Spring Awakens on the West Coast: Hiking the Wild Pacific Trail in Ucluelet, BC
There’s a quiet magic that returns to the west coast of Vancouver Island each spring—an energy that pulses through the towering evergreens, the crashing surf, and the salty, windswept air. It was this magic that pulled me back to the Wild Pacific Trail in Ucluelet—a rugged, ocean-hugging path that’s as much a journey through the soul as it is a walk through nature.
The trail isn’t about reaching a summit or pushing personal limits. Instead, it invites you to slow down, breathe deeply, and soak in the sheer power and serenity of the Pacific Ocean. And in early April, before the summer crowds arrive and while the moss is still thick with rain, the trail feels untouched—like it’s waiting just for you.
A West Coast Awakening
I arrived in Ucluelet just as the morning mist began to lift. The town—affectionately called “Ukee” by locals—was buzzing with a low-key springtime charm. Shops and cafés were opening their doors, surfers were zipping into their wetsuits, and the ocean carried the scent of adventure on every breeze.
The trailhead to the Wild Pacific Trail was only minutes from town, but stepping onto it felt like crossing into another world. Massive, gnarled trees loomed overhead, and the rhythmic sound of waves set a meditative tone. I chose the Lighthouse Loop, a 2.6 km circuit that hugs the coastline with dramatic views and interpretive signs that share the area's history, geology, and wildlife.
Ocean Drama & Tranquility
Spring is an ideal time to walk the Wild Pacific Trail. The ocean is still wild with winter’s energy, sending powerful swells against the black basalt cliffs. But the trail itself is calm and well-maintained, making it accessible for all levels of hikers.
At the edge of every viewpoint, I paused—first to spot distant gray whales migrating north (April is peak migration season), then to watch bald eagles circling overhead, and finally, just to listen. The surf boomed and hissed against the rocks below, and every once in a while, the clouds parted to let the sun shimmer across the sea.
This wasn’t a hike to rush. It was one to feel.
The Amphitrite Lighthouse
The highlight of the Lighthouse Loop is, of course, the historic Amphitrite Point Lighthouse. Perched defiantly on the edge of the continent, it has guided mariners since 1915. I sat nearby on a bench, sipping coffee from a local roaster in town, and watched the ocean do what it does best—move constantly, endlessly, powerfully.
Behind me, the trail wound through dense, mossy forest. Ahead, the Pacific stretched into infinity. It was the perfect reminder that spring is not just about renewal—it’s about presence. And there’s no better place to be fully present than here.
Where to Stay & What to Know
Ucluelet offers a mix of cozy oceanfront lodges, eco-friendly resorts, and charming B&Bs—many just steps from the trail. For travelers booking accommodations, Expedia often features seasonal deals, especially during shoulder months like April.
If you're coming from Vancouver, hop on a ferry to Nanaimo, then drive across the island. Be sure to leave time to stop at Cathedral Grove in MacMillan Provincial Park—a forest so ancient and quiet it feels like a sacred secret.
Here’s what you’ll want to pack:
Waterproof jacket (spring showers are common)
Sturdy hiking shoes or boots
Binoculars for whale and bird watching
A camera—or just your phone—for capturing the wild beauty
Why Now Is the Time
April in British Columbia is a whisper turning into a roar. It’s the in-between space—when snow still dusts the mountains, flowers begin to bloom, and the coast feels alive with possibility. The Wild Pacific Trail is one of those rare places that grounds you while also awakening your spirit.
So, if you’re looking for an adventure that’s accessible yet profound, peaceful yet powerful—consider this your sign. Book the trip. Take the walk. Let the trail remind you what it feels like to be wide awake in the world.