Top Things to do in Alberni-Clayoquot Regional District
Top Hotels in Alberni-Clayoquot Regional District
The 10 Best Things to do in Alberni-Clayoquot Regional District, Vancouver Island
Discover the best top things to do in Alberni-Clayoquot Regional District, British Columbia including Wild Pacific Trail, Pacific Rim National Park, Chesterman Beach, Cathedral Grove, Rainforest Trail, Amphitrite Point Lighthouse, Long Beach, Ucluelet Aquarium, Stamp River Provincial Park, MacMillan Provincial Park.
Restaurants in Alberni-Clayoquot Regional District
1. Wild Pacific Trail
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 2,689 reviews
The Wild Pacific Trail is located in Ucluelet and is a seven phase trail system skirting the rugged cliffs and shoreline of the west coast of Vancouver Island. Overlooking Barkley Sound and the Broken Group Islands to the east and the open Pacific Ocean to the south and west, it offers spectacular shoreline panoramas and seaward vistas through ancient cedar and spruce-framed viewing platforms constructed on the best headlands along the route.
Reviewed By 369PeterR - Toronto, Canada
We did the Wild Pacific Trail in two parts. On two mornings, by 7 AM my spouse and I did the 2.5 km light house loop portion of the trail. It took us about 50 minutes, including a few stops to take photos. It is an easy walk with a little bit of up and down. One day in the afternoon we also walked the segment of the trail from Brown’s Beach as far as it would go. This was about 8 km round-trip. It was a beautiful walk, sometimes through rainforest and sometimes along cliffs overlooking the ocean. The trail is very well-maintained and almost entirely a gravel path. We love it. Despite walking the trail on a holiday long weekend, it was not busy at all.
2. Pacific Rim National Park
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 1,337 reviews
Unique park composed of three sections - Long Beach, the West Coast Trail and the Broken Group of Islands - that feature sandy beaches, island archipelagos, temperate rainforests and important archaeological sites.
Reviewed By EkMusafir - Pune, India
The Pacific Rim National Park Reserve consists of 3 units stretching from Tofino, the northern end, to Port Renfrew at the southern end, on Vancouver Island. These 3 units are: 1) The Long Beach Unit located between the beach towns of Tofino and Ucluelet, 2) The Broken Group Islands located in Barkley Sound and accessible only by boat, and 3) The West Coast Trail stretching for 75 km from Pachena Bay to Port Renfrew. Only experienced trekkers should attempt this trail. We got to explore the Broken Group of Islands when we joined one of the Whale Watching tour operators in Ucluelet. We were taken across the small islands in Barkley Sound, towards the south-east of Ucluelet, and saw the spectacular views of these islands covered by a small forest of trees, and rocks with a lot of kelp floating around. Finally the captain of the motorised boat spotted a humpback whale which we followed for quite a while as it kept spouting and breaking the surface of the water every few minutes. We even saw a group of grunting and squabbling sea lions on a rocky island, a sea otter floating on it’s back in the water, and some sea eagles perched up on tall trees of some of the islands. Likewise, a walk along the Long Beach near Tofino and along the West Coast Trail must be as mesmerizing for the incredible coastline scenery with the temperate rain-forests of the islands meeting the ever turbulent waters of the Pacific Ocean. Keep your eyes open to spot some of the wonderful aquatic and terrestrial fauna like whales, orcas, dolphins, wolves, bears, cougars, and myriads of smaller creatures along the shore.
3. Chesterman Beach
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 1,522 reviews
Reviewed By Departure683118 - Wardner, Canada
We visited this beach more than any of the others during our stay on the coast. Not only was it smaller than some of the others, but it seemed more sheltered. The rocky outcrops, and a number of close, small islands, however, really made the crashing waves that much more spectacular. The sand was hard...easy walking...and there seemed to be more “treasures” to be found. We loved exploring here, and watching the many surfers who practiced their craft here. And as an added bonus, the sunsets were beautiful. This will definitely be our go-to beach when we return!
4. Cathedral Grove
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 975 reviews
Reviewed By brockgs - Winnipeg, Canada
Cathedral Grove is a wonderful place to stop and experience the quintessential Vancouver Island forest experience, marked by a unique and beautiful arrangement of stunning trees.
5. Rainforest Trail
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 891 reviews
Rainforest Trail has two routes, A & B, both of which fully engulf you in the temperate rainforest full of gigantic western red cedars and western hemlocks. Sparking a sensation of zen, you will be overcome with the nostalgia of your childhood memories, ready to make more. Scan the upper canopy for birds, listen to the trickle of water and smell the life of this highly productive forest. Trail A is located on the opposite side of the highway from the parking lot. Trail B starts from the parking lot.
Reviewed By karinl357 - Vancouver, Canada
great walk - the red cedar boardwalk that takes you on the 1KM loop is in great shape and well taken care of. we did both loops A&B both were spectacular. Lots of signs and information along the way. was not expecting to pay to use, but they are definitely using the monies received to keep the boardwalk in good shape. lots of boards had been replaced. overall an easy walk - some stairs
6. Amphitrite Point Lighthouse
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 880 reviews
Reviewed By EkMusafir - Pune, India
The short and squat lighthouse having a height of barely 20 feet is strategically located at the south western tip of the coastal town of Ucluelet on Vancouver Island. The building is painted white and the light tower is bright red giving it a very charming look. It gives an impression of a loyal and lonely sentinel guarding the rugged coastline against the savage onslaught of the merciless Waves of the mighty Pacific. It is appropriately named ‘Amphitrite’, a Greek mythological character who was a sea Goddess and wife of Poseidon, and who could keep the sea calm and provide safe passage through the storms. We walked to the lighthouse by following the Wild Pacific Trail, Ucluelet Lighthouse Loop, which is a beautiful forest trail hugging the coastline at the south end of Ucluelet. It is a 2.6 km circular walking trail with spectacular scenery, and the lighthouse is located at the midpoint of the trail, overlooking the Pacific Ocean. To the left we could see the small wooded islands of the Broken Group in the Barkley Sound, and to the right is the open ocean. One can also take a short direct walk from the parking lot if one is short of time, but then you would miss the spectacular views along the trail. There are many informative sign boards and a number of benches on the trail to relax and enjoy the breath taking views. One cannot enter inside the lighthouse which is still in operation, though now it is fully automated. Earlier it used to be manned by the Canadian Coast Guard.
7. Long Beach
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 1,235 reviews
Long Beach, the longest beach of Pacific Rim National Park Reserve, spans an extraordinary 16km (10mi) along the west coast of Vancouver Island. Described by locals to be magical, you will be astonished by the amount of life that call the tidal pools home. You will be sure to find crabs, shells, starfish, sea urchins and much more. As the surf comes crashing in, you will find surfers from around the world carving through the peaks of the waves. As the water settles, it gracefully rides up the beach with peaceful trickles and shimmering light from the breathtaking sunset crossing the colourful horizon. Long Beach is truly a rejunivating getaway for all ages. Whether you're looking to kickback, explore, adventure, hike, surf, or just take one of those long walks on the beach, Long Beach has it all.
Reviewed By 291DEA - Toronto, Canada
You can walk for miles along Long Beach, or the others nearby. Totally flat during low tide. Wonderful for photos, watching surfers, or storm watching.
8. Ucluelet Aquarium
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 838 reviews
We are open for the season as of May 1st, 2021! The Ucluelet Aquarium is a catch-and-release aquarium dedicated to raising awareness and respect for the local ocean environment.
Reviewed By A3353WYheathers
This was my second visit to the town of Ucluelet, but I couldn’t fit in the aquarium then, so it was on my list for this visit. We arrived right at opening, as did numerous families right behind us. We three adults in their mid-sixties were as excited as the little ones to experience this small marine treasure! All the tanks are fed directly by piped-in ocean water. Marine plants, fish, and creatures are collected for the season only and retuned to the ocean by divers at seasons’s end. Young marine biologists and ecosystem workterm students staff the facilities and conduct research throughout the summer. A variety of fish live in a large pool in the centre. Around that are separate tanks that hold a variety of species and biodiversity - anemones, starfish, sea cucumbers, urchins, an octopus, jellyfish, and many kinds of fish. Most exciting for everyone, however, was the opportunity to explore a number of tanks where you could reach in and touch some of the species, after washing your hands of residue. That was a unique experience! This is not a tourist trap for families, but rather an educational experience for all. When you’re in Ucluelet, thus is a must-do activity!
9. Stamp River Provincial Park
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 186 reviews
Reviewed By sushibanjo - Vancouver, Canada
This is an easy walk to see Canadian beauty! A variety of huge trees, beautiful fast moving river for spawning salmon in the fall. You’ll feel great breathing in the fresh air and getting out in nature!
10. MacMillan Provincial Park
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 200 reviews
Reviewed By BenLar137 - Calgary, Canada
It's quite an experience to walk through the trails of MacMillan Provincial Park, situated between Nanaimo and Port Alberni. The rainforest is so dense with life, huge trees, moss covering practically everything else, it can be a bit overwhelming. But it is indeed a very worthwhile stop. When we were there in April, it was not terribly busy, and we found parking okay. During the summer months, however, I can imagine that it might be a bit of challenge, as there didn't seem to be large parking lots anywhere. We would suggest, therefore, if you're counting on walking these magnificent trails, to head there a bit early, and not leave it to "rush hour." But explore this place if you can! Caution: this IS a rainforest, so it rains a lot here - trails can get wet and muddy! Wear appropriate shoes.
