Camping At Pacific Rim National Park In Canada

Pacific Rim National Park is a nature lover's paradise on Vancouver Island's wild, wet West Coast. Orcas and migrating whales spout off shore. Eagles perch in the tree tops and occasionally glide through the air in search of dinner. Camp in a temperate rainforest, on a remote island beach or in a semi-service organized campground.

Camping at Long Beach

Long Beach is the most visited of the areas in Pacific Rim National Park. Pitch a tent or park your RV in the drive-in section of Green Point Campground. This is a dry camping area with no hook-ups but there are flush toilets, picnic tables and fire rings. Your pet is welcome in the drive-in campground. If you would prefer to be in a more remote area, hike into the forest and down a steep trail to one of the 18 beach camping sites. Water and toilets are available, but campfires are not allowed so bring a cooking stove. Hike along the sandy beaches that stretch from Ucluelet and Tofino, two west coast villages known for ocean fishing charters. Join one of these half day or full day fishing trips and you might just land a record breaking salmon or halibut. The campground is open from March until October.

Camping in Broken Group Islands

Over 100 islands make up the Broken Group Islands. Camping is allowed in designated campsites on seven of them. These include Gibraltar, Gilbert, Clarke, Turret, Willis, Hand and Dodd. Load up your kayak or canoe and paddle out to one or more of these remote bits of Pacific Rim National Park. Set up on one of the beach campsites and then explore the craggy lagoons, arched land sculptures and forested landscape that has been home to the Nuu-chah-nulth First Nations for centuries. Find ancient fish-traps, the remains of villages and other archaeological evidence of these early settlers. Maximum stay in the islands is 14 days with no more than four on one island. Camping is allowed from May 1st to September 30th. Rangers visit the campsites to collect fees and issue permits. Launch point for kayakers and boaters is Toquart Bay in Barkley Sound.

West Coast Trail Camping

The West Coast Trail was built to aid in the rescue of shipwreck victims that had the misfortune of ending up on Vancouver Island's rocky west coast. It runs between Port Renfrew and Bamfield. This 47-mile hike is one of the most challenging in Canada and not for the faint hearted or novice hikers. Be prepared to wade through rivers, climb over bridge ladders and use self propelled wooden cable cars to cross heavily forested gulches. The trail is often steep, and since you are in a rainforest, often slippery. You must also share this very wild part of Vancouver Island with bears, cougars and wolves. Prepare to be in the wilderness for five to seven days. Pack everything you will need to camp in primitive beach side campsites scattered along the trail. The reward for challenging the West Coast Trail is not only the eye-popping scenery, but an immense feeling of accomplishment. The trail is open from May 1st to September 30th. Reservations and permits are required.

Low-Impact Camping

Backcountry camping areas within Pacific Rim National Park require more preparation than your average camping trip. This means carrying all food, water and camping supplies in and garbage out. There are outhouses at points along the West Coast Trail and at designated campsites in the Broken Group Islands. Try and use these. If you are stuck between comfort stations, leave no trace behind. The weather on Vancouver Island changes rapidly and rain is common even in summer. Pack all your supplies in plastic bags to keep them dry. Bring waterproof rain gear, quick drying clothing and wear good quality, already worn in hiking boots. Bring a camp stove. Small fires are permitted on beaches using only small pieces of driftwood. Taking wood from the forest is prohibited.

Camping With Wildlife

You are sharing your campsite with Vancouver Island's wilder residents. Bears and cougars are usually more afraid of you than you are of them and will go the other way if they sense your presence. It may be tempting to get close enough for a memorable photo, but be safe and just use a zoom lens. Cook at least 60 yards from your tent. Store your food in one of the bear proof containers found at campsites or use a long rope and hang your food from a tree. Keep all food out of your tent or away from your sleeping area. Don't extend a scented invitation for a curious bear or cougar to visit you.