Category: coastal

I recall when I first heard the name “Wild Pacific Trail”.

I conjured images of another West Coast Trail. Or at least Juan de Fuca Marine Trail.

Unfortunately, this “hike” would be more accurately called The “Ucluelet Municipal Walk”.

I feel the official website, brochure and other tourist bumpf misrepresent this hike (though at least it is along the coast, unlike the Sunshine Coast Trail):

The Wild Pacific Trail located in the District of Ucluelet 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.

Dian McCreary – photo

There could and should be a fantastic Trail here drawing tens of thousands of hikers every year. It’s planned to extend the trail to Halfmoon Bay in Pacific Rim National Park.

In fact, one could get off the plane in Victoria, walk the Galloping Goose municipal trail, the Juan de Fuca, the West Coast Trail, catch the ferry Bamfield to Ucluelet, then walk all the way to Tofino. Now that would be one of the best hiking adventures in the world!

But I fear condo developments and real estate speculators will deny that glad day. I feel this way based on how construction already squeezes the existing trail.

There’s no need for serious hikers to travel to Ucluelet. (Unless you want to get in on the real estate boom.)

more photos of my Ucluelet Municipal Walk on flickr.

Wild Pacific Trail – official website

Richard Nichols of California Coastal Trail links to other great coastal walks including these:

* Olympic National Park, Washington: Coastal Trail

* Cape Chignecto, Nova Scotia

* The East Coast Trail, Newfoundland, Canada

People around the world are attracted to the coast, and consequently one can find many noteworthy coastal trails on almost every continent. Here are links to a few.

California Coastal Trail

Quite a good list, actually. Thanks Richard. We would recommend adding:

* South Coast Track, Tasmania, Australia

* Queen Charlotte Track, New Zealand

* Abel Tasman Track, New Zealand

At besthike our favourite trail of all is coastal. And we have a great fondness for all of the other wonderful seaside walks.

Any other amazing multi-day coastal walks come to mind? Leave a comment.

Eu-Jin Goh had the same reaction as I did when he visited Isla del Sol on Lake Titicaca, Bolivia.

He wished he’d stayed an additional day on the island.

larger original

We took the boat to the southern end of Isla del Sol and walked up the stairs to Yumani. In Yumani, we stayed in Inti Kala, which is at the northern end of the village (at the time it was the last hostal). We dropped our bags and then walked to the northern end of the island to the Chincana ruins and then hiked back around sunset.

The trail running North-South is one of the best day hikes we’ve done; it follows the ridgeline closely and spectacular views abound on both sides. We had a really relaxing time on Isla del Sol and wished that we had planned to stay an additional day on the island. Isla del Sol is also great for acclimitization because its extensive hiking trails are around 4000 meters.

larger original – by Serene Koh

Isla del Sol, Bolivia – gorgeous photos and trip report by Eu-Jin Goh

Everything you need to know to get there is on our Isla del Sol information page.