ZZ-HKEC-01
2008 Dates:

Assembly Point: 
Vancouver or Victoria, BC
includes meals during hike, tents and pads, transfers, boat shuttles, park and camp fees, professional guide
- bring your own backpack and sleeping bag

Join us on the spectacular West Coast Trail for a trip of a lifetime. Part of the Pacific Rim National Park, the West Coast Trail has everything on its 70 km route; soaring sea stacks, coastal rainforest, sandy beaches, hidden coves, waterfalls and abundant wildlife. All this, combined with the areas rich history, makes for one of the best trekking routes in the world.

Itinerary
Day 1   L / D
At 6:00AM, we meet the shuttle bus at 0700 Douglas Street, and travel to the trailhead in Bamfield, BC. Our trek begins at Pachena Bay where we will hike the West Coast Trail through the rainforest to Pachena Point Lighthouse. We will then continue through the forest that emerges onto Darling River, which is our first night’s camp.
Day 2     B / L / D
Today the guided hiking tour takes us to the beach where we stop for lunch at Klanawa River cable car crossing. We will then cross the river and continue through the forest for a couple more hours. Our camp today will be at Tsusiat Falls, where on a warm day, this is the most refreshing spot you could ever find. It's time to take a dip.
Day 3     B / L / D
Today is our longest day so we will get an early start. After 2-3 hours of hiking along the cliffs, we arrive at Nitnat Narrows, which we cross by boat. Here you can purchase some fresh seafood from the local natives. At the other side, we will continue on and arrive at our camp at Dare point.
Day 4     B / L / D
We will spend all of today hiking on the beach, passing Carmanah Lighthouse and the Camanah River, ending the day at Walbran Creek.
Day 5     B / L / D
For the most part of today we will be on the forest trail exploring the bog, the views from the cliffs and suspension bridges. Our destination today is Camper Bay.
Day 6     B / L / D
We will spend the morning hiking through the forest, crossing bridges and climbing up and down ladders before we descend to Thrasher Cove.
Day 7     B / L
We will continue on to Gordon River where we will be picked up by boat and taken to Port Renfrew. We will have time for a farewell drink before a bus takes us back to Victoria. Arrival in the city approx 7:00 PM.

SPECIAL TOUR NOTE:
The West Coast Trail is a spectacular trekking trip but is also considered challenging. Participants are required to be of good physical fitness level and as the group equipment will be shared they should be capable of carrying 12 – 15 kg per person above personal equipment ! This itinerary may also operate in reverse !

The West Coast Trail is located on the southern west coast of Vancouver Island, BC Canada and stretches 77 kilometers from Port Renfrew on the south end to Bamfield on the north end. Thousands of hikers travel all or part of the trail each year. To address the concern over environmental impact on the trail and hiker safety and enjoyment the Canadian Parks Service has instituted a reservation system. We hope that this system will provide you with a more satisfying wilderness experience.

Over the years the stretch of coastline encompassing the West Coast Trail has been many things to many people. Here, the influence of the ocean on the human history has been dramatic. Native people, lighthouse keepers, shipwreck survivors, homesteaders, prospectors and missionaries all have traveled along these trails and beaches. Today, visitors come to experience the beauty of the coastal environmental and the challenge of hiking one of the most arduous hiking trails in North America.

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