Pacifi c Rim

Ocean Power

Where every day is a beach day

NORTH TH LEN CENTRAL AL ISLAND ISLA D

Mt. Washington

COURTENAY CUMBERLAND

Strathcona Park

19

Strait ofGeorgia

COMOX

Denman I. Hornby I.

Bowser

4 QUALICUM BEACH

PORT ALBERNI

TOFINO

Long Beach

PACIFIC RIM

PACIFIC OCEAN UCLUELET

Bamfield

Carmanah Pacific Park

Pacifi c Rim National Park Reserve is nestled in the traditional territories of the Nuu-chah-nulth Peoples, which includes 14 First Nations

DESTINATION BC/CRISTINA GAREAU The pounding rhythm of ocean waves, beautiful stretches of sand beaches, ancient trees and abundant wildlife will leave lasting memories.

On the remote west coast of Vancouver Island, within the traditional territory of the Tla-o-qui-aht First Nations, sits the village of Tofi no, Canada’s Surf Town. Nestled in the heart of the Clayoquot Sound UNESCO Biosphere Reserve, Tofi no is a prime destination for year-round surfi ng, beach time, exquisite restaurants and exploring the outdoors for anyone seeking inspiration from the wild.

You will fi nd cozy cabins, bed and breakfasts, vacation homes, hostels, campgrounds and renowned resorts.

Nearby, in Ucluelet, small-town charm meets the unbridled power of nature.

Ucluelet (pronounced you-clue-let) is a First Nations word for safe harbour and visitors fl ock here for its breath-taking scenery and world-class resorts and dining. These are the traditional lands of the Toquaht and Ucluelet First Nations.

Enjoy the Wild Pacifi c Trail, a family-friendly pathway that runs along the rocky and rugged Pacifi c Coast and provides incredible views of the Broken Group Islands, Barkley Sound and Amphitrite Point. The trail has two main sections. The 2.6-kilometre Lighthouse Loop, combined with the adjoining Terrace Beach Interpretive Trail, takes an easy grade along the coast and inland hills and includes the site of an ancient First Nations canoe beach. The Big Beach to Rocky Bluff s route (fi ve kilometres one way) is a moderate hike with small hills and stairs. The fi nal loop off ers cliff side views of rocky headlands, and a smaller loop meanders through ancient cedars and sitka spruce.

PACIFIC PERFECTION

■ Stroll the perfect beaches and explore dense coastal rainforest on winding boardwalk trails at Pacific Rim National Park Reserve. Marvel at the riot of life in intertidal zones and paddle out to one of the world’s best kayaking and wilderness camping spots in the Broken Group

Islands. The national park spans three distinct sections along 130 kilometres of pristine West

Coast terrain. ■ Long Beach is world famous for its vast, sandy beaches within Wickaninnish and Florencia

Bays. It features boardwalks twisting through lush forests, waves for the beginner or avid surfer and dazzling sunsets. ■ Broken Group Islands is accessible only by boat and you can paddle through more than 100 islands in the middle of Barkley Sound, visiting forested islands and shell beaches in this stunning archipelago, which contains many sites of spiritual and cultural significance.

LIVING CULTURE

■ The awe-inspiring coastal landscape of the

Pacific Rim region remains integral to the livelihood and heritage of the Nuu-chah-nulth people. Pacific Rim National Park Reserve and

First Nations partners are working together to continue the age-long practice of welcoming and sharing Nuu-chah-nulth history, traditions and culture with visitors.

■ Take a self-guided interpretive walk along the Nuu-chah-nulth Trail and learn about the land and seas so essential to the Nuuchah-nulth peoples’ survival. Marvel at the unique, handcrafted totem pole depicting the land (bear with salmon), sea (orca) and sky (thunderbird) of this beautiful area. ■ The Kwisitis Visitor Centre is perched on the south end of Wickaninnish Beach. The outside deck is the perfect year-round spot to view whales, storms and surfers. Inside the centre, there are exhibits about the land, sea, sky and people. Listen to stories, see a replica of a longhouse and go on a whale hunt. Examine the tracks of bear, wolves and cougars that prowl the beaches for food. And find out how salmon nurture the rainforest.

■ There are three First Nations cohabiting

Clayoquot Sound — Ahousaht, Hesquiaht and Tla-o-qui-aht. These Nations are part of the Nuu-chah-nulth Nations and share a long history in this area with a common connection to the land, animals and sea.

Amazing Alberni Valley

Mountains, lakes, rivers and a mighty ocean inlet make it a recreational mecca

THUNDERBIRD PROJECT FEATURING TSESHAHT TOTEM POLES Aprized fi shing and water sports destination at the centre of Vancouver Island, Port Alberni is the perfect hub for exploring a vast swath of the Island.

The Alberni-Clayoquot Regional District is a large and diverse area of more than 6,600 square kilometers centrally located on the west side of Vancouver Island. It is bordered by the Beaufort Mountain Range to the east and the Pacifi c Ocean to the west.

THERE ARE SO MANY REASONS TO VISIT:

■ The highest vertical drop waterfall in Canada,

Della Falls, is located at the western end of

Great Central Lake near Port Alberni.

■ Canada’s first female prime minister, Kim

Campbell, was born in Port Alberni in 1947. ■ In 1860, the first sawmill in what became British

Columbia, was constructed in Port Alberni; it began the significant forest industry economic activity in the Alberni Valley which continues to this day. ■ In 1902, the Bamfield cable station near

Port Alberni was constructed as the western terminus of a worldwide undersea telegraph cable. ■ Port Alberni has been designated as the

Salmon Capital of the World and the World

Fishing Network’s Ultimate Fishing Town. Be sure to catch the Port Alberni Salmon Derby on

Labour Day this year and see some big salmon. ■ Port Alberni is a unique and friendly enclave where you can experience an engaging blend of outdoor and indoor activities and attractions.

Only 193 kilometres (120 miles) from the provincial capital, the city boasts a magnificent, deep-sea port at the head of the Alberni Inlet opening into Barkley Sound and the

Pacific Ocean.

■ The city, and surrounding valley, enjoys a moderate climate and is well-known for its breathtaking scenery. Surrounded by mountains, freshwater lakes and streams, the area is wildly popular for its salmon sport-fishing, scuba diving, kayaking, windsurfing, boating, waterskiing/ wakeboarding, hiking, mountain biking,

ATVing, golfing and wildlife viewing.

VICTORIA QUAY

The city of Port Alberni boundary lies within the traditional territories of the Hupacasath and Tseshaht First Nations

STUNNING SUNSET OVER PORT ALBERNI.

ADOBE STOCK

VICTORIA QUAY

Victoria Quay is a popular waterfront park, picnic area, walkway and retail district on the Somass River at the foot of Johnston Road (Highway 4). Two towering welcome fi gures, carved by local Hupacasath First Nations carvers, greet you and the park is home to a weekly Sunset craft market during the summer months. The welcome centre features a First Nations whaling monument and is a perfect place to absorb some of the rich history of the First Nations peoples in this region. Victoria Quay is also the prime location to view black bears across the river in the Somass Estuary.

ALBERNI VALLEY MUSEUM

Explore our heritage and discover what makes Port Alberni tick. Discover collections that tell the story of community history, Nuu Chah Nulth art and culture and our industrial roots from logging to fi shing and farming — and see our unique folk art.

MCLEAN MILL HISTORIC SITE

McLean Mill Historic Site is an ever-growing allseason park nestled in a beautiful forest setting. Tourists and locals alike can come and bike through second growth forest, walk among giant trees, camp under starry skies and learn about our history as a logging town. You will see the old original buildings and lots of restored logging equipment around the site including a steam donkey, logging trucks, graders and lumber carriers.

MARITIME DISCOVERY CENTRE

Experience the rich maritime history of the Alberni Valley, Alberni Inlet, Barkley Sound and Vancouver Island’s rugged west coast. Port Alberni’s Maritime Discovery Centre, constructed from a lighthouse, is a unique maritime museum, situated on the waterfront adjacent to the city’s deep-sea harbour. With its companion Hutcheson Gallery, this museum is dedicated to exhibiting and interpreting our fascinating cultural, environmental and industrial maritime history.

STAMP FALLS PROVINCIAL PARK

In late summer or early fall, head to the park’s Stamp Falls. Watch as thousands of Pacifi c salmon circle in the pool below the falls before ascending fi sh ladders on their way to spawning beds. Just 20 minutes from Port Alberni, this provincial park is also a great place for family day trips or summer camp-outs.

SPROAT LAKE AND TAYLOR ARM PROVINCIAL PARKS

If you love the water, Sproat Lake is one of B.C.’s fi nest freshwater lakes for water sports such as swimming, water-skiing, tubing, canoeing, kayaking, swimming and windsurfi ng. Two separate parks with campgrounds and large dayuse areas make this lake a popular destination for campers and picnickers alike. A variety of short access trails lead visitors around the Sproat Lake Provincial Park, including a trail to the eastern end of Sproat Lake, which is home to one of the fi nest panels of prehistoric petroglyphs in British Columbia. Sproat Lake is located 15 minutes west of Port Alberni.

PETROGLYPHS AT SPROAT LAKE PORT ALBERNI HOLE IN WALL