Bamfield
Bamfield welcomes you to the heart of Pacific Rim National Park, the perfect setting for your adventure
vacation. Drive to Bamfield from Port Alberni, take the road from Lake Cowichan, both gravel logging
roads, or take a scenic cruise to Bamfield aboard the MV Lady Rose which departs from Port Alberni.
The trip is approximately 4 hours down the Alberni Canal with stops at charming outposts and villages.
Commercial float plane service is available from Port Alberni, Nanaimo, Vancouver and Seattle.
Bamfield, spanning both sides of an inlet, is a charming village where you can stroll along the boardwalk,
have a cappuccino, buy fresh prawns off the boat, walk to Brady's Beach for a swim, grab an ice-cream
or souvenir from the general store, or visit one of the many artists galleries.
Barkley Sound offers year-round fishing and Great Coho (Silvers), Springs (Kings), Sockeye, Pinks,
Halibut, Red Snapper, bottom fish, Ling Cod are some of the regional salt-water specialties. (The Barkley
Sound is said to have more tyees than anywhere on the west coast!) For fresh-water fishing, Steelhead
and Cutthroat trout (ocean, stream and lake) can be found in the many Bamfield creeks, rivers, and
lakes.
At the turn of the century Bamfield became the western terminus of the first trans-Pacific telegraph cable.
Today the old cable station is the site of the renowned Bamfield Marine Station. A cooperative effort of
five western Canadian universities, the station is a North American focal point for studies of marine
plants and animals. On weekends during the summer season, the Marine Biology Station is open to
visitors for tours.
Bamfield is also the access point for the northern end of the West Coast Trail, a multi-day trek, attracting
hikers from around the world. Nature's rewards to hardy hikers include immense old-growth rainforests,
prolific and abundant marine life, isolated beaches swept by powerful surf, sea stacks, and surge
channels. The trail can only be travelled on foot and requires much experience, stamina, and strength.
Outdoors Canada magazine has named a section of the West Coast Trail one of the 10 best spots to
camp in Canada. It tags Tsusiat Falls, on the north section of the trail as one of the perfect places to
plunk your tent. The falls are a 25-kilometre hike from Pachena Bay, the trail's north end.
Barkley Sound is noted for exceptional diving. Dive in the clear waters and discover intertidal life and
shipwrecks. Many wrecks in the area have provided just the right environment for reefs to form.
Wildlife excursions, woodland tours, birdwatching, fishing charters and whale watching tours are
available as well as kayak rentals and fishing or camping supplies.
A good time to visit Bamfield is during the annual Sea Kayak Festival in late September. Highlights
include the 5-nautical mile main race, intermediate and novice races, and a rowboat relay. Festivities
include a BBQ, dance and a pancake breakfast.
Accommodations include B&Bs, Motels, Cottages, Resorts and Pachena Bay Campground,
owned and operated by the Huu-ay-aht First Nation. The campground is located
in one of the most spectacular settings in the world. Nestled amidst a virgin
rainforest, the Campground welcomes campers and RVs and provides modern facilities
and services.
Victoria and Vancouver Island Accommodations
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