At World's Edge

The real Pacific Ocean is on the edge of the west coast of Vancouver Island. The waves here are big and loud. They were generated on the other side of the Pacific and don’t stop until they pound into the shore. Standing on Cox Bay, my favourite beach along this coast, and looking west, you can actually see the curve of the Earth. The next stop is Japan. The tides here ebb way out leaving flat, compressed sand perfect for running.

It is worth the 2.5 to 3 hour drive on the No. 4 highway from the Nanaimo ferry to get to this coast. There are many trails, roads and beaches to run between Ucluelet and Tofino with Pacific Rim National Park in between. I think the best, no- brainer, beach run has to be along Cox Bay, five kilometres south of Tofino and next door to Chesterman Beach which usually draws more attention. But Cox Bay’s smaller, seamless crescent shape and more magnificent wave action makes for a stunning route.

The best time for the run is at low tide so the sand is damp and solid and the beach is big and flat. Start from outside the Pacific Sands Resort (my long time favourite accommodation) and run south to the end of the beach. The distance is deceptive and like a bad dream, the end never seems to come as you keep running. If you are lucky you will come across an intact sand dollar as a souvenir. Once at the end of the curve check out the multi-coloured starfish and anemones clustered under the rocks. Then do your turn around and go past the resort and behind the townhouses to the trail for Sunset Point. This trail is only for Pacific Sands guests, so another reason to stay there. There is a boardwalk through the trees then a rock and grass path along the rocky shore to the point. Climb up the trail and you are at point. To the right is Chesterman Beach and Frank Island, farther out the Lennard Island Lighthouse and everywhere else endless waves. Back to the room for a hot tub. Oh, my goodness!

Run Stats
Distance: Approx. 4.5 km
Elevation: flat with a short climb if you go up to Sunset Point
Surface: sand, boardwalk, trail
Dog Situation: Let them run wild. Doggie heaven.

Après Run

The best place for an après run coffee is in Tofino, where there are numerous venues, my favourite being:
Common Loaf Bakery: 180 1st Street, Tofino [the laid back place for baking and caffeine]
Sobo: 311 Neill Street, Tofino [I still miss their trailer location, but they kept the fish tacos]

Copyright 2010 Kelly L

Ocean to the Left of Us, Mountains to the Right

Welcome to the first posting for Beautiful Running Routes in Canada (and Beyond). This blog will showcase running routes that are special for their stunning views, amazing locales and just because they are a great run. Runs will be nominated and tested for their awesomeness by yours truly and my running soul mates across the country. Run statistics and apres run refreshment recommendations follow each posting.

The first route will naturally be from my home town, West Vancouver, British Columbia. West Vancouver is just across the Lions Gate Bridge on the north shore of greater Vancouver.

For an east to west run on this route, park behind the Park Royal shopping centre off Marine Drive in West Van. The asphalt trail starts along the Capilano River and curves through the woods, under the train bridge and along the doggie walk section of the seawall of Ambleside Beach. On the left is English Bay, the Lions Gate Bridge and across the water, Stanley Park.

After passing the beach, the seawall turns into a pedestrian friendly one-way road for a kilometre and then goes back on a trail and seawall at John Lawson Park. Here, the Dundarave seawall gives you a drop dead view out to the Gulf Islands interrupted only by the anchored freighters in the Bay. The west side of Vancouver and the University of B.C. will now be on the left and the north shore mountains and Lighthouse Park are on the right.

The seawall ends at the Dundarave Pier so run out to the end and this will be your turn around to head back to Ambleside Beach. The way back has incredible views of the Bridge and into Vancouver Harbour.

Run Stats

Distance: 10 km

Elevation: Negligible, in other words pretty flat

Surface: Paved seawall and part trail

Apres Run Refreshments

East End: Cafe Artigiano, 5J-925 Main St., Park Royal South, West Van. [for the fanciest lattes]

West End: The Bakehouse, 2500 Marine Drive, West Van. [try the Health Nut]

Copyright 2010 Kelly W. all rights reserved