Long Beach

Long Beach is the crown jewel of Pacific Rim National Park Reserve on Vancouver Island's rugged west coast. Stretching an impressive 16 kilometres between the rocky headlands of Cox Point and Schooner Cove, it is the longest beach in the park and one of the most spectacular wild shorelines in all of Canada. The beach faces the full power of the open Pacific Ocean, creating consistent swells that have made it a legendary surfing destination revered by wave riders across North America.

The landscape surrounding Long Beach is nothing short of extraordinary. Towering Sitka spruce and western red cedar forests grow right down to the sand's edge, and behind the beach, bogs, rainforest trails, and ancient trees create a temperate coastal wilderness unlike anywhere else. Eagles soar overhead, grey whales pass during migration season, and black bears are occasionally spotted foraging along the tree line. In autumn and winter, powerful storms roll in from the Pacific, drawing storm watchers who come to witness nature's raw fury from cozy nearby lodges.

Whether you are a surfer catching your first wave, a hiker exploring the Nuu-chah-nulth Trail, or a photographer chasing the perfect sunset over sea stacks, Long Beach delivers a uniquely Canadian coastal experience. The hard-packed sand is ideal for long walks, and at low tide, vast expanses of tidal flats reveal starfish, anemones, and hermit crabs. Parks Canada maintains the area with care, ensuring this wild coastline will inspire visitors for generations to come.