2-Day Wild Pacific Escape

The Wild Pacific Escape takes you to the dramatic western edge of Vancouver Island, where ancient temperate rainforests meet the roaring Pacific Ocean within and around Pacific Rim National Park Reserve. This 2-day itinerary focuses on the twin gems of Tofino and Ucluelet – two small coastal towns just 40 km apart that offer contrasting yet complementary experiences. Tofino – often called the “Surf Capital of Canada” – has a vibrant, laid-back energy. Long sandy beaches like Chesterman Beach and Cox Bay draw surfers year-round, while the town itself buzzes with art galleries, craft breweries, and renowned seafood restaurants. It’s the perfect base for whale-watching tours, bear-watching excursions, and hot-spring adventures. Ucluelet (locally nicknamed “Ukee”) offers a quieter, more rugged charm. It’s famous for the spectacular Wild Pacific Trail, a network of oceanfront paths winding through old-growth forest with dramatic views of crashing waves and rocky headlands. Ucluelet is also the prime spot for storm-watching in winter, when massive Pacific swells put on a show against the lighthouse at Amphitrite Point.