Wild Pacific Trail
Wild Pacific Trail, Ucluelet: Address, Phone Number, Wild Pacific Trail Reviews: 5/5
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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Learn moreTop ways to experience Wild Pacific Trail and nearby attractions
The area
Address
Best nearby
Restaurants
33 within 3 miles

Abbondanza
212
0.2 mi$$ - $$$ • Italian • Pizza • Vegetarian Friendly

Howlers Family Restaurant
488
0.1 mi$$ - $$$ • Bar • Seafood • Canadian

Pluvio restaurant
532
0.5 mi$$$$ • Canadian • Vegetarian Friendly • Vegan Options

Ravenlady Oyster Forte
354
0.5 mi$$ - $$$ • Quick Bites • Seafood • Fast Food

FloatHouse Patio & Grill
536
0.4 mi$$ - $$$ • Canadian • Vegetarian Friendly • Vegan Options

Co-op
59
0.2 mi$ • Specialty Food Market • Vegetarian Friendly

Fishfull Thinking
55
0.2 mi$$ - $$$ • Specialty Food Market • Seafood • Canadian

Gray Whale Ice Cream & Deli
89
0.2 mi$ • Dessert • Cafe • Canadian

Solidarity Snacks
43
0.2 mi$ • Polish • European • Canadian

Heartwood Kitchen
247
0.5 mi$$ - $$$ • Canadian • Vegetarian Friendly • Vegan Options
Attractions
9 within 6 miles

Kennedy Lake Provincial Park
27
0 ftParks

Florencia Bay
35
0 ftBeaches

Little Beach
16
0.1 miBeaches

Pacific Rim Distilling
22
0.2 miDistilleries

Ucluelet Aquarium
853
0.7 miSpeciality Museums

Amphitrite Point Lighthouse
894
1.7 miLighthouses

Ukee Sunday Night Market
11
0.6 miFlea & Street Markets

Thornton Creek Hatchery
98
1.7 miNature & Wildlife Areas

Pacific Rim Visitor Centre
201
Visitor Centers
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Detailed Reviews: Reviews order informed by descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as cleanliness, atmosphere, general tips and location information.
Popular mentions
5.0
2,732 reviews
Excellent
2,356
Very good
341
Average
34
Poor
1
Terrible
0
Alyssa D
11 contributions
Family
Stunning scenery the view changes every 5 feet! The tree canopy makes it cool regardless of temp. I'd recommend that you start this hike/ walk when the sea fog clears so you can appreciate the vastness of open space. Not a flip flop type hike. The trail itself is easy to manage for all. the side branches to the rock beaches are tricky or require better agility.
Written July 31, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
babsinbc
Victoria, Canada145 contributions
We make it a point to visit the Trail whenever we're on Long Beach. It is well-maintained and, with COVID-19, they've marked a one way route to keep visitors safely separated. If you're short of time you can walk from the main parking area, down the road to the Lighthouse, skipping the longer leg of the trail, and return on the shorter leg. For a quick stop at the lighthouse, there is limited parking at the end of the road. This is one of the best places to watch the largest waves when it's really stormy.
Written September 27, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Thanks for including us each time you are out our way. Thrilled to be part of your West Coast experience and appreciate your positive review.
Written September 29, 2020
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
NorthVan_dan
North Vancouver, Canada734 contributions
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 September 13, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Thank you for encouraging others to venture out on to the Trail when in Ucluelet. Appreciate receiving such a glowing review!
Written November 1, 2021
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
mariedesjardins
Prince George, Canada6,213 contributions
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 September 11, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
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 September 25, 2020
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
GlobetrotterMissy
Canada19 contributions
Did the lighthouse loop in this trail and I must say this is one of the best scenic hikes I’ve been to. Due to covid, the lighthouse loop trail is only marked as one way so do your research before going to the area. Lots of viewpoints and benches along the way so you can relax and enjoy the amazing view. Every turn gives a different feel of the place.
Written August 2, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
So wonderful to receive such high accolades for our scenic views. Thanks for mentioning our one-way directional signage on the Lighthouse Loop.
Written August 31, 2020
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
JeanieKK
Park City, UT201 contributions
Solo
The coastline & forests are so beautiful and easily viewed from the Wild Pacific Trail. The trails are kept up nicely and are pretty level & smooth. Some are even wheelchair accessible. There are pull outs with benches throughout making for a better view of this amazing coastline. Some do have steep stairs with handrails but most are level.
The trail is broken up into sections/trailheads but they are all connected..
I got lucky with the weather the three days I was there and had very little rain but it was still cool.
I highly recommend experiencing this trail.
The trail is broken up into sections/trailheads but they are all connected..
I got lucky with the weather the three days I was there and had very little rain but it was still cool.
I highly recommend experiencing this trail.
Written May 3, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Thank you for recommending the Wild Pacific Trail to others and for taking the time to describe its accessibility. Wonderful that you included us as part of your trip to Ucluelet.
Written May 24, 2022
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
GheartsM
Vancouver, Canada9 contributions
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 August 31, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Thanks for the glowing review. Glad you enjoyed your time well spent on the Wild Pacific Trail!
Written September 2, 2020
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
StevoinMinnesoto
Cottage Grove, MN576 contributions
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 February 24, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
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 March 15, 2020
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
coasttraveller
6 contributions
We happened to visit during a dark and stormy day, and this allowed us to feel the full wrath of the Pacific Ocean. Wonderful views, and great "bang for your buck" as one guide told us. We didn't have time to walk the whole trail, but just the bit of the LIghthouse Loop we saw were jaw-dropping.
Written October 6, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Yes, storm watching at its best. Glad you got to see the power of the waves from the safety of the Trail. Thanks for taking the time to leave a review!
Written November 1, 2021
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
ThunderBayGoof
Thunder Bay, Ontario81 contributions
We walked the entire trail over 2 days. Amazing rugged ocean views. There are so many places to step off the trail and sit on a bench. It seemed like there was one every 25 metres. Never felt crowded even though it seemed like we saw many people. Many access points so that you can do as little or as much of the trail as you want!
Well worth the walk!!
Well worth the walk!!
Written May 2, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Many thanks for recommending us to others! Happy to hear that you enjoyed your trail experience.
Written May 24, 2022
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
JBRetired
Apple Valley, CA430 contributions
Do you see much wildlife? Any to be concerned about bears cougars? Do they recommend carrying bear spray?
gmom2002
Phoenix, AZ34 contributions
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.
Pat T
Alexandria, Virginia, United States11 contributions
What was the weather like ?
HartM
Stockton Heath, UK118 contributions
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.
jane q
North Vancouver, Canada20 contributions
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
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.
Shelina Z
Calgary, Canada229 contributions
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?
J0an123
Nanaimo, Canada33,005 contributions
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.
Petra P
Arlon, Belgium34 contributions
Hi all, is this trail wheelchair /stroller accessible as well? (I mean: are there a lot if branches, roots,... on the path?)
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.
nevadatraveler13
Port Charlotte, FL62 contributions
Can you just do short hikes without reservations?
Beverly M
52 contributions
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.
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.
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!
643sydneyf
10 contributions
How much time to get to Tofino from Victoria?
William W
Hatzic, Canada4 contributions
About 4hrs.
teacupmama
Temecula, CA373 contributions
When is the best time to visit.? Is this close or far from other attractions?
SydofBC
Surrey, Canada44 contributions
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.
Amanda H
Northampton, UK94 contributions
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?
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.
Frequently Asked Questions about Wild Pacific Trail
- We recommend booking Wild Pacific Trail tours ahead of time to secure your spot. If you book with Tripadvisor, you can cancel up to 24 hours before your tour starts for a full refund. See all 3 Wild Pacific Trail tours on Tripadvisor
- Hotels near Wild Pacific Trail:
- (0.00 mi) On The Inlet B&B
- (0.09 mi) Radford's Bed and Breakfast
- (0.11 mi) Puffin B and B
- (0.14 mi) Pacific Rim Guest Lodge
- (0.17 mi) C&N Backpackers-Ucluelet
- Restaurants near Wild Pacific Trail:
- (0.15 mi) Howlers Family Restaurant
- (0.18 mi) Abbondanza
- (0.18 mi) Fishfull Thinking
- (0.20 mi) Gray Whale Ice Cream & Deli
- (0.21 mi) Co-op