Quick answer
Pacific Rim National Park Reserve has three units: the Long Beach Unit between Tofino and Ucluelet (beaches, trails and Green Point Campground), the Broken Group Islands (by boat only), and the 75 km West Coast Trail (permit required, May to September). Display a park pass whenever you stop in the Long Beach Unit. Dogs, drones and wildlife distances are strictly regulated.
The three units
| Unit | Where | Access | Best for |
|---|---|---|---|
| Long Beach | Between Ucluelet and Tofino | By road (Highway 4) | Beaches, surfing, short trails, camping |
| Broken Group Islands | Barkley Sound | Boat only | Sea kayaking and island camping |
| West Coast Trail | Between Bamfield and Port Renfrew | Trailheads at Bamfield, Nitinaht and Port Renfrew | Multi-day backpacking |
Source: Parks Canada. The park lies in the territories of nine Nuu-chah-nulth First Nations.
Park passes
In the Long Beach Unit, you must display a valid pass whenever you stop. Options include a four-hour Beach Entry Pass, daily passes, an annual Pacific Rim pass and the national Discovery Pass. Pay machines take credit cards only. See passes and current fees.
Camping at Green Point
Green Point Campground sits above Long Beach and is open from May 1 to mid-October:
- 94 drive-in sites with electrical hookups and showers
- 20 walk-in sites (no pets)
- An oTENTik and a group walk-in site
- Maximum stay of 7 nights
Reserve through the Parks Canada Reservation Service. In 2026, bookings opened in late January, and summer dates go quickly.
The West Coast Trail
A 75 km backpacking route from Pachena Bay to Gordon River that usually takes 6–8 days. According to Parks Canada:
- It’s open to overnight hikers from May 1 to September 30.
- A permit and an orientation session are required, even for day hikers.
- Reservations are required; there are no standby spaces.
It’s a demanding trail with ladders, mud and tidal crossings, suited to experienced backpackers.
The Broken Group Islands
A cluster of islands in Barkley Sound, popular with experienced sea kayakers (Parks Canada):
- Camping is only at designated sites on six islands, from May 1 to September 30, with a backcountry permit booked through the reservation system.
- A common launch point is Toquaht Nation’s Secret Beach Campground and Kayak Launch.
- Parks Canada advises against paddling from Ucluelet or Bamfield because of exposed crossings; water transport is available.
- Some islands are closed to visitors, so check current notices.
Rules to know
Dogs
Dogs must be leashed where allowed and are never allowed in the West Coast Trail or Broken Group Islands units. In the Long Beach Unit, dogs are currently banned from several beaches and areas, with fines up to $25,000. Rules change often; check dog rules before you go.
Wildlife
- Stay at least 100 m from bears, wolves and cougars, and from most marine mammals.
- Stay at least 200 m from killer whales, and at least 1,000 m from Southern Resident killer whales, a mandatory distance in southern BC coastal waters (roughly Campbell River to just north of Ucluelet) from June 1, 2026 to May 31, 2027, according to Fisheries and Oceans Canada. If you can’t tell which population you’re seeing, keep 1,000 m away.
- Never feed wildlife, and store food securely.
Drones
All Parks Canada places are “no drone zones” for recreational use (Parks Canada).
Ocean safety
There are no lifeguards. Watch for rip currents, large waves and rolling logs, and check park bulletins for wave hazard and wildlife warnings.
Planning your visit
- The best beaches in and near the park
- Hiking trails, with current status
- Storm watching from November to March
- Ucluelet and the Wild Pacific Trail
- Getting there from Vancouver
Sources checked November 2026: Parks Canada. Dates, closures and rules change; confirm before you go.
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