Tofino to Ucluelet by Bike Via a Multi-Use Trail

Beautiful biking from Tofino to Ucluelet
Beautiful biking from Tofino to Ucluelet

One of the best things that has happened to the Tofino – Ucluelet corridor in years, at least in my opinion, is the building of a new 25 km multi-use trail called ʔapsčiik t̓ašii (pronounced: ups-cheek ta-shee and meaning going in the right direction on the trail) through Pacific Rim National Park Reserve.

The trail in the park is bookended by a multi-use trail in Tofino along with another multi-use trail in Ucluelet, providing an almost seamless 76-km return bike ride.

What is missing right now is a short stretch of trail near the intersection of Highway 4 on Alberni-Clayoquot Regional District lands. There are also a few kilometres in the park that are still under construction so in the short term you need to cycle on the road – but the trail was formally finished in spring 2022.

Years ago, I cycled from Tofino to Ucluelet by bike to celebrate a birthday. Tofino wasn’t as busy at that time, so I didn’t feel unsafe biking on the highway. But in the 14 years since I did that bike ride, the highway traffic has increased to the point that it just isn’t a lot of fun biking the road.

Not only does the trail provide a family-friendly safe alternative, but it’s also a beautiful one as it weaves through temperate rain forest, on boardwalks over second-growth bogs and past some of the most beautiful beaches in Canada.

Summer 2024 update: I heard via someone at Tofino Tourism in early June that the final 1.5 km connecting the trail safely to Ucluelet is finished.

A section along the Tofino multi-use pathway
A section along the Tofino multi-use pathway

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ʔapsčiik t̓ašii – a cultural and environmentally sensitive trail

The idea of a trail linking Tofino and Ucluelet has been discussed for years by locals, visitors, and First Nation communities alike.

After consultation with stakeholders including the Tla-o-qui-aht First Nation and Yuułuʔiłʔatḥ First Nation, construction began in 2018 and will be completed in spring 2022. The trail has been designed to be both environmentally and culturally respectful. 

When it came to the environment, issues around sensitive salmon habitat was fully considered and planning and timing of the work was integrated into the building of the trail.

What I hadn’t appreciated while I was biking the trail was that there are amphibian trails under the highway to help species like northern red-legged frogs that breed in the bogs. Those are just two of many environmental concerns that the trail designers and builders have taken into consideration.

Tofino to Ucluelet by bike – our experience

John and I cycled on a late September weekday from the Tofino Bike Company building where we picked up rental bikes (located in the complex with Tacofino, Live to Surf and Tofitian on the Pacific Rim Highway near Mackenzie Beach) to Zoë’s Bakery Cafe (now closed) in downtown Ucluelet. 

We were in no rush, so we stopped often to take photos and explore some of the interesting spots like accessible sections of Long Beach along the route.

We happened to time our ride to coincide with the snow geese migration – so we made lots of stops to listen to their honking and watch them go by. Along the way we met a helpful Parks Canada employee who told us that cackling geese and white-fronted geese were also on the move. Craning our necks, it was hard to tell the difference between them all.

A map of the route with some of the highlights
A map of the route with some of the highlights

The multi-use trail out of Tofino sticks to the left-hand side of the highway as you head for Ucluelet. It’s bumpier than the new trail because roots of nearby trees are causing the pavement to buckle.

In fact, just 2 km shy of the bike shop I crashed at the end of the day – something I rarely do. I hit a wet raised area at speed and next thing I knew I was in the ditch – with the biggest bruise of my life and a cracked rib. Oh well – it will teach me to slow down under less-than-optimal conditions. 

Slow down at these gates as they can be a bit tricky to get through if you're moving quickly
These gates as they can be a bit tricky to get through if you’re moving quickly so slow down
On Tofino's multi-use trail there are signs naming the salmon creeks
On Tofino’s multi-use trail there are signs naming the salmon creeks

Eventually you end up crossing Highway 4 onto the 3.5 m wide ʔapsčiik t̓ašii trail.

It is beautifully built with lots of curves to keep you interested in what lies around the next corner though I’m not sure that was intentional or it was simply being environmentally sensitive. The boardwalk sections are covered with a metal mesh that is good for traction – whether on foot or bike.

And there’s plenty to see along the route – from beach stops to rainforest hikes. 

We stopped at two places 16-km long, Long Beach and the Ancient Cedars Loop Trail in Ucluelet.

Other stops we didn’t have time for include the Canso plane crash site where the wreckage of a WWII bomber is visible, the Kwisitis Visitor Centre located at the south end of Wickaninnish Beach and the Rainforest Trail in Pacific Rim National Park.

John biking towards Long Beach in Pacific Rim National Park Reserve
John biking towards Long Beach in Pacific Rim National Park Reserve
Lovely biking on well-designed boardwalks over sensitive bogs
Lovely biking on well-designed boardwalks over sensitive bogs
Morning light on the bike trail
Morning light on the multi-use trail
We had less than 5 minutes of rain on a day with a rainy forecast
We had less than 5 minutes of rain on a day with a rainy forecast
One of the massive trees we saw along the trail
One of the massive trees we saw along the trail
Skinny trees on either side of the trail
Mostly skinny trees on either side of this section of trail

Long Beach, Pacific Rim National Park

Pacific Rim National Park came into being in 1970. The park is famous for sections of temperate rainforest interspersed with beautiful beaches on wild sections of the Pacific Ocean.

Parts of the park have an otherworldly feel to them, partially on account of swirling fog and the combination of monster big trees and crazy big waves.

Fortunately, you don’t have to be a surfer to enjoy Pacific Rim National Park. But if you’re traveling by bike, I do recommend getting off and exploring at least a couple of the beach areas that are easily accessible from the multi-use trail. They are all well marked.

We stopped at Long Beach at two different locations, on the way to and from Ucluelet.

On the way there, I left John with my bike and headed off on foot to explore a giant rock with a view. A plaque on the rock told the story of the two types of whales you’re likely to see – the Pacific gray whale, weighing in at 40 tons, that feeds on the sandy bottom and killer whales, often seen as part of a pod.

This spot on Long Beach is easy to access from the bike trail
This spot on Long Beach is easy to access from the multi-use trail
Moody views from the rock on Long Beach
Moody views from the rock on Long Beach
Beautiful Long Beach in Pacific Rim National Park
Beautiful Long Beach in Pacific Rim National Park
We were biking bystanders on Long Beach as we couldn't ruin the gearing with sand
We were biking bystanders on Long Beach as we couldn’t ruin the gearing with sand; you can rent beach cruisers and cycle on hard-packed sand

After you finish cycling through Pacific Rim National Park Reserve, it’s roughly 8 km to get into Ucluelet from the Highway 4 intersection.

The trail into town is surprisingly hilly so be prepared for more of a workout than anywhere else on the bike ride. When you get close to town, be mindful of cars as there isn’t any barrier between the trail and the road. Reach the Ancient Cedars Loop Trail on the outskirts of Ucluelet.

Ancient Cedars Loop Trail

It’s worth the 15 minutes or so that it takes to hike the Ancient Cedars Loop. Add 5 – 10 minutes to the loop and hike down on the Wild Pacific Trail to see the crashing waves.

It was called an EXTREME wave day when we did this hike and what a thrill it was. Sets of massive waves roared in and then crashed onto the beach.

There are some dandy big cedar trees on the hike too – so lock up your bike and be sure to do this quick side trip.

Beautiful easy walking on the Ancient Cedars Trail
Beautiful easy walking on the Ancient Cedars Trail
Don't forget to look up
Don’t forget to look up
Awe-struck again by giant trees
Awe-struck again by giant trees
Watching the waves roll in from the vantage point of the Wild Pacific Trail
Watching the waves roll in from the vantage point of the Wild Pacific Trail

Where to eat between Tofino and Ucluelet

If you started in Tofino and have made it to the end of ʔapsčiik t̓ašii, then you might be getting hungry.

For those of you comfortable cycling the shoulder of a highway for a short distance (about a kilometre), keep going towards Ucluelet. At the intersection with Highway 4 where the highway takes off to Port Alberni there is a food truck serving sandwiches and UkeePoke – serving from what I understand fantastic poke. You can’t miss either of them.

If you can hang on, there is lots of choice once you reach Ucluelet – but you will have to climb some hills to earn your lunch.

Once you’re back in the Tofino area there are loads of restaurants and cafes. Tacofino, a stone’s throw from where you drop your rental bike, is one of your best bets.

UkeePoke is housed in this building
UkeePoke is housed in this building
The colourful food truck will grab your attention
The colourful food truck will grab your attention
Count on a line-up at Tacofino
Count on a line-up at Tacofino in Tofino

Where to rent a bike in Tofino

We were provided with two complimentary bikes from the Tofino Bike Company, located just off Tofino’s multi-use trail. (Thank you.)

Rentals come with a lock, helmet, and map. Rates are in the order of $35 per half day and $45 per full day. They do not rent e-bikes, but you can rent one in town from Tofino Electric Bikes.

The Tofino Bike Company rents all types of bikes from cruisers to geared bikes and accessories like surf racks, and chariots
The Tofino Bike Company rents all types of bikes from cruisers to geared bikes and accessories like surf racks, and chariots

Where to stay in Tofino

I have a few favourite places to stay in Tofino over my multiple visits to this charming town.

A few of my favourites includeLong Beach Lodge Resort– offering up easy access to the beach and a wonderful hot tub.

I have also enjoyed multiple stays atMiddle Beach Lodge. Their great room is a fantastic place to hang out.

Seafarer’s Bed & Breakfast– just 100 metres from the beach, comes highly recommended.

Even thoughZed Tofinoisn’t on the water, it’s a popular hotel and the dining room is very good. 

You'll be wowed by the sunsets at Long Beach Lodge
You’ll be wowed by the sunsets at Long Beach Lodge

Getting to Tofino

If you don’t live on Vancouver Island, you’ll need to take one of the BC Ferries to Departure Bay or Duke Point in Nanaimo, Swartz Bay in Victoria, Port Hardy or Comox depending on where on the mainland you’re starting from.

The drive from Nanaimo to Tofino is normally three-hours long via Highway 19 North and Highway 4.

The Kennedy Hill project is finished but can still visit Drive BC for updates.

You can also fly to Tofino from Vancouver, though rental cars are at a premium.

On the ferry from Horseshoe Bay to Departure Bay in Nanaimo
On the ferry from Horseshoe Bay to Departure Bay in Nanaimo

A few things that will come in handy on your Tofino to Ucluelet bike ride

In this part of the world, it can rain A LOT, though summers can be amazing. Still if you don’t want to be stopped by the rain, it would be a good idea to dress for it.

Being the fashion queen that I am, I would recommend a hotel shower helmet on top of your bike helmet if it starts to rain. You can alsobuy a helmet coverthat would make you look a little sportier.

Long fingered bike glovescould come in handy on cool days.

Carry a few layers. I lovearm warmersandleg warmersthat are easy to slip off and on. If you stop at Long Beach for any length of time you’ll probably also want araincoat or wind breaker.

For more information and to keep current on the trail status visit the Pacific Rim National Park Reserve website.

Such beautiful biking on ʔapsčiik t̓ašii
Such beautiful biking on ʔapsčiik t̓ašii

Further reading on things to do on Vancouver Island

Click on the photo to bookmark to your Pinterest boards.

Cycling Tofino to Ucluelet on a 25 km multi-use trail through Pacific Rim National Park on Vancouver Island

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