Note: In August 2025, this area was subject to the Mount Underwood wildfire. Access to Bamfield via Port Alberni was cut off, but thankfully, there was a secondary logging road to evacuate. If traveling in this area, be sure to check the Drive BC App for any road closures, active fires, and fire bans. Vancouver Island is seeing more wildfires as our summers are dry and the snowfall is not enough to keep the forests safe. Please do your part in keeping our forests and communities safe.
I spent my fortieth birthday at the edge of the world, where ancient rainforest spills onto soft sand, and the Pacific roars endlessly beyond the mist. With coffee in hand, I spent the morning walking the beach. The tide was low, which was perfect for beachcombing. To me, this was a perfect way to slide into my forties.
Pachena Bay Campground — one of Vancouver Island’s most beautiful and soulful places to camp.
Located just outside Bamfield on the island’s rugged west coast, Pachena Bay is the kind of place that feels sacred. The beach stretches for kilometers, framed by driftwood, sea stacks, and towering evergreens. It’s quiet, raw, and deeply grounding — the kind of place where the world slows down, and nature takes center stage.
This is Huu-ay-aht First Nations territory, and you feel that deep connection to the land the moment you arrive. The campground is locally owned and operated, with care and respect for the land’s cultural and environmental significance.
Camping
Pachena Bay Campground offers a mix of forested and beachfront sites — some nestled among the trees, others just steps from the sand.
Sites: 65+ tent and RV sites (reservations recommended in summer)
Facilities: Hot showers, flush toilets, fire pits, picnic tables, potable water
Beach Access: Direct from the campground — no hiking required
RV Friendly: Pull-through and serviced sites available
Pets: Allowed on leash
Open Season: May through early October
The sunsets here are unforgettable — glowing skies reflected on low tide pools, eagles flying overhead, and the deep rumble of the waves echoing through the trees.
Things to Do
Beach Walks: Explore miles of soft sand, driftwood, and tidal pools.
Surfing & Swimming: Calm days bring gentle waves, perfect for beginners.
Wildlife Watching: Watch for sea lions, eagles, whales, and black bears along the shoreline.
Photography: Misty mornings and glowing sunsets make Pachena a dream for photographers.
Cultural Exploration: Learn about the Huu-ay-aht First Nations history and stewardship of the area
Trail Access: The Pachena Bay Trailhead marks the southern entrance to the West Coast Trail — one of the most famous hikes in the world. Permit required if walking the complete trail.
Getting There
Pachena Bay sits near the village of Bamfield, about 80 km from Port Alberni. The drive is an adventure in itself. This road winds through dense rainforest and rolling hills for about 1.5 to 2 hours, depending on road conditions.
Directions:
From Port Alberni, follow the Bamfield Mainline west. Drive straight until the road ends.
Watch for signs to Pachena Bay Campground just before you reach Bamfield.
Respect the Land
Pachena Bay is part of the ancestral territory of the Huu-ay-aht First Nations. Please treat it with care — respect quiet hours, keep pets under control, and pack out what you bring in. Fires are allowed when conditions permit, but always check local advisories.
This is bear and cougar country — keep food secured and be wildlife aware.
Pachena Bay isn’t just a campground — it’s a feeling of peace. It’s the sound of waves at night, the scent of cedar in the air, and the warmth of a campfire after a day spent barefoot on the sand.
It’s where the rainforest meets the sea — and where you can meet yourself again, in the quiet rhythm of nature.
