West Coast Trail - backpacking British Columbia Canada Backpacking in Pacific Rim National Park The West Coast Trail forms the southern unit of Pacific Rim National Park on Vancouver Island's wild and incredibly beautiful West Coast and is the Canadian hiking / backpacking classic - an adventurer's paradise! It provides the diversity of old-growth rainforest, sandy beaches, scenic cliffs and rugged trails along a breathtaking coastline and offers a new challenge with each sunrise. This remarkable, 76 km route has earned an international reputation and appeals to the adventurous hiker who appreciates beautiful scenery and a physical challenge. The West Coast Trail is one of the remaining great adventures of our time. The infamous route takes you through old growth forest, across suspension bridges, down streams and rivers and out into the open coast. The trail, which draws thousands of visitors each year, was originally developed as a rescue trail for shipwreck survivors on the rough Pacific Coast of Vancouver Island. Pacific Rim National Park limits the access to the West Coast Trail to 52 hikers per day during the season from May 1st to September 30th of each year. What's involved? 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! Some facts about the West Coast Trail Let's start by saying - it's not just another walk in the Park! A permit is required to hike the West Coast Trail There is a maximum quota of 26 hikers per day allowed in each direction High tides and surge tides can restrict hiking along shoreline You are in black bear, wolf and cougar country You may encounter many days of inclement weather Rainfall averages 120cm per year Rain can make for muddy and slippery conditions Dozens of ladders to climb & descend Isolated wilderness can make a rescue difficult in case of injury Hikers should be 12 years of age minimum Trail should be undertaken with right attitude and right equipment Meeting: Victoria - Royal Scot Suite Hotel Airport:   Victoria / Vancouver Transfer: Victoria

Packages and Options

Click here for updated current rates.

Transfer Option:

Day 0:  Arrive in Victoria by car, ferry or by air. Pre-trip meeting at 07.00 pm at Victoria's Royal Scot Hotel. Overnight in Victoria (accommodation not included).



Day 1:  
Departure time is 7:00 AM. The West Coast Trail Express shuttle van will pick us up at the Royal Scot. Approx. travel time is 2 – 2 ½ hours along a winding and bumpy road, taking us northwest to the small town of Port Renfrew, southern terminus of the West Coast Trail. Prior to the first crossing by boat over to the Gordon River Trailhead, we will attend an orientation session by Parks Canada. Finally, it’s time to shoulder our backpacks. Hike On! We’ll hike to Thrasher Cove today for a distance of 6 km and pass the highest point of the trail along the way. This relatively short section - all through forest - is difficult and ends with ladders down to the first camp. Operation West Coast Trail has started!
Meals: lunch / dinner



Day 2:     Thrasher Cove - Camper Bay (km 14)
Today’s hike over 8 km to Camper Bay is a strenuous and demanding trek along the coastline, over driftwood and boulders, around Owen Point, and then crossing small surge channels. The tides will dictate whether we can cover this section along the beach or will hike inland. This part of the trip is very difficult; the rewards are the beautiful sandstone cliffs, caverns and the ocean swell pounding against the rocks for a major part of the day. We then move inland into the rainforest to reach our camp and set in for the night. This day is full of highlights and we’ll find out why the West Coast Trail is considered one of the remaining great adventures of our time!
Meals: breakfast / lunch / dinner



Day 3:    Camper Bay - Walbran Creek (km 23)
It is 9 km to Walbran Creek, our today’s destination. We’ll experience our first cable car crossing and this section of the trail - like all sections that lead through the forest - can be muddy, very muddy. The Sandstone Creek and Cullite Creek ladders are steep and the longest on the entire West Coast Trail. Next follows a trail section through the bog which is over a boardwalk to protect the forest floor below. We will then cross the Logan Creek suspension bridge, followed by more ladders. It will be a difficult day with mostly inland travel but through absolutely beautiful rainforest. Like Camper Creek, the slow moving waters of the Walbran Creek invite for a refreshing swim – a delight! And with a little luck, the red of the sunset over the Pacific Ocean will only be matched by the crackling campfire tonight.
Meals: breakfast / lunch / dinner



Day 4:     Walbran Creek - Cribs Creek (km 34)
The hike to Cribs Creek is 11 km and follows the coastline around Vancouver Point, again if the tides are favorable, otherwise we will trek through the rainforest. This area can be muddy but the most difficult part of the West Coast Trail is now behind us! This hiking day will be moderate. On to Bonilla Point where along the way we witness gorgeous ocean scenery and beautiful sea stacks! For many, this section is quintessential West Coast Trail. Often Gray whales and perhaps by chance Orcas can be seen in the distance. Hiking on the shelf is now comfortable and the Carmanah Creek crossing is ahead. Take in the beauty of the resident seabird colony while we pick up our food drop at Chez Monique's. Equipped with fresh supplies, we will continue and visit the Carmanah Lighthouse. Once at camp, we will explore the fascinating tide pools at the cribs. A good part of this day is on the sandy beaches.
Meals: breakfast / lunch / dinner



Day 5:     Cribs Creek - Tsusiat Falls (km 51)
It’s a big day today! The distance to the Tsusiat Falls is no less than 17 km! Needless to say that this will be the longest part of the trip; however it is a moderate hike. We will make our way along the coastline or through the rainforest to the Cheewhat River. The boardwalked trail to Nitinat Narrows is followed by a boat crossing operated by the local First Nations people. Some of the West Coast Trail’s most spectacular views are around Tsuquadrah Point. The last portion of the day’s hike will be along coastline and if possible, through Hole in the Wall at Tsusiat Point. Tsusiat Falls are nearby and considered by many to be the scenic culmination of the West Coast Trail with an amazing natural pool for swimming. It is a stunning, picture-perfect, world-class setting. This sight alone, to stay here, is worth all the effort!
Meals: breakfast / lunch / dinner



Day 6:    Tsusiat Falls - Michigan Creek (km 64)
Today’s hike to Michigan Creek over 13 km is a moderate trek featuring ladders back to the trail, through rainforests, and often muddy ground. The last of the cable car crossings is over the Klanawa River. A short beach hike leads to the forested path over the Valencia Bluffs. It was here where the biggest tragedy along this coastline unfolded, leading to the creation of the West Coast Trail as a lifesaving trail for the shipwrecked, later protected as one of the units of Pacific Rim National Park. Depending on the tides, we will descend a ladder down to the beach from Tsucowis Creek and follow the coastline to Michigan Creek’s tide pools. Here, we pitch our tents in the soft Pacific sands for the last time on the West Coast Trail.
Meals: breakfast / lunch / dinner



Day 7:     Michigan Creek - Bamfield (km 76) - Victoria
The hike to Pachena Bay Trailhead (Bamfield) is 12 km long and the easiest section of the entire West Coast Trail. The last section is along a generally good trail. One set of ladders yet to go, at the very end! The Pachena Lighthouse is a good last viewpoint along with a rock dotted with sea lions. Again the Gray whales may be seen near the entrance to Barkley Sound. Our transfer back to Victoria will no doubt be filled with a great sense of achievement mixed with just a bit of exhaustion. The many memories of the West Coast Trail will stay with us for a long, long time and some moments will be unforgettable. Arrival in Victoria approx. 07.00 pm.
Meals: breakfast / lunch 
 
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 annual rainfall in this area is 270 cm (106 inches) so rain gear is essential although there are often periods of sunny days in July and August

75 – 80 L backpack
Warm sleeping bag and thin liner (ideally silk, optional
Rain and windproof jacket and pants (with hood)
Fleece jacket and pants
Shirt with long sleeves / T-shirt
Hiking pants / shorts
Poly-propylene underwear
2 - 3 pairs of socks
Toque and thin, light gloves
Hiking boots (plus spare laces) – well worn in!
Gaiters
Sandals for river crossings and around camp
Bathing suit and towel
Plastic bags to waterproof clothing in pack
Sun protection (glasses, hat or cap and screen)
Insect repellent
15 ft. of clothes line
Small personal first aid kit including blister treatment
Headlamp (with spare battery and bulb)
Pocketknife or multi-tool
Personal water bottle and water purifying tablets (optional)
Trekking poles (optional)
Toiletries* and personal medication
Camera, film rolls and spare battery
Please note that there are no sanitary facilities other than outhouses and that the use of soap and shampoo (including biodegradable products) is not appropriate. We strongly recommend wet disinfecting and cleaning wipes that can be burnt. Toiletries should be kept at an absolute minimum!
Toothbrush and paste, comb, cleaning solution and storage container for contact lenses, nail scissors, disposable razors and items of similar nature.
It is recommended that plastic bags are used to waterproof clothing in pack

Average ratings from 1 tour feedback (see details below) Horses: (5) Excellent (4) Very Good (3) Good (2) Satisfactory (1) Not Satisfactory Saddle/Tack: Accommodations: Meals: Host/Guide: other Riders: Name Date linda futrell 8/15/2008

Accomodations are in tents and meals are prepared at camp.

Tack:
Horses:
Pace:		Moderately difficult hike. Dozens of ladders to climb & descend
Level:		(3 to 4 out of 5)
Riders:		Min 4	Max 8

Passports
Passport valid for at least one day beyond the intended departure date from Canada required by all nationals referred to in the chart except the following:
(a) 1. Canadian citizens holding a Canadian Certificate of Identity, Canadian birth certificate or a certificate of Canadian citizenship;
(b) permanent residents of Canada with proof of status, ie Permanent Resident Card, Record of Landing, Returning Resident Permit or a Refugee Travel Document issued by the government of Canada to refugees who have been resettled in Canada;
(c) 2. citizens of the USA holding proof of citizenship (eg US birth certificate or US naturalisation papers).
Note: As of 23 January 2007 all persons, including US citizens, travelling by air between the USA and Canada, Central and South America, the Caribbean and Bermuda are required to present a valid passport or other approved document when entering or re-entering the USA. Similar requirements for those travelling by land or sea will be introduced as early as 1 January 2008. For further details about the Western Hemisphere Travel Initiative, visit the website of the US Department of State: http://travel.state.gov/travel/cbpmc/cbpmc_2223.html.
(d) persons entering from St Pierre & Miquelon or the USA who are legal permanent residents of the USA and hold a US alien registration card (Green Card);
(e) 3. citizens of France who are residents of and entering from St Pierre & Miquelon.
Note: (a) Children under 18 years must have information with them on the people responsible for their welfare, if travelling alone; this includes a letter of permission to travel from guardian(s), and also a letter from the custodian in Canada. (b) Depending on circumstance and nationality, certain applicants may need to undergo a medical examination in order to receive their visas; this must be carried out by a physician on Canada's list of Designated Medical Practitioners.
Passport Note
Visitors to Canada must satisfy an examining officer at the Port of Entry that they are genuine visitors, in good health, with no criminal convictions, and have sufficient funds to maintain themselves during their stay in Canada and to return to their country of origin, as well as evidence of confirmed onward reservations out of Canada. Persons under 18 years of age who are unaccompanied by an adult should bring with them a letter from a parent or guardian giving them permission to travel to Canada.

Identity/travel documents issued to non-national residents of the country of issue, refugees or stateless persons are recognised for travel to Canada.

Visas
Not required by all nationals referred to in chart above (visitor or transit) for stays of up to six months except the following:
(a) 4. holders of passports endorsed ‘British Subjects’ and ‘British Protected Persons’;
(b) 5. nationals of Bulgaria and Romania;
(c) those visiting Canada who, during that visit, also visit the USA or St Pierre & Miquelon (a French Overseas Territory) and return directly to Canada as visitors within the period authorised on their initial entry (or any extension thereto).

Note: Nationals not referred to in the chart above are advised to contact the high commission to check visa requirements (see Contact Addresses).
Visa Note
The Government of Canada refuses admission to: (a) holders of passports issued by the UK Government entitled 'British Temporary Resident's Passport'.

(a) A single-entry visa is still valid if used to visit the USA. (b) Persons wishing to attend a course of six months duration or less, at any level, do not require a study permit. However, if there is the possibility that you will extend your period of study in Canada, or if you are a full time student and wish to work on campus, you may apply for a study permit.
Types of Visa and Cost
Visitor: C$75 (single-entry); C$150 (multiple-entry). Family: C$400 (for families of six or more persons). Transit: free. Transit visas are necessary for all nationals who require a visitor visa. Although transit visas are not required by British citizens, they may be required by foreign nationals with British passports; check with the embassy or high commission for details. For further information on payment methods, contact the high commission. Prices are subject to frequent change.
Validity
Up to six months depending on circumstances of individual applicant. The determination regarding length of stay in Canada can only be decided by the examining officer at the port of entry, but visas cannot exceed the validity of the passport and cannot be longer than five years. If no actual departure date is indicated within the visitor’s passport, then the visitor will be required to depart within three months from the date of entry. Visitors must effect their departure from Canada on or before the date authorised by the examining officer on arrival. If an extension of stay is desired, an application must be made in writing to the nearest Canada Immigration Centre at least three weeks before the expiry of the visitor visa. Multiple-entry visas cannot be valid longer than passport. Transit visas are only allocated if a national's flight/onward journey is continuing within 24 hours. Single-entry visas can be used multiple times by nationals of St Pierre & Miquelon and the USA.
Applications to:
Consulate (or consular section at embassy or high commission)
Working Days Required
10 days are required from receiving applications, but applications should be made at least one month prior to the intended date of departure. Certain nationals are subject to longer processing times. For urgent applications it is advised to apply in person. Same-day processing is available for applications made in person and 24-hour processing for those using the drop-in service.

Passport Required?
British	Yes
Australian	Yes
Canadian	1
USA	2
Other EU	3
Visa Required?
British	No/4
Australian	No
Canadian	N/A
USA	No
Other EU	5
Return Ticket Required?
British	Yes
Australian	Yes
Canadian	N/A
USA	No
Other EU	Yes