Along the drive towards Tofino you will enter the beautiful and wild Pacific Rim National Park. The road includes plenty of great surf beaches and walks through temperate rainforest. From typical tourist ones to those more unknown, here are some of the best hikes in the Pacific Rim National Park (in order starting from closest to Ucluelet/Tofino Junction to those nearest to Tofino).
1. Gold Mine trail
This easy trail is 2km (one way) and about 40min to the beach. It follows Lost Shoe Creek through a beautifully green and mossy forest. The trail leads you to Florencia Bay, a popular surfing beach, which you can walk along to the other end. We always have this trail to ourselves as it’s still off the tourist radar. We passed some wolf poop on this walk so keep in mind they are active in this area and throughout the park.
How to get there: This is the first trail you’ll pass once you’ve driven past the junction and head towards Tofino. There are no signs for it, there is just a small paved pull out on the left that serves as a parking lot for 2-3 vehicles. If you pass the large signs for Florencia/Wick Beach you’ve gone too far.
2. Rainforest trails
These are two easy boardwalk trails through the forest, both are 1km loops. They do not lead you to the beach, but are a nice stroll on rainy days as the thick rain forest foliage provides coverage. While you’re following the trail, don’t forget to look up! Giant ferns and old growth Cedars surround the boardwalks.
How to get there: Following the main road, turn left into the parking lot after the large Rainforest trails sign.
3. Schooner Cove
Another easy boardwalk trail through the forest, this one leading to a sheltered beach. At low tide there is more room to explore and walk around the cove. It’s 2km there and back, as you walk along the same trail back. To your far left is the famous Long Beach, but if the tide is low enough, turn right and go check out the secluded beaches around the corner. If you climb onto the rocks you’ll also be rewarded with some great tide pools.
How to get there: Follow the road towards to Tofino until you see a large green sign for Schooner Cove, turn left and park. The trail head is just across the street behind the parking lot.
4. Bomber trail
You may have seen pictures of this abandoned plane crash in the middle of the forest, but there are no signs for it. Although Parks Canada won’t advertise or maintain this trail, they have marked it very well with flags and rope. It’s 2km one way and takes about 50min, with moderate difficulty. The WWII Canso Bomber plane crashed in 1945 and none of the 12 people or pilot on board died! You know you are close to the crash site when you come across a circular pond, which was created by a controlled explosion after the accident to detonate the explosives on board. In the driest summer months there is minimal mud, and can be passed by balancing on roots and logs. The rest of the year it can be knee deep so wear gumboots!
How to get there: A bit past Schooner Cove is the Lower Radar Hill parking lot. Park at the first lot you see on your right, don’t follow the road up the hill. When you leave the parking lot, turn right and walk along the road (for about 500m), counting to the 15th telephone pole. There will be a very obvious trail into the forest, and you’ll find drawings of planes on the telephone pole so you will know you are in the right place. This short trail leads to an abandoned building. Walk around it to the other side where you will find two trails. The trail to your right is the main trail people take, it’s a bit longer and goes through the muddy bog. The trail on the left is less known; it skips most of the bog and is shorter!
5. Radar Beach
Seeking even more adventure? Go here, it’s my favourite hike in the park! Not to be confused with the Radar Hill walk, this is a well kept secret among the locals. The hike is more Moderate-Difficult unlike all the other easy walks. It’s only 1km down to the beach but takes about 45min (one way). There are steep rock bluffs with roots and ropes to hang onto, muddy parts, and logs to balance on. The trail is not maintained or advertised by Parks Canada but it is marked by buoys. Most days you’ll have the beach completely to yourself, and there are a couple more kilometres of beach to explore.
How to get there: Drive all the way up the hill to the upper Radar Hill parking lot and choose the parking lot on the left. On the left side of this lot you’ll find a trail with many warning signs about the trail (wolves, rogue waves, etc). Most times of the year (except for the driest parts of summer), this trail is EXTREMELY muddy, I was happy I wore knee high rubber boots!
6. Cox Bay Lookout
Another local secret! Cox Bay is a popular surf beach, and the trail is a bit tricky to find. Walk along the beach all the way to the left, and climb up along the rocks. Near the tideline you’ll see an obvious steep and muddy trail leading you up the bluff to a lookout rock. On a clear day, this lookout provides some of the best views in the area!
How to get there: There are two entrances and parking lots for Cox Bay, located about 10min from Tofino. One entrance is at the north end near Cox Bay Beach Resort, and the one closest to the south end near the lookout is down Maltby Road (accessed from the main highway).
Interested in more hikes in the area? Check out my post for the Best walks in Ucluelet or the more challenging Triple Peak and 5040 hike located in between Port Alberni and Tofino/Ucluelet.
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