The weather was glorious as we took the ferry from Horseshoe Bay to Nanaimo. Our first stop on the island was at Qualicum Beach where we met our friend, Pat Little, for lunch. The restaurant had a magnificent view of the beach and the mountains. What a beautiful location.
After lunch we began the drive across the island to Ucluelet where we had an Airbnb booked for the next few days. The road across the island winds its way through mountains and rain forests. It has truly spectacular scenery along the way.
Cathedral Grove
One of my favourite stops on this route is Cathedral Grove, located in MacMillan Provincial Park. We stopped in the roadside parking and took one of the trails which meanders through the untouched Douglas-fir trees. Some of these ancient pillars are more than 800 years old. Hanging moss clings to the branches, ferns cover the forest floor, and as you walk through this majestic wonderland you feel small and rather insignificant.
The narrow road to Ucluelet was under repairs and construction and so travel was slow but eventually we arrived on the west coast and found our accommodation. Our hosts were waiting to welcome us and gave me on a brief tour of the surrounding area. Their house was located just a few steps from a beach and a short walk to the Wild Pacific Trail. I knew the next few days would be perfect.
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