West Coast Trail Hiking Guide
Essential Information For Hiking The West Coast Trail
If you’re a hiking enthusiast, chances are that the dream of the West Coast trail has been looming at the edges of your thoughts for quite some time now. With spectacular views of the Western coast and temperate rainforest, this 75-kilometre long hike through the traditional lands of the Huu-ayaht, Ditidaht and Pacheedaht First Nations is on the bucket lists for hikers all over the world. While the West Coast Trail isn’t as unknown as some of the other best hikes in Canada
This breathtaking and scenic route is technically challenging and requires more than the average amount of preparation. Thinking of tackling the trail yourself? Read on for our tips for a successful, enjoyable hike through this gorgeous piece of Vancouver Island’s coastal wilderness- the West Coast Trail.
Prepare- How To Hike The West Coast Trail
If you’ve heard of the West Coast Trail before, you have probably heard people say that it is really hard. To be honest with you, it can be. Over the course of the trail, you will experience challenging terrain from uneven, winding roots, muddy uphill slogs, loose sand, and more than 70 vertical ladders. While its official distance is clocked at 75 kilometres, the trail can often end up being around 10 kilometres longer due to occasional detours required when debris takes out the trail or when trail infrastructure is damaged, which often happens due to the high use of the wooden trail boardwalks in the extreme humidity of the coastal rainforest.
This said the trail is still one of the most rewarding hikes that you can hope for, not least because finishing it doesn’t come easy. Set yourself up for a fun and successful hike by preparing carefully ahead of time, like reading our West Coast Trail Hiking Guide! . Guided hikes on the West Coast Trail are some of the best guided hikes in Canada!
Get Experience
The West Coast trail is not a beginner hike, and shouldn’t be attempted as one. At best, you’ll be in for a miserable time. At worst, you’ll require an evacuation. Before you book the West Coast Trail, make sure you have the experience you need for a safe and enjoyable journey. Prepare yourself by taking some smaller multi-day backcountry trips to get used to carrying your pack for long hours over several days. Aim to hike in all kinds of weather and over lots of different terrain. The West Coast trail is notorious for rain, so make sure you practice your skills on gloomy days as well as sunny. This is also, as advertised, a coastal trail, so try to get some experience hiking in tidal zones, and learn how to be safe in this unique environment. This West Coast Trail Hiking Guide has all the information you need for a successful trip!
Get in Shape
While you don’t have to be Mr. Olympia to hike the West Coast Trail, the more you can train in advance, the more safe and enjoyable your experience will be. Parks Canada recommends you begin physical training at least three months before beginning your hike on the West Coast Trail. While this is a good rule of thumb, you know your body best. Focus on workouts that increase your cardio endurance as well as your core and leg strength. Stair workouts and hill climbs will help your legs get used to the uphill slogs, but don’t neglect your back and abdominals, which will be supporting a hefty backpack throughout your trip. Even your arms will get a workout on the trail, as steep vertical sections need to be conquered via long wooden ladders, and cable cars pulled across surge channels. Don’t neglect the odd upper body workout to help you through those sections.
If you have had any recent surgeries, heart or lung problems, or injuries, you will want to go talk to your doctor before committing to take the trail. In this back-country environment, help can take 24 hours to arrive. Don’t take any risks where your health is concerned. Even slight problems with muscles and joints- weak ankles, a twinging back- can turn into major problems on the trail. In fact, most evacuations occur due to joint injuries. If any part of your body is acting up, pay a visit to your doctor or a physiotherapist before beginning your journey to find out what exercises you can do to ensure you can get through the trail pain and injury-free.
Get Equipped
The West Coast trail has some unique conditions that might require some upgrades to your current gear. First and foremost is the humidity. Since the trail goes through a rainforest, even on days without actual precipitation, fog is likely to keep you damp. Invest in a good rain jacket, pants, and gaiters to keep the wet out. You’ll also need dry sacks for all your gear, and a rain cover for your backpack. Since down won’t work in the wet, be sure to bring a synthetic-filled sleeping bag and warm jacket. For underlayers, opt for quick-dry fibers like merino wool and polyester. Waterproof fire starters are also a must if you want to share campfire stories on the beach in the evenings.
You will also be fording a few rivers and streams during your time on the trail, so aim to bring camp shoes that can double as water shoes. Aim for quick-dry sandals or shoes that grip well in wet, slippery conditions.
The West Coast Trail isn’t the place to test new gear for the first time, so make sure you have worn and tested everything before you leave. Parks Canada recommends breaking in your backpack and hiking boots at least one month before coming onto the trail.
Even with broken-in boots and equipment, blisters and other injuries do happen. Be sure to bring a full first aid kit that includes blister care, any prescription meds you take, plus any over-the-counter anti-inflammatories or analgesics you use. If you have severe allergies, it is recommended that you bring two epi-pens with you when you are in the backcountry, as well as liquid Benadryl in case of an emergency.
One of the charms of the WCT is its almost complete lack of cell reception. This is great for unplugging, but less great should an emergency arise. You may consider bringing a backcountry communication device such as a VHF radio, SPOT, or InReach to use in case of emergency, as recommended in our West Coast Trail Hiking Guide.
Finally, you are going to be hiking in bear and cougar country. The chances of you having a negative encounter with these beautiful animals are slim, but it is important to go prepared nonetheless. You will always need to carry a can of bear spray with you while on the trail, and have it holstered or hung on your pack in a place where you can access it at a moment’s notice and without aid. Be sure to check the expiration date on any cans you may have now- while the capsaicin does not expire, the accelerant loses strength after three years, which means that older cans will not be effective at keeping aggressive animals at a safe distance.
To keep bears and other animals from becoming habituated to humans and their food, animal-proof lockers will be available to you at most campsites for you to store your food and any scented items (deodorant, etc.) that you might carry. However, not every site provides these, so your group will also need to bring at least 15 feet of sturdy, lightweight rope in case you need to hang your supplies from a tree to keep them safe. Be sure to also bring a food bag sturdy enough that a slight breeze won't cause it to rain granola bars down onto your fellow campers. Food should be hung in the tree at least 12 feet from the ground and 6 feet away from the trunk of the tree to prevent any animals from getting into your goodies. If done properly, seeing wildlife on Vancouver Island can be the cherry on top for your trip.
2. Plan- West Coast Trail Hiking Guide
Once you’ve decided that you’re up to hike the West Coast Trail, it’s time to start planning your trip. Reservations for each year open in January and can be made through the Parks Canada Website. The trail is only open from May 1st to October 7th each year, as, outside of those dates, extreme weather and high tides make the trail unsafe and sometimes downright impassable. As with anything popular, the earlier you can reserve your spot, the better. You’ll be more likely to get the dates and entry points you want with earlier bookings. However, cancellations and changes do occur throughout the year, so keep checking the site if at first, you don’t succeed.
While the trail is wet all year round, heavier rains occur earlier in the season in May and June, while in July and August, heavy fogs roll in to obscure the view. If you struggle in the rain, hiking closer to the hot months will be good- provided you are willing to cope with a busier trail, as the trail and surrounding areas tend to see more action in high summer.
In the case of the West Coast trail, having a good plan goes a long way towards having a good hike. Some things you will need to consider before setting out are:
Start and End Points
First and foremost, you need to decide is where and when you will begin (and end) your journey on the trail. To hike the full West Coast trail, you can enter at the trailhead either at Pacheco Bay, near Bamfield or at the Gordon River trailhead near Port Renfrew. The full 75-kilometre trail can be done in 6-8 days, depending on your experience and preference. You can also decide to shorten the trail by entering at the halfway point in Nitinat Narrows, hiking in either direction. At each entrance point, there is a mandatory orientation to go through before being issued your permits to hit the trail, so planning for that extra hour is important so that you hit your hiking targets on time.
Where you start and end depends a lot on your preferences. Here are some tips to help you make your decision:
Gordon River - Pachena Bay: 6-8 days
Doing the trail from this direction, you’ll be eating the scary frog first. The Southern portion of the trail, from Gordon River to Walbran Creek, is the most challenging 22 kilometres that you’ll face on the WCT. With ladders to climb and difficult, technical terrain to cross, this section of the trail will take you two to three days and will certainly challenge your mettle. Do this end first, and your legs will be fresh, but your pack will be at its heaviest- something to consider when making your choice.
At Gordon River, you will need to take a ferry to get to the trailhead and orientation centre. This ferry does trips at 08:30 and 11:30 in the morning, then at 12:30, 13:30, 14:30, and 15:30 in the afternoon. For hikers who want to start the trail bright and early, it can be a good idea to ferry over the day before and stay at the Pacheedaht Campground, located right beside the orientation centre and trailhead. That way, you can get your orientation out of the way the day before, either at 10:00 or 14:00 and roll out in the morning at your leisure.
Pachena Bay - Gordon River: 6-8 days
Beginning the trail near Bamfield, in beautiful Pachena bay, will allow you to ease your way into the trail more gradually. Many people hike in this direction to give their legs a chance to “harden up” before attempting the more challenging Southern portion. The other benefit of this direction is that your pack will be lighter after you’ve eaten all your treats for the first portion of your trek, so you will be hauling less weight up and down the ladders on the South trail.
While there is no ferry to access this section of the trail, you may still opt to arrive early and do your orientation the day before, at 10:00 or 14:00. The Pachena campground is right near the trailhead to give you one last night of rest before challenging the WCT.
Nitinaht Narrows - Pachena Bay: 2-3 days
For a shorter and less challenging version of the WCT, you can enter (or exit) at Nitinaht Narrows, hiking to or from Pachena Bay. Doing this, you will skip the challenging ladders and terrain of the South Section of the trail while still enjoying some of the iconic sights of the WCT. To start at the Narrows, you will need to take the Nitinaht water taxi, which does only one trip per day, leaving at 09:00 to take you to the trailhead and then departing at 17:00 to take people finishing their hike back to Nitinaht village.
Orientations at this trailhead take place in Nitinaht Villiage prior to taxiing to the trailhead, at 08:00 and 15:30 daily. You can stay overnight in the village to get orientation done the day before, at either the village motel or in the Nitinaht campground there.
Nitinaht Narrows - Gordon River: 4-5days
Shorter but tougher, this halfway point takes you through only the hardest Southern portion of the trail. If you’re an experienced hiker who likes a challenge, but you don’t have the time to do the full trail, then this may be your best option.
Trail Itinerary
How many days does it take to hike the West Coast trail? It really depends on your experience, comfort level, and goals for your trip. Plan for at least six days if you’re a faster, experienced hiker. If you’re slower, want to take pictures, or just want to take in the beauty at a leisurely pace, aim for seven to eight days.
If you are in a time crunch, you might want to consider starting at the midpoint of the trail. Rushed hikers cause accidents, and it is more important to do the trail slowly and safely than it is to make it back at a certain time. Really evaluate your own abilities and how much time you will need, always accounting for the fact that foul weather and flooding can require you to spend extra days on the trail.
Remember, this hike is an experience and not a race. Many hikers choose to allow themselves a rest day halfway through the trail to maximize their enjoyment. You can do this either by camping an extra night at one of the 13 sites along the trail or by reserving a place at the Ditidaht comfort camp near Tsuquadra point. This locally run “glamping” facility features luxury tents with wood stoves or tiny heated cabins to give you a chance to dry out and to prepare to finish your hike happily. You can also rent a similar cabin at Nitinaht Narrows.
The thirteen campsites are arranged over the course of the trail, and most have an outhouse and food lockers in addition to simple, flattened tent sites. Many people, aiming to avoid crowds, choose to wild camp instead, which is allowed everywhere on the trail except in the wildlife corridor between kilometres 34 and 38.
Campsites cannot be booked in advance (except for the comfort cabins at Tsuquadra and Nitinaht narrows) which allows you flexibility on your itinerary, but which also means that it’s first come, first served at every site. If you’re planning on staying at one of the more popular spots you may want to aim to get there early and get a good spot for the night.
Here is a brief summary of the campsites that you will encounter on the trail:
Thrasher Cove (Km 70 from Pachena Bay)
A very popular spot to stop, most hikers begin or end their nights on the trail here. It is the first spot you will see when hiking from Gordon River, the last when hiking from Pachena Bay. This beachy spot has a steep 1km hike into it when accessed through the forest, but the views at sunrise and sunset are worth it. Check the tides to make sure you won’t have to wade through water to get there. Beach walking from this site to skip forested trail is possible when the tides are low.
Camper Bay (Km 62 from Pachena Bay)
Another popular beachy site, this one gets crowded early on. A creek meanders next to the site which will require wading through or a cable car crossing if you are hiking in from the South.
Cullite Creek (Km 58 from Pachena Bay)
A small, less popular site with lots of shade, located in a gorge. Forest sites, pretty views, and privacy.
Walbran Creek (Km 53 from Pachena Bay)
A beautiful place for a refreshing swim, this is another favourite site of many hikers on the trail. It has flat and gravelled open sites, or treed sites for more shelter. For hikers going North to South, it will require some wading or a cable car ride to access.
Bonilla Creek (Km 53 from Pachena Bay)
A quieter spot site with treed and shaded sites for tents, this little-used campground features a stunning waterfall to shower in.
Carmanah Creek (Km 46 from Pachena Bay)
A wide, sandy beach that is little-used and has plenty of driftwood for fires. Wade or cable car cross the creek for the prime spots on its Northern shore.
Cribs Creek (Km 41.5 from Pachena Bay)
As the only official site on this part of the trail, Cribs creek is usually busy and crowded. Keep a careful eye on the tides here, as they often creep up higher than you think!
Tsusiat Falls(Km 25 from Pachena Bay)
A gorgeous waterfall and refreshing swimming hole greet you at this campsite, which is the most iconic resting place on the trail. Tsusiat falls is a great place for a dip and to meet other hikers on the trail.
Klanawa River(Km 23 from Pachena Bay)
Thanks to large tangles of driftwood on the beach, sites here are scarce but will afford you some privacy. The only downside? Fresh water access will require a cable car ride across the river.
Tsocowis Creek(Km 16.5 from Pachena Bay)
A pretty beach site that most hikers pass by, making it perfect for hikers who would rather avoid the crowds.
Orange Juice Creek(Km 15.7 from Pachena Bay)
This is another great site for those wanting privacy, and gets its name from the creek’s bright orange-coloured water. This site does not have an outhouse or food lockers, so be prepared for an extra bit of roughing it in exchange for a peaceful night on the beach.
Darling River(Km 13.7 from Pachena Bay)
Another trail favourite, this site features a stunning waterfall, beachy views, and lots of driftwood for fires.
Michigan Creek(Km 12.1 from Pachena Bay)
Like Thrasher Cove, this site is popular for hikers either starting or ending their journey on the trail. It will have lots of other hikers willing to share advice for what is coming, or to reminisce with you about the beauties of the trail.
No matter what itinerary you decide on, be sure to let someone know what your plans are before you head out. Parks Canada will ask for an estimate at your booking, and again when you check-in at the trailhead. Set reasonable hiking goals for each day and leave a trip plan with someone who can be your emergency contact for the trail, along with instructions for what to do if you don't show up or check in on time.
Your Transportation
The West Coast Trailheads are in remote locations, and getting yourself there takes some planning. A popular option is to simply take the West Coast Trail Express bus, which offers pick-up and drop-off at Victoria, Port Renfrew, Gordon River, Pachena Bay, Bamfield and Nanaimo. You can save money by booking your departure and return shuttles at the same time, if you feel confident about your timing on the trail.
The trailheads can also be accessed by logging roads, and vehicles left in Bamfield (near Pachena Bay) or at Pacheedaht First Nations Reserve near the Gordon River trailhead. The latter will run you $5/day and is generally considered the safer option. Since the West Coast trail is not a circuit, at some point you'll need transportation from one end to the other if you’ve left your car at either end. For this, you can take the aforementioned bus, or, depending on availability, groups of four or more may be able to book a water taxi. This option is a bit more costly but has the advantage of more picturesque views and a smoother ride.
For hikers entering or exiting at Nitinaht, there will be a water taxi to take to and from Nitinaht Narrows to Nitinaht Village, which can be accessed via gravel road to get there.
Costs
In the world of hikes, the West Coast Trail is one of the more expensive ones- with good reason. The logistics of keeping this remote trail running are extreme, and constant maintenance is required to keep the trail safe and accessible. Costs will vary based on how you plan your transportation, etc, but every group will spend:
Reservation Fee for Parks Canada: $24.50 CAD/ person
WCT Overnight Use Permit: $130. 31 CAD/person
Gordon River Ferry Fee: $22.00 CAD/ person
Nitinaht Narrows Ferry Fee: $22.00 CAD/ person
All of these above fees can be paid when you book your trip through the National Parks service. Additionally, you're going to need a park pass, which can be bought upon entry to the park, or via the Parks Canada website.
National Park Entry Fee: $10/day for adults
$8.40/ day for seniors
$20/ day per group
You can also buy an annual family park pass (for groups up to seven people) which is especially handy if you plan to spend more time visiting either the Pacific Rim park or more other parks in Canada. The annual family pass for Pacific Rim is $100.26, and Canada's National Park pass (National Discovery Pass) will run you $139.40.
If you're starting or ending your hike at Nitinaht, you'll also have a fee of $62.50 to pay to the water taxi service when you get there.
Food
This trail is tough and the last thing that you want is to be tired, wet, AND hungry. To have the best experience possible, pack yourself some delicious, high-calorie meals.
If you're used to bringing heavier, complex meals on short trips, now would be the time to experiment with lighter-weight options. Every gram counts, so opt for dehydrated meals like oats and rice dishes, along with trail mix. Don't forget some chocolate and sweets for moments where your energy- and morale- might need them.
Electrolyte drink powder/ tablets is also a great addition to prevent cramping and dehydration during the more gruelling parts of the hike.
As mentioned before, time on the trail can be unpredictable, so be sure to pack at least one day's worth of extra food in case of delays due to high water, or in the case of an emergency.
One great luxury on the West Coast Trail is the Crab shack at Nitinaht Narrows. Run by Carl Edgar and his family, who also run the water taxi. Eating here is not only a delicious luxury but also a great way to support the local economy. Bring cash and treat yourself to fresh-caught Dungeness crab (around $35 CAD) or a more humble ($8) grilled cheese sandwich. Considering the quality of the food and the remote location, the pricing is excellent and the experience well worth stopping for.
Sadly, after the tragic passing of Peter and Monique Knighton, the other famous WCT restaurant, Chez Monique's, is no longer operating. Be sure to spare a moment of respect as you pass Carmanah for these WCT heroes.
3. Play- Attractions on the West Coast Trail
Once all the planning and preparation have been done, all that is left to do for you is enjoy the trail! Here are a few final tidbits to help you along your journey.
Tips:
Know your tide tables- much of the hike can be made easier by long sections of beach walking. However, to walk on the beach, you need to get to these sections when the tide is ebbing low. While you will be given a tide table to reference at orientation, it’s a good idea to familiarize yourself beforehand by looking at the Tofino tide table. Having a rough idea of when the tide comes in will be a great help on your adventure.
Buddy up at cable cars- The trail has four cable cars that can be used to cross over deep rivers and surge channels. After your own bodyweight zooms you to the middle of the crossing, you will need your upper body strength to pull yourself the rest of the way to the opposite platform. If you are solo hiking, wait for someone to take the car with you or for a group to appear on the opposite side who can help you move the cart along the tracks.
BYOTP- Toilet paper and feminine products are not supplied on the trail, so remember to bring yourself lots. Toilet paper can be disposed of at the outhouses at any of the official campsites. Feminine products must be packed out along with all other garbage.
Clean your poles- trekking poles are a must on the trail, but they tend to get clogged up with mud and sand, making them difficult to collapse at crucial moments, such as when you need to ascend a ladder. Bring a rag with you to wipe your poles clean before you retract them to keep them from getting stuck and increase the lifespan of your equipment.
Bring cash - Parks Canada recommended that you bring $100 of extra cash with you on the trail just in case you need a water taxi, a cabin for the night, or an extra crab or two for dinner.
Collect your wood first- driftwood fires are allowed at the beach campsites (unless there is a fire ban while you are on the trail) below the high tide lines (in forested areas, fires are prohibited at all times). While axes are not allowed on the trail, it is usually possible to rustle up small driftwood to burn and enjoy. If you’re going to make a fire, collect what you will need when you first make camp. Stumbling around in the dark on tired legs when your fire has run low will put a big damper on your experience.
Must-Sees:
Sunrise at Thrasher Cover campsite- Early wake-ups are worth it at this scenic stop on the trail, especially on cloudy or foggy mornings.
Waterfall bathing at Tsuiat Falls - This is the best place on the trail to take a dip and clean off the grit of the last days while taking in beautiful scenery. Remember your swimsuit and towel!
The sea caves at Owen Point- these can only be accessed at low tide, so make sure to plan your day with your tide charts to prevent yourself missing out on this beautiful natural scene
Carmanah & Pachena point lighthouses- The WCT began its life as a telegraph trail, and then transitioned into a lifesaving trail to help the many victims of shipwrecks that occurred in this area. Both of these lighthouses have storied pasts and were vital to the safety of seafarers in these waters, then known as the “graveyard of the Pacific”. Pay a visit to both lighthouses, or either, to enjoy some genuine WCT history as you hike.
The “Hole in the Wall”- Another geographic beauty that requires a low tide beach to see, this one at Tsusiat Point.
No matter which way you hike the trail, what sights you see, or what food you eat, your West Coast Trail experience will be unforgettable. The best advice we can give you? To soak in and enjoy every moment of your time in this beautiful, challenging piece of Canada’s wilderness.
While the West Coast Trail is one of the best multiday hiking and backpacking trails in Canada, there are plenty of others on the West Coast and scattered throughout Canada. Check out our guide to the best backpacking trail and multiday hikes in the Rockies to discover some other amazing options!
Better yet, check out our guided tour on Vancouver Island for an easy way to explore the Island with a fun group and local guides!
About The Author- Jamie Pratt
Most of the time you can find Jamie.. well you can’t find her, she’s somewhere deep in the wild leading people on guided hikes and showing off her favourite places. She guides for Fresh Adventures on our tours in the Rockies during the summer and runs her own hiking company in Patagonia in our colder months.