Pachena Bay, approximately 3 km long and 1 km wide, faces the open Pacific Ocean to the southwest. At the head of the bay, directly in front of the Campground, is a magnificent natural sand beach, approximately 1200 meters long. The beach is the "star attraction" of the Campground, and boasts numerous spectacular features. At low tide, the beach is nearly 200 meters wide, ideal for beachcombing, relaxing, jogging, other sports activities, and for observing abundant wildlife.
Pachena Bay presents a spectacular viewscape at all times of the year, and under all conditions. The beach is ideally situated for those who wish to watch the sun rise, set, or to simply enjoy its warmth through the middle of the day. As the beach is exposed to the open ocean, it is surrounded by a rich natural environment that includes views along the rocky shores on either side of the bay, and the tree-clad hills behind. All views are most scenic and pleasing. You can gaze out to the open Pacific Ocean, and watch as the swells sweep towards shore, eventually breaking and foaming across the wide sandy beach. The Campground itself is located in a coastal forest that is virtually untouched, with a wide variety of native plants and trees. The Huu-ay-aht, in keeping with our philosophy of living in harmony with nature, maintain the campground in as natural a setting as possible.
Bamfield, located 3 kilometers by gravel road from the Campground, is an historic coastal fishing community that evokes times past. The main "street" is an inlet of the ocean! In "East" Bamfield (accessible by car) you will find: a pub, two stores, a restaurant, marinas, a motel, bed and breakfasts, lodges, charters, diving, kayaking, gas, craft stores and more. "West" Bamfield is accessed via water taxi, and features an old-style boardwalk along the water's edge, flanked by houses, gardens, inns, charter businesses, a Coast Guard Station, and....a cappuccino bar!
The West Coast Trail, in Pacific Rim National Park, is located on the southwest coast of Vancouver Island, Canada and stretches 77 kilometers from Port Renfrew on the south end to Pachena Bay Campground, and Bamfield, on the north end. Campers at Pachena Bay are welcome to take day-hikes along the trail; Pachena Light Station is a destination (please register with Parks first). Thousands of hikers travel the entire trail each year; this requires preparation . To address concerns over environmental impact on the trail and hiker safety and enjoyment Parks Canada has instituted a reservation system for hikers planning to complete the entire trail.
Hikers on the Trail experience the incredible beauty of the outer coast environment. Those hiking the entire trail have the challenge of one of the most arduous hiking trails in North America. The beauty of craggy sea stacks, dramatic rocky headlands, wide, sandy beaches and lush rainforests, all intertwined with a vibrant cultural history, are but a few special features on the West Coast Trail. The West Coast Trail is open for hiking from May 1 to September 30. The West Coast Trail Information Centres are open daily, from 9am to 5pm during this period. (See "Contacts" page for more information). Travel during the off-season is hazardous and not recommended.
In addition to day hikes along the West Coast Trail, you can also enjoy shorter, easier but still spectacular, hikes to Cape Beale Headlands, Keeha Beach, Kicha Lake and to Bamfield. All of the hikes are through rainforest and provide you with the chance to visit centuries-old trees in a magnificent and undisturbed ecosystem. The hikes to Cape Beale and Keeha Beach bring you to stunning, outer coast shorelines, directly exposed to the full power of the open Pacific Ocean.
Sportsfishing in the area around the Campground is famous throughout the world. Anglers fishing Barkley Sound and offshore areas regularly catch their limit of small to medium halibut (2 per day, 3 possession) and an abundance of medium to large Chinook salmon. Although the Coho salmon run is currently (1998) restricted to catch & release, the returns of Sockeye, Chinook, Chum and Pink salmon are very strong. There is one fishing charter business that operates from the Campground (see Kakawin Charters on the Contacts page), and a dozen more in Bamfield, just 3 kilometers away by road. The prime fishing season is May to September. Charter packages can include: boat, guide, gear, tackle and weather gear. There is a boat ramp and moorage available in Bamfield.
Ocean kayaking in the area around the Pachena Bay Campground, Bamfield and Barkley Sound is world-famous. From the Campground, kayakers can explore the Pachena River, Pachena Bay, Seabird Islands, Clutus Point, Keeha Bay, Pachena Point and Cape Beale. You may witness soaring eagles, frolicking sea lions, majestic whales, prowling orcas (killer whales), or black bears foraging along the shore. Kayaks can be rented in Bamfield. The MV Lady Rose provides service between Bamfield, Barkley Sound and Port Alberni (see "Cruising" below), and will drop kayakers off in the Broken Group Islands of Pacific Rim National Park.
The marine ecology in the ocean waters around the Pachena Bay Campground is extremely rich and varied, and offers some of the best diving in the world. A group of Canadian universities operates a research facility at the Bamfield Marine Station (see "Contacts" page), and a group of American universities operates the School for Field Studies, also located in Bamfield, near the Campground. Divers to the region can explore a wonderful underwater world, or examine sunken wrecks in the "Graveyard of the Pacific". Scuba air is available nearby in Bamfield.
Some of the best opportunities for eco-tours are available around Pachena Bay. Whale-watching is popular, as whales migrate past Pachena Bay and Barkley Sound; some even enter inshore waters. Occasionally, whales can be seen from the Campground, feeding along the shore near Clutus Point. There are eco-tour, sightseeing, whale watching, and day-sailing operators in Bamfield, and one tour operator at the Campground (see Kakawin Charters on the Contacts page).
Enjoy a day cruise along the scenic Alberni Canal and into magnificent Barkley Sound aboard an historic and picturesque coastal steamer. The MV Lady Rose runs year-round between Port Alberni and Bamfield. In the summer months the MV Lady Rose and the MV Frances Barkley also travel to Ucluelet and the Broken Group Islands. En route, be prepared for a spectacular show of west coast wildlife: bald eagles, black bears, sea lions, otters, Grey whales, and orcas (killer whales). See "Get There" page for schedule. |
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