Map of Businesses

Discover Bamfield: A Hidden Gem on Vancouver Island

Nestled on the western edge of Vancouver Island, Bamfield is a charming coastal community offering an array of experiences for visitors seeking adventure, relaxation, and a taste of the wild beauty of British Columbia. This remote and picturesque village is known for its stunning natural landscapes, vibrant marine life, and a warm, welcoming atmosphere that captivates everyone who visits.

Outdoor Adventures and Natural Wonders

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Bamfield is a haven for outdoor enthusiasts. With its pristine waters, it's an ideal location for kayaking, fishing, and diving. The rich marine environment promises encounters with diverse sea life, making it a favorite spot for nature lovers and photographers. Hiking trails weave through lush forests, offering breathtaking views of the rugged coastline and serene beaches. One can spend hours exploring the scenic trails, discovering hidden coves, and marveling at the untouched beauty of the area.

Camping and Lodging

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Whether you're an avid camper or prefer the comforts of a vacation suite or lodge, Bamfield has something to suit every preference. Numerous campgrounds dot the region, providing both rustic and well-equipped options for setting up tents or parking RVs. For those seeking a more luxurious stay, vacation suites and lodges offer cozy accommodations with stunning views of the ocean and forest. These facilities provide the perfect base for your adventures, ensuring a restful night after a day of exploration.

Culinary Delights and Essential Services

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While Bamfield may feel like a remote paradise, it boasts a variety of dining options to satisfy your culinary cravings. From fresh seafood to hearty meals, the local food and beverage scene offers something for every palate. Additionally, the community is well-equipped with essential services such as camping supplies, automotive needs, and moorage and fuel for boating enthusiasts. You'll find everything you need to ensure a comfortable and enjoyable stay.

Year-Round Events and Recreation

Download the PDF Map of of Events

Bamfield is alive with activity throughout the year, hosting a range of events that celebrate its unique culture and natural beauty. From seasonal festivals to community gatherings, there's always something happening to engage and entertain visitors. The area's abundant recreational opportunities, including boating, wildlife watching, and beachcombing, provide endless possibilities for adventure and relaxation in every season.

Bamfield is more than just a destination; it's an experience that leaves a lasting impression on all who visit. Whether you're seeking thrilling outdoor activities, a peaceful retreat, or a chance to connect with nature, Bamfield offers a slice of paradise on Vancouver Island that's waiting to be explored.

Download the PDF Map of Businesses

Getting to Bamfield

Bamfield aerial photo An Aerial View of Bamfield

Getting to Bamfield is a bit more complicated than hopping off a plane in Vancouver and taking a ferry ride to Vancouver Island. It requires a bit more driving, including going down a well maintained public/private logging road, or boarding a passenger ferry - from Port Alberni. But once you get here you are rewarded with small town charm and natural beauty.

Ferries to Vancouver Island

From Washington, USA: Washington State Ferry service from Anacortes to Sidney (Victoria). Crossing time is 3 hours. For schedule information visit www.wsdot.wa.gov/ferries/schedules.

OR: Black Ball Transport (M/V Coho) ferry service from Port Angeles to Victoria. Schedule information on the Coho Ferry website

From Vancouver to Victoria: BC Ferry service from Tsawwassen to Swartz Bay. Crossing time is 1 hour and 35 minutes.

From Vancouver to Nanaimo: BC Ferry service from Horseshoe Bay (West Vancouver) to Departure Bay. Crossing time is 1 hour and 35 minutes. OR - BC Ferry service from Tsawwassen to Duke Point. Crossing time is 2 hours.

For BC Ferry schedule information, check the BC Ferries Website.

From Port Alberni to Bamfield: The M/V Lady Rose provides ferry and freight service to Bamfield three times weekly on Tuesday, Thursday and Saturday. Additional sailings during the summer months. Passenger service only.

Driving to Bamfield

For current Bamfield road conditions, visit the Facebook page of Western Forest Products.

From Victoria: There are two options for getting to Bamfield.

Via Duncan: Travel north on the #1 Island Highway to Duncan (1 hour). Just north of Duncan turn left on Hwy. 18, travelling west to Lake Cowichan. Passing through Lake Cowichan, you will enter a network of gravel logging roads. Follow the signs for Bamfield. The logging route approximately 120kms. Total travel time is ~ 4 hours.

Via Port Alberni: Travel north on the #1 Island Highway to Nanaimo. Continue north through Nanaimo, turning right at the Hwy. 4 exit for Port Alberni/Bamfield. Once you arrive in Port Alberni, follow the signs for Bamfield and the Pacific Rim National Park Reserve. You will enter a gravel logging road that is approximately 76 kms. Follow the signs to Bamfield. Total travel time is ~ 4.5 hours.

From Nanaimo: From Departure Bay, turn right on the #1 Island Highway travelling north. Follow the directions as above to Port Alberni. Total travel time is ~ 3 hours.

Bamfield by Air

From Vancouver, Nanaimo, or Port Alberni: Pacific Seaplanes runs scheduled flights to Bamfield. Check their website for schedule and contact info: PacificSeaplanes.net

IMPORTANT TIPS:

Regardless of your start point, you will eventually be driving on a semi-public, logging road. The road is well maintained and well travelled, however, it is important for you to know the following:

The road is narrow and winding which reduces visibility. It is recommended that you drive with your headlights on and reduce speeds accordingly. Pull over whenever possible to let others pass you.
You will likely encounter logging trucks on the road as current logging activity is 7 days per week. They have the right of way, so please be considerate and yield to them. The truck drivers will generally pull over to let you pass once they are in an area where it is safe to do so.
There are no rest stops or gas stations en route so ensure that your gas tank is filled before you embark on the logging road. It is always a good idea to carry some bottled water and snacks with you.
Ensure that your fluids are topped up and that the spare tire is in good working order.

Attractions

Shawnigan Lake Museum

CVRD Parks
The Cowichan Valley Regional District maintains 14 parks in the Shawnigan Lake area.
Kinsol Trestle
The largest wooden trestle in the Commonwealth and one of the highest railway trestles in the world. Part of the Trans Canada Trail.
Memory Island Provincial Park
Enjoy quiet nature viewing and picnicking on one of the only protected park islands found in a major destination lake.
Shawnigan Lake Museum
Official web site for the Shawnigan Lake Historical Society.
West Shawnigan Lake Provincial Park
This small day-use park provides a sanctuary for Douglas fir forest, as well as lakeside beach access on the northwest shores of Shawnigan Lake. This popular summer recreation area offers a wealth of outdoor activities, including swimming, paddling and fishing in the trout-stocked waters. It’s also an idyllic place to enjoy a family picnic.

Bamfield Events

Bamfield Tuna Shootout

September

The Bamfield Tuna Shootout is Western Canada’s first and only Tuna derby, occurring informally in 2011 and 2012. It began modestly with three boats and ten anglers in its first year but has since seen significant growth. 2013 was the first organized event and featured 25 boats and 100 anglers. 2014 saw continued growth with 44 boats and over 200 anglers.

Music by the Sea

July

For more information about the event, visit their website.

flowers on boardwalk Beautiful summer in Bamfield.

paddling The everyday beauty of the Bay.

Bamfield Community School Association

Please visit the Bamfield Community School Association for a list of Bamfield Community news and events.

Community Affairs Meetings

For minutes from Community Affairs Meetings, please visit this link.

big fish Catch a fish right outside of the harbour!

Board of Directors

Shawnigan Lake Business Association Board of Directors 2016-2017

Kathy Paton, KP Photography - Chair
Marsha McMurchy, Changing Seasons Apparel - Vice Chair
Dewar McCarthy, Dewar McCarthy & Company - Treasurer
Bonnie Cuthbertson, LT Dance Studio - Secretary
Andy Cooke, Shawnigan Gardens - Director
Brandy Gallagher, OUR Ecovillage - Director
Lisa Wanless, Lisa Channell Bookkeeping Services - Director

Dear visitors to the Bamfield and Anacla area, due to the COVID-19 crisis, we respectfully ask that you save your visit for another time. Our 2 communities have a large percentage of vulnerable people, and very little in the way of medical services.

We look forward to having you spend time in our communities, but please wait until this pandemic has passed.

Sincerely,

The Bamfield Chamber of Commerce