This BC island is known for its wilderness trail surrounded by sandy beaches

Craving a summer adventure immersed in nature? You can’t do much better than Flores Island in BC, which is only accessible via boat from Tofino or the nearby Hot Springs Village.

Home to stretches of old-growth forest, natural beaches, sandstone reefs, and untamed wilderness, Flores Island Park in Clayoquot Sound is a must-visit this summer.

It lies in the traditional territory of the Ahoushat First Nations – AKA one of the largest First Nations in the province, with a number of Nuu-chah-nulth heritage sites.

This includes middens and Culturally Modified Trees (CMTs), which you may be able to spot from the historic Ahousaht Wildside Heritage Trail.

Known locally as the “Walk the Wild Side Trail,” the 11-km marine trail starts in Ahousaht village of Maaqutusiis, passing through portions of Gibson Marine Park all the way to Cow Bay, according to BC Parks.

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According to the Maaqutusiss Hahoulthee Stewardship Society, the remote wilderness trail has been used by hundreds of years by the Ahousaht people for spiritual purposes, in addition to the gathering of medicinal plants and seasonal foods.

Today, hikers can follow the route to sandy beaches, where they can swim, kayak, go fishing, observe resident Gray whales during the summer, and enjoy beach camping. Keep your eye out for historically rich areas as indicated by signs along the way!

Note that there are no designated campsites at this park, and no facilities other than a pit toilet – so prepare accordingly if you’re planning to do some beach or wilderness camping.

To reach the wilderness trail, visitors can hop on a water taxi from the 1st Street dock in Tofino to the village of Ahousaht.

So there you have it, Vancouver! An ideal island vacation is well within arm’s reach.

Flores Island, BC

Where: Central Clayoquot Sound, BC