The west coast of Vancouver Island offers rugged coastlines, sweeping beaches, sand dunes and thick temperate rainforests. All these natural wonders can be seen and experienced at the Pacific Rim National Park Reserve, located between Ucluelet and Tofino, BC. While this now tourist destination draws millions of visitors every year, the coastal landscapes of this region remain vital to the livelihood and heritage of its first people: the Nuu-chah-nulth.
The Nuu-chah-nulth people were the first to call the west coast of Vancouver Island home. The regions within the Pacific Rim National Park are the traditional territory of nine Nuu-chah-nulth nations, including:
Tla-o-qui-aht First Nations and Yuułuʔiłʔatḥ in the Long Beach region, including Tofino, Ucluelet and Kennedy Lake.
Tseshaht First Nation, Toquaht Nation, Hupacasath First Nation, and the Uchucklesaht Tribe in the Broken Group Island unit.
Huu-ay-aht First Nations, Ditidaht First Nation, and Pacheedaht First Nation near Bamfield and along the west coast trail to Port Renfrew.
Nuu-chah-nulth Tribal Council is a self-government that promotes strong, healthy, Nuu-chah-nulth communities.
If you visit this exceptionally beautiful and special place in British Columbia, Canada, your trip will be incomplete without learning about the Nuu-chah-nulth people, past and present. Fortunately, Parks Canada works with local Indigenous groups and leaders to accurately share and present their rich history, traditions, and culture.
Learning about the Nuu-Chah-Nulth at Long Beach, BC
The iconic Long Beach is located in the Pacific Rim National Park, between Tofino and Ucluelet, BC. This is the traditional territory of the Tla-o-qui-aht First Nations and Yuułuʔiłʔatḥ peoples. It draws visitors for surfing, beach combing, picnics, hiking and long, lazy days relaxing in soft sand. It also has several learning opportunities, both inside and outdoors.
Kwisitis Visitor Centre
The Kwisitis Visitor Centre is located on the south end of Wickaninnish Beach. Kwisitismeans “other end of the beach” in the Nuu-chah-nulth language, fitting given the centre’s location. It’s perched right on the beach, overlooking the sweeping sands to the north along Wick Beach and the rocky headlands that divide sandy coves to the south.
The centre is like a small museum and interpretive centre, offering displays of West Coast wildlife, history, and the Nuu-chah-nulth people and culture. You can explore a replica of a First Nations longhouse and whale hunt and listen to stories of Nuu-chah-nulth elders about their people’s history and culture.
Nu-chah-nulth Trail
The 2.5 km Nuu-chah-nulth Trail connects Wickaninnish Beach to South Beach and further on to the historic Florencia Bay. The walk itself is stunning, following the coastline to allow views of rocky headlands, sandy coves and the bouldered beach of South Bay. Then, follow the trail through the thick rainforest, along boardwalks over a rainforest bog to Florencia Bay.
The trail offers colourful interpretive signs along the way, sharing interesting information about the culture, tradition and heritage of the Nuu-chah-nulth people. The interpretive signs are often in the voice of local First Nations, telling the story of their people and giving visitors a glimpse at what life was like here before it was a national park and tourist destination. There is also an authentic totem pole closer to the Wickaninish Beach end of the trail.
There is parking, pit toilets and picnic areas at both ends of the trail. If you don’t want to hike 2.5 km back to where you started, plan to park a car on each end.
Learning about the Nuu-Chah-Nulth in the Broken Group Islands, BC
The Broken Group Islands is a protected archipelago in the Pacific Rim National Park. It consists of over 100 islands, inlets, and rocky headlands scattered in Barkley Sound between Ucluelet and Bamfield, BC. The Broken Group can only be accessed by boat, and it is a popular paddle destination for sea kayakers.
This area is the traditional territory of the Tseshaht First Nation and Hupacasath First Nation, and the Toquaht Nation and Uchucklesaht Tribe also have treaty rights within the park reserve.
Benson Island
Benson Island (C’isaa) is the birthplace of the Tseshaht First Nation. The Tseshaht and archaeologists have evidence that the island has been occupied for at least 5,000 years. An ancient village was once home to over 8,500 Tseshaht people.
When you land on Benson Island, you’re greeted by the Tseshaht house post. Carved by a local Tseshaht artist named Gordon Dick, this post welcomes you on your self-guided tour of the island and honours the island’s rich history. You’ll also find two interpretive signs that share interesting information about the Tseshaht First Nation.
Beach Keepers
If you’re boating or sea kayaking in this part of the park, you might meet a Beach Keeper. Beach Keepers welcome visitors, provide key information about safety, and how to preserve the human, natural, and cultural history of this legendary place. Taking care of the land and waters and welcoming people to them is a continued legacy born of ancient Indigenous protocol.
Learning about the Nuu-Chah-Nulth along the West Coast Trail, BC
The West Coast Trail is one of Canada’s most famous multi-day backpacking routes. Hikers experience firsthand the rugged wilderness of the wild coast, including thick forests, cliffs, sand-swept beaches, crashing waves of the open Pacific Ocean, waterfalls, and rain—lots of rain.
This iconic trail carves a path through the traditional territories of the Huu-ay-aht, Ditidaht and Pacheedaht First Nations. If you’re hiking the trail, you might encounter a First Nations Guardian of the West Coast Trail. These are the traditional guardians of the lands and waters here and will be from one of the local nations. They care for the trails, protect the land and visit with hikers. Sometimes, a guardian will sit by the fire, visiting and telling stories. Sometimes, they’ll give you a simple wave and hello, passing you on the trail. Don’t be shy to stop them and ask them questions. They are deeply connected to the land you are exploring.
Learn more about the Guardians of the West Coast Trail.
