Rugged coasts, emerald and lush rainforests, and beautiful mountain views—this is Canada’s Pacific Rim National Park. With the deep, rich history of British Columbia’s native people, this park offers a unique West Coast experience that will have you planning your next trip before your first one is over. 

There are three separate sections to this park: Long Beach Area, the West Coast Trail and the Broken Group Islands. Each of these areas has varying accessibility levels, with the Long Beach Area considered the most reachable part of the park. RV camping in Canada’s Pacific Rim National Park lets you have a comfortable place to come back to at night after a full day of exploration. 

Canada’s Pacific Rim National Park Facts

There is endless opportunity for adventure during your trip! Here are your must-know Canada’s Pacific Rim National Park facts:

• Pacific Rim National Park was established in 1970 and contains over 125,000 acres for its visitors to explore.

• The West Coast Trail is part of the park and is highly regarded as one of the world’s best hiking trails. It’s not for the inexperienced hiker, though. The course is generally completed in six to seven days across coastal, rocky terrain and temperate rainforests. This could be the perfect adventure to cross off your bucket list. 

• The largest known tree in Canada and one of the largest trees in the world resides here. The Western Red Cedar Tree is native to western North America and one of the most widespread trees in the Pacific Northwest. 

• Nuu-chah-nulth, the native people of this area, have resided here for thousands of years. There are currently seven tribes in the Pacific Rim area with 22 small reserves. These tribes help upkeep the parks, taking an active role in its administration and holding interpretive programs for the park’s visitors.

Photo Credit: Instagram User @darkroom.pictures

Best Canada’s Pacific Rim National RV Parks and Campgrounds

It’s time to get camping! There are numerous RV parks near Canada’s Pacific Rim National Park. Let’s take a look at some of the amenities and services these campgrounds offer.

Long Beach Unit: Green Point Campground

Amenities: Green Point Campground is the only campground in the Long Beach Unit of the park. This is one of Canada’s Pacific Rim National Park RV sites that offers an all-inclusive camping experience. With amenities like picnic tables, flush toilets, and fire pits, you can experience the fun of camping with some extra perks. These are especially helpful if you have a big group (limit six per site) or small children. 

Capacity: 94 full-serviced campsites

More information: Long Beach Unit: Green Point Campground

Bella Pacific Campground

Amenities: Stay at the beautiful Bella Pacific Campground! Bella Pacific has full hookup sites for RV vehicles. You’ll find an abundance of onsite facilities like bathrooms, pay showers, and laundry. There’s even free WiFi for you to upload your RV adventures so your friends and family can see. Make the ultimate camping breakfast over the bonfire and enjoy the privacy you get with a waterfront site. 

Capacity: 55 serviced and unserviced campsites

More information: Bella Pacific Campground

Ucluelet Campground

Amenities: Ucluelet Campground has it al! Ucluelet Campground has full-service RV sites that include water, sewer, and electric hookups so you can relax and recharge. There’s access to hiking trails, kayaking tours, and you may even spot a whale during your stay. 

Capacity: 110 serviced and unserviced campsites

More information: Ucluelet Campground

Crystal Cove Beach Resort

Amenities: Crystal Cove is a haven for those camping with young children or anyone looking for beautiful, quiet views. Sit back and relax with each site’s picnic table and fire pit. Stop by the Crystal Cove Beach Resort Office, where you can rent games, DVDs and even bikes! The resort area also offers free complimentary hot showers and Starbucks coffee—now that’s camping in style. There are many serviced campsites at this resort, so consider upgrading your vacation with an RV rental in Canada’s Pacific Rim National Park. 

Capacity: 93 serviced campsites

More information: Crystal Cove Beach Resort

Surf Grove

Amenities: RV camping in Canada’s Pacific Rim National Park doesn’t get better than the Surf Grove campgrounds. 

It’s easy to relax when you have well-maintained, state-of-the-art washroom amenities. Head to the nearby general store if you forgot firewood, ice, or bug spray. Does the great outdoors have you craving some s’mores? No worries—the general store has what you need for the quintessential camping treat, too. Camping is all about disconnecting, but sometimes you don’t want to be totally out of reach from the real world, so connect to WiFi at your camp or in your RV with their complimentary service. Finally, if you’re a surfer, this is the campground for you. There’s an onsite surf shack with all the information and gear you’ll need to hang ten. 

Capacity: 130 full-serviced sites

More information: Surf Grove

Best Time to Visit Canada’s Pacific Rim National Park for RV Camping

Pacific Rim National Park experiences all four seasons and brings with them new sceneries, weather, and activities. Seasoned RVers and new campers alike won’t run out of things to do or see no matter when they visit. 

So, is there a best time to visit Canada’s Pacific Rim National Park? It all depends on what you have on your to-do list. 

Winter

Winter storm-watching is a huge draw during the off-season. If you come in November through March, be prepared to watch some dramatic storms! In fact, the Pacific Rim National Park is a famous storm-watching destination. It’s known for its dramatic waves and ability to rain over 19 inches in a single day. 

The more adventurous RV campers will surf during these crazy coastal winds. Not for the faint of heart (or inexperienced surfers), expert surfers handle these waters and perform some jaw-dropping moves. Not into this kind of adrenaline-pumping experience? Just like with storm watching, you can watch these experts from afar. 

Spring

Spring boasts a vast array of migratory birds from the tropics in South America to Northern Canada and Alaska. Considered a “superhighway” for migratory birds, late April and May is the busiest time for these northbound birds. You’ll see all types of geese, shorebirds, warblers, and even hummingbirds during the spring months. 

Late winter and early spring have the smallest amount of crowds, perfect for gearing up and hiking trails. Trails start opening again for the busy season late spring, and you’ll be able to hike and camp without the crowds and tumultuous weather. The RV campgrounds in Canada’s Pacific Rim National Park will be freshly-maintained and newly opened if you come in the spring.

Summer

By far, the busiest time for RV camping near Canada’s Pacific Rim National Park is the summer. Be prepared for busy trails and full campsites from June through Labor Day. You’ll find an abundance of activity during this time of year, including guided tours, nature walks, and kayaking. Summers in the Pacific Northwest are mild, which is ideal when you’re spending a lot of time outdoors. 

Remember that though the beautiful beaches will be wonderful to walk, sunbathe, or have a bonfire on, the water stays chilly even in the warmest months. A wetsuit is a must if you are hoping to surf or swim.

Fall

There’s nothing quite like fall in the Pacific Northwest. Rich, abundant colors, crisp air, and mountains getting a dusting of snow set the scene for picture-perfect RV camping in Canada’s Pacific Rim National Park. 

The visitors start dwindling once it gets colder, making it an excellent time for a private getaway. If autumn is your favorite season, then do yourself a favor and visit the park during this time of year. Make some hot chocolate for the kids, pour an adult beverage for yourself, and enjoy the wondrous stars by your bonfire on a crisp, clear fall night.

Things to do in Canada’s Pacific Rim National Park

There’s a little something for everyone when planning things to do in Canada’s Pacific Rim National Park. Take a look at some of these ideas to keep you inspired. 

• Take part in the Red Chair Experience. During your visit, you may find yourself coming across red chairs as you explore the area. These red chairs are placed throughout the Long Beach area and West Coast Trail. Some you may easily find, but others may be a bit off the beaten path. When you see one, sit down, relax, and enjoy the views. This is all about connecting with nature and enjoying the unique scenery. 

• Visit the Kwisitis Visitor Center. Kwisitis means “other end of the beach” in the Nuu-chah-nulth language, the language of the Native people of this land. You can hang out on the outside deck and enjoy the scenery that includes surfers, storms, and even whales! Learn about the first nations people on the coast, the Pacific Northwest’s rugged history, and examine animal tracks from bears, wolves, and cougars.

• Kayak through the Broken Group Islands. The Barkley Sound is home to the Broken Group Islands, with plenty of kayaking and tour opportunities. This area is perfect for sightseeing in the water because of the vast array of flora and fauna. With a wide variety of sea life, you’ll experience everything from tidal pools with anemones, barnacles, and starfish to sea lions basking on rocks by the coast. You can find several guided tours to help steer your trip if you’d prefer extra guidance.

• Get moving with the abundance of trails that vary in difficulty. Whether you’re a seasoned hiker or just prefer a leisurely outdoor stroll in nature, there are trails to fit everyone’s needs. There are three main areas with trails in this park: Long Beach Unit (also the only area you can cycle in the park), Broken Group Islands, and Cape Beale Headlands. These areas have either no or limited RV access, so plan your day out accordingly.

Photo Credit: Instagram User @kevinstiles

Tips on Visiting Canada’s Pacific Rim National Park

Not so fast! Before you pack up the RV, take notice of these tips on visiting Canada’s Pacific Rim National Park.

• The rainforest needs your help to stay protected—stay on the trails! The trails are designed to protect the environment from hikers walking on it. You can get close while still protecting the wild plant life. To ensure the forest’s safety, keep your pets on a leash and make noise to warn potential predators, like native wolves and bears, that you are nearby.

• Heed Pacific Rim biking rules. If you want to cycle, the Long Beach Unit is currently the only unit of the park suitable for these kinds of activities. The hiking trails have been created with walkers in mind, so your cycling adventures will need to be confined to Long Beach.

• Book your stay in advance. Planning on coming during the beautiful summer months? With an abundance of summer activities, some of the best hiking around, and beautiful beaches, it’s recommended that you book ahead if you want to stay between June and Labor Day.

• Stay safe by keeping a safe distance from the storms and watching from afar. While storm-watching is a must-do activity for some, keep in mind that the weather can be a bit dicey in the winter. You’ll deal with fewer crowds and be more exposed to potentially turbulent weather and cold temperatures.

• RV camping in Canada’s Pacific Rim National Park is the best way to experience the area. You can have a refuge from colder nights or rainy days and enjoy full-service amenities after a day spent hiking or traveling the trails.  

RV Rental in Canada’s Pacific Rim National Park

No matter how you decide to enjoy your time at Canada’s Pacific Rim National Park RV campgrounds, you’ll come back with excitement-filled memories to hold you over until your next adventure.

Regardless of the amenities provided at Canada’s Pacific Rim National Park RV parks, a Cruise America RV can be your best companion during your trip. A Cruise America RV comes equipped with anything you need to enjoy life on the road. Find the right size RV rental and enjoy the Pacific Rim National Park in the mystical Pacific Northwest!