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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  • MtnGal
    23 contributions
    Takes your breath away with amazing views
    Beautiful, well done and maintained trail. Amazing views. Take time to do the artist loops and the ancient cedar loop. Benches are well placed to take in the views. Picked up some trash along the way - leave no trace not always followed by some visitors.
    Visited May 2023
    Traveled solo
    Written May 4, 2023
  • PBPG
    Yorkshire, United Kingdom6,007 contributions
    Good walk
    A great walk round the Ucluelet headland on well-maintained paths. About 2.5kms. It lost its way towards the end when the path comes out on the highway and it is not clear where you re-join the path on the other side of the road. We ended up walking down the road back to the carpark. Probably pilot error. Good views of the lighthouse on the way round
    Visited May 2023
    Traveled as a couple
    Written May 18, 2023
  • Josh Heidi J
    2 contributions
    Best trails on Vancouver Island!
    A real gem on the west coast of Vancouver Island! Ucluelet is worth the trip for these sections of trails alone. Epic views, great vantage points, and benches separated off from the main trail... What's not to love!
    Visited August 2023
    Traveled as a couple
    Written August 4, 2023
  • Viviana1978
    Luxembourg City, Luxembourg140 contributions
    a beautiful and easy trail with amazing views
    we were lucky that the beginning of the trail started just around our hotel. from Brown beach through breathtaking views. I suggest to take the artist loops as well ( inside the trail ) as they are more scenic. very few people on our day made it even more special as we could enjoy the quite around. higher recommend
    Visited July 2023
    Traveled with family
    Written August 6, 2023
  • Blair C
    2 contributions
    A walk on the Wild Pacific Trail
    After arriving in Ucluelet I set out on this trail for what I thought would be a 10-minute walk to see the sunset. I was astonished to find myself in one of the most beautiful settings I’ve ever been in: Rocky rugged coastline, a storybook lighthouse (with foghorn) and amazing views at nearly every lookout. I ended up coming back to my car an hour later by headlamp with a nearly dead iPhone and dozens and dozens of photos to show my widpfe, lol. We went back together the next morning for a seaside run. The trail itself is not difficult. It’s very well maintained and every few metres there’s a bench with an amazing view. The Ancient Cedar trail north of the town is not to be missed either. Very highly recommended
    Visited July 2023
    Written August 6, 2023
  • wendy b and connie
    8 contributions
    Nature at its most glorious
    One view more spectacular and beautiful than the last. The trail is dappled in sunlight. Surrounding us are wind swept, bare and mossy trees. To our left waves, rocks and a whistling buoy. Stunning.
    Visited August 2023
    Written August 16, 2023
These reviews are the subjective opinion of Tripadvisor members and not of TripAdvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Detailed Reviews: Reviews order informed by descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as cleanliness, atmosphere, general tips and location information.
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S F
Ucluelet, Canada730 contributions
Nov 2022 • Family
Travel writers will say things like, if there is only one thing you can do, then such and such is it.
Happily, there are many wonderful things to do in spectacular Ucluelet, an ocean village on the Wild West coast of Vancouver Island, located as it is in ocean rainforest, home to ancient trees, & looking out over the Pacific Ocean, also habitat of many species, & now a village know as a culinary Mecca.
It reminds me of places like DC with its museums, art galleries, outdoor memorials, vibrant food scene, architectural hub, & on it goes.
London too; New York also. There are a good number of such cities & villages.
Ucluelet stands among them.
One can visit for a fortnight, & still feel you want to take in what the place offers for far, far longer.
In Ukee, as named by locals, that one thing mentioned could be the Wild Pacific Trail (WPT) which comes in three parts, built up since the 1980s, when an oyster fisher arrived in the area. He realized how perfect a trail would be in this terrain of rugged shorelines, opening up to beaches, as well as vistas of the Pacific Ocean, waves lapping or crashing on the shore, depending on the day & season.
There are benches & rest spots, where one can catch one’s breath in this environment, which is indeed breathtaking.
It is very likely there were trails built by Ucluelet’s First Nations before European settlement but the one we walked this week has aspects which give it a built structure with its benches etc.
In the summer, free interpretive talks are given.
Winter offers Storm watching.
The WPT has been build to have many places at which it can be entered.
I, with my son, granddaughter & their recently rescued dog from Qatar, have been walking the section accessed from Marine Drive, coming out at Big Beach, every joyful afternoon this sunny week.
It takes us around 30 mins, both ways.
The more one discovers its joys, the more one wants to come back.
It is just in from Big Beach that Black Rock Oceanfront Resort finds its home, built just over a decade ago.
Open with places to eat, a spa, also offering accommodation,it is a good place to start or end one’s journey through this rainforest terroir.
Other Ukee culinary spots: Zoe’s; YuZu Cafe; Heartwood,Ucluelet’ Brewing Co; Pluvio & more.
As well there is nice sushi place on Peninsula.
Posted by S Fuller
Written November 9, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Thank you S. Fuller for your positive review and heartfelt endorsement of Ucluelet! We're glad you continue to love the unique experience the Wild Pacific Trail provides and the special connection you have to the Ucluelet area. We appreciate you helping to promote all the wonderful features of Ucluelet and our remarkable Trail.
Written November 13, 2022
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.

mariedesjardins
Prince George, Canada6,687 contributions
Aug 2020 • 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 as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
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.

Vancouver_dan
North Vancouver, Canada739 contributions
Sep 2021
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 as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
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.

StevoinMinnesoto
Cottage Grove, MN576 contributions
Sep 2019
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 as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
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.

GheartsM
Oak Harbor, WA9 contributions
Aug 2020
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.
Written August 31, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
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.

WR Bird
10 contributions
May 2019
The Wild Pacific Trail is a nice easy walk through some of the most seanic area on Vancouver Island. We also did a guided bicycle tour on part of the trail both very enjoyable. Lots of wild life,seals,whales,Eagles and in the late afternoon great sunsets.
Written March 6, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Thank you for highlighting all the wonderful things to see and experience on the Wild Pacific Trail. We just wanted to mention that bicycles are not allowed on the trail, and I am sure your tour had you leave your bikes at the trailhead in one of our bike racks provided. As the trail has no sightlines around frequent corners and many trail users, biking poses a danger to the hikers.
Written March 11, 2020
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.

Ann S
Sudbury, Canada77 contributions
Sep 2022
If I could give this 10 stars I would. Absolutely beautiful, it reminded me of Hawaii. Nice quiet walk in the woods with beautiful areas where you can just sit and enjoy all nature has to give. If you are in this part of Vancouver Island and only have time to do one thing, this is it!
Written October 11, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Thanks for making us a part of your hiking experience while on the West Coast. Glad you enjoyed the views and time spent on the Trail.
Written November 13, 2022
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.

Christine P
Vancouver, Canada306 contributions
Jul 2020
An exceptional hike with the option to make it as long as you want(to some extent). The popular lighthouse loop is just under 3 km, and offers absolutely stunning views of the broken islands chain, the rainforest, the bogs, the Amphitrite lighthouse and powerful waves of the coast. Well marked path, one way in Covid times. Bring bear spray and wear runners. A lot of photo opportunities, takes about an hour or more at a brisk pace, with photo stops. Highly recommended! Outhouses at the lighthouse are in pretty rough shape though. Be warned!
Written August 7, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Thank you for highlighting all the wonderful things that the Wild Pacific Trail has to offer. We do recognize that our bathroom facilities need regular maintenance in the summer with the higher volume of visitors to the area. Hopefully in the future, we can upgrade them.
Written August 31, 2020
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.

Blair C
2 contributions
Jul 2023
After arriving in Ucluelet I set out on this trail for what I thought would be a 10-minute walk to see the sunset. I was astonished to find myself in one of the most beautiful settings I’ve ever been in: Rocky rugged coastline, a storybook lighthouse (with foghorn) and amazing views at nearly every lookout. I ended up coming back to my car an hour later by headlamp with a nearly dead iPhone and dozens and dozens of photos to show my widpfe, lol. We went back together the next morning for a seaside run.
The trail itself is not difficult. It’s very well maintained and every few metres there’s a bench with an amazing view.
The Ancient Cedar trail north of the town is not to be missed either.
Very highly recommended
Written August 6, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

Mike_Thib
Port Moody, Canada57 contributions
Aug 2020
This hike is very accessible. Our 4 years old was walking and our 2 years old was in the stroller which was sometimes challenging due to the lack of traction and the little tiny hills, but it was worth the effort with the amazing view. There are lots of viewpoints and the trails is well maintained. A perfect activity for the family.
Written September 11, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Excellent to hear that you had the whole family on the Trail and that it was well worth the effort. Thanks for leaving us a 5 star review!
Written September 25, 2020
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.

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