Bamfield on Barkley Sound: Trails, Waters and Wildlife

Bamfield on Barkley Sound combines explorations on the water with hiking trails and a community layout that is important for finding your way around. Kayaking is possible both on the open ocean and in sheltered, calm waters. The West Coast Trail is accessible via Bamfield. At the same time, Bamfield Inlet divides the community into two areas connected by local water taxis.

Trails with Different Stories

The West Coast Trail can be reached via Bamfield and is an important landmark for hiking trips in the area. Another trail is Tiičmis Tašii: the Huu-ay-aht First Nations established this 4.5-kilometre hiking trail in 2018. It provides a safe pedestrian connection between Anacla and Bamfield.

The Cape Beale Lighthouse Trail also has a long connection to the community: for more than a century, it has led between Bamfield and the lighthouse. Which of these trails interests you depends on the kind of hiking experience you are looking for.

Kayaking, Diving and Fishing

When kayaking on Barkley Sound, you can choose between the open ocean and sheltered, calm waters. Paddlers can observe wildlife especially in the calm waters. Those interested in the underwater world will find opportunities for cold-water diving on reefs and at shipwrecks, thanks to Bamfield’s location on Barkley Sound. Kayaking and diving therefore offer different perspectives on the waters, without requiring the same kind of exploration.

Coastal and offshore fishing is also possible in the waters around Bamfield; charter services are recommended for this. If you are planning a stay focused on water activities, you can weigh up paddling, diving and fishing as different travel interests. Bamfield remains the common starting point when choosing a vacation rental or holiday home—the activities themselves differ considerably.

Bamfield’s Two Sides

Bamfield Inlet divides the community into two areas about 200 yards apart. Local water taxis connect the two sides. A boardwalk runs along the west side of Bamfield, connecting the homes and docks at the harbour.

Communications History and Educational Programs

Bamfield’s history also includes a notable milestone in international communications. In 1902, the Bamfield Cable Station became the terminus of a 4,000-mile undersea communications system connecting the Commonwealth countries. Bamfield’s specific connection was its role as the system’s terminus at the time.

The Bamfield Marine Sciences Centre’s educational program includes university credit courses, field trips for K–12 student groups and educational tours for groups. In addition to hiking and water-based experiences, the Centre’s program also offers educational opportunities for groups.

Wildlife off Bamfield

The waters off Bamfield are visited by humpback, orca and grey whales; porpoises; Steller sea lions and California sea lions; sea otters; seals; bald eagles; great blue herons; bears; and elk. If you would like to observe wildlife while paddling, you can consider the sheltered, calm waters of Barkley Sound.

More community pages: Tofino, Port Alberni and Ucluelet.

For the broader travel overview: Alberni-Clayoquot.