Pacific Rim National Park Reserve
Shorepine Bog
Shorepine Bog is a hiking trail exploring a sensitive ecological eco system located in the Pacific Rim National Park near the communities of Tofino and Ucluelet, Vancouver Island, British Columbia, Canada. The trail follows along a raised boardwalk path weaving around shorepine trees and dwarfed shrubs
like Labrador Tea and Bog Laurel.
The 800 metre loop Shorepine Bog Trail is an easy grade and wheel chair accessible pathway. Along the pathway there
are viewing benches and a few interpretive signs. There are signs explaining the importance of protecting bogs, wetlands and marshes.
The Shorepine Bog is home to many plant and wildlife species. There are dwarfed Yellow Cedar trees, twisted Southpine trees, Skunk
Cabbage, salal, Deer Fern and some False Lily of the Valley.
Bogs are moist wetland-like fields left
behind from the ice age. The acidic soils and the lack of drainage
help create sphagnum which is the rustic, multi-layered coloured moss on the the bog floor. When sphagnum builds up it begins to
form islands around trees and stumps. These are referred to as hummocks.
The bog also attracts many kinds of song birds to the area. It is a must visit destination for birdwatchers and sightseeing enthusiasts. The boardwalk path does have a few sitting benches in strategic areas for visitors who want to take a moment and watch the wildlife.
The bog is a sensitive ecological area and all who visit must
stay on the trail. No wandering off the trail. Pack out what
you pack in as there are no little barrels on the trail. In the parking
lot are some garbage cans and picnic tables for some snack time if you need a
break.
All visitors to the park must have
a Park Use Permit. Pack out what you pack in.
How to get to the Shorepine Bog
Travel towards the community of Tofino, BC. From the Pacific Rim Hwy look for the road
signs indicating the Wickaninnish Interpretive Centre. Turn
onto Wickaninnish Road and travel towards the centre. On your left will
be a sign indicating the parking lot for Florencia
Beach, drive past it for 300 metres to the Shorepine
parking lot area.
