Southern Clayoquot Sound is the most developed region along the west coast of Vancouver Island. Pacific Rim National Park dominates this area with its spectacular sandy beaches stretching approximately 30 km, providing endless opportunities for beachcombing and wildlife viewing. The whale watching festival happens during the last few weeks of March, marking the peak period of the annual gray whale migration. Meares Island declared a tribal park is an exceptional site within the region, with its hiking trails through ancient rainforests. The area is teeming with native culture and numerous archeological sites dating back thousands of years. To the south is the small fishing village of Ucluelet, considered the gateway to Barkley Sound and the Broken Islands.