One of my favourite places in Pacific Rim National Park Reserve are the dunes at Wickaninnish Beach. It is unusual to see many (if any) people in the dunes so it is easy to imagine the wildness of the place, despite the signs and tracks of people who have gone before you. From a botanical perspective it is a very interesting place to visit. At this time of the year plants are just starting to put forth new growth and I saw some signs of fresh yellow sand-verbena leaves in the sand.

This early in the season, I was alone with the sand, the grass, and the windswept dunes…

Getting There:

Follow Parks Canada signage to the Kwisitis Centre on Wickaninnish Beach. It is about a 20 minute walk north on the beach to the dunes from the centre. A shorter walk is possible by parking in Parking Lot “E.”

Pacific Rim National Park Reserve