There are four trail heads to the Marine Trail at Botanical Beach, Parkinson Creek, Sombrio Beach, and China Beach. Day and multi-day hiking trips can begin at any of these trail heads which also offer many day use opportunities.

Botanical Beach affords visitors access to uniquely rich tide pools and shoreline trails with fantastic geological features. It is a good idea to check local tide tables to maximize opportunities for wildlife and tide pool viewing. A low tide of 1.2 m ( 4 feet ) or less is best for viewing. The area offers parking, toilets, information, and picnic areas. A number of trails: Mill Bay ( some steep sections), Botany Bay, botanical Loop ( connects Botany and Botanical Beach) and botanical Beach are suitable hiking for most young children and the elderly ( 20 minutes one way on each trail). No camping or fires allowed.

Parkinson Creek trail head provides access to begin or end a day long (10 km ) hike to Botanical Beach or a 9 km hike to Sombrio. This is a moderate section of the trail through beautiful mature forest. Watch for the marine mammals that frequent this area.

Sombrio Beach is a large cobble beach and an easy 10 minute (one way) walk along the trail from the parking lot. Explore the beach, camp, surf, or hike eastward along the beach ( 30 minutes one way) .

China Beach the find sand beach is ideal for picnicking, sand building, wading, and relaxing. A wide, gravel trail ( some steep sections) suitable for most young children and the elderly ( 20 minutes one way ) takes you from the parking lot through mature forest to the beach. Take a short walk to the western end of the beach to the waterfall or wander at length to the east.

Camping

Detailed maps of campsites are installed on the trail at each designated camping location.

Fees: The camping fee is $5.00 per person / night, for all persons 13 years of age or older. Fees are subject to change without notice. Self registration envelopes and safes are located at each trail head for depositing your camping fee. Cash only ( bring exact change).

Trail heads over night camping in your vehicle is allowed at China Beach, Sombrio, and Parkinson Creek. The camping fee applies for overnight camping in the parking lots. No overnight camping is allowed at Botanical Beach. Private facilities are available in nearby Port Renfrew.

Camping along the Juan de Fuca Marine Trail is available in both beach and forest sites:

Beach sites: camping at Mystic Beach, Bear Beach, Chin Beach, and Sombrio Beach (east) is available on the beach. There is no designated site. Remember to camp on the beach to prevent degradation of the forest vegetation.

Forest sites: camping at Little Kuiche Creek and Payzant Creek is in the forest and away from the beach. There is limited or no shoreline access. Fires are not permitted at these sites. A portable camp stove will be required for cooking. Camp only on the designated tent pads.

Limited Group size: group size should be limited to a maximum of 10 people. The trail standards and park facilities such as campsites are not designed to accommodate larger groups.

Beach cut offs

Watch for orange balls as you hike, they mark an exit from the beach to the trail. With high tides and during storms, beaches may be cut off from the trail. See campground maps on trail for exact location. Use Canadian Tide Tables "Tofino" section. Remember to add one hour to the listed tidal times during May - October as Daylight Savings Time is in effect.

BC Environment Fishing Regulations Synopsis