The West Coast Run begins on
the east side of Vancouver Island at the beach in Qualicum Beach where Highway
4 and the Island Highway meet. The
run ends 132 km (82 miles) later at the Pacific Rim Visitor Center, which is at
the junction of the Tofino Ucluelet Highway and Highway 4. At this point, Highway 4 is also known
as the Pacific Rim Highway.
Qualicum Beach, British Columbia
Your journey will begin with a
spectacular view of Strait of Georgia and the coastal mountains of mainland
British Columbia. You’ll ride
through the village of Qualicum Beach.
Feel free to stop here and look around. Be careful though as many have stopped and have chosen to
stay. Once you’ve left Qualicum
Beach, about 11 km (6.8 miles) up the road, on the left side of the road, is
Mid-Island Co-Op, known as Whisky Creek Store by the locals. Fill up your tank and then enjoy one of
the many flavors of ice cream on the outside deck. Sea Salt Caramel is my favorite.
Once you’ve filled up and
indulged in ice cream, the riding fun begins. The 28 kilometers (17.4 miles) of Highway 4 that runs west
from Whiskey Creek Store to Port Alberni is a beautiful combination of sweeping
corners and elevation changes that offer spectacular views of Cameron Lake and
the old growth trees in MacMillan Provincial Park, which is also known as
Cathedral Grove. There are plenty
of places to stop, walk around and enjoy the view, however I would suggest
riding the road without stopping on the way to Port Alberni. Unless you have and adventure bike,
you’ll be returning to the east side of the Island on Highway 4 and can stop at
the scenic areas on the return trip.
From Port Alberni, continue
west on Highway 4. In 93
kilometers (58 miles) you’ll arrive at the Pacific Rim Visitors Centre. Along the way you’ll encounter scenic
lakeside views, mountain vistas, a rambling river and a challenging stretch
black top that climbs, dives and twists to the Pacific Ocean.
Not long after leaving Port
Alberni you’ll be riding alongside Sproat Lake. This section of road is smooth and relaxing. The views of the lake and the coastal
mountains are spectacular. Enjoy the
view, but be alert as this two-way road is busy, especially during the summer
and you’ll encounter vehicles of all sizes and speed. Take your time and enjoy the ride to the coast.
After leaving Sproat Lake,
which is long, you’ll be riding up toward Sutton Pass. This section is filled with tight
twists and turns and will be a fun challenge. The road can be “bumpy” and often gravel will be on the
corners so watch where you’re riding.
As you near the summit, there will be “pull-outs” where you can stop and
take photos, hike around or simply enjoy the view.
Coming down from Sutton pass is
another series of tight turns that drop you quickly towards the west coast of
Vancouver Island.
About 10
kilometers (6.2 miles) from the summit of Sutton Pass, you’ll see a large
“pull-out” or parking area that’s alongside the Kennedy River.
This is a MUST STOP area.
Enjoy the view that the river provides
and if it’s warm enough, dip your toes (or more) in the water.
The Kennedy River
From this point it’s a short
40 kilometers (25 miles) to the Pacific Rim Visitors Centre, the gateway to the Pacific Rim and Vancouver Island’s West Coast.
Here you’ll be able to load up on
information about the area and places you may wish to visit.
If you plan on spending any time in
Pacific Rim National Park (I highly suggest that you do) permits to the park
can be obtained here.
I would
suggest that you plan on spending a day or two exploring this awesome part of
the world.
The Pacific Rim Visitors Center
From the Pacific Rim Visitors
Center you have a choice of turning left towards Ucluelet, BC, which is a short
8-kilometer (5 mile) ride, or right towards Tofino, BC, which is 32 kilometers
(20 miles) away.
There are plenty of things to
see and do while on the West Coast of Vancouver Island and they range from
hiking the Wild Pacific Trail in Ucluelet, the beaches in Pacific Rim National
Park, including Long Beach and the shops and restaurants in Tofino.
The West Coast of Vancouver Island near Ucluelet, BC
Tofino, BC
On the return trip to the East
Coast of Vancouver Island, take the time to stop and see the sights along
Highway 4 between Port Alberni and the Inland Island Highway (Highway 19). The first point of interest on the
return trip will be MacMillan Provincial Park, otherwise known as Cathedral
Grove. The park is small in size,
however it does hold some of the largest old growth trees on the Island. Another place to stop is along Cameron
Lake. There are plenty of pullouts
that offer great views of the lake and the surrounding mountains. If the weather is warm, there is a nice
beach at the east end of the lake that is popular on hot days. Little Qualicum Falls Provincial Park,
which is a short distance from the end of Cameron Lake, is another place to stop
and hike around.
Cathedral Grove
Cameron Lake in January
To finish your trip, head right
at the junction of Highway 4 and Highway 4A towards the community of
Coombs.
The junction is easy to
spot as it’s at a set of stop lights (rare on rural roads) and it’s well marked.
Shortly after turning on the 4A you’ll
see a group of shops on your right this is The Old Country Market (
www.oldcountrymarket.com).
A visit to this unique group of shops
is a must.
The main market has
unique foods and goods from around the world and a restaurant / café with a
variety of items, including fresh baked goods.
During the summer, goats inhabit the grass roof of the main
market.
If you’re in need of
any supplies for your motorcycle or want to look around stop at Spunky’s
Motorcycle Shop, one of Vancouver Island’s largest motorcycle dealerships. It’s located at the corner of Highway
4A and Fairdown Rd., on your left as your heading east. The entrance to Highway 19 is just a
short distance away.
Gerald Trees
Dream Your Ride