Vancouver Island, BC : Pachena Bay Campground

Pachena Bay Campground

Alberni-Clayoquot

Bamfield

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Address http://www.huuayaht.ca/pachena/index.html Huu-ay-aht First Nation P.O. Box 70 Bamfield, BC V0R 1B0 (250) 728-1287

Directions
Access via active gravel logging roads from Lake Cowichan or Port Alberni to Bamfield. Turn left at large campground sign 3K before reaching Bamfield and follow road through Anacla Reserve to campground office. Take a spare tire.

Description:

Location! Location! Location! The breathtaking locale of this campground--facing the open Pacific Ocean but within the protected shelter of a West Coast rainforest--makes this one of the most spectacular sandy beaches you’ll encounter. The U-shaped Bay is bounded on one side with a jagged, rocky shoreline--it’s the northern terminus of the West Coast Trail--and on the opposite side by the Pachena River, flowing beneath weathered cliffs into the Pacific. The campsites (9 RV and 66 tent) front the 1200-metre beach that stretches from one side of the bay to the other.

This area has been home to the Huu-ay-aht First Nation peoples since time immemorial. You pass through their small community of Anacla, on the banks of the Pachena River, to access the campground. Keeping true to their native philosophy, "living in harmony with nature", they established this wilderness campground. Over the past few years, upgrades have been made with the addition of a washhouse, payphone, defined campsites with picnic tables and fire pits--all without altering the incredible natural surroundings.

Great for families, Pachena Bay Campground offers plenty to do. Hike the many trails, explore the tidal pools, enjoy the beach and swimming, kayak or get in some sports fishing and keep a diligent eye out for the wildlife, i.e. bears and cougars. Whales frequent the bay. Check out the seaside village of Bamfield a few kilometers down the road. Visit the West Coast Trailhead adjacent to the campsite affording the opportunity to visit and talk with hikers from around the world. The language differences never seem to be a problem.

This natural paradise truly offers a " Great Escape," and a chance to relax and commune with nature!

Written By: Cheryl Oakes
Photo Credit: Cheryl Oakes

Features
Bathrooms | Picnic Tables | Walking Trails | Picnic Area | Swimming Areas | Wheelchair Accessible

Comments
aaahhhh the West Coast! What a wonderful place! But make sure to get a beachfront campsite!
- Nicole on Mon, July 9, 2007

I love pachena Bay! It is the most romantic place in the world. My fiance proposed to me there! Peace and Quiet at it's finest. Everyone is so friendly!
- Jennifer on Mon, April 3, 2006

Pachena bay has large campsites, large sandy beach in a sheltered cove. It's just like Long Beach on the pacific rim but without the strong ocean winds and without all the tourists.
- Barbara Stewart on Mon, June 27, 2005

I THINK IF YOU LOVE CAMPING YOU SHOULD GO TO PACHENA BAY CAMPGROUND IT'S NICE FUN AND BEAUTIFUL.
- melissa on Wed, April 20, 2005

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