So you've made it down the road to Bamfield. Now what?
The wonderful thing about Bamfield is that you don't need a packed itinerary. This isn't really a place where you rush from attraction to attraction trying to fit everything into a day.
Bamfield is a place to explore slowly.
Here are our Top 10 Things to Do in Bamfield.
1. Go Fishing
There's a reason so many people make the journey to Bamfield every summer.
The fishing.
Bamfield is a favourite destination for sport fishermen, with access to some spectacular fishing grounds off the west coast of Vancouver Island.
If fishing is one of the main reasons for your trip, plan ahead. Fishing charters can book up well in advance, particularly during the busy summer season.
One of the advantages of staying at Argo's Landing is our dock. Depending on your charter operator, arrangements can be made to pick you up right here.
Walk down to the dock in the morning, climb aboard and head out for a day on the Pacific.
That's a pretty good commute.
2. Go Hiking
You can't talk about hiking in Bamfield without mentioning the West Coast Trail.
Bamfield is home to the northern end of this legendary coastal trail, and hikers from around the world arrive here to begin or finish their journey.
But you don't have to hike the entire West Coast Trail to put on your boots and explore.
There are beautiful shorter walks and day hikes around the area, including the hike out toward Sea Lion Rocks.
And remember: this is the west coast.
If you're visiting during the wetter months, expect mud. Sometimes a lot of mud. Good waterproof footwear and rain gear can turn a soggy day into a great adventure.
3. Spend Some Time at the Beach
Two beaches should definitely be on your Bamfield list: Brady's Beach and Pachena Bay.
Don't feel as though you need to do anything once you get there.
Walk.
Beachcomb.
Sit on a log.
Watch the waves.
Take photographs.
Bring a thermos of coffee and stay awhile.
On a sunny summer day, the beaches can be glorious. In winter, bundle up and experience an entirely different Pacific coast.
Sometimes a wild, grey day is even better.
4. Walk the Bamfield Boardwalk
One of the things that makes Bamfield unusual is that the community is divided by Bamfield Inlet.
Take some time to explore the boardwalk on the west side.
Walk slowly and look at the houses, docks and boats. This isn't a recreated historical attraction—it's part of a living coastal community.
The boardwalk gives you a glimpse into what life in a remote community built around the water actually looks like.
And don't be surprised if the journey itself becomes more interesting than whatever destination you thought you were walking toward.
5. Discover the Bamfield Marine Sciences Centre
The Bamfield Marine Sciences Centre is an important part of our community and an extraordinary place to have right here in Bamfield.
Depending on what programs and access are available during your visit, it's worth discovering what is happening at the centre.
Learn a little about the area's history and the marine environment around us.
And yes—there are some fascinating specimens and fish skeletons used for teaching and research.
If you've ever wondered what some of the creatures living beneath all that Pacific water actually look like, this is a good place to start.
6. Go Birdwatching and Wildlife Watching
You don't necessarily need to go looking for wildlife in Bamfield.
Sometimes you just need to pay attention.
Bring binoculars and watch the shoreline, forest, sky and water.
Bamfield's combination of ocean, inlet, beaches and coastal forest makes simply watching the natural world one of the pleasures of being here.
Slow down enough and you'll be amazed at how much you start noticing.
7. Kayak or Paddleboard Bamfield Inlet
One of the loveliest ways to experience Bamfield is from the water.
On a suitable day, kayaking or paddleboarding in Bamfield Inlet lets you see the community from an entirely different perspective.
Instead of looking out at the inlet, you're suddenly part of it.
Paddle past docks and boats, explore the shoreline and experience how connected this community is to the water.
Always pay attention to weather, tides, boat traffic and your own paddling experience before heading out.
8. Watch the Weather Go By
Yes, we're putting watching the weather on our Top 10 list.
Spend enough time in Bamfield and you'll understand why.
The weather on the west coast is constantly changing.
Fog can roll through. Rain can arrive. The wind picks up. The water changes colour. Clouds move across the inlet and then suddenly a patch of blue appears.
In winter, watching a Pacific storm roll through can be one of the highlights of your stay.
Make something warm to drink, find a comfortable chair and watch.
You don't always need sunshine to have a beautiful day.
9. Read a Book—and Don't Feel Guilty About It
This may be one of the most underrated things to do on vacation.
Nothing.
Pick up the book you've been carrying around for six months.
Make a pot of coffee or tea.
Find a comfortable spot.
Turn your phone off—or wait for Bamfield's cell coverage to do that for you.
And read.
One of the gifts of coming somewhere remote is that you don't have to fill every hour.
Sometimes getting away means giving yourself permission to stop.
10. Have a Meal Out
After fishing, hiking, paddling, beach walking—or accomplishing absolutely nothing all afternoon—go out for a meal.
Bamfield has a small selection of places to eat, and what's open can vary with the season.
That's part of visiting a small remote community.
Check what's open while you're here, choose somewhere that sounds good and enjoy being able to sit down for dinner without fighting city traffic to get there.
And Maybe There's an 11th Thing…
Don't plan everything.
Leave some room in your visit for Bamfield to surprise you.
Talk to someone.
Walk somewhere you hadn't intended to go.
Stay at the beach longer than planned.
Watch the fog come in.
Sit on the dock.
Have another cup of coffee.
Because some of the best things to do in Bamfield aren't really things to d