Tofino, at the
gateway to Clayoquot Sound & on the wild west coast of British
Columbia, is paradise for the paradise seeker. Stroll along one
of the many boardwalks in Pacific Rim National Park & revel
in the majesty of one of the world’s largest temperate old
growth rainforests. Each year, over 20,000 Gray Whales migrate past
Tofino on their way north. Surf the waves at Long Beach, kayak the
islands of Meares, Flores & Vargas, take in a whale watching
or harbour tour, try your luck at deep sea fishing, discover the
marine life while snorkeling or scuba diving, then water taxi to
Hot Springs Cove for a relaxing soak.
Whale Watching:
 The
whale watching season begins in March with the Pacific Rim Whale
Festival and lasts into October. Each year 20,000 Gray Whales
migrate over 8000 km from their breeding grounds in Baja, Mexico,
past the shores of Tofino on their way north. The peak sightings
are during the grey whale northward migration throughout the spring
& early summer months. Trips last between 2 to 3 hours and you
will most likely encounter eagles, seals, and sometimes orca or
humpback whales and porpoise. Many trips will use a Zodiac boat
where you are completely outfitted with warm, waterproof gear.
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Hot Springs Cove:
The springs, which are only accessible by air or water, are located
26 miles up the coast from Tofino in Macquinna Provincial Marine
Park. Tours are roughly 6 to 7 hours long, & encompass whale-watching
on your way to the hot springs. You'll also get to see the many Sea Lions, basking on Sea Lion Rock. From Hot Springs Cove you have a
30 minute boardwalk through an old growth cedar forest. Once you
reach the springs you’ll find a change room, an outhouse,
and a waterfall of steaming hot water, that flows through a series
of soaking pools, and finally into the ocean.
Black Bear Tours:
This area supports a large number of resident black bears. On this
trip, usually at low tide as this is when the bears can be seen
on the beaches, you can witness these incredible mammals in their
own habitat from the vantage of the water. Also expect to see seals,
eagles and other wildlife as you cruise along the shoreline. This
trip is different from whale watching, as the emphasis is directed
to land mammals and concentrates close to shore.
Fishing Charters:
The Tofino Clayoquot Sound is excellent for fishing. Each charter
outfitter will provide all the fishing equipment and tackle you’ll
need, and will require a minimum 4 hour trip. Generally 4 people
per boat gives you the best value for your money. On these charters,
you will enjoy the breathtaking beauty of the Clayoquot Sound, and
will likely catch salmon, halibut, cod and other bottom feeding
fish. There’s also a large variety of shellfish in the area:
crab, clams, mussels, oysters.
Sea Kayaking:
Much of the water in Clayoquot Sound is protected from “Open
Ocean” by island barriers. This gives you the exciting opportunity
to enjoy the tranquil and engaging art of kayaking. People of all
ages are finding sea-kayaking to be a safe and satisfying way, to
explore the coastal waterways of the Clayoquot Sound. Tofino which
is surrounded by a vast array of islands, is the perfect place to
experience the natural world of the marine environment. Kayak to
the islands of Meares, Flores & Vargas, and hike your way through
traditional native territories, while experiencing ancient old growth
rainforests, mountains and deserted beaches. For the beginner, you
will be accompanied by a professional guide, who will offer safe
and informative journeys. No experience is required when with qualified
guides.
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Scuba Diving:
The West Coast is known as the “Graveyard of the Pacific”
and Clayoquot Sound has its share of undersea wrecks. The clear
ocean waters allow for extensive exploration. Scuba dives of 30
feet or less make you can feel safe in the ocean environment, and
allow you a longer bottom time. You’ll see Wolfeels, Giant
Pacific Octopus, Anemones and more. Of course there’s also
night, wreck, & wall dives. Snorkeling is great fun for families
and friends. You can discover the underworld, floating in one of
the many island coves, while seeing Rockcod, kelp greenling, starfish
and more.
Surfing:
 Tofino
is fast becoming very popular for the waves and the breakers. Any
of the exposed beaches along the west side are excellent spots for
surfing, with Long Beach, Cox Bay, and Chesterman Beach ranking
among the local favourites. Swells can be anywhere from 1 metre
to 8 metres high and this is agitated during the winter storms.
As conditions vary throughout the year, check with the local surf
shops for an up-to-date report.
Swimming:
There are miles upon miles of beaches to choose from for salt water
swimming. If you prefer to swim in freshwater the closest and most
accessible lake for swimming is Kennedy Lake. You will remember
this spectacular body of water from your journey to Tofino, having
passed it prior to the Junction and National Park. The water temperatures
vary during the year but can always be guaranteed to be warmer than
the Pacific Ocean. If you prefer a warmer body of water to swim
in, the local swimming pool which is accessible to the public, is
at MacKenzie Beach Resort, about 3km south of Tofino.
Storm Watching:
Powerful winter storms whip this area, offering a unique sight.
Large waves crashing on the beaches, with horizontal wind and rain,
make this activity exciting and satisfying. During the winter months
surfing is considered to be prime.
Galleries:
 Tofino
is home to many artists and features: traditional First Nations
artwork, totems, sculptures, masks, paintings, basketry, & jewelry…
many of the Island’s artists are also represented, with original
paintings, pottery, sculptures, carvings, metal work and glass.
Golfing:
Long Beach Golf Course offers nine holes of championship golf, in
a forest like setting. A pro shop compliments the snack bar and
lounge.
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The Parks, Beaches, Trails & Area
Tonquin Park:
 This
is Tofino’s closest beach and nature park, and is a short
15 minute walk from ‘Whalers’. You will descend about
75 steps down a boardwalk onto a beautiful sandy ocean beach. The
trail leads through the rainforest, and you’ll see many plants
along the way. This isn’t a very large beach but it does get
lots of sun and offers great views of the sunset. Tonquin Park is
also a great spot to watch for gray whales, who like to come and
scratch their tummies on the sandbars. There are also some great
tidal pools where you can see starfish, mussels, & sea anemones,
and also a few small cave like crevises. Open campfires are permitted
here.
MacKenzie Beach:
This is the next closest beach, about 3 km south of Tofino. Lots
of sand and full sun makes this beach popular.
Chestermans Beach and Cox Bay:
Two of our local surf beaches located 4 km south of Tofino. Great
beaches to view the sunset and when the tide is low, you can walk
out to a small island just off from Chesterman Beach.
Pacific Rim National Park:
 Set
aside in 1970, to protect the coastal rainforest, surf-swept beaches,
marine life, and the cultural history of the area. There are three
separate units of the National Park: Long Beach, the Broken Group
Islands, and the West Coast Trail. The Long Beach Unit with one
of the world’s largest temperate rainforest, offers many things
to enjoy:
(a) Wind your way along one
of the many trails & boardwalks, exploring the gigantic trees
and ancient fallen logs in the old growth rainforest…at the
top of Radar Hill you can enjoy the panoramic views of the Clayoquot
Sound, along with the historical monuments. Many mammals and birds
habitat the area, and you’re likely to see some of them: raccoon,
mink, & black bear, as well as hundreds of species of birds
including the bald eagle and the blue heron.
(b) The Wickaninnish Centre
overlooks beautiful Wickaninnish Beach… the centre run by
Parks Canada provides free exhibits and hourly movies that explore
the natural and cultural history of the Pacific Rim. On display
are: a whaling canoe, a gigantic mural depicting ocean life, and
some whale and other mammal bones.
(c) Long Beach, Combers Beach,
Schooner Beach, and Wickaninnish Beach… famous as the longest
stretch of surf swept sand on the west coast.
Radar Hill:
Originally built as a radar installation during WWII. From this
vantage point, you will have excellent panoramic views of the Clayoquot
Sound including Meares, Flores and Vargas Island. There are two
distinct viewing areas to take in when visiting Radar. The first
offers a postcard perfect view down the hill and beyond to the open
Pacific. The second viewing area offers views of the surrounding
inlets and islands.
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Radar Hill Beach:
The trail down from Radar Hill to the beach is a challenging trail,
and is quite vertical. When you emerge from the forest near the
bottom, a large lazy stream of freshwater greets you to your left
and a pristine sand beach bowl is in front of you. This beach is
also known by the locals as “Nude Beach”.
Schooner Beach Trail:
Mostly boardwalk, the trail winds through cedar and hemlock trees,
ascending and descending through a couple of gullies and cross a
small bridge. Near the end of the trail, you will descend about
60 stairs to the beach. Once on the beach, if you head to your left
past the First Nation Reserve of Esowista, you can walk south to
Long Beach.
Long Beach:
 Just
as its’ name indicates, you can walk 10km along the beach
& still not reach the end. Long Beach is actually divided into
three beaches: Long Beach, Combers Beach and Wickaninnish Beach.
The flat sand and beautiful view of the Pacific make for easy walking,
wonderful scenery, and incredible sunsets. This is also a great
place to watch surfers, as the huge waves roll in.
Spruce Fringe Trail:
The entire trail is on an elevated boardwalk that allows you to
see the natural state of the forest without doing any damage to
the soil. The trail leads through a crab apple bog where you’ll
see Sitka Spruce, Hemlocks, and Cedar trees. The Sitka Spruce is
unique to this trail as it is one of the few trees that is capable
of surviving the salty mists and sand-ridden winds of the open Pacific.
Combers Beach:
This is another part of Long Beach and is usually the least busy.
You’ll notice what the destructive force of the surf has done
to the parking lot, with all the wave and tidal erosion. This beach
is very interesting with large accumulations of driftwood.
Rain Forest Trail:
These 2 trails, loop on both sides of the Pacific Rim Highway. They
provide a good introduction to the old growth temperate rainforest.
From the parking area, you will see Trail “B”
first. The trail begins at an old clearing through a cedar and hemlock
thicket and finally to the old growth forest. As you descend farther
into the forest you are left with amazing silence and awe of a classic
rainforest. You will cross over a bridge made from a single old
growth log, and will encounter interpretative signs that help explain
how the rainforest regenerates itself.
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Trail “A” is on the other side of
the highway. It is essentially the same type of old growth forest
found on Trail “B” except that this trail will take
you farther up and down the gullies. Expect to encounter about 150
steps. You’ll find interpretative signs along the trail, and
there’s some good examples of the very old ‘nurse’
logs. This trail will take you over a salmon stream with excellent
viewing opportunities.
Shoreline Bog Trail:
This is probably the easiest walking trail in the park. It is entirely
made up of boardwalk and is completely flat and wheelchair accessible.
What makes this trail so interesting is the bog, that allows only
certain types of vegetation to grow. Here you will find stunted
shore pines that are several hundred years old.
South Beach Trail:
This trail begins just behind the Wickaninnish Centre and restaurant
at Long Beach. Watch for the wheelchair ramp and continue south
along this path. The trail winds past Lismer Beach, then continues
along a boardwalk. After about 5 minutes walking you will pass another
beach, then a short while later you’ll arrive at a beach where
you can view some big waves. Even on mild days, the waves at this
beach are funnelled between large rock walls and are rarely less
than 5 or 10 feet in height. Be sure to keep well away from the
rocks, as rogue waves are not uncommon, and have been known to carry
people out to sea. If you want photographs of the big waves crashing
on rocks this is your place.
Florencia Bay:
This beach was named after the ship Florencia that wrecked, early
in the last century, and from the 1870’s onwards, was known
as “Wreck Bay”. Here you will notice the large sand
cliffs and boulders. Normally quieter than Long Beach, this beach
offers swimming, surfing, and sunbathing.
Wickaninnish Interpretive Centre:
Originally the site of a spectacular hotel that accommodated many
guests for several decades before the advent of the Park, the Centre
is now home to a museum, theatre, and restaurant. There are several
displays on aboriginal life including a large traditional native
canoe. There is a whale display with videos, bones and sculpture.
During the spring, summer, and fall, you can view short educational
movies in the theatre. The Centre also has a huge mural depicting
a gray whale and other marine life found in the National Park. Also
at the Centre are washrooms and public telephones. Admission is
free. But remember to get your parking ticket for your car. The Centre is open from early spring until mid fall.
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Wickaninnish Trail:
This trails links Florencia Bay and Long Beach. The trail passes
through old growth forest dominated by Sitka spruce. There is one
small bridge across a gully and in the rainy months, you can expect
to have to jump over some fairly large puddles. As the soil becomes
more acidic, the forest gives way to a bog that is primarily made
up of shore pine. Originally used by the first nations people, the
trail was upgraded with wood poles laid across the path, when the
pioneers arrived. As crude as it was, Model T’s could drive
the entire distance over this “corduroy trail”, so termed
because of the resemblance to the fabric. About half way through
this trail, you will see and walk over sections of the original
trail. Soon, an incline boardwalk will lead you up and out of the
bog into a new growth forest. At this point, you will begin to hear
the surf of Florencia Bay.
Gold Mine Trail:
In contrast to the surrounding old growth forests, this trail leads
through an area logged in the 60’s. An attempt to plant the
area with Douglas Fir failed, because of a lack of specific nutrients
in the soil. The forest is similar to one that you would find in
the east; very dense with medium sized trees that have not yet lost
their lower branches in their fight to compete for the light. The
big difference in this forest however are the looming sculptures
of stumps, some 10 feet high, which once were massive 800 year old
trees. At the very end of the trail, just after you cross the salmon
stream by bridge, are iron remnants from the early 1900’s
when this creek was panned for gold. When you get to the beach,
on your left about 30 feet away you will see a totem. A family of
hippie squatters built this back in the 60’s to mark the spot
where they lived until the Park was proclaimed and the houses were
demolished in the early 70’s. Although the totem is not traditional
First Nations, it now holds a place in the history and evolution
of the national park.
Willowbrae Trail:
Most travel at the turn of the century was done by water due to
the rugged terrain. This trail served as the overland route between
Ucluelet & Tofino and is part of the original “corduroy”
road. To access the start of the trail you have to drive south,
past “the junction” and turn right on Willowbrae Road.
A few minutes up this road will lead you to a parking lot and the
start of the trail. This trail is essentially flat and it passes
through a forest logged at the turn of the century. When you reach
the small bridge near the end of the trail go right, then descend
a steep hill and you’ll find yourself at the southern end
of Florencia Beach.
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Half Moon Bay Trail:
If you follow the same directions for the Willowbrae Trail, turn
left when you reach the small bridge. This will take you through
a dense forest. Soon you will find yourself nearing the edge of
the forest, and it will change to a grove with giant Sitka Spruce
that rely on the ocean fog for nearly 20% of their nutrients. After
descending a 100 foot wooden ramp and stairs, you will arrive at
the most southerly point in the Long Beach Park. From this small
beach, you can enjoy the spectacular vista views of Florencia Bay.
Hot Springs Cove:
 The
trail is well known and a popular destination to many that come
to the Clayoquot Sound. The boardwalk and the Hot Springs are maintained
by BC Parks although there are no park staff here during the winter
months. A well-built boardwalk, with a variety of artistically engraved
boards, winds its way through beautiful forest until it reaches
the hot springs. Although there are many sets of stairs the trail
is relatively easy. The Hot Springs begins as a small stream that
turns into a waterfall, and then flows through a series of small
pools before draining into the ocean. It is a beautiful spot to
sit back and watch the waves crash against the rocks, and the eagles
flying overhead. The terrain and crevices to the springs and within
them can be hard on the feet, so water shoes are a plus. Don’t
expect any commercial services at the “springs” other
than a small outhouse and a change room. For about 8 months of the
year you will be able to visit the “springs”, with one
of the many tour operators that travel there on a daily basis. For
a longer stay, there is a private camping area which lies adjacent
to the park boundary and is for tenting only.
Walk on the Wild Side Trail, Ahousaht
(Flores Island):
There are approximately 1000 First Nation residents at Ahousaht,
on the southeast side of Flores Island. There’s a store and
post office in the village. This area is also the site of Gibson
Marine Park, a 142-hectare chunk of public land with a beautiful
sand beach and lukewarm hot springs. The Wild Side trail is rich
in beautiful old growth forests, cultural significance, sandy beaches
and wildlife. From Ahousaht Village, the hike follows a trail that
has been used for centuries, to reach the beautiful beaches on the
west side of Flores Island. In 1995, under the guidance of the elders
from Ahousaht Village, a 16km trail was completed by native and
non-native youth as an eco-tourism initiative to restore this vital
route. The trail winds its way through ancient Sitka forests and
visits two of the most spectacular pristine beaches in the Sound;
Whitesands Beach and Cow Bay. Be prepared for a strenuous hike,
because the trail ends by ascending Mount Flores, which offers a
spectacular view of the Sound.
Starting in Ahousaht, the trail features carved
yellow cedar signs made by local Ahousaht artists, which tell the
stories of Flores Island and its aboriginal inhabitants. The first
four kilometers combine beautiful sandy beaches and boardwalk forest
areas. For those continuing to Cow Bay, the trail follows the beaches
with parts crossing over the headlands where needed. Cow bay is
a majestic place that is well worth the hike. In this area, you
may catch a glimpse of a Gray whale, or the flight of an eagle or
osprey diving into the water. For a unique experience, contract
a local First Nation guide who will point out features and historical
landmarks along the way. To access this trail, you must take a forty
minute boat ride from Tofino to Ahousaht Village. The water taxis
leave 1st Street Dock in Tofino at 10.30am and 4:00pm, and leave
Ahousaht to return each day at 8.30am and 1:00pm. Expect to pay
$14 one way. The Hummingbird Hostel is also located on Flores Island
just across the bay from the Ahousaht Village. If you are going
there, you will need to advise the water taxi as it has a different
drop off point from the village.
Note: Hikers going through Ahousaht must register
for this trail by contacting Walk on the Wild Side Office in Ahousaht.
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Ahous Bay Trail (Vargas Island):
If you have a full day you can head for the Ahous Bay Trail. To
reach Vargas Island, you catch a boat shuttle. You access the trail from private property,
the Vargas Inn, so you must ask their permission. Ahous has several
kilometers of long sandy beach that is open to the Pacific. The
trail arrives on the beach at the southern part, and if you walk
north, you will cross over a fresh water stream with fast, clear,
running water. This beach is pristine and not heavily visited so
your chance of finding beach treasures is quite good. Ahous Bay
is also a favourite feeding ground for gray whales so you should
find a good spot on the beach and watch for their spouts.
Big Tree Trail (Meares Island):
In 1984, Meares Island was one of the first battlegrounds in the
“War of the Woods”. The Tla-o-qui-aht Tribal Council
has declared the entire island a Tribal Park but to this date, this
designation is still in the courts and is still technically part
of a cut block scheduled for logging. When you travel from Tofino
to the start of this trail, you will pass over or around (depending
on the tide) vast mud flats that are critical resting and feeding
grounds on one of the major flyways of migrating birds on the west
coast. Just before you land on Meares, you will see Morpheus Island
on your left. Morpheus Island has been used for centuries as a traditional
tribal burial ground and from 1900 until 1950 as the official Tofino
cemetery. It is now under the guardianship of Tofino with the condition
that no one else be buried there. To access the trail, you will
have to catch a water taxi. You can expect to pay $20 to $25
return per person. There are two parts to the Big Tree Trail –
the first section is boardwalk and ends at the Hanging Garden Tree.
If you look up this giant tree, you can see plants growing in the
nooks and twists of the trunk. The second section of the trail loops
clockwise through the forest on a trail that can sometimes be very
muddy. You will want to follow the flagging tape so that you do
not get lost. You will travel by several huge cedars with diameters
of up to 20 feet. The age of these trees is anywhere between 800
and 1300 years old, which are some of the oldest and largest life
forms on earth.
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Lone Cone Trail (Meares Island):
Directly across the bay from the hostel you will see the peak of
Lone Cone. To go up Lone Cone and to use the trail, you must gain
permission from the Tla-o-qui-aht Band Office in Opitsat at 725-3233
or the Kakawis Family Development Centre at 725-3951. Once permission
is gained, you can access the trail by catching a water taxi.
You can expect to pay $25 to $30 return per person. The trail starts
on private property and leads up the south side of the cone. After
an invigorating climb you will reach the summit. From this point,
an impressive 360-degree view unfolds before you, encompassing all
the charms of this pristine island network. Lone Cone is an extinct
volcano that has not been active for thousands of years. It has
always been a prominent landmark to all inhabitants with its looming
presence on the north end of Meares Island. The early pioneers believed
that if there were clouds obscuring the summit then there would
be approaching good weather.
Ucluelet and Area
Just a half-hour drive from Tofino, you’ll
find the town of Ucluelet. Pronounced “YOU-CLUE-LET”,
this name originally applied to a First Nations village located
on the east side of the entrance to Ucluelet Inlet; the name means
“safe harbour”. In the1860’s, European fur sealers
established the present site of Ucluelet, on the West Side of the
inlet. Originally Ucluelet was accessible only by sea. Packet steamers
operated by the Canadian Pacific Railway connected Ucluelet with
Victoria. The road that now connects Ucluelet to Tofino was opened
during World War II and was paved and made public in 1959. Early
industries included: fur sealing, sawmills and logging. With the
establishment of Pacific Rim National Park Reserve, Ucluelet is
fast becoming a destination for visitors from around the world.
While visiting Ucluelet, discover the scenic Amphitrite Point &
Lighthouse, the Wild Pacific trail, and He-tin-kis Park. You can
also visit the Thornton Creek hatchery. Shuttle transportation from
Tofino is available.
Big Beach Trail:
This popular trail, used mainly by Ucluelet locals, has recently
been expanded. The boardwalk has been upgraded, and a new cedar
gazebo provides shelter from the rain. One of the highlights of
the trail is a red cedar that has grown four separate trunks giving
it a “devil’s fork” appearance. Be careful of
broken glass on the beach, especially in front of the gazebo. To
the left of the gazebo, there is a rocky ledge that goes into the
ocean. It is a great place to explore but it can be hazardous. At
the end of the ledge, the water flows through a surge channel, and
even in summer the waves can come roaring in quite violently. View
platforms on the headlines offer great storm watching vistas. Big
Beach itself, is in a rocky coastal area is filled with tide pools,
beautiful shells, kelp beds and shoreline wildflowers. The rocks
at Big Beach, like the rest of the coast, are black in colour due
to a very thin layer of lichen that grows on them. Hours can be
spent walking over the rocks in search of inter-tidal life. You
must be very careful when exploring, as the rocks can be very slippery
and a ‘rogue wave’ may suddenly appear, catching you
by surprise.
He-Tin-Kis Park:
This is quite a delightful boardwalk trail among western hemlock
trees that does a full loop. On the right side of the parking lot,
the beach trailheads leads towards Terrace Beach, where there is
a beautiful sheltered cove filled with kelp beds. This is a good
diving spot. The circle trail on the left side of the parking lot
climbs up to a high ridge. Perched above the ocean, the trail offers
some beautiful views of the rocky coast before it loops back to
the parking lot. There is a picnic table at one view spot directly
above a secluded cove accessible by a steel ramp. As you walk, look
for interesting mosses, bunchberries, and other rainforest life
on the forest floor. This trail also connects to the Wild Pacific
Trail.
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Wild Pacific Trail:
Phase 1 of the Wild Pacific Trail starts near the end of Ucluelet,
at the top of the Coast Guard Road, then on to the lighthouse. It
then continues along the cliffs and joins the boardwalk at He-Tin-Kis
Park. The trail mostly follows the coastline, and gives you the
opportunity to experience the force of Mother Nature. Near the end,
it is an easy walk back from He-Tin-Kis to the Wild Pacific parking
lot. Phase 2 has just recently opened. Access for this phase, is
from the Big Beach parking lot. The whole trail is planned to continue
from the tip of Ucluelet Peninsula to Half Moon Bay (Pacific Rim
National Park) when completed. The trail will follow shoreline cliffs
with beautiful views and some beach access points. This is a wonderful
place to explore all seasons. In the spring, this area provides
one of the best places to watch gray whales from shore. In the summer,
Amphitrite Point is a great place to explore tidal pools, and is
one of the few spots on the coast that allows people with physical
limitations the opportunity to see the rocky coastline with great
views of the Broken Group Islands. And in the winter, this point
is the perfect place to watch the majestic coastal storms.
Kennedy Lake Area Trails
A Walk in the Forest: The Ministry of Forests
and the District of Ucluelet developed this trail. The Trail goes
through a variety of second growth forest and juvenile spaced second
growth forest. The trail has self-guided signs which explain rainforest
ecology. As well, the trail provides information on forest practices
in the area and shows some examples of forests that have been harvested
and replanted.
Canoe Creek Interpretive Trail:
This little known trail is an interesting place to explore many
forest types, including regenerated red alder, second growth, and
old growth forests. The trail starts in a bushy section of thick
salmonberries and red alder then opens up into second growth forest
with balsam fir, Douglas fir, hemlock and cedar. It follows the
forested bank of the Kennedy River, over a few fallen trees and
creek beds to a gravel bar (which may be covered if water levels
are high). A stunning feature of the trail, is a cedar on one of
the islands, which is thought to be close to 2000 years old. A muddy
road can be followed back to the highway, and then 6 hydro poles
back to the parking lot.
Norm Godfrey Nature Trail:
This trail is accessed near the Tofino Ucluelet junction, 12 km
in on a logging road. Within a minute of starting the trail, you
will come across a cedar tree that is probably 800 years old. If
you look up this tree, you will see other trees (western red cedar
and western hemlock) that have hitched a ride on this giant, to
get up to the top of the forest canopy where the sunlight is best.
Another feature of this trail is the presence of red alders in the
middle of the forest, growing taller than many of the other trees.
There is a short trail to a rocky knoll at the north end of the
beach of Kennedy Lake, which offers a beautiful view. The trail
reaches a beautiful sandy beach at Kennedy Lake, which is known
a great place for swimming. After a refreshing dip or rest on the
beach, you can continue along the beach to the left where the trail
continues for the loop back to the parking lot. Keep your eyes open
for two enormous cedars with candelabra tops.
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