Interpretive Walk Info: See the map at the bottom of this text for colour coded locations.
Learn more from our enthusiastic Naturalists at Amphitrite Interpretive Center (click to download a prinable PDF file).
Mondays
Secrets of the Spring Cove Mudflats Walk
From 1:30 to 2:30 pm
In collaboration with Raincoast Education Society, join us for a one-hour guided walk exploring the remarkable ecosystem of the Spring Cove mudflats.
Discover a hidden world beneath the surface, where clams, worms, crabs, and countless other creatures help sustain life along the coast.
Learn connections to history, how mudflats support migrating shorebirds, filter coastal waters, and rank among the most productive ecosystems on Earth!
Location: Meet at the Otter Lot Trailhead.
This parking lot is in He-Tin-Kis Park on Peninsula Road just before the Coast Guard Road turnoff.
Your guide will lead you to Spring Cove.
Tuesdays
Coastal Curiosities Booth:
Drop-in from 10:00 am to 4:00 pm
At the Amphitrite Lighthouse Discovery Tent
Join Raincoast Education Society hosts at the Lighthouse Discovery Tent for a rotating series of fun, hands-on coastal themes. Explore interactive displays, touchable specimens, and quick family-friendly activities led by our booth hosts.
Location: Amphitrite Lighthouse is at the end of Coast Guard Road.
A 15 minute stroll from the Whale Lot to the lighthouse, or park at the Lighthouse Lot (best for anyone with mobility issues).
Wednesdays
1. Sea Wolf Walk: led by our Wild Pacific Trail Naturalist or WildSafe BC Naturalist
From 10:00 to 11:00 am
Meet at the Whale Parking Lot trailhead at the large Map.
In collaboration with WildSafeBC, join us for a one-hour guided walk exploring the lives of wolves along Vancouver Island’s wild coast. Discover how these elusive predators hunt, swim, and thrive at the intersection of land and sea. Through stories of culture, ecology, and conservation, we’ll trace the shifting human relationship with wolves—from feared and hunted to respected and protected. Perfect for locals and visitors alike. You will have seen notices about recent wolf activity, please respect dog closure areas.
Location: Whale Parking Lot. Follow Peninsula Road to the Coast Guard Road turn. This lot the first lot on your left.
2. Salmon Trail: Sea-to-Stream Connections:
Drop-in from 12 to 4 pm
At the Lighthouse Discovery Tent
Join hosts from the Reddfish Restoration Society for a hands-on, family-friendly drop-in exploring the incredible life cycle of Pacific salmon and the waters they depend on. Follow the “Salmon Trail” through interactive displays highlighting stream-to-sea connections, watershed health, and the seasonal migrations that shape coastal ecosystems. Learn how salmon support forests, wildlife, and coastal communities, and discover what restoration work looks like on the ground.
Location: Amphitrite Lighthouse is at the end of Coast Guard Road. A 15 minute stroll from the Whale Lot to the lighthouse, or park at the Lighthouse Lot (best for anyone with mobility issues).
Thursdays
1. Sea Otter Walk: led by our Wild Pacific Trail Naturalist
10:00 to 11:00 am
Meet your guide at the Lighthouse Discovery Tent
Join us for a one-hour guided walk exploring the fascinating world of sea otters along Vancouver Island’s wild coast. Learn how these charismatic marine mammals helped shape coastal ecosystems, why they nearly disappeared from British Columbia waters, and how their remarkable recovery continues to influence life beneath the waves today. Discover how sea otters use tools, care for their young, and spend nearly their entire lives at sea. While sea otter sightings cannot be guaranteed, we often spot them along the shoreline during our walk.
Location: Amphitrite Lighthouse is at the end of Coast Guard Road. A 15 minute stroll from the Whale Lot to the lighthouse, or park at the Lighthouse Lot.
2. Whales & More: Parks Canada Interpreters
Drop-in from 1:00 pm to 2:30 pm
At the Lighthouse Discovery Tent
Join special guests from Parks Canada for a fun and interactive drop-in program for all ages.
Learn about local whale species, test your wildlife knowledge on the trivia wheel, and keep watch for whale spouts from shore.
Location: Amphitrite Lighthouse is at the end of Coast Guard Road.
A 15 minute stroll from the Whale Lot to the lighthouse, or park at the Lighthouse Lot (best for anyone with mobility issues).
Fridays
1. Big Beach Tidepool Walk: July and August
led by the Ucluelet Aquarium and Wild Pacific Trail Naturalists
From 10:00 to 11:00 am
Meet at the Big Beach Picnic Shelter rain or shine
Step into the intertidal zone—a world shaped by the rhythm of the tides—where every rock pool reveals a hidden story. Join Ucluelet Aquarium and Wild Pacific Trail naturalists for a guided shoreline exploration and discover colourful seaweeds, crabs, tidepools and other fascinating life along the shore. This hands-on, family-friendly program encourages curiosity, careful observation, and respect for the creatures we encounter.
Please wear sturdy footwear and be prepared for uneven, rocky terrain. Perfect for locals and visitors alike.
Location: Big Beach Picnic Shelter. Or find us on the beach if you arrive late.
Park at the Frog Parking Lot at Matterson and Marine Drive.
2. Parks Canada Coastal Stewards:
Drop-in from 10 am to 1 pm
At the Lighthouse Discovery Tent
Parks Canada Coastal Stewards will greet you at the Lighthouse Discovery Tent. The ocean is unpredictable. Learn how to stay safe on and near the water. Stay on the trail when exploring the Wild Pacific Trail: Never venture into surge channels or onto exposed rocks. Come say hi and learn about the power of the ocean!
Note: no event on July 17th
Location: Amphitrite Lighthouse is at the end of Coast Guard Road. A 15 minute stroll from the Whale Lot to the lighthouse, or park at the Lighthouse Lot (best for anyone with mobility issues).
3. Build-a-Whale: Led by Redd Fish Restoration Society
12:00 - 2:00 pm
Build-A-Whale (BAW) is a hands-on educational program featuring the skeleton of a real offshore orca, O120 or ‘Palm’.
The program allows participants to assist in constructing her skeleton while learning about the biology, ecology, anatomy, evolution and conservation of killer whales.
Join in anytime during the program to participate and learn about becoming better environmental stewards for marine wildlife and ecosystems!
Location: Big Beach Park Picnic Shelter. Park at the Frog Parking Lot at Matterson and Marine Drive.
Saturdays
Walking Trees Walk:
10:00 to 11:00 am
Meet your WPTS guide at the Amphitrite Lighthouse Discovery Tent
Immortality? Hidden underground networks? It might sound like we are talking about the next greatest superhero movie but we’re talking about the heroes of our forests - trees! Join our naturalists for this one hour guided walk to uncover their secret to longevity and the underground web they rely on. You will never look at a tree the same way again.
Location: Amphitrite Lighthouse is at the end of Coast Guard Road.
A 15 minute stroll from the Whale Lot to the lighthouse, or park at the Lighthouse Lot.
Arts & Culture Walk: sponsored by Pacific Rim Arts Society
Friday July 3rd
From 12:00 to 3:00 pm
This yearly special event will be a drop-in style self guided walk along the section between the Whale Parking Lot and the Lighthouse, where you can watch artists setting up and creating along the route. WPTS will also be hosting a booth at the Lighthouse Discovery Tent during this time.
Location: Whale Parking Lot. Follow Peninsula Road to the Coast Guard Road turn. This lot the first lot on your left.
WildSafeBC Booth: Lighthouse Discovery Tent Drop-In
Monday July 13th
and Monday August 10th
From 10:00 to 2:00 pm
Explore real and replica skulls, pelts, and educational displays while learning how to safely and respectfully coexist with bears, cougars, and wolves. Perfect for all ages, this interactive drop-in experience invites curious minds to discover more about the wild animals that share our coastal environment.
Location: Amphitrite Lighthouse is at the end of Coast Guard Road.
Fishy Forest Walk: Redd Fish Restoration Society
Monday July 13th and Monday August 10th
From 10:00 to 11:00 am
Join Redd Fish Restoration Society for a 1 hour guided walk through the Ancient Cedars Trail and discover the incredible connection between salmon, forests, and coastal ecosystems.
Led by knowledgeable Redd Fish staff, this engaging walk explores how healthy salmon streams support ancient rainforest life along Vancouver Island’s west coast. Perfect for all ages and nature lovers alike.
Location: Meet at the Ancient Cedars Trailhead. Note if possible please walk from the Raven Parking Lot or the new entrance at the end of Marine Drive to reach this event. Highway parking can be busy. See map below.
NEW:
Book a Private Guided Walk with our Senior Naturalist!
Looking for a more personalized experience?
Teachers, tour operators, families, and small groups can book a private guided walk with our Senior Naturalist.
Enjoy a private guided walk tailored just for you or your family!
Available by request and suggested donation.
email naturalist@wildpacifictrail.com to inquire.
Open Daily | 9:00 am – 4:00 pm | Free by donation | All Ages Welcome
Daily Interpretive topics can be explored from our new Interpretive Centre overlooking the iconic Amphitrite Lighthouse. Step inside and discover the wonders of the Wild Pacific! Our interpretive centre is open to all ages for drop-in exploration, where you can learn about local marine life, coastal ecosystems, and Ucluelet’s natural history. Birds and other wildlife abound here on the West Coast, hear about what has been seen recently.
The Amphitrite House Interpretive Centre is open daily for self-guided discovery, with hands-on displays and friendly naturalists ready to share insights about local marine life, coastal ecosystems, and Ucluelet’s natural history. Whether you have five minutes or an hour, there’s always something new to learn.
Monday–Friday: Hosted by the Raincoast Education Society
Saturday–Sunday: Hosted by Wild Pacific Trail Society
Come anytime between 9:00 am and 4:00 pm.
Open year round. Souvenir items are for sale.
Calendar events are colour coded to the parking lots at the Whale Parking Lot (red), Lighthouse (teal), Big Beach aka Frog parking lot (blue) and Ancient Cedars trailhead (green). Our trail naturalists and guest speakers have a wealth of knowledge and experience to share, visit Amphitrite Interpretive Centre for current information.
Wolf Activity has been noted locally, keep dogs on lease at all times. If you see wild animals do not approach or linger to take photos. 100 metres (9 school buses) distance is advised. Help keep our wildlife wild.
We are grateful to program experts such the Ucluelet Aquarium the Raincoast Education Society, Pacific Rim National Park Reserve, WildSafeBC.com, and Redd FIsh Restoration Society for their expertise.
Events could not be offered without the support of funders such as Tourism Ucluelet, Clayoquot Biosphere Trust and many indivividual donnors. The trail would not exist without the District of Ucluelet.
Follow us on Facebook and Instagram for interpretive postings and weather being observed.
Award winning videos below are a great insight into our programs.
The Wild Pacific Trail is a unique outdoor classroom that offers incredible opportunities to connect people to nature.
Amphitrite House Interpretive Centre and our seasonal Discovery Tent at the lighthouse offers revolving topics for all ages.
Seven entertaining and award winning videos can be a great preview of what there is to see and learn.
Episode 1: "What's that smell?" video with our Wild Pacific Trail Naturalist
Special thanks to Special thanks to Vi Mundy of Yuułuʔiłʔatḥ First Nation for her guidance.
Episode 2: " Follow that Slime" -- We have a lot to learn from Nature, we just need to listen!
Special thanks to Yuułuʔiłʔatḥ community, Elder Vi Mundy and Gisele Martin of Tla-o-qui-aht First Nation for their traditional teachings.
Episode 3: "For Peat's Sake" -- explore with our Wild Pacific Trail Naturalist!
Follow our naturalist as she discovers the weird and wonderful species that thrive in a Woodland Bog. Warning, you could get lost.
Follow this link for a COLOURING BOOKLET or a fun WORD PUZZLE.
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Special thanks to Special thanks to Vi Mundy of Yuułuʔiłʔatḥ First Nation.
Episode 4: "Force of Nature" will sweep you off your feet.
Explore the unique WEATHER that comes with living on the coast, how species not only manage to survive, but THRIVE!
Fun fact: Can you name an amphibian that has no lungs?
We are proud to acknowledge the skills of our naturalist Tanya for her work with her videographer Arya in achieving an award of excellence from Interpretation Canada for the video above.
Special thanks to Vi Mundy of Yuułuʔiłʔatḥ First Nation and Dr. Barb Beasley with the Association of Wetland Stewards for Clayoquot and Barkley Sound.
Episode 5: "Remarkable Ravens" a story of the smartest bird in the rainforest
Raven’s are not only role models of communication, fair trade, and savvy intelligence, they play an essential role as ecosystem recyclers.
Challenge: how can you tell the difference between a raven and a crow?
Thank you to Parks Canada for support for this project. Special thank you for footage and raven sound clips copyright by Ian Cruickshank
Note: footage was taken with a telephoto lens to avoid disturbing wildlife. Raven vs Crow Image by Rosemary Mosco and Dr. Kaeli Swift with BirdandMoon.com @corvidresearch
Special thanks to Vi Mundy of Yuułuʔiłʔatḥ First Nation for Nuu-chah-nulth translations.
Additional footage courtesy of:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pHHHAfzAuKc
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gEksZdWKqtA – https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=U6K9LbRX15Y
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nJdj-2XvGF4 – https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=g6vzGrWP9lc
Also thanks to the Clayoquot BIosphere Trust for funding.
Episode 6: "Tree-S-I: Murder by Mushroom" help us solve this mystery.
There’s been a murder in the forest! Who! What? Why!
Follow along as detective Tanya gets to the root of the crime by investigating clues and searching for suspects in the woods… will she discover whodunit in this intriguing case?!
Special thanks to the inspirational Gisele Martin of the Tla-o-qui-aht First Nation for sharing her timeless knowledge of Nuu-chah-nulth language and culture.
So Mush-thanks to Andy MacKinnon, forest ecologist extraordinaire, for sharing his vast scope of marvelous mushroom knowledge and delightful sense of humour.
Stop motion animation on tree communication by Local Ucluelet youth, Riley Gerbrandt. Thank you!
Fun fact: what is our planet's largest organism?
Special thanks to the Clayoquot BIosphere Trust for funding.
Episode 7: hašaḥma quuquuʔaca ( language is precious & valuable )
Join special guests Jeneva Touchie and Gisele Martin as they share their personal connections to the Wild Pacific Trail and the importance of Nuu-chah-nulth language.
What wisdom can we learn from ancient languages?
To learn more about the Nuu-chah-nulth language visit:
https://www.firstvoices.com/explore/FV/sections/Data/Nuu-chah-nulth/Nuu%C4%8Daan%CC%93u%C9%AB/Nuu-chah-nulth%20(Barkley)
To learn more about Nuu-chah-nulth history, culture, news and events please go to https://nuuchahnulth.org/
We are grateful to our special guests and Sam Touchie from Yuułuʔiłʔatḥ First Nation for inspiring this episode.
Project funded by the WIld Pacific Trail Society and the Clayoquot BIosphere Trust.
Send us your questions, or post photos and ideas on Instagram or email naturalist@wildpacifictrail.com.
We will post answers to the best questions. Let us know what you would like to learn!
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