"Please STAY ON THE TRAIL and learn from my experience" - Oyster Jim

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“Wild Pacific Rim trails are great! All are well constructed with helpful interpretive signs. Paths require some uphill trekking and just take your time--all is doable!!!"

Every inch of the hike you have to stop and take a photograph. Can’t wait until the kids are older and we can do the whole thing. " Daisy, Brooklyn, NY

Wheel chairs & strollers

This trail section is accessible to children’s strollers, and paved wheelchair access is available at the lighthouse, and beyond if you have an off-road model.

Parking
Your exploration starts at the tip of the Ucluelet Peninsula. Park at the first lot on Coast Guard Road (Whale Lot). A smaller lot is available at He-Tin-Kis Park, which is the trailhead for Terrace Beach Interpretive Trail or Spring Cove Mudflats Interpretive Trail. If you have a wheelchair there is a paved access from the Coast Guard Station parking lot (please use the first lot on Coast Guard Road if you can walk).

Please leave bikes in racks provided at parking lots.

Toilets
Portable toilets are provided at the three entrances to the Lighthouse Loop (the main lot, lighthouse and He-Tin-Kis Park). The trail is open year-round during daylight hours.

GPS:
Lat. 48.92369104633025
Long. -125.54015174761571
N 48 55.421 W 125 32.409

"Lighthouse Loop" Wild Pacific Trail

30 to 45 minute walk - 2.6 km loop

Easy grade along the coast, hills inland. No stairs on the main route. The Bog Interpretive Loop, Spring Cove mudflats or two small beaches are an enjoyable extension to the loop.

Allow extra time to enjoy views from frequent benches. This wilderness trail starts at a gravel parking lot midway on Coast Guard Road. To see the lighthouse first, walk clockwise to your right from the 0 km marker through a mossy rainforest which leads to the famously rugged and wind-swept coastline. The trail traces the edge of rocky headlands past dramatic views of Barkley Sound and Amphitrite Lighthouse. Enjoy viewpoints for great vistas, but stay on the trail. The rocks are not safe.

Amphitrite Lighthouse
Originally built in 1906 in response to the shipwreck of the Pass of Melfort, it was replaced in 1915 with the current building to better withstand hurricane force storms. Enjoy this iconic sentinel keeping watch over Barkley Sound and the archipelago of the Broken Group Islands. Watch boats and seabirds which change with every season. Over 300 species migrate through the Ucluelet Peninsula.

Inspiration Point and He-Tin-Kis Beach offer fantastic views via stairs cut artistically into the headland.

When you reach a fork in the trail near km 2 you can stay to the right to stay on the Lighthouse Loop or turn left to visit Terrace Beach Interpretive Trail at the site of an ancient First Nations’ canoe beach. Interpretive signs identify native uses of plants and share a rich history dating back 5,000+ years. You can also reach Spring Cove Interpretive Trail from this area.

BOG Woodland Interpretive Loop
You can reach the newest jewel in the Wild Pacific crown by going counter clockwise from the start of the trail, or visit this quiet space last as you near the end of the Lighthouse Loop. This trail is bouncy and narrow, not suitable for strollers or anyone with balance challenges. Learn more >

SPRING COVE Mudflat Interpretive Trail opened in 2021.
More than just mud, this extension offers insights into wetland ecosystems. This a a very tranquil stroll to an informative bird blind overlooking the mudflats and scenic Ucluelet Harbour. Read more>

Sunrise to sunset
Come early for the misty sunrise or catch the sunset over the open ocean - a great finish to any day. Photographers love the silhouette of trees leaning into the setting sun from a series of viewpoints to the north of the lighthouse.

STORM WATCHING: Keep in mind rocks with no plant growth are scoured by the surf. The ocean is typically more active from October to April, but unexpected waves can occur any time of year. During large storms the trail may be closed due to the risk of trees falling or waves striking viewpoints. The lighthouse has safe viewing areas even during large storms. Learn more>

"Please STAY ON THE TRAIL and learn from my experience", says Oyster Jim  " venturing on the rocks can be deadly". In the event of extreme winds, the trail will be closed due to danger from falling trees.

WHALES
Whale spotting is best during spring migration when 20,000 animals pass through the area. Click here to learn about the Pacific Rim Whale Festival every March. Numerous sea lions, seals, otters, and possible Orca whales are also often seen. Learn more >

| Ancient Cedars Section | Aritist Loop Section | Bog Loop