Categories: Travel

This accessible trail in a coastal BC town leads to a scenic lighthouse

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Looking for a bucket list worthy-hike to add to your summer itinerary in BC? Vancouver Island’s Wild Pacific Trail is a fantastic option for adventurers of all ages and abilities.

Situated in Ucluelet at the Pacific Rim National Park Reserve, the trail features ‘dramatic’ views of the ocean, Barkley Sound, and Broken Group Islands, and is “easy to navigate” according to Discover Ucluelet and the trail’s website.

The relatively flat wilderness trail winds through ancient coastal forests and sandy beaches, taking hikers to multiple natural and manmade landmarks in the process.

Amphitrite Lighthouse

Visitors are guided by interpretive signs so they don’t miss a thing – from a ‘cascade’ of unique ecosystems to the Amphitrite Lighthouse, which can be accessed via the 2.6 km Lighthouse Loop.

This loop is one of three sections of the Wild Pacific Trail, which also includes Big Beach Section and Brown’s Beach, and the Ancient Cedars Section.

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Amphitrite Lighthouse dates back to 1906, when it was created in response to a local shipwreck. In 1915, it was replaced with its current building to better withstand hurricanes in the area.

Today, visitors can enjoy stunning views year-round, and spot over 300 different species of birds as they migrate through the Ucluelet Peninsula, in addition to a rich variety of native plants that date back over 5,000 years ago.

As well, visitors can connect to the nearby Terrace Beach Interpretive Trail, which leads to the site of an ancient First Nations’ canoe beach, according to Discover Ucluelet.

Ready to enjoy a picnic and refuel? Head to The Big Beach Section (1 km) starting at Marine and Matterson Drives to get to a scenic beachfront picnic area.

So there you have it, explorers! If you’re in search of a famous trail that anyone in the family can enjoy – look no further.