Pacific Rim National Park Reserve of Canada

Cycling and Mountain Biking

Cycling to the Long Beach Unit

If you are planning to cycle to the Long Beach Unit, be aware that the Pacific Rim Highway (HWY 4) between Port Alberni and the West Coast is a very challenging road for cyclists. The route is 106 km of paved winding mountain highway, lacking shoulders in many areas. Heavy summer traffic compounds a hazardous situation.

An attractive alternative to cycling HWY 4 is taking the passenger ferry service from Port Alberni, down the Alberni Inlet through Barkley Sound and the Broken Group Islands to Ucluelet. Once in Ucluelet you are a 10 km cycle (mostly along a paved cycle path) from the boundary of the National Park.

Cycling in the Long Beach Unit

Avoid close encounters with birds and other wildlife when cycling on the beach.
© Parks Canada / W. Lynch / V1, Aug 1986

The Long Beach Unit is the only unit of the park that is suitable for bicycling.
The portion of HWY 4 running through the park has a shoulder of variable width.
The trails are designed for walkers. Most trails have stairs and boardwalk and are not suitable for cycling. There is also the risk of surprising bears , wolves and cougars , as many trails go through densely forested areas. Cycling is permitted on the beaches. Convenient bicycle access is available at Wickaninnish Beach and Long Beach through beach access trails.