Pachena Bay is nestled in an old-growth rainforest and expands onto the vast white sandy beaches of the Pacific Ocean. It neighbours the First Nations village of Huu-Ay-Aht.

Pachena Bay is at the head of the world-famous West Coast Trail, which spans 75km along the southwest coast of Vancouver Island. Shorter day hikes include Cape Beale Headlands, Keecha Beach and Kicha Lake.

For longer stays, tourists can stay at the Pachena Bay Campground near the Pachena River. Campers can rent a kayak and paddle through Pachena Bay, Seabird Islands and Clutus Point. See the sunken wrecks of the ‘Graveyards of the Pacific’ while scuba diving, or rent a boat and try your luck at sports fishing. Spend a day relaxing on the white sandy beaches or marvel at the bald eagles, sea lions, otters, porpoises, seals, grey whales and orcas while aboard a day cruise.

Photos: https://pachenabaycampground.ca/; http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8605/16573646931_22fc928bf9_o.jpg