One of the most exciting things you can do in Canada is making a trip to Pacific Rim National Park Reserve. The park spans an area of 511 sq km. It is noted for its temperate rain forests and rugged coasts.
Location and How to Get to This Specific Site
The park is in British Columbia, Canada. The nearest city is Victoria. The best way to reach the park is driving to Highway 4 by way of Port Alberni. You will see that it is at Vancouver Island’s west coast. The Broken Group of Islands can be reached only by boat.
What to See There
The park is divided into three parts: the West Coast Trail, Broken Group Islands and Long Beach. Long Beach is composed of the region from Ucluelet to Tofino. Apart from the beach, the Green Point campground is the other main attraction.
The Broken Group Islands are made up of a hundred small islands at Barkley Sound. The most popular are Gibraltar Island, Nettle and Turtle. The West Coast Trail stretches for 75 km from Port Renfrew to Bamfield. The trail is very popular even though it is quite challenging.
History
Archeological evidence shows that the site had been settled in 4,000 years ago. According to local legends, the area had been in existence since the beginning of time. During the 1700s, Captain Barkley began trading with the local inhabitants.
The mid 1800s was marked by wars on the land. The areas now protected used to be hunting grounds. The waters around used to be where whalers would hunt.
Cost
Daily admission fees for adults are $7.80. For seniors it is $6.80 and for youths, $3.90. Families or groups are charged $19.60. For school groups, it is $2.90 for each student. One night camping at Long Beach costs $23.50. Group camping costs $5.80 per individual. A trip to the West Coast Trail costs $117 per individual.
Other Info
Your camping options can be primitive or include toilets. It is possible to rent the Wickaninnish Centre at $196.20 per hour. The Green Point Theater rental costs the same.
Before you go on a trip to Pacific Rim National Park Reserve, keep in mind that you can make reservations. Also remember that the maximum group size for the trail is ten.
