Along the wild West Coast of Vancouver Island, lie the surf-beaten white-sand beaches of Pacific Rim National Park. Just north lies Clayoquot Sound, one of Canada’s most spectacular fjords. A UNESCO Biosphere Reserve, tendrils of salt water wind inland from a maze of offshore reefs and forest-covered islands to create protected inlets embraced by ancient conifers. The largest of these islands, Flores, is home to wolves and bears, and some of North America’s finest coastal temperate rainforest. Flores Island protects three pristine watersheds that flow into the rich waters of the Pacific.
Steeped in aboriginal history, Clayoquot Sound has been home to the Nuu-chah-nulth people for thousands of years. Flores is home to the Ahouset First Nation. Our route is along the traditional Ahouset walking trail, reclaimed and maintained by the Ahouset First Nations people. We camp on white sand beaches, with the sound of the surf as a lullaby, at the edge of a forest saved by the heroic efforts of an international conservation campaign. Our schedule allows plenty of time for beachcombing on endless sand beaches, sunbathing, or swimming in the bracing Pacific surf.
Your Itinerary
Day 1:
Meet in Tofino. Board an afternoon vessel for an hour ride from Tofino to Flores Island, journeying through the intricate reefs and islands into the heart of Clayoquot Sound. Here we check into our hostel for the evening, have dinner, and pack our packs for our journey. Tour Marktosis, the village.
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Day 2:
Day 2: We walk through the village and into the forest of the Wild Side trail. Our route winds through a deep, ancient forest, emerging onto speactacular white sand beaches along the Pacific Ocean. Parts of the trail traverse deep bogs, and are constructed of cedar boards. We may stop along any of a dozen pristine beaches to camp.
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Day 3:
Backpacking and camping.
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Day 4:
Basecamp and day hike. Optional climb of Mt. Flores.
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Day 5:
Backpack
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Day 6:
By now, we have backtracked our route and we board a boat for the return trip to Tofino. Afternoon flight/bus home. Some of you may choose to spend a night in Tofino, to enjoy one of the fine inns and restaurants at the edge of Clayoquot Sound. If we all decide as a group to stay, we can make arrangements for accommodations that evening.
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Notes:
Airfare is not included in the tour price.
2006 dates: September 7-12
Trip price includes:
- All transportation from Tofino.
- All meals in the field
- Group cooking, camping, medical and safety equipment (We bring such items as a kitchen shelter, emergency radio, bear repellent spray, water filter and first aid kit)
- Services of Trip Leader
- One night lodging at start of trip
- Meals are hearty and healthy. We are gourmet vegetarian cooks! Special diets may be accommodated.
Also see tour packages in:
Canada
British Columbia
Hiking & Trekking
Women Tours
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