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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.

By Ethan Anderson| Reviewed by Olivia Bennett, Standards & Fact-Checking Lead| Updated July 26, 2026|2 min read| Fact-checked

Long Beach is the largest and longest beach in Pacific Rim National Park Reserve on the west coast of Vancouver Island, British Columbia, Canada. It lies on Wickaninnish Bay between Tofino and Ucluelet and is known for its exposed Pacific surf and early surfing culture in British Columbia. The beach is a major Canadian coastal landmark and a popular destination for surfing, camping, and nature tourism.

Geography

Long Beach is located on the west coast of Vancouver Island in British Columbia, within Pacific Rim National Park Reserve. It fronts Wickaninnish Bay and lies between the communities of Tofino and Ucluelet.

Recreation and surfing

The beach’s exposure to Pacific swells has made it a major surfing destination and one of the earliest surf sites in British Columbia. It is also associated with camping, picnic areas, and beach access facilities nearby.

Park setting

Long Beach forms part of the protected coastal landscape of Pacific Rim National Park Reserve. Its setting includes adjacent park infrastructure and a highway that follows the shoreline. The Tofino–Ucluelet highway runs parallel to the full length of the beach.

Natural features

The beach includes rocky features in the mid-tidal zone that can be reached only at low tide. Its broad, sandy shoreline and open-ocean exposure are defining characteristics.

Key facts

  • Long Beach is the largest and longest beach in Pacific Rim National Park Reserve.
  • It is situated on Wickaninnish Bay between Tofino and Ucluelet.
  • The beach is exposed to the open Pacific Ocean and known for reliable surf.
  • It was one of the earliest and most popular surfing locations in British Columbia.
  • The Tofino–Ucluelet highway runs parallel to the full length of the beach.
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Canadian context

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

Frequently asked 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.
What body of water is Long Beach on?
It is on Wickaninnish Bay, facing the open Pacific Ocean.
Are there facilities near Long Beach?
Yes. The beach is adjoined by campgrounds and picnic areas, and the highway runs alongside it.

References

  1. Wikipedia — https://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 Canada — https://www.pc.gc.ca/pn-np/bc/pacificrim/activ/plage-long-long-beach
    Supports: Identifies Long Beach Unit within Pacific Rim National Park Reserve.