A Walk in the Forest Trail is a wonderful new boardwalk trail that has a peculiar, though recent history.  Originally built in 1997 by the District of Ucluelet and the Ministry of Forests.  Unfortunately it fell into neglect for several years.  The boardwalk rotted and vandalism and garbage defaced the trail.

Restoration began in 2010, funded by the Clayoquot Biosphere Trust and Iisaak Forest Resources Limited.  In 2012 the Central Westcoast Forest Society extended the boardwalk and created a large viewing platform that overlooks Lost Shoe Creek.  This new platform will be used to host outdoor educational programs.

The Central Westcoast Forest Society has joined with the Ministry of Tourism, Culture and the Arts to co-manage this now designated BC recreational site.  Parks Canada has created new interpretive signs...

Why should you hike the new A Walk in the Forest Trail?

It is a wonderful and new boardwalk hike through the beautifully chaotic rainforest.  It represents the wonderful work of The Central Westcoast Forest Society to breath life back into this recently forgotten an brutalized place.

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Chesterman Beach is a wonderful 3 kilometre beach just a 10 minute drive from Tofino.  The walk to the beach from your car takes just 3 minutes with the roundtrip distance covered to the beach and back to your car is about 500 metres (or a third of a mile).  It lays just outside of Pacific Rim National Park and as a result has a local feel that you don't get from most other beaches.  From the wind battered houses that line the beach though shrouded in the coastal forest, to the magnificent Wickaninnish Inn sprawling to the ocean, Chesterman Beach is a beautiful beach oasis. The Wickaninnish Inn is a fabulously luxurious resort that ranks as one of the top resorts in Canada and sits at the far end of the beach.

Chesterman Beach appeals to everyone.  Surfing, walking, relaxing, playing and beach exploring are all popular here.  In the spring and summer you may even spot whales passing by.  Frank Island sits out from the middle of the beach and during low tide can be reached on foot.

You quickly realize that Chesterman Beach is a favourite for the local surf schools.  All year-round you will spot surfers of all abilities out in the consistently surf-able waves.  The natural separation of Chesterman Beach by Frank's Island, allows for differing surf conditions north and south...

Why should you go to Chesterman Beach?

Chesterman Beach is enjoyable for everyone.  It can be romantic at sunset or hauntingly beautiful at sunrise.  Kids love exploring the endlessly interesting and lively beach.  It is close and convenient from Tofino.  It appeals to surfers of all abilities.  Despite its popularity and wide array of possibly activities, Chesterman somehow keeps a tranquil, calm feeling.  Wonderful to bring your family to, but equally enticing as a quiet, solo retreat.

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Clayoquot Arm Provincial Park is a beautiful and increasingly popular canoe and kayaking route that is just remote enough to not be crowded most of the year.  The Kennedy Lake bridge is where you will likely be launching your boat from to paddle down into Clayoquot Arm Provincial Park.  This massive bridge has been unmaintained for years and is falling apart.  Therefore it has been blocked by massive boulders so it can't be driven across.  It is mesmerizingly beautiful, as only a antique bridge spanning such a great distance can be.  You often see tents on it, though with clear skies you can simple lay in a sleeping bag under the stars here as many before you would have done.

There are several highlights to this park.  From the desolate and relaxing paddling route which runs as short as an interesting look around and under the antiquated Kennedy Lake bridge where you likely will be camping and/or launching your boat.  To as long as the 12k length of Clayoquot Arm.  There is also the beautiful wildlife and nature spectacular in the nearby Kennedy River Bog Park, which can easily be canoe to and through.

Why should you canoe/kayak Clayoquot Arm Provincial Park?

Clayoquot Arm Provincial Park is wonderfully secluded, majestically huge and beautifully untouched.  So close to Tofino and Ucluelet but you feel hundreds of miles away from civilization.  The sheltered waters of Clayoquot Arm are more relaxed and forgiving to novice paddlers as compared to the ocean routes around Tofino and Ucluelet.  There are plenty of excellent spots to put up a tent and spend the night in paradise.

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Florencia Bay, named after the ship that was wrecked here in 1861 is certainly one of the most amazing places in the world.  Just a short, 1 kilometre (.62 mile) walk to the beach you descend down a wonderfully sketchy tangle of wooden stairs onto a fantastic, wild and secluded feeling Canadian beach.  Florencia Bay seems to have it all.  Gorgeous, sandy beach.  Excellent waves for surfing.  An absurdly wild jungle forest that spills over the beach alive with colour.  It has to be explored to be appreciated.  The 5 kilometre bay cuts a wide arch, often with abrupt cliffs just off the beach.

Florencia Bay is known locally as Wreck Beach due the shipwreck that happened here.  Four people died when the 200 tonne ship, the Florencia was wrecked.  The Florencia actually capsized elsewhere, however, during the salvage effort, the ship towing the Florencia had engine trouble and cast off the Florencia to be wrecked here.  The Bay's name was officially changed to Florencia Bay in 1930, but the original name is often still used...

Why should you go to Florencia Bay?

Florencia Bay is secluded feeling and beautiful.  Much of the beach is south facing and wonderfully sunny.  The sunsets are spectacular and the surfing is often very good.  The wonderful history can be read from an excellent viewpoint monument on the trail to the beach.

More Hiking Info, Maps & Directions to the Florencia Bay Trail>>