Route: Lighthouse Loop, Wild Pacific Trail
Area: Vancouver Island, British Columbia, Canada
Date of walk: 16th August 2025
Walkers: Andrew, Gilly, James and Anna
Distance: 3.0 miles
Ascent: 200
Weather: Mixed sun and cloud
After several enjoyable walks in and around Vancouver (see my earlier posts), we caught the ferry to Vancouver Island and drove over to our next base, Ucluelet (or “Ukee” as the locals affectionately call it). The small town is perched on the tip of a peninsula southeast of the Pacific Rim National Park Reserve
We were staying at Reef Point Oceanfront B & B (which I can highly recommend), and chose a local walk for our first day here. We started from Reef Point, but anyone else following the walk would normally start from He-Tin-Kis car park, or one of the other car parks along the route. The walk started dramatically, as we spotted a black bear at He-Tin-Kis, quite close to the road, and near a garbage bin. James and Anna went back to retrieve the bear spray (which we’d forgotten) in case we had another encounter along the route
With that excitement out of the way, we set off along the Lighthouse Loop, which is part of the Wild Pacific Trail. The path was well made and easy to follow. Along the way there were numerous look out points offering wonderful views along the rugged coastline. Eventually we arrived at the Amphitrite Lighthouse, which was originally built in 1906 in response to the shipwreck of the Pass of Melfort. It was replaced in 1915 with the current building to better withstand hurricane force storms
Beyond the lighthouse we continued along the shoreline before heading back through ancient woodland to complete a very enjoyable short circuit
Click on the icon below for the route map
Scroll down – or click on any photo to enlarge it and you can then view as a slideshow
Some interesting wildlife sightings before the walk - a bald eagle seen from the balcony of our accommodation overlooking the sea
A hummingbird - Anna's hummingbird I think - drinking from a feeder on the balcony
As we walked to the start of the route, a downy woodpecker in the trees
Just as we arrived at the start, a black bear emerged from the undergrowth (the photo has been cropped and we were a safe distance away)
This was at the edge of a car park, and the bear retreated when a car drove in. Meanwhile James and Anna ran back to our accommodation to get the bear spray in case we had an encounter
With that excitement out of the way, we set off on the Lighthouse Loop
A woodland section before we arrive at the coast
Looking down to Terrace Beach
We arrive at the coast and make a short there and back diversion to Inspiration Point
The Pacific Ocean from Inspiration Point
We continue along the Lighthouse Loop, part of the Wild Pacific Trail, enjoying some wonderful views of the rocky coast along the way...
One for the family album - son James and Anna, who have become engaged since we last saw them. Congratulations, you two
I'll let the photos tell the story, as it's not necessary to describe the route - just follow the path around the coast...
James and Anna gaze out to sea
We arrive at Amphitrite Lighthouse, built in 1915 and shaped like a bunker to withstand the massive storm generated waves which assault it every year
A final look along the rugged coastline before we head back into the woods
We follow the path back to the start of a fantastic walk
Follow the link for more walks in Western Canada (33)
