Hiking Cox Bay Lookout Trail in Tofino, BC

When you’re planning a journey to Tofino, likelihood is you’re eager to discover the climbing trails and benefit from the stunning surroundings that surrounds the beach-side city. Certainly one of Tofino’s worst-kept secrets and techniques is the Cox Bay Lookout path the place you’ll get unbelievable views of the attractive Cox Bay seashore, top-of-the-line views in Tofino in my view.

Although it’s not at busy as a number of the different walks and hikes in Tofino, likelihood is you’ll see fairly a number of folks on this path because it’s not a hidden gem in Tofino.

Tofino is on the unceded conventional territory of the Tla-o-qui-aht First Nation of the Nuu-chah-nulth peoples and the standard keepers of their land.

The way to get to Cox Bay Lookout trailhead

When you’ve travelled to Tofino, you’ll need to head again on the Pacific Rim Freeway. The trailhead for Cox Bay Lookout begins on the southern finish of Cox Bay Seaside which is about 10 minutes from the centre of Tofino.

The car parking zone right here is small and will be fairly straightforward to overlook so maintain your eyes peeled! When you’re coming from Tofino to Cox Bay, then the car parking zone is simply as you go Pacific Sands Beach Resort and Cox Bay Beach Resort.

You may see the parking for Cox Bay Lookout on Google maps here.

Since Cox Bay is widespread with walkers and surfers on the point of do some Cox Bay browsing. The automotive park is small, you’ll often see some vehicles parked alongside the aspect of the highway. If there are indicators saying don’t park right here, respect them and are available again one other time.

You might want to pay for parking right here so be sure to permit sufficient time on your hike!

When you’ve parked up, observe the wood boardwalk all the way down to the seashore.

That is paid parking.

AllTrails is my go-to climbing app for locating, planning and navigating whereas I’m out on the paths. With offline maps on AllTrails+, you will be assured you’re nonetheless heading in the right direction, even with out cell sign.
Don’t let summer pass you by, save 50% on AllTrails+ until July 6!

What to know earlier than climbing to Cox Bay Lookout

• Path situations: You may verify path situations earlier than happening hikes both by asking in Fb teams, checking latest opinions on AllTrails or, if the hike is inside BC Parks, they typically have path situations posted on-line.
• Depart no hint: All the time bear in mind to go away no hint if you’re
• Be AdventureSmart: journey plan, prepare, and take the necessities
• Mud: Many of the trails in Tofino are very muddy all 12 months spherical (you’re in a rainforest in spite of everything!). Don’t put on sneakers/trainers. Be sure you’re sporting correct climbing gear and footwear as a substitute. Don’t attempt to keep away from the mud as you’ll solely make the muddy part even wider – embrace it!
• Headlamp: When you’re planning to hike Cox Bay Lookout for sundown, you’ll want to pack a headlamp to navigate down at midnight. The path is roofed in mud and roots and so that you’ll want greater than your cellphone as a flashlight.
• Navigation: Cox Bay lookout will be laborious to search out and navigate. Be sure you’ve acquired AllTrails+ and have the offline map downloaded that will help you discover the trailhead.
• STICK TO THE WORN DOWN TRAIL: Sure, it’s muddy however strolling off trial will simply injury the vegetation and make extra areas muddy. Keep on with the trodden-down areas and don’t try to keep away from the mud.

What to pack for Cox Bay Lookout

What to pack for this hike is determined by what season you’re climbing in.

• Take a look at my day hike packing checklist right here.
• When you’re climbing in summer season you need to pack sunscreen, sun shades, layers, water and bug spray in addition to every little thing within the 10 necessities for climbing checklist.
• Right here is what to put on climbing in scorching climate
• Take a look at this submit on one of the best leggings for climbing or what to put on climbing in summer season for extra particulars and my gear suggestions.
• When you’re climbing in winter after the snow has began falling you’ll want microspikes on the very least. If there may be lots of snow you’ll most likely want snowshoes.
• You also needs to take loads of layers together with a fleece layer, a puffy insulated jacket and a wind and waterproof outer layer. Hats and gloves are additionally crucial in addition to a good backpack to maintain every little thing in.
• You also needs to pack water and a few snacks too to maintain you going as they’re a part of the 10 necessities for climbing!
• Planning a climbing date? Take a look at what to put on on a climbing date however nonetheless look cool.

Climbing to Cox Bay Tofino

From the seashore at Cox Bay, flip left and head in direction of the southern finish of the seashore.

You’ll must stroll a number of 100 m alongside the seashore which is gorgeous no matter time of 12 months you’re visiting.

On the finish of the seashore, you’re very near the trailhead for Cox Bay Lookout. It may be laborious to see it precisely because it’s fairly overgrown and never signposted.

There are a few routes to entry the path, however one of many best is to search for a stream which is seen about 2/3 of the way in which up from the ocean. The small stream has a trodden-down path subsequent to it. The trail isn’t vast, however you’ll have the ability to see that individuals have walked that method earlier than.

From right here, you may observe the stream to start your hike to Cox Bay Lookout.

After a minute of strolling alongside the stream, the path takes you into the forest. This half can really feel a bit like bushwacking because the ferns and crops are overgrown however that’s all a part of the journey!

You’ll have some small inclines and descents to take care of and also you’ll most likely really feel such as you should be going the mistaken method. Double-check your AllTrails map to be sure to’re nonetheless on monitor and proceed onwards!

There aren’t any views as you hike by means of the forest however the view on the finish is greater than value it.

Take your time as you navigate up and over (and generally beneath!) fallen bushes, roots and dirt.

There’s not an enormous quantity of elevation acquire on this hike, but it surely does take focus to not spend the entire time slipping over.

After round half-hour because you left the seashore, you’ll start to succeed in the highest of the tree cover and get a number of sneak peeks of the view that awaits you.

The ultimate climb is steep and there’s a rope that will help you pull your self up on the rockface. You’re nearly there, proceed to observe the worn-down path and also you’ll arrive on the high.

Arriving at Cox Bay Lookout in Tofino BC

As you attain the highest of Cox Bay Lookout you’ll get an unbelievable view of Cox Bay, the Clayoquot Sound and Chesterman Seaside. It’s also possible to see Lone Cone, one other widespread Tofino hike.

From up right here it’s straightforward to see why so many individuals fall in love with Vancouver Island and Tofino specifically.

This lookout level is nice for watching surfers within the ocean under you in addition to the sundown.

It’s also possible to see south in direction of Ucluelet by following one other path by means of the bushes handed the point of view. It’s not fairly as spectacular because the view of Cox Bay Seaside Tofino, but it surely’s cool to get one other view of this rugged a part of the West Coast even so.

When you’re achieved having fun with the view, head again down the way in which you got here up and will your solution to your automotive within the car parking zone.

Cox Bay Lookout hike stats

• Distance: 2.6 km
• Length: 1-1.5 hours
• Problem: Average (brief and never a lot elevation, however slippery and laborious to navigate in locations)
• Elevation: 115 m
• Trail map

Extra issues to do in Tofino BC

When you’re staying in Tofino or Ucluelet for some time, there are many different enjoyable issues to do close by. A few of my favorite issues to do in Tofino are:

• Go to Tofino Brewing
• Get a taco from the unique Tacofino truck
• Take a surf lesson
• Buy groceries on the cute boutique shops in Tofino corresponding to Merge.

The place to Keep in Tofino

There are some nice locations to remain in Tofino and Ucluelet together with motels, Airbnbs and VRBOs and campgrounds with nice amenities. Listed here are a number of the high Tofino lodging.

• Hotel Zed Tofino: Nice resort that’s near Chesterman Seaside with a lounge sauna and nice breakfast.
• Tofino Motel Harbourview: Proper within the centre of Tofino with harbour views and nice amenities.
• The Shoreline Tofino: Trendy pet-friendly cabins in Tofino for a comfortable, stress-free keep.
• Long Beach Lodge Resort: Located on Lengthy Seaside with stunning rooms and ocean views.
• Pacific Sands Beach Resort: Proper on the seashore with superb views and trendy stunning rooms. That is luxurious however so value it for a special day.
• Ocean Village Resort: Tremendous cute cabins proper on the seashore with a swimming pool and spa.

Ultimate ideas on the Cox Bay Hike Tofino

The Cox Bay Lookout path is likely one of the finest issues to do in Tofino. For a comparatively brief and straightforward hike on Vancouver Island, this path has a number of the finest views you could find.

FAQs concerning the Cox Bay Lookout path in Tofino

Final Up to date on March 2, 2023 by Hannah