10 PLACES TO VISIT IN BAMFIELD, BC

10 PLACES TO VISIT IN BAMFIELD, BC

Located in British Columbia, Bamfield is a quaint resort hamlet that’s nestled quietly in a protected inlet on the south shore of Barkley Sound – which is best known for its great salmon fishing. Being a part of the Pacific Rim and the Pacific Rim National Park, Bamfield has much to offer for explorers, nature lovers, experience hikers, kayakers, canoers and scuba divers.

Bamfield may be small, but it’s steeped in significant history, having been inhabited by the Nuu-chah-nulth people for thousands of years. There is a rich natural heritage in this part of Vancouver Island and it has retained an amazing diversity of mammals, birds, reptiles, amphibians and fish species.

1. BAMFIELD BOARDWALK

Take a pleasant stroll along the boardwalk that runs along Bamfield Inlet, passed old weather-beaten houses and native plant gardens, and visit what the locals call downtown – the General Store, the Canadian Coast Guard Station, the Post Office, and a Cappuccino Bar. From the Boardwalk you can watch the boat traffic on the waterway, the main street of Bamfield.

2. BAMFIELD MARINE SCIENCES CENTER

Bamfield Marine Sciences Centre is a biological research station and training centre with scientific and historical displays. The centre is open for tours on summer weekends and a variety of drop-in lectures and classes where you can explore the world of marine biology. The marine station was established in 1972 by a consortium of five western Canadian universities.

3. CAPE BEALE LIGHTHOUSE

Cape Beale Lighthouse, southwest of Bamfield, and Amphitrite Point lighthouse near Ucluelet guard the entrance to Barkley Sound. Captain Charles William Barkley, of the Imperial Eagle, named Cape Beale after his purser, John Beale, who was killed by First Nations people when he went ashore close to Destruction Island (named as such by Barkley after this incident).

4. MUSIC BY THE SEA AT THE RIX CENTRE FOR OCEAN DISCOVERIES

The Rix Centre for Ocean Discover is hos to the spectacular annual Music by the Sea summer concert series. Classical and contemporary solo and chamber music, sophisticated jazz and alternative music—each concert features a unique and diverse selection. Superb acoustics and the spectacular backdrop of Vancouver Island’s mystic, bold Pacific make this truly the most inspiring venue anywhere in the Pacific Northwest—an intimate musical experience in a breathtaking setting!

5. PACHENA BAY CAMPGROUND

There is wilderness camping on the open beach at Pachena Bay Campground, about 3 miles (5 km) south of Bamfield. Fashion your own rough campsite here on the sandy surf beach at the north end of the West Coast Trail. Be sure to bring a tarp or two (plus plenty of rope) to help create a dry shelter for yourself. The campground is operated by the Huu-ay-aht (Ohiaht) First Nation in Bamfield.

6. WEST COAST TRAILS

The northern terminus of the world-famous West Coast Trail is located at Pachena Bay, 2 miles (3 km) south of Bamfield. The trail is a 7- to 10-day adventure trek, and a sought-after trophy that draws hikers from around the world. The challenging journey is more often begun from Port Renfrew to the south in order to clear the steepest sections first. However, for those who wish to sample a smaller section of the trail, you can hike from Pachena Bay to the Nitinat Narrows (strenuous; 40 miles/64 km return) and back in three days. Transportation from Bamfield to Pachena Bay is also arranged through the Huu-ay-aht (Ohiaht) First Nation Administration office in Bamfield.

7. BRADY’S BEACH

Brady’s Beach is located to the west of Bamfield and is a beautiful secluded stretchof hard-packed sand, small islet, pristine waters and views that seem to go on forever. Venture with care and you’ll come away with wonderful memories of your time spent by the shoreline, where many creatures live in splendid harmony with the ocean’s deep rhythms.

8. BROKEN GROUP ISLANDS

In the centre of Barkley Sound, 12 km west of Bamfield, are the Broken Group Islands – over 100 of them – home to killer whales, gray whales, porpoises, seals, sea lions, sharks, river otters, cormorants and eagles. The popularity of these islands with paddlers and boaters has soared over the past decade. One of the main reasons that the Broken Group Islands are so popular for ocean kayaking is that they provide a true west coast experience in sheltered water. Barkley Sound is not normally subject to the extreme ocean conditions farther west in the open waters around Ucluelet and along the west coast of Vancouver Island. The ease with which less-experienced sea kayakers can reach the Broken Group Islands on the MV Frances Barkley from Port Alberni and Ucluelet contributes greatly to their allure and charm.

9. PACIFIC RIM NATIONAL PARK

Pacific Rim National Park is the only national park located solely on Vancouver Island. The Gulf Islands National Park incorporates land on the island, but consists mainly of islands and bays in the BC Gulf Islands. The magnificent Pacific Rim Park provides protection for substantial rain forests and an amazing marine environment on the west coast of Vancouver Island. The full force of the mighty Pacific Ocean mercilessly pounds the constantly changing shores of this rugged coastline

10. CHARTER TOURS

Grey whales, Humpback and Killer whales migrate the coastal waters, and porpoises, seals, sea lions, and elephant seals are viewed along the coastline. Thee waters of Barkley Sound aldo offer more tyees than anywhere on the west coast of Vancouver Island. Salmon aren’t the only fish in the Pacific Ocean – halibut and cod also promise thrilling catches. The Broken Group Islands and Bamfield Harbour also offer good angling for salmon, rockfish and halibut. In general, the Alberni Inlet and Barkley Sound offer year-round fishing

Resource:
http://vancouverisland.com/plan-your-trip/regions-and-towns/vancouver-island-bc-islands/bamfield/

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