Features on the pop-up map correspond to items detailed in the Essential Vancouver Island Outdoor Recreation Guide.

Bamfield, Carmanah and Walbran valleys:

Two major valleys are protected in this region – at least in part. The Carmanah Valley and lower Walbran Valley together form one of the most significant provincial parks in North America , protecting examples of some of the largest trees found in the world. Outside of the park, however, there is significant logging, particularly in the upper Walbran Valley . Points of interest are severely limited due to extensive logging, few navigable logging roads through the region and the dense underforest, limiting hiking to just the few trails through the region. This is unfortunate, as it is an exceptional area to visit – if one accepts the harsh weather to be expected of a coastal rainforest.

Bamfield Inlet off the south entrance of Barkley Sound divides the quiet fishing and tourism community of Bamfield into two separate areas. Much of the recreational marine traffic bound for Barkley Sound and the Deer Group islands departs from here, as do hikers on their way to the northern trailhead of the West Coast Trail. Expect full services, including bed and breakfasts, cottages, resorts, motels, private and municipal campgrounds, stores, galleries, marinas, water taxis and tour operators. No roads connect Bamfield West to Bamfield, so water taxi is a key form of transportation. Most commercial attractions within Bamfield West are along a wooden boardwalk that runs from the Fisheries dock to the government dock.

- Excerpts from The Essential Vancouver Island Outdoor Recreation Guide, by John Kimantas, Whitecap, 2008

Recommended services:

Watch this space as our site grows.

Recommended places to explore:

Sightseeing: Though the trail can be rough and muddy, Keeha Bay makes an excellent day trip.

Hiking: The West Coast Trail, of course, though the West Walbran Trail has incredible attractions.

Kayaking/canoeing: Nitinat Lake offers casual flatwater paddling or a grueling triangle route.