Vargas Island

Roughly 7 miles nautical mile north of Tofino, British Columbia, sits the wild and untamed Vargas Island. Officially, it is divided in two main parts, a Clayoquot Yarksis First Nation Community and a Provincial Park, where visiting and camping on the beach is permitted.

The western exposure of the island yields a giant three mile long beach backed by a dense forest, filled with cougars, black bears and wolves.
The northern expanse of the island is an open estuary with numerous tidal pools, clam beds and a river fished by hundreds of bald eagles.

Vargas Island is a chance to experience true wilderness, but on the doorstep of a hip surf town.

Coordinates for Vargas Island

49°10'52.6"N 126°00'37.2"W

Directions:

You'll first need to get out to the Vancouver Island, by way of a ferry from Vancouver or Tsawwassen, Canada or from the US side at Port Angeles or Anacortes, Washington.

Once you are out on the island, take TransCanada 1 north to Nanaimo, and follow 19 North to Qaulicum. Take Route 4 West toward Port Alberni.

From Port Alberni, continue on Route 4 toward Tofino.
Once in Tofino you can hire a water taxi or launch your boat at the 4th Street Wharf.

Consult a nautical chart and wind your way out of the Tofino channel and and wind your way around to the western exposed beach of Vargas Island. This side of the island is the official Provincial Park where camping is allowed anywhere.