Long Beach

Located at Tofino on Vancouver Island, Long Beach certainly lives up to its name. Stretching for 16km, the unbroken white sand is the longest beach on the island. Reached from Hwy 4 (Pacific Rim Highway) and despite its isolated location it attracts over a million visitors each year.

The beautiful sand collects massive amounts of driftwood and is edged by old-growth forest. Pounded by the Pacific Ocean, this rugged coastline is within the Pacific Rim National Park which encompasses Long Beach along with the Broken Groups Islands and the West Coast Trail.

Long Beach has two main car parking (fees apply), a larger main car park and one at Incinerator Rock. Both are signposted. The main car park has toilets and access to Rainforest Trail A and B Loops.

Things to do on Long Beach include long, long walks, heading south until you reach the rocky headland marking the start of adjoining Wickaninnish Beach. If you walk north towards Schooner Cove Beach you’ll pass the Tla-o-qui-aht community of Esowista. In addition grey and Humpback Whales may be spotted during the migratory season.

Swimming is not advisable for inexperienced bathers as the beach has powerful tides that reshape the beach on a twice-daily basis. However, you can enjoy surf kayaking, building sandcastles, throwing Frisbee, dog walking, picnicking, good surfing, sunbathing and watching the sunset.