Explore the New Cycle Path at Pacific Rim National Park

Pacific Rim National Park on Vancouver Island – currently celebrating its 50th anniversary – is building a $51 million cycle path to link the two surfing towns of Tofino and Ucluelet.

Introducing the ʔapsčiik t̓ašii Path

The path will be named ʔapsčiik t̓ašii (pronounced: ups-cheek ta-shee) meaning ‘going in the right direction on the trail’ in the local indigenous language. This scenic trail will closely parallel the Pacific Ocean for 40 km, providing access to rich rainforests, hiking trails, surfing beaches, First Nations heritage sites, and the charming towns themselves.

Discover the Rails Near the Coastline

Established in 1970, Pacific Rim National Park is situated on the stunning west coast of Vancouver Island, where British Columbia’s temperate rainforest meets the powerful surf of the Pacific Ocean. This wild and breathtaking region showcases towering trees and misty beaches, which are ideal for cycling and surfing enthusiasts.

The quaint towns of Tofino and Ucluelet, located just outside the park boundary, serve as gateways to this adventure. Trendy Tofino, to the north, is renowned as Canada’s laidback surfing capital, while the more budget-friendly Ucluelet (or Ukee) lies south. Although both towns currently have short bike paths connecting to local surf beaches, the ultimate vision has always been to establish a continuous paved trail along this rugged coastline.

Progress on the Trail

This ambitious vision gained momentum in February 2017, as construction began on the missing 28 kilometers of trail through the national park. Developed in consultation with the Tla-o-qui-aht and Ucluelet First Nations, this environmentally-sensitive project is being carefully scheduled around the migratory bird nesting season. As of summer 2020, much of the trail base has been laid, with sections cutting through the forest alongside Highway 4. Following the application of asphalt and the installation of road crossings and signage, the path is expected to be fully operational by early 2022. Furthermore, the completed northern section near Tofino is already bustling with activity, where individuals clad in wetsuits cycle to Cox Bay Beach, surfboards fastened to specially-designed bike racks.

What to See Along the Trail

As you explore southern sections of the new cycle path, you will encounter several noteworthy stop-off points, including:

• The Canso plane crash site, where the wreckage of a World War II bomber can be viewed.
• Long Beach, a stunning 16 km-long stretch that certainly lives up to its name.
• The Rainforest Trail, characterized by its towering trees and dense foliage.
• The Kwisitis visitor center, which offers spectacular views of storms, surfers, and whales.

For cycling aficionados, some of the best rides are found on the expansive beaches equipped with hard-packed wet sand. Special beach bikes, designed without gears and featuring backward-pedal brakes, can be conveniently rented at Tofino Bike Co, located just 4 km south of town near Mackenzie Beach.