The Wild Pacific Trail, Ucluelet

Even better than waking up to the sound of waves crashing from your hotel room, is waking up to a glorious sunrise on the balcony. Another day, another beautiful morning at Black Rock Oceanfront Resort in Ucluelet. As our last day, today we were setting off to see some beaches and to take the Wild Pacific Trail near Ucluelet. We were excited to explore the rugged coastline of the area on the hike, much like the scenery we spotted in the Pacific Rim National Park. Afterwards, we’d be sailing away and saying a sad goodbye to Vancouver Island to head back to Vancouver.

Waking up at Black Rock Oceanfront Resort, Ucluelet

Luckily waking up with an extra hour thanks to the clocks turning back, we wanted to make the most of the day. As our final day on Vancouver Island, we bundled up ahead of our hike along the Wild Pacific Trail. Thanks to the lovely hotel we were staying in, our first walk was just a stone’s throw away. It’s the tail end of the Wild Pacific Trail, and virtually on the doorstep of Black Rock Oceanfront Resort. Therefore, we packed up and headed out.

The sea air from the waves crashing against the dramatic coastline helped to wake us both up. So too did the following warnings against wolves on the trail. Thankfully we made it through in one piece.

Ucluelet Beaches

After our first walk of the morning, it was time to get back into the car and beach hop. The first beach we came across was a lovely contrast to the fierce waves against the black rocks that Vancouver Island is so famous for.

There are some incredible houses along the beach that must have the most amazing views. We wandered around, climbing logs and examining the unique seaweed on the beach before moving on to the next.

We drove along and stopped at the next beach we came across. It was beautifully serene with green ocean and bizarre, colourful seaweed. Perfect for watching the gentle water and walking the shore.

Retracing our steps back to the lighthouse at the Wild Pacific Trail, we received a pretty scary reminder. We continued, trying to ignore the alarming warnings of nearby wildlife, including coyotes, bears, and wolves.

Beginning the Wild Pacific Trail

This sign also marks the start of the beautiful Wild Pacific Trail, so we set off to see what it had to offer. It’s a simple trail that’s perfect for all ages, and it forms a part of Ucluelet’s 9km trail network. We embarked initially on the Lighhouse Loop, which is just 2.6km from the lighthouse we saw on our arrival in Ucluelet.

The trail passes reefs that have seen shipwrecks, whales, and the incredibly dramatic views of the rugged Vancouver Island coastline. Whether you’re a storm watcher, photographer, looking for birds, or simply a hiker, it’s an amazing trail to take. Our hike began with the moodiest of views.

The initial Lighthouse Loop overlooks the Broken Group Islands of the Pacific Rim National Park. You can then choose to take the route 5km north of Big Beach Park to Rocky Bluffs in a dramatic coastline. If you’re feeling ambitious, visit the giant trees at Ancient Cedars grove which is an additional loop for trees over eight hundred years old.

The Wild Pacific Trail Views

The entire Wild Pacific Trail boasts a dense rainforest canopy that shelters hikers from the rain. This makes it perfect for visiting no matter what time of year. You begin by taking the twisted trail of the Wild Pacific Trail, through forest and up and down gentle inclines.

At virtually every corner you turn, dramatic views across ocean and mountains greet you. It feels as though you’re on the edge of the earth, with waves pounding the black rocks. It also reminded me a little of a colder, less tropical Hawaii. I guess this makes sense given that Hawaii’s the next set of islands along.

There’s all kinds of terrain on the hike – snowy mountains to rough ocean.

We watched the ocean and scaled the rocks to get different views of the unique climate around us.

“Focus on what you love and anything is possible”. I really love this sentimental quote which is positioned at a great place on the Wild Pacific Trail. Perfect for absorbing while you look out at the dramatic backdrop.

We took our time making multiple stops along the Wild Pacific Trail. It was extremely relaxing listening to the ocean and exploring the nooks and crannies of the rock face. Hardly passing another face along the route, it felt so wonderfully peaceful to be out on the trail.

Having spent all morning walking, we saw some beautiful sights, from the powerful waves to the rugged rocks and snowy mountain tops. It was a very special way to spend a morning in Ucluelet.

From Ucluelet to Vancouver

As our final day in Ucluelet, we had to refuel before a snowy drive back to Nanaimo to catch our ferry to Vancouver. If you’re visiting the area, check out The Blue Room Bistro in Ucluelet for a decent brunch. I had the classic breakfast with rashers of crispy bacon and it was delicious. Just what we needed, in fact, after our chilly walk along the Wild Pacific Trail.

Our journey from Ucluelet to Nanaimo was full of wintry backgrounds, with snow scattered across the island. It was also truly magical backdrop to our wonderful weekend away.

An awesome trip from start to finish on the Vancouver Island, and the Wild Pacific Trail is truly beautiful. I’ll for sure be back one day.

Have you taken the Wild Pacific Trail on Vancouver Island? If so, let me know what you discovered on your hike.