The Canada National Parks Act classifies national parks where the geographic area is subject to a claim in respect of aboriginal rights that has been accepted for negotiation by the Government of Canada as a "park reserve" which allows for the continuing of traditional renewable resource harvesting activities by aboriginal persons. Related to the Pacific Rim National Park Reserve, the Nuu-chah-nulth Tribal Council had submitted a claim in 1980 which the government accepted for negotiation in June 1983. In the early park formation little consultation had occurred with the First Nation groups whose interests in the land they intended to purchase or trade for other similar lands. While seven First Nations claim area within the park as part of their traditional territory, Parks Canada incorporated a working relationship with those interested in its management. Beginning in 1995 the First Nations Program resulted in the creation of the Nuu-chah-nulth interpretative trail, cultural information included in educational literature and displays, increased employment in park services, and shared management responsibilities. The park boundaries exclude 21 Indian reserves belonging to seven different First Nations, though most of the park is claimed as part of their traditional territories which were never ceded, including the Huu-ay-aht, Ditidaht, Pacheedaht, and the Hupacasath. In the Long Beach area where the Tla-o-qui-aht claim traditional territory, they have declared the entire Kennedy Lake watershed, as well as Meares Island, as a tribal park.[8] In the Broken Group area, an archaeological site on Benson Island found evidence of human presence dating back more than 5000 years, though the Tseshaht are the only remaining group whose people had lived on the islands. While Benson Island had hosted a summer village (and wintered in the area now known as Port Alberni), it had been abandoned; a subsequent village on Effingham burnt...
Read moreThis is one of the places you must come if you decide to visit Vancouver Island. We drove through the gravel road to visit Bamfield and we found this amazing place. A lot of people come here for the West Coast Trail to do backcountry hiking (74km). My family and I did the day-hike, which is about 20k out-and-back. The trail itself is well-maintained and has a lot of surprises. We had to climb many wooden ladders (they called them stairs) to get to the top. We also saw many tiny animals and some reptiles like snakes 🫣 along the way.
When you reach the 9km mark, you will see the sea-lion-haul rock. A lot of sea lions come to this place to rest, and you get to watch them from a respectful distance. You can also spot some orcas playing in the ocean. I kid you not, I can sit there and watch the scene all day long!
You will then encounter the lighthouse just before you reach the 10km mark, and this is a wonderful place to take a quick break. We turned around and headed back after we visited the lighthouse.
Overall, this was a great hike. I was impressed that my children completed the hike without complaining. I guess the amazing views, the ladders, and those surprises kept them busy, so they were always excited to discover and explore the beauty of this place. I would definitely take my family for backcountry when my...
Read morePacific Rim National Park Reserve is a stunning protected area located on Vancouver Island, Canada. It's renowned for its breathtaking landscapes, including rugged coastlines, ancient rainforests, and pristine beaches. The park is divided into three distinct regions: Long Beach, the Broken Group Islands, and the West Coast Trail. Visitors can explore a variety of outdoor activities, such as hiking, kayaking, and wildlife watching. It's a haven for nature enthusiasts and offers a unique opportunity to experience the beauty of the Pacific coastline and the diverse ecosystems of the region.
We went just hiking and checked out the beach around with a lot of surfers.
The park is really nice. Both trails together are roughly 4km of steps and trail. All new made and really secure. The forest is really impressive with its huge trees.
The parking for a group costs 21 dollars or 10 per person.
There are plenty of small benches to make breaks and look at the view. You could see bears and a lot...
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