The west coast of Vancouver Island is known for its rugged coastline, with crashing surf during winter storms. There are three beaches in the 40 km stretch between Tofino and Ucluelet that are excellent for running: wide, long, and with reliably firm sand. Note that conditions can vary situationally and depending on season. Check tide tables and use caution during storms. PRO TIP: Beautiful Sunsets!
Chesterman Beach
Chesterman Beach. Located on the northwest coast, near Tofino. This is a famous surfing spot. The beach is 4.3 km long, and is wide, with firm sand.
Long Beach: Beautiful long, sandy beach located between Tofino and Ucluelet. Nearly 11 km long. Part of Pacific Rim National Park Preserve.
Can connect to Florencia Bay Beach via a 2.5 km connector trail! At the southern end of Long Beach, access the South Beach Trail at the Kwisitis Visitor Centre and connect to the Nuu-Chah-Nuulth Trail.
Rugged trail running along the West Coast Trail
Florencia Bay Beach. Beautiful 4.6 km beach located just south of Long Beach.
Can connect to Long Beach via a 2.5 km connector trail! At the southern end of Long Beach, access the South Beach Trail at the Kwisitis Visitor Centre and connect to the Nuu-Chah-Nuulth Trail.
The west coast of Vancouver Island is known for its rugged coastline, with crashing surf during winter storms. There are three beaches in the 40 km stretch between Tofino and Ucluelet that are excellent for running: wide, long, and with reliably firm sand. Note that conditions can vary situationally and depending on season. Check tide tables and use caution during storms. PRO TIP: Beautiful Sunsets!
Chesterman Beach
Chesterman Beach. Located on the northwest coast, near Tofino. This is a famous surfing spot. The beach is 4.3 km long, and is wide, with firm sand.
Long Beach: Beautiful long, sandy beach located between Tofino and Ucluelet. Nearly 11 km long. Part of Pacific Rim National Park Preserve.
Can connect to Florencia Bay Beach via a 2.5 km connector trail! At the southern end of Long Beach, access the South Beach Trail at the Kwisitis Visitor Centre and connect to the Nuu-Chah-Nuulth Trail.
Rugged trail running along the West Coast Trail
Florencia Bay Beach. Beautiful 4.6 km beach located just south of Long Beach.
Can connect to Long Beach via a 2.5 km connector trail! At the southern end of Long Beach, access the South Beach Trail at the Kwisitis Visitor Centre and connect to the Nuu-Chah-Nuulth Trail.
Essentials
Chesterman Beach: 4.3 km (2.6 miles); Long Beach: 10.8 km (6.7 miles); Florencia Bay Beach: 4.6 km (2.9 miles)
In this coastal town on the east side of Vancouver Island, there's some nice coastal running and numerous interior forest trails, including the popular Holland Creek Trail loop.
Second-largest city on Vancouver Island and reachable by ferry from Vancouver. We've mapped several scenic running routes: coastal paths, beautiful parks, and extensive trail running options.
Some spectacular running options in Parksville: a 2 km path along Rathtrevor Beach; the Top Bridge Trail, including a new pedestrian suspension bridge; and the 6.5 km RDN Recreational Path along the Englishman River. Can be combined!
A scenic and runnable section of the secondary Island Highway that runs along the coast. It's 10k between Union Bay and Buckley Bay. The road is busy but has a wide shoulder and good water views. Fave section is 6 km from Buckley Bay to Union Bay.
A great way to experience some of Vancouver Island's vast forest lands. This 550-acre protected forest features 200 km of trails and logging roads through lush forest, including cedar groves and riparian areas.
In Courtenay on Vancouver Island's east coast, there's 8 km of scenic waterfront running on paved multi-use paths along Comox Harbour and the Courtenay River. Can vary with the Rotary Trail.
A scenic waterfront run in the "Salmon Capital of the World". The Campbell River Seawalk is a 6.7 km paved waterfront path along Discovery Passage. Great water views! You'll cross the 50th parallel! Also nice forest trails in the Beaver Lodge Lands.
This 8 km coastal trail is located in Ucluelet, along the island's rugged west coast. Scenic, fairly easy trail running showcasing coastal forests, bogs, and mudlats. There are two main sections, which can be combined.
Terrific running options in this coastal community on the southern tip of Vancouver Island, 38 km west of Victoria. Run the Whiffin Spit Trail, a section of the Galloping Goose multi-use trail, or more rugged trail running in East Sooke Regional Park.
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Essentials
Chesterman Beach: 4.3 km (2.6 miles); Long Beach: 10.8 km (6.7 miles); Florencia Bay Beach: 4.6 km (2.9 miles)
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Share your feedback on this route and see that of other Great Runs users. Click on the image icon to upload a photo. And please let us know if there are notes or changes we should incorporate!