If you are a nature and wilderness enthusiast you may already be familiar with British Columbia’s Pacific Rim National Park Reserve. The Park is comprised of three separate units including Long Beach, Broken Group Islands and the West Coast Trail. All three units are entirely different but come together to create Pacific Rim National, which caters to the interests of many. Long Beach is the most accessible unit and for that very reason it is considered the most popular. It boasts a remarkable beach area. Broken Group Islands is made up of several small islands. There are around one hundred islands at this time. The third unit, the West Coast Trail, is a trail that stretches out over 72 kilometers. It is a very challenging trail.

Visitors to the park come for many different reasons. Perhaps the most popular is for hiking, camping, fishing, bird watching and photography. Perhaps the most popular activity at Pacific Rim National however is whale, seal or sea lion watching. The cool, wet climate of the Park is an excellent environment for marine life and offers visitors a chance to observe these animals in their natural habitat.

Pacific Rim National is also the perfect venue for camping. There are several designated camping areas in the Park including locations on each of the three separate units. One of the most popular camping site locations is on the West Coast Trail at the Tsusiat Falls site. Visitors to this particular area will have a chance to be up close and personal to one of the most breathtaking views within the park. The falls are absolutely stunning. You will definitely want to have your camera handy!

Natural resources within the Pacific Rim National include Canada’s very own Rainforest, the seashore, the multiple islands, the thick forest land and of course the beaches, vegetation and wildlife. Just a few of the animals that call the Park home include: bears, deer, wolves, cougars and several bird species. Visitors to the park should be prepared to truly become in touch with nature!
The Cultural Resources of the Pacific National Park are of great interest to many as well. The First Nation’s of the area called “Nuu-chah-nulth” had a term, “hishuk-ish ts’awalk” which translates to “everything is one”. This is a term that is very fitting for Pacific Rim National and it’s diverse resources that co-exist.

Visitors have plenty of opportunity to learn more about both the Natural and Cultural backgrounds of the Park. Learning experiences include summer programs, educational tours, guest speakers and a program called “Elderhostel”. This program is designed for individuals over the age of 55 and includes learning about: whale identification, exploring the rainforest region and studies of the seashore. All educational programs are designed to give participants a “hands on” experience that will not only enrich the mind but will delight the senses as well.

If you are visiting the beautiful province of British Columbia then be sure to plan a visit to Pacific Rim National Park Reserve. It is at the southwestern coast of Vancouver Island and promise to be a fabulous experience for the whole family.