April 28, 2025
5 FAVOURITE COASTAL HIKES & BIKES
The land is a living teacher. What better way to get to know the west coast of Vancouver Island than hiking and biking within this incredible marinescape stewarded by Nuu-chah-nulth Peoples since time immemorial. From local favourites and hidden gems in Clayoquot Sound to beaches recognized as among the best in the world, there is something for every pace and experience level. Within the co-managed Pacific Rim National Park Reserve you can explore over 22 kms of beaches and 12 kms of trails and walk, run, or bike across the 25 km-ʔapsčiik t̓ašii connecting Tofino and Ucluelet.
Whether you’re craving a blissful seaside stroll or bucket-list hike or planning to explore by bike, you’ll find the perfect west coast adventure to recalibrate your inner rhythm:
SEASIDE STROLL
ƛaakašiis (Tonquin Beach Park) TRAIL (4.5 kms return, interpretive signage)
Open year-round: Ḥiłwinʔis (Middle Beach) accessibility dependent on tides
Easy to moderate hike
Your low tide adventure begins on Tin̓uwis (MacKenzie Beach) at oceanfront Tin Wis Resort, an Original Original and Authentic Indigenous.
Take the high tide trail to Ḥiłwinʔis to discover vibrant sea stars, tidal pools, and barnacle colonies in the intertidal zone. Interpretive signage and maps are featured at the trailhead and throughout this rainforest trail. Unforgettable detours include the sheltered cove at Third Beach and ocean view from the deck overlooking Tonquin Beach.
Know before you go:
Check the tide forecast online or in the pocket guide available from reception.
Book online Here
BUCKET-LIST HIKES
1. Č ̓aḥayis COX BAY LOOKOUT (3.1 kms return, unmarked, half-day) Open year-round: beach access to trailhead dependent on tides
Moderate to experienced hikers
The lookout over Č ̓aḥayis (Cox Bay) is a favourite local destination with a sweeping view of the blue Pacific and crescent beach below blending into lush rainforest and distant peaks on the horizon. The climb follows a streambed, winding upwards through trees (143 m elevation gain, rope-pull assist near top) before revealing tantalizing glimpses of this vista.
Know before you go:
Check tides and route (alltrails.com) to unmarked trailhead. Expect muddy spring conditions. Bring water, snacks.
2. LONE CONE CHALLENGE (6.6 kms return, taped + elevation signs, day hike) Open April to October (No dogs)
Experienced hikers (Safety orientation provided)
The Lone Cone Challenge is a day hike (approx. 6 hours) which climbs from sea level to the 742-metre summit and a 360-degree view of Clayoquot Sound. Located on Meares Island,
it’s accessible via a 12-minute water taxi with Ahous Adventures followed by a 7-minute walk from dock to trailhead. Spring drop-off is at 9 a.m. and group pickup at 3 p.m. This steep climb immerses you in old-growth rainforest where General Manager Brent Baker points out, suddenly you’ll look up to discover a tree that would take 10 people to link arms around.
Trails essentials:
Bring a fully charged cell with AllTrails [alltrails.com] app downloaded and Ahous Adventures in contacts. Wear sturdy shoes, all-weather clothing, pack 2-litres+ water and a picnic. The use of trekking poles can be a real advantage with the challenging terrain and there are also a few pairs available for rent at the Ahous Adventures office.
Book online Here.
3. LONG BEACH TO WICKANINNISH VIA COMBERS BEACH (16+ kms return)
Open year-round (Dogs prohibited on Combers April 1-October 1)
Moderate hike
If you have the day to explore the Pacific Rim National Park Reserve, stitch three beaches together into one epic hike: Yaaqsis (Long Beach) (4 kms) considered one of the best beaches in the world, through Green Point to Cicʔiiʔis (Combers Beach) (.4 kms) and Wickaninnish (4 kms) across the mouth of Sandhill Creek. Spring promises potential sightings from migrating birds on beaches and in the rainforest (via Green Point’s tucked-away boardwalk) to migrating Ḿaaʔak (Pacific Grey Whales) and Yayačam (Humpbacks) offshore.
Know before you go:
Check tide and trail conditions. Gumboots recommended.
Download map Here.
BIKING ADVENTURES
SELF-GUIDED RIDES OR GUIDED CULTURAL TOURS
With a hub located onsite at Tin Wis Resort, the first Indigenous Ebike company in Canada, T̓iick̓in (T-Bird) Ebikes offers full- and half-day rentals of Ebikes and standard bikes (adults and youth 8-15) along with accessories to include a second rider on a Trail-a-bike or a child in a WeeGo trailer. With Ebikes capable of 100+ kms, you can park and explore within the Pacific Rim National Park Reserve or starting in May, join a guided cultural tour to Long Beach. One of owner Gordon Taylor’s favourite destinations is Ucluelet’s Willowbrae Trail (88 kms return) with a hike in to secluded beaches South Florencia (Flo) Bay (1.3 kms) or Halfmoon Bay (1.8 kms).
Book online Here.
