Getting Here & FAQ’s
Thank you for deciding to join us for the Bamfield Fungus Festival! Please take a look at the following information to prepare for your trip to Bamfield, and get an idea of what to expect during the festival.
Getting here…
via Port Alberni: From Port Alberni, follow the signs for Bamfield and the Pacific Rim National Park Reserve. Approximately 76 km of paved logging road. Travel time ~ 1.5 hours.
via Duncan*: Turn left on Hwy. 18 north of Duncan, towards Lake Cowichan. Continue past Lake Cowichan and through Youbou, after which you will enter a network of gravel logging roads. Follow the signs for Bamfield. The gravel logging route is approximately 120kms. Total travel time from Duncan is ~ 3 hours.
*When travelling this route, drivers must come prepared for rough gravel road conditions. Tips for safe travel:
- Make sure your gas tank is full. Fill up in Duncan, Lake Cowichan or Youbou (fall hours for the Youbou gas station are in effect).
- Always expect the unexpected, travel during the day, and give yourself more time on your trip than expected.
- Familiarize yourself with the route before leaving, as cell service is unreliable.
- Check in with someone when you leave and when you arrive at your destination.
- Ensure you have at least one spare tire, and that you know how to change it.
- Pack food, water and a blanket in your car should you need to spend the night.
via passenger ferry from Port Alberni: http://www.ladyrosemarine.com/
via West Coast Trail Express bus: https://trailbus.com/west-coast-trail-schedule
For more information, please consult: https://www.bamfieldchamber.com/about-bamfield/bamfield-transit
FAQ’s
Festival tickets and registration
Tickets for the workshops and Dance Party can be purchased through Eventbrite.
All other events are entry by donation and do not require tickets or pre-registration – show up on time at the indicated location and enjoy! Donations help us continue to make this festival happen.
Transportation to events on the west side of Bamfield
Bamfield Inlet bisects the east side and west side of town. When you drive into Bamfield you arrive on the east side. The west side is boat-access only. Some of our events are located on the west side and you will need to arrange your own transportation. Two water taxis service Bamfield Inlet: Bamfield Water Taxi (250-204-6258) and Inlet Express (250-918-5541). Travel time is ~5-10 minutes.
Accommodation
Accommodation is available at the Hacas Inn (https://hacasinn.ca/), local lodges, and B&B’s. See https://www.bamfieldchamber.com/bamfield-business-directory/accommodation for a complete list of options.
There are two campgrounds: Bamfield Centennial Park (http://bamfieldparks.com/) and Pachena Bay Campground (https://pachenabaycampground.ca/about-pachena-bay-and-bamfield/).
Accessibility
To make this event as accessible as possible, please let us know if you require any accommodations to participate. Certified guide dogs are welcome at the Bamfield Community School, Firehall and West Park for all events.
Mobile accessibility: Guided walks are on uneven trails that are not wheelchair accessible. The Bamfield Community School and Firehall events are on ground level.
What to Bring
Food: Not all accommodation will come with cooking facilities and ‘eating out’ in Bamfield is not always available. Basic groceries and hot case items can be purchased at The Market & Café on the east side, and Bamfield Mercantile and Marine on the west side. The stores are usually closed by 6:00 or 6:30pm. The festival will have you busy, and we highly recommend you bring some food with you during activities. There are a few restaurants in town with variable hours: on the east side – Malsit Public House, and The Market & Café. On the west side – The Bamfield Wreckage https://www.bamfieldwreckage.ca/ , and Flora’s https://www.florasbamfield.ca/eat
Cash: There is 1 ATM in Bamfield located at The Market & Café. For convenience, bring cash with you to purchase gifts at local galleries and, of course, a Bamfield Fungus Festival T-shirt!
Outdoor gear: It rains in Bamfield a lot, all year round, even in the summer. This is great; it means more fungus earlier in the season! Bring warm clothes, a raincoat, rain pants and good boots. We will be doing two forest walks which include walking on uneven, muddy and slippery ground.
Mushroom collection equipment: Don’t forget to bring a basket, sheets of wax paper for wrapping mushrooms in, a knife, and a fungus ID guide if you have them.
What to do in Bamfield Before & After the Festival…
Tour the west side of Bamfield. The west side is home to the scenic boardwalk, Brady’s beach and Brady’s gallery. A walk along the board walk takes about 10-15 minutes from end to end. Brady’s beach is about a 20 minute walk along a gravel road from Coast Guard Station. It is well worth the walk – sea stacks, tide pools & incredible views await.
Fishing charters & nature tours: Visit https://www.bamfieldchamber.com/bamfield-business-directory/tours-recreation to see a list of companies offering recreation opportunities.
Hiking: Bamfield is close to many trails within Pacific Rim National Park. The trailhead to Keeha, Tapaltos and Cape Beale is located at the end of South Bamfield Road. Day hikes on the West Coast Trail are accessible at Pachena Bay, West Coast Trail office entrance.
Where to Find…
Visitor Info & Business Directory: https://visitbamfield.ca/, https://www.bamfieldchamber.com/
Gas: There is a gas bar next to the Awis Guesthouse & Marina (previously Ostrom’s Lodge) on the east side. From Bamfield Rd, turn onto Hull Rd and then left on Seaboard Rd. Hours are variable. It is a good idea to fill up in Port Alberni.
Car Repair: Breaker’s Marine will be able to help you with car troubles. 238 Frigate Rd, Bamfield, BC, V0R 1B0. Open Tuesday-Saturday 9:00am-5:00pm. Phone: 250-728-3281.
Bamfield Health Centre: 353 Bamfield Road, Bamfield, BC, V0R 1B0. Open Monday-Friday 9:00am-5:00pm. Phone: 250-728-3312. It is recommended to call ahead to make sure the nurse is in the office. In the case of an emergency, call 911.