Hiking trails and wonderful walks - Juan de Fuca Marine Trail

Juan de Fuca Marine Trail
47 km (29 miles) in length (1.5 - 2.5 hours by car) A hiking trail stretching along the western shoreline of southern Vancouver Island, from China Beach, just west of the community of Jordan River and extending to Botanical Beach near Port Renfrew. There are four trailheads to the Marine Trail at Botanical Beach, Parkinson Creek, Sombrio Beach and China Beach. Day and multi-day hiking trips can begin at any of these trailheads which also offer many day use opportunities.

Botanical Beach affords visitors with access to uniquely rich tide pools and shoreline trails with fantastic geological features. It is a good idea to check local tide tables to maximize opportunities for wildlife and tide pool viewing. A low tide of 1.2 m (4 ft) or less is best for viewing. The area offers parking, toilets, information and picnic areas.

Parkinson Creek trailhead provides access to begin or end a day long (10 km) (6.25 mile) hike to Botanical Beach or a 9 km (5.625 mile) hike to Sombrio. This is a moderate section of the trail through beautiful mature forest. Watch for marine mammals that frequent this area.

Sombrio Beach is a large cobble beach and an easy 10 minute (one way) walk along the trail from the parking lot. Explore the beach, camp, surf or hike eastward along the beach (30 minutes one way).

The fine sand beach at China Beach is ideal for picnicking, sand building, wading and relaxing. A wide, gravel trail (some steep sections) suitable for most young children and the elderly (20 minutes one way) takes you from the parking lot through mature forest to the beach. Take a short walk to the western end of the beach to the waterfall or wander at length to the east.

Watch for orange balls as you hike, they mark an exit from the beach to the trail. With high tides and during storms, beaches may be cut off from the trail. Use Canadian Tide Tables "Tofino" section. Remember to add one hour to the listed tidal times during May-October as Daylight Savings Time is in effect.

Mystic Beach
A 30 minute hike from the China Beach trailhead. Mystic Beach is well known by locals. This small beach has a waterfall, a cave, and sandy beach. This beach is also known to skimboarders. Although not intermediate the hike may be too difficult for elderly people. You'll love the small suspension bridge.