Pacific Rim reserve closes West Coast Trail on 7 October

Pacific Rim reserve (Réserve de parc national Pacific Rim) will restrict overnight access to the West Coast Trail from 7 October 2026, affecting visitors planning a multi-day route near Tofino, Canada. The annual restriction runs until 30 April 2027, while a narrow day-use exception remains at the northern end.

West Coast Trail closure begins on 7 October

Parks Canada says the West Coast Trail closes each year from 7 October to 30 April because of prolonged heavy rain, strong winds, high tides, large waves and shorter daylight. The rule applies to access and travel on the trail, with overnight use not permitted during the closed period.

The official West Coast Trail information identifies Pachena Bay, Balaats'adt at Nitinaht Village and Gordon River as the route's entry and exit points. It also records the trail's connection with the Huu-ay-aht, Ditidaht and Pacheedaht First Nations, whose traditional territories it crosses.

Pacific Rim reserve links beaches and rainforest

The reserve extends along the west coast of Vancouver Island in the traditional territories of the Nuu-chah-nulth First Nations. Its units include Long Beach, the West Coast Trail and the Broken Group Islands, which are reached by boat.

The West Coast Trail is a 75-kilometre back-country route between Pachena Bay and Gordon River. Parks Canada describes a demanding landscape with more than 100 ladders, deep mud, fast-flowing rivers, cable cars and changing coastal conditions. Those physical features make the 7 October boundary more than a calendar detail: a journey planned as a multi-day hike cannot simply continue into the winter restriction.

Day access remains limited after the closure

The closure notice allows day use between the Pachena Bay trailhead and kilometre 8. Visitors must hold a valid national park reserve permit and enter and leave through Pachena Bay on the same day. The exception does not permit an overnight trip or a through-hike.

Elsewhere in the reserve, the official visitor information lists Long Beach access as open all year. The wider park therefore remains relevant to travellers near Tofino in October, but the West Coast Trail has separate seasonal rules. The closure bulletin for 7 October says the restriction remains in force every year until further notice.

Visiting Pacific Rim reserve: what travellers from Western Europe should know

• The West Coast Trail closure runs from 7 October 2026 to 30 April 2027, with overnight access prohibited during that period.
• Day walking is limited to the Pachena Bay trailhead to kilometre 8, with entry and exit at Pachena Bay on the same day and a valid permit.
• Long Beach remains open all year, but it is a different unit from the seasonally restricted West Coast Trail.
• The West Coast Trail is rugged, with ladders, muddy ground, river crossings, cable cars, beaches and exposed coastal conditions.

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Frequently asked questions about Pacific Rim reserve

What has changed at Pacific Rim reserve?

Overnight access to the West Coast Trail is restricted from 7 October 2026 until 30 April 2027. A limited same-day section remains available near Pachena Bay.

Where is Pacific Rim reserve and how do you get there?

The reserve is on the west coast of Vancouver Island near Tofino and Ucluelet. The West Coast Trail has access points at Pachena Bay, Nitinaht Village and Gordon River.

What is Pacific Rim reserve?

It is a national park reserve with Long Beach, the West Coast Trail and the Broken Group Islands. The landscape includes sandy beaches, temperate rainforest and coastal back-country routes.