Clayoquot Sound has a staggering array of hiking trails within it. Between Tofino and Ucluelet, Pacific Rim National Park has several wilderness and beach trails, each one radically different from the last. The Islands in the area are often separate Provincial Parks.
TheWestCoastTrail
The world famous West Coast Trail is found not far from Ucluelet. Bamfield is home to the northern trailhead to this wonderful trail known for its 80 foot ladders, stunning beaches and regular encounters with shipwrecks from the Graveyard of the Pacific.
Meares Island was the centre of dispute in the 80's when the Nuu-chah-nulth protested Macmillan Bloedel's intent to log the island. The Nuu-chah-nulth together with environmental groups blockaded the island and fought in the courts. The court ruled that until the Nuu-chah-nulth's land claim to the island was settled, no development can occur on the whole of Meares Island.
This tremendous victory enabled the creation of the Big Tree Trail and its breathtaking star feature, the Hanging Garden Tree. This monster of a tree. A Western Red Cedar, estimated to be older than 1500 years, is enormous. 18 metres around and magnificently tall, it easily is included among Canada's greatest trees. A nice boardwalk takes you from the trailhead to the Hanging Garden Tree.
Most people return from there the same way. You can however, continue on and do a circle route taking in some more of the amazing, and unexpectedly pristine forest, that was the centre of such a chaotic battle not so long ago. If you walk the circle route, expect to take over an hour though, as the huge trees take a while to look at. The Hanging Garden Tree is particularly interesting as, like many other ancient cedars, is hollow on the inside. In fact you could fit five people inside quite easily! Tofino Water Taxi can ferry you to the trailhead from Tofino for a pretty good price ($30 return), and often at a moments notice.
Directions to The Big Tree Trail
The Big Tree Trail is located on Meares Island, just a short boat taxi ride from Tofino. Tofino Water Taxi/Poseidon's Adventure Centre is located at 750 Campbell Street, across from the Co-op Gas Station. If are driving toward Tofino, look for Poseidon's Adventure Centre on your right just past the Co-op Gas Station on your left. Their water taxis are located at the Crab Dock on the next street over, at the end of Olsen Road. Public parking is available on Olsen Road just steps from the departure taxi dock. The boat taxi drops you off at the boat dock on Meares Island at the start/finish of the Big Tree Trail. They will return at an agreed time depending on how long you will likely take to finish the trail. They are very helpful and knowledgeable about everything in and around Tofino, so will give you great advice on hiking the trail and what to see. For most hikers, they will arrange to come back to pick up 2-3 hours after dropping off.
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