The Long Beach Unit is located on the west coast of Vancouver Island between the villages of Ucluelet and Tofino. The West Coast Trail includes the section of coast southeast of Barkley Sound between the villages of Bamfield and Port Renfrew. The Broken Group of Islands consist of approximately 100 islands and rocks located in Barkley Sound. 

Description: Park's marine and forest environment features sand beaches, an island archipelago, old-growth coastal temperate rainforest, and significant archeological sites. The area is home to a variety of marine mammals, including seals, sea lions, and whales. The villages of Ucluelet and Tofino host their annual Whale Festival from mid-March to mid-April to mark the gray whale spring migration north through park waters. Approximately 250 species of birds, mostly spring and fall migrants, have also been identified within the park and bordering areas. The 47-mile West Coast Trail, one of the best-known and most challenging hikes in North America, follows a rugged shoreline where approximately 66 ships have met their demise along this stretch of the "Graveyard of the Pacific". 

 

Pacific Rim National Park Reserve  
photo courtesy of Tim Olson

Activities: Park activities include camping, hiking, canoeing and kayaking, scuba diving, fishing, wildlife viewing, and interpretive programs. Long Beach Unit includes Green Point Campground, with 105 campsites situated on a forested terrace with trail access to Long Beach. There are also nine walking trails within the Long Beach Unit of the park. The Broken Islands Group offers the opportunity for visitors to explore dozens of different sheltered coves and bays by boat. Camping is also popular in this area of the park, particularly during the peak visitation period from mid-July through August. The West Coast Trail is open to overnight use from May through September.

Operating Hours: Mid-March to mid-October is the park operating season during which time most park facilities are open. Mid-October through mid-March is the park low season, when most facilities, including the Wickaninnish Centre, the Park Information Centre and Green Point Campground are closed.

History
: Established in 1970. 

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