Getting to Pacific Rim National Park
Pacific Rim National Park sits in BC, Canada, with Ucluelet the nearest town of any size — about 12.4 km (7.7 mi) out, or roughly 21 min of driving.
Drive times from Pacific Rim National Park
Pacific Rim National Park sits close enough to Gulf Islands National Park, Olympic National Park, and North Cascades National Park that one drive from home can cover more than one park.
| Park | Apart | Estimated drive |
|---|---|---|
| Gulf Islands National Park | 164 km (102 mi) | 2 hr 51 min |
| Olympic National Park | 199 km (123 mi) | 3 hr 22 min |
| North Cascades National Park | 329 km (204 mi) | 5 hr 17 min |
Towns to base yourself in
| Town | Distance | Estimated drive |
|---|---|---|
| Ucluelet | 12.4 km (7.7 mi) | 21 min |
| Tofino | 22.9 km (14.2 mi) | 36 min |
| Port Alberni | 68.3 km (42.4 mi) | 1 hr 25 min |
| Gold River | 89.4 km (55.5 mi) | 1 hr 46 min |
| Courtenay | 89.5 km (55.6 mi) | 1 hr 46 min |
| Comox | 91.5 km (56.9 mi) | 1 hr 48 min |
| Hornby Island | 93.1 km (57.8 mi) | 1 hr 49 min |
| Qualicum Beach | 96.9 km (60.2 mi) | 1 hr 53 min |
How to read these numbers
Distances are straight-line between the town and the park centre. Drive estimates add a road factor and an average speed, which is close enough for planning but wrong wherever mountains, ferries, or seasonal closures are involved.
Inside a large park, getting from the entrance to the part you came to see can add another hour or more.
Region pages
Common questions
What is the closest town to Pacific Rim National Park?
Ucluelet, about 12.4 km (7.7 mi) away — roughly 21 min of driving.
Where should I stay when visiting Pacific Rim National Park?
The practical bases are Ucluelet, Tofino, and Port Alberni — all within a reasonable drive of the park.