PACIFIC RIM NATIONAL PARK RESERVE OF CANADA

The Pacific Rim National Park explores three segmented eco systems.. the Long Beach sandy beach area, the Broken Islands Marine Group and the famous West Coast Trail - a rugged backpacking wilderness camping experience. The park geography encompasses over 13,000 hectares and only 7,000 is on land!

The Pacific Rim is a popular destination park with an abundance of sandy beaches, west coast day hikes, multi day backpacking trips, ocean kayaking adventures, wilderness camping, boating, surfing, fishing, swimming, mountain biking, wildlife viewing and so much more. The Pacific Rim National Park is a protected, sensitive and diverse eco system created by the Government of Canada.

The Pacific Rim National Park trails located in the Long Beach section and the West Coast Trail section of the park are surrounded by surf, sand, cliffs and rainforests. The park is preserved in it's natural environment so please do not step off the trails or approach any of the wildlife viewed along the route.

The Broken Islands Group is accessed by a boat or kayak only. The Broken Group of Islands is fast becoming recognized as a top kayaking destination in the world. The hundreds of islands make it an ideal kayaking destination as you are protected by the islands from the rough seas of the Pacific Ocean.

The West Coast Trail is an overnight rough and rugged backpacking trail stretching out over 70 kilometres in length. Once used by shipwrecked mariners to hike back to civilization, the West Coast Trail is one of the best opportunities to view the rugged coastline of Vancouver Island. The backpack adventure is for experienced, well fitted backpackers with many areas involving climbing hundreds of feet of ladders straight up, crossing muddy swamps and over rivers.

While exploring the coastline in this beautiful wilderness park take notice of the ocean wave action and rolling surf as it can be gentle at times then, instantly, can transform into roaring, crashing storms. The large waves can sometimes sweep up beaches and shorelines, throwing logs and driftwood. In storm watching seasons logs can float, roll, trap and crush the unwary hiker or storm watcher, so no crazy stupid stunts is good for your health. When planning any extended hike in the Pacific Rim National Park it is always wise to carry a watch, flashlight, water and to check the tide tables.

PARK USE PERMIT: Everyone needs to buck up to enjoy the Pacific Rim parks and purchase a park use permit. There are pay meter machines in most of the bigger park areas, many accept credit cards only. To pay with cash stop in at the Wickaninnish Interpretive Centre, Green Point Campground or the Park Administration Office.