The Pacific Rim National Park on Canada’s Vancouver Island is one of those corners of the world that are almost too beautiful to really exist.

With around 200 square miles of lush forest and dramatic craggy shoreline, as well as what lies under the surface of the ocean offshore, it’s an extraordinary place to visit and a wonderful way to get up close and personal with nature.

Trek along magnificent hiking trails under the shade of vast, centuries-old trees, discover temperate rainforests and the unspoiled natural beauty of Canada’s west coast, and drink in the sites from the deck on a Vancouver cruise.

There’s so much to do in the Pacific Rim National Park that it’s hard to narrow your options down.  But, if you plan to make Vancouver Island part of your next vacation adventure, you should definitely check out these must-do experiences!

Surf Long Beach

Long Beach is one of the most beautiful and most popular of the park’s beaches and is the number one spot for surfing.  It boasts ten miles of shoreline between Tofino and Ucluelet, as well as some pretty serious breaks.  It’s not a beginner’s beach by any stretch, but experienced wave riders will be in heaven!

Hike the Wild Pacific Trail

There are extraordinary hiking trails all over the Pacific Rim National Park, but the Wild Pacific Trail really tops the lot.  While not technically part of the park itself, it offers glorious views of the Broken Group Islands, which are, and is well worth a detour for the chance to explore this epic stretch of craggy coast. You’ll also see wildlife galore, with sea lions and eagles in large numbers all along the route. 

Climb up Radar Hill

Radar Hill is a historic radar station easily accessible from Tofino town center.  Used during the Second World War, it now offers jaw-dropping views across Clayoquot Sound and the Tofino Inlet, and is a superb way to get a wider panorama of the full dramatic beauty of the Pacific Rim National Park!

Explore the Ucluelet Aquarium

If you want to get a closer look at the life that inhabits the underwater areas of the park, the Ucluelet Aquarium is a great stop!  Filled with all sorts of marine life from Barkley and Clayoquot Sound, it’s a fascinating glimpse at the world below the waves. 

While these are a great place to start, there’s so much more to see in the Pacific Rim National Park!  And, no matter what you choose to do, you won’t be disappointed with the allure of this enchanting escape.

Have you ever been to the Pacific Rim National Park?  Comment below and let me know what your favorite activity was!

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