West Coast Trail

Introduction
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

Accomodation

Accomodations are in tents and meals are prepared at camp.

Riding

Itinerary

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 !

Rates and Dates for West Coast Trail

Dates Note:

Other Info
Meeting: Victoria - Royal Scot Suite Hotel
Airport: Victoria / Vancouver
Transfer: Victoria

Climate: 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