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