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July 30, 2026Short & citedBlog
Civic Viewpoint.
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Civic Brief • Canada Notes

Long Beach (British Columbia)

Long Beach is the largest and longest beach in Pacific Rim National Park Reserve on the west coast of Vancouver Island, British Columbia, Canada.

Updated July 30, 20261 min readCited sources

Long Beach is the largest and longest beach in Pacific Rim National Park Reserve on the west coast of Vancouver Island, British Columbia. It lies on Wickaninnish Bay between Tofino and Ucluelet and is known for its exposed Pacific surf and early surfing culture in British Columbia.

What it is

Long Beach is a broad, sandy shoreline on the open Pacific Ocean, forming part of Pacific Rim National Park Reserve. It stretches along Wickaninnish Bay between the communities of Tofino and Ucluelet, with the Tofino–Ucluelet highway running parallel to its full length. The beach is managed by Parks Canada and includes rocky mid-tidal islets accessible only at low tide.

Why it matters

Long Beach is one of the earliest and most popular surfing destinations in British Columbia, thanks to its consistent Pacific swells. It is a major Canadian coastal landmark and a key attraction for surfing, camping, and nature tourism on Vancouver Island. The beach's protected setting within a national park reserve highlights its ecological and recreational significance.

Key details

The beach is exposed to the open Pacific Ocean and offers reliable surf conditions. It features campgrounds and picnic areas nearby, and the highway provides easy access. The mid-tidal rocky features are a notable natural characteristic, reachable only during low tide.

In short

  • Long Beach is the largest beach in Pacific Rim National Park Reserve.
  • It is a historic surfing hotspot on Vancouver Island's west coast.
  • The beach lies between Tofino and Ucluelet on Wickaninnish Bay.
  • Rocky islets in the mid-tidal zone are accessible only at low tide.
Canadian angle

Long Beach is a major Canadian coastal landmark in British Columbia and a well-known destination for surfing, camping, and nature tourism.

Quick questions

Where is Long Beach in British Columbia?
It is on the west coast of Vancouver Island in Pacific Rim National Park Reserve, between Tofino and Ucluelet.
Why is Long Beach well known?
It is known for its long sandy shoreline, strong surf, and status as one of British Columbia’s earliest popular surfing beaches.
Is Long Beach part of a national park?
Yes. It is within Pacific Rim National Park Reserve.

Sources

  1. Wikipediahttps://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Long_Beach_(British_Columbia)
    Supports: Describes Long Beach as the largest and longest beach in Pacific Rim National Park Reserve, its location on Wickaninnish Bay, and its surfing significance.
  2. Parks Canadahttps://www.pc.gc.ca/pn-np/bc/pacificrim/activ/plage-long-long-beach
    Supports: Identifies Long Beach Unit within Pacific Rim National Park Reserve.