The tiny hamlet of Bamfield is an underrated treasure in B.C. Located on the Barkley Sound, the community is fully immersed in some of the province’s most breathtaking ancient forests and wild beaches and is split into two distinct areas. On one side of the Bamfield Inlet, you have a waterfront boardwalk to explore, and on the east side, there’s a local pub, food market, and cafe.
A convenient water taxi is there to transport you back and forth between the two sides of town, according to Visit Bamfield.
“The Graveyard of the Pacific”
Originally settled by the Huu-ay-aht First Nation, the historic fishing community has become an outdoor gem for hiking trips, wildlife tours, and cold water diving. The latter gives visitors access to an enchanting underwater world of schools of rockfish, king crabs, striped sunstars, orange coral, and even shipwrecks.
In fact, Bamfield has earned the title of “the graveyard of the Pacific,” though you’ll still have the opportunity to swim alongside the California and Stellar Sea lions that populate the area if you choose.
Beach lovers can explore a handful of memorable spots. This includes the rugged, sandy shores of Keeha Beach, the crescent-shaped Tapaltos Beach, and the rocky sea stacks at Brady’s Beach. Or, if you’re up for a challenge, you can take on the world-famous West Coast Trail from Pachena Bay.
The Boomer Trail is another fantastic place to stretch your legs while surrounded by ancient trees.
“The hike of a lifetime”
The West Coast Trail is the “hike of a lifetime,” stretching from Port Renfrew to Bamfield. The journey takes hikers through old-growth rainforest and rugged beaches, including the famed Juan de Fuca Park.
Those who choose to embark on the challenging journey will be rewarded with panoramic views of untouched wilderness and access to multiple waterfalls along the way.
According to Visit Bamfield, the trail was born from a shipwreck in 1906 as a form of emergency relief. Today, it’s considered “one of the best hikes in the world,” attracting outdoor enthusiasts from across the globe.
The trail opens to overnight visitors on May 1, 2025, with camping reservations now open for the season.
Want to bookmark a stopover spot for a summer swim? Just ten minutes away from Bamfield, the nearby Frederick Lake is idyllic, to say the least.
Historic village of Kiix̣in
Situated in Bamfield is the only known traditional First Nations village remaining on the southern coast of B.C., Kiix̣in. A National Historic Site, the 19th-century village is a sacred site consisting of remarkable standing house remains, an ancient fortress, and archaeological sites pointing to occupation dating back to 1,000 B.C.E.
Guided cultural tours are typically offered through Kiix̣in Tours, though they are closed for 2025.
How to get there: From the Departure Bay ferry terminal in Nanaimo, take a right on the #1 Island Highway heading north. Follow the signs to Port Alberni and then onto Bamfield (three hours total). Or sail from Port Alberni via the M.V. Frances Barkley.
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