Shorepine Bog

Shorepine Bog is a hiking trail exploring a sensitive ecological eco system located in the Pacific Rim National Park near the communities of Tofino and Ucluelet, British Columbia, Canada. The trail follows along a raised boardwalk path weaving around shorepine trees and dwarfed shrubs like Labrador Tea and Bog Laurel.

The 800 metre loop Shorepine Bog Trail is an easy grade and wheel chair accessible pathway. Along the pathway there are viewing benches and a few interpretive signs. There are signs explaining the importance of protecting bogs, wetlands and marshes.

The Shorepine Bog is home to many plant and wildlife species. There are dwarfed Yellow Cedar trees, twisted Southpine trees, Skunk Cabbage, salal, Deer Fern and some False Lily of the Valley.

Bogs are moist wetland-like fields left behind from the ice age. The acidic soils and the lack of drainage help create sphagnum which is the rustic, multi-layered coloured moss on the the bog floor. When sphagnum builds up it begins to form islands around trees and stumps. These are referred to as hummocks.

The bog also attracts many kinds of song birds to the area. It is a must visit destination for birdwatchers and sightseeing enthusiasts. The boardwalk path does have a few sitting benches in strategic areas for visitors who want to take a moment and watch the wildlife.

The bog is a sensitive ecological area and all who visit must stay on the trail. No wandering off the trail. Pack out what you pack in as there are no little barrels on the trail. In the parking lot are some garbage cans and picnic tables for some snack time if you need a break.

All visitors to the park must have a Park Use Permit. Pack out what you pack in.

How to get to the Shorepine Bog

Travel towards the community of Tofino, BC. From the Pacific Rim Hwy look for the road signs indicating the Wickaninnish Interpretive Centre. Turn onto Wickaninnish Road and travel towards the centre. On your left will be a sign indicating the parking lot for Florencia Beach, drive past it for 300 metres to the Shorepine parking lot area.