Escape the fog that lingers in Ucluelet and Tofino over the summer, and head towards the sunshine and freshwater lakes. Here are the best swimming holes near Ucluelet and Tofino when you’re done with the ocean and ready to peel off your wetsuit. (In order from closest to Ucluelet/Tofino Junction to furthest).
1. Swim Beach
A local secret, this beach is a hidden oasis. It’s along the huge Kennedy Lake but it’s so sheltered that it’s rarely windy and the temperature gets nice and warm! This sandy beach is the best lake if you want to lounge around and tan. The water here is shallow for a while, so you have to walk in to go for a swim, or bring a floatie!
How to get there: Drive about 5min past the Ucluelet/Tofino junction along Highway 4 towards Port Alberni. There’s no sign, so from the goodness of my heart I took a screenshot of where the turn off is to get to Swim Beach. It’s a left hand turn down a 5min gravel road (4WD is not required). Even though there is no service on this road, the GPS on Google Maps will still work to show you where you are and where the turn is. Unfortunately you need a Parks Pass for this parking lot in the summer or you’ll be fined. 🙁
2. Kennedy Lake boat launch
If you’re looking to jump in rather than wade in like at Swim Beach, this place is for you. The beach is not as nice (more rocks) and can get a bit more crowded, but if you walk down it you can find more seclusion. The best part is the lake drops off quickly here allowing you to jump in and cool down.
How to get there: The boat launch is a bit past Swim Beach and there is a sign for this turn off! It’s a large green sign with a boat and swimming icon on it, can’t miss it. The turn off itself is actually a bit hidden so SLOW down once you see the sign, then turn left down a short gravel road to the parking lot. (Apparently the boat launch is not within the National Park so no Parks Pass is required. Thanks Parks Canada).
3. Quarry/Toad Lake
Unsure if this small lake has an official name, but it’s an old mine quarry and is home to the Western Toad. The water here is CRYSTAL clear, it’s a truly beautiful lesser known swimming spot. Most days you’ll have this place to yourself, or sharing with one other group.
As biologists and generally decent humans, we encourage you to abide by the signs about the Western toads. They’re super tiny, and their populations have begun to decline along the coast of Canada/US. Do your best not to disturb them, and if you see fencing up, don’t go past it. If you’re interested in more information about the research and conservation undergoing about the Western toads in the area check out the Association of Wetland Stewards for Clayoquot and Barkley Sounds Facebook.
How to get there: Again, drive past the Junction and towards Port Alberni for 10min. When you see the ironically MASSIVE sign for Secret Beach Campground, turn right and go up the hill along the gravel Toquart Bay Rd. 4WD is not required, but it will be bumpy so drive slow. 5-10min along the gravel road, you will see a lake start poking out from behind the trees on the right. There will be a turn off on the right to park for the lake. There is a big information sign about the Western Toad in front of the parking lot which is a good indicator! If you pass the much bigger Maggie Lake, you’ve gone too far.
4. Toquart Lake
Looking for a lake all to yourself and want to drive over an hour down logging roads? Try this one. Bring a paddle board or blow up boat to explore! The views of the mountains are amazing, and there is a channel at the other end that leads to another part of the lake. The Thornton Creek Hatchery also has a mini hatchery on this lake for Chinnok Salmon. Although it’s seclusion is great, the beach is hella rocky, so not the best one for lying around on.
How to get there: This drive takes just over an hour, and 4WD is definitely recommended. Take the turn off at the Secret Beach Campground sign and drive down Toquart Bay Rd. When you see a large sign for Toquaht Nation and a fork in the road, go to the left (Follow arrow pointing to Campground). Keep driving along this main logging road. When you get close to the lake, there will be another fork and a sign that shows Lucky Creek to the right, go LEFT here. If you keep an eye on your GPS on Google Maps you’ll see how close you are to the lake. There is a road that goes down to the lake at the very beginning of it, with room to turn around as well.
5. Virgin Falls
BE PREPARED TO HAVE YOUR BREATH BLOWN AWAY. Probably one of the most beautiful waterfalls I’ve visited in my life at 53m high. If you have the time and 4WD, make a trip out here! The road takes you right to the waterfall, we saw lots of black bears along the drive as well. A 5min trail leads you to this beauty, with a perfect swimming pool underneath it. It may or may not be freezing. Don’t worry about it. Just enjoy the solitude and serenity out here.
How to get there: Drive once again past the junction towards Port Alberni for only a couple km. Turn left onto West Main logging road, 4WD is necessary. (This is before Swim Beach). Follow it for about 11km until the Kennedy River Bridge. Just past it is a road to the left, marked as Deer Bay Rd on Google Maps. Go left again at the next Y Junction and keep following this road for 31km straight to Virgin Falls. There is a trail on the left just past the 46km marker. It takes about 1hr 45min to drive there, but is well worth it!
Finished swimming and ready for some hikes? Try reading my posts about the Best walks in Ucluelet or Best hikes in the Pacific Rim National Park near Tofino. If you're seeking something more challenging, try the Triple Peak or 5040 hike in between Ucluelet/Tofino and Port Alberni!
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