WEST COAST TRAIL - Pacific Rim National Park
Come join us on the West Coast Trail! Only a limited number of backpackers are allowed to hike the 75 km adventure challenge each day.
West Coast Trail - Hiking / 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.
7 days / 6 nights ~ from / to Victoria
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 (26 - 33 lbs) per person above personal equipment!
Photo and Video Gallery
See the
West Coast Trail Photo Gallery and enjoy a hiker's paradise from sunrise to sunset every day.
Also be sure to check out the CBC's coverage of Ecosummer's West Coast Trail Hiking / Backpacking trip.
| Hi Andy and Daniela...just a quick note to send our thanks for a tremendous hiking trip along the West Coast Trail. I know you both wanted Gontran to guide us, and he was spectacular in helping to accommodate our needs, and be sure to balance them with the needs of the group. Both he and Chris skillfully guided us along this arduous trip with a great sense of humour, and clearly, a lot of professionalism. It was tough, but fun, and so rewarding. On behalf of our crew, cheers, and thanks. |
| Mark Kelley, CBC News: The National |
| Brief sample itinerary |
Trip day
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Meals
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Activities
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| Day 0 |
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- Arrive in Victoria by car, ferry or by air. Pre-trip meeting at 06.00 pm at Victoria's Royal Scot Hotel. Overnight in Victoria (accommodation not included).
We invite you to contact our friendly and knowledgeable staff to assist with any pre/post trip travel arrangements. |
| Day 1 |
L / D |
- Departure at 07:00 am and transfer by van shuttle from the Royal Scot Hotel to the trailhead in Port Renfrew.
- Park orientation session and start of this great adventure!
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| Day 2 - Day 6 |
B / L / D |
- The trail will have you walk endless boardwalks through ancient tempered rainforest, followed by sandy beaches, only to alternate by crossing log and rope bridges and many stories of ladders ... While the weather is unpredictable, the memorable scenery, possible wildlife viewings and incredible sunsets make up for what the hikers have to endure on this tough trek!
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| Day 7 |
B / L |
- Hike to Bamfield, from where the bus shuttle takes us back to Victoria. Arrival around 07.00 pm.
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