Pacific Rim National Park Reserve / Vancouver Island

Pacific Rim National Park Reserve / Vancouver Island

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Harlequin Duck - Shutterstock / Jukka Jantunen
Canada|North America
84
Wildlife
74
Access
76
Stay
92
Safety
90
Photo
70
Crowds
58
Cost
78
Birding

Pacific Rim National Park Reserve and the surrounding Vancouver Island coast offer one of Canada's best mixes of temperate-rainforest scenery, intertidal wildlife, whales, seabirds, and black-bear country. It is strongest for travelers who want a broad Pacific wildlife trip that is far easier to reach than the remotest rainforest lodges, with excellent photography and strong all-round naturalist value.

15°
Drizzle

Gallery

Wildlife Species

Gray Whale

Uncommon

Mammal · Best time: Spring and Summer

Black Bear

Uncommon

Mammal · Best time: Low Tide and Estuary Edges

Sea Otter

Uncommon

Mammal · Best time: Calm Coastal Conditions

Bald Eagle

Common

Bird · Best time: All Day

Geography

Terrain
Temperate rainforest, surf beaches, rocky shoreline, islands, marine waters
Elevation
Sea level to low coastal hills
Climate
Cool maritime
Area
National park reserve and surrounding west-coast ecosystems

Weather

Best Months
MayJuneJulyAugustSeptember
Avg. Temperature
3-22°C
Rainfall
High, especially outside summer
Humidity
70-100%

Getting There

Nearest Airport

Victoria, Nanaimo, or Tofino access with road, ferry, or small-flight links to the west coast

Reached by ferry and road or regional air links on Vancouver Island

Transport
  • Self-drive to Tofino and Ucluelet
  • Whale-watching trips
  • Coastal boardwalks and rainforest trails

Where to Stay

Hotels and lodges in Tofino and Ucluelet

Mid-range to Premium

Hotel · Main access towns

Campgrounds and cabins near park sectors

Budget to Mid-range

Camp · Close to beaches and trails

Location

49.0400, -125.7600View larger map

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