Florencia Bay lies at the southern end of the Long Beach Unit of Pacific Rim National Park Reserve and is known for its impressive sand cliffs. You can reach it in two ways. The Willowbrae Trail runs 1.4 kilometres each way from a trailhead off Willowbrae Road and ends with a long boardwalk staircase that drops steeply to Florencia Bay South. The path is a two to three metre wide gravel track with some slopes over ten degrees, and it was once part of a two-day route between Ucluelet and Tofino before the road was built in 1942. The northern end of Florencia Bay is reached from the Nuu-chah-nulth Trail, which is 2.5 kilometres one way. The beach is a good choice for visitors who want space and a sense of discovery.
The walk
The Willowbrae Trail is moderate rather than hard, with a gentle gravel stretch followed by the big staircase down to the sand. Remember that every step down is a step you must climb on the return, so save some energy and take your time. About 1.3 kilometres from the trailhead, the Halfmoon Bay Trail branches off for a further 1.
8 kilometres one way, on an 80-centimetre boardwalk with many steps and long staircases, ending at a sandy driftwood beach that is among the less frequented spots in the area. Muddy stretches can have poor footing, so wear good shoes.
The beach
Florencia Bay is a place for beachcombing, long views and big skies, with sand cliffs at its back and a stack of driftwood above the high-tide line. Surfers sometimes use the bay, but conditions are strong and there are no lifeguards, so treat the water with respect and stay out of it unless you are experienced. As elsewhere on this coast, stay off wet rocks, keep above the high-tide line and watch for sudden larger waves.
Practical planning
The trailhead is about two kilometres south of the Ucluelet and Tofino junction, and it is not signed from the highway, so use a map and look for Willowbrae Road. Parking is minimal and there is no room for RVs or buses, so arrive early, particularly in summer. There is a composting outhouse at the trailhead. The north end of the bay has a popular day-use lot that often fills, and visitors should not park on the narrow road because that blocks emergency vehicles.
RVs and buses should use the Kwisitis Visitor Centre lot. A park pass applies in the Long Beach Unit, so buy the one you need before you set out, and check Parks Canada's trail conditions page for closures.
Plan the day around energy and light. Bring water and a snack, since there are no services at either end, and pack a rain jacket because weather can change quickly on the exposed beach. The sand cliffs look best in low, warm light, so late afternoon is lovely if you allow enough daylight for the climb back to the car. Leave valuables out of your vehicle at the trailhead, take your litter with you and keep your voice down on the quieter stretches of trail so you can hear the birds and the surf.
What to expect
The experience
A self-guided hike of 2.8 kilometres return on the Willowbrae Trail, ending with a steep boardwalk staircase to a quiet beach.
Best time
A dry morning for the easiest going and the best light on the sand cliffs; a rising tide on a stormy day for big swells seen from above.
How long
Two to three hours return, longer if you add the Halfmoon Bay branch or linger on the sand.
Tips
Look for Willowbrae Road because the trailhead is not signed from the highway, wear shoes with grip and save energy for the climb back.
Quick picks
- Best for
- Walkers who want a quieter beach and are comfortable with a steep staircase.
- Families
- Suitable for older children who enjoy hiking, but the long staircase is hard on small legs and strollers.
- Couples
- A peaceful beach with sand cliffs and room to wander away from the crowds.
- Pair with
- Combine it with Long Beach and the Kwisitis Visitor Centre, a few minutes north.
- Time needed
- Two to three hours.
Good questions
How long is the Willowbrae Trail?+
It is 1.4 kilometres one way, or 2.8 kilometres return, and ends with a long staircase down to Florencia Bay South. Allow two to three hours including time on the beach.
Where is the trailhead?+
It is off Willowbrae Road, about two kilometres south of the Ucluelet and Tofino junction, and it is not signed from the highway. Parking is minimal and there is no space for RVs or buses.
What is Halfmoon Bay?+
It is a sandy driftwood beach reached by a 1.8-kilometre branch trail, with many steps and staircases. It is one of the less frequented spots in this part of the park.
Can I swim or surf at Florencia Bay?+
The water is cold, conditions can be strong and there are no lifeguards. Most visitors stay on the sand, and surfers should be experienced.
Do I need a park pass?+
Park fees apply in the Long Beach Unit, so buy the pass you need before you park and check the park's site for current options.
