Compare West Coast Trail by Great Canadian Trails vs Best of the Canadian Maritimes by Intrepid Travel

Day 1 Pick-up from Nanaimo and overnight camp in Port Renfrew

After being picked up by your courteous guide team in Nanaimo, we drive to Port Renfrew, where we sleep tonight. Following registration at the trailhead office, we install our campsite on the beach. Get to know your hiking companions as we discuss logistics for the trail ahead.

Day 2 Hike Gordon River to Thrasher Cove (Approx. 7hrs – 6km/3.7mi)

After breakfast, get ready for the beginning of an exciting hiking trip on the West Coast Trail. The day starts around 8:00 a.m. with a transfer by boat across the Gordon River to the trailhead. As we negotiate our first series of ladders, hiking amidst forest, creeks, and waterfalls, the challenging terrain (elevation gain +/- 180m/590ft) makes the short distance to Thrasher Cove longer to navigate. Our campsite is located at a small cove with excellent views of Port San Juan and Port Renfrew across the water. Please note that given the challenging nature of the hike for the next three days, the campsite locations are provided as a guideline only. It’s subject to change based on different factors such as group ability and weather.

meals : B,L,D

Day 3 Thrasher Cove to Camper Bay (Approx. 7hrs – 8km/5mi)

If the tide is in our favour, we’ll leave the forest and hike along the bank to Owen Point. This section, only accessible at low tide, features sandstone bluffs, caves and caverns, moonscape rock formations and eroded surge channels. The beach hike is shorter than the trail and with better views, but it is characterized by huge boulders, so make sure to watch your step. We eventually leave the shelf because of impassable headlands and sample the beauty and denseness of a west coast old-growth forest to Camper Bay. We set up our campsite by a creek, flanked by magnificent sandstone bluffs.

meals : B,L,D

Day 4 Camper Bay to Walbran Creek (Approx. 9hrs – 9.5km/5.9mi)

By now, you’re ready for the trail’s most rugged sections, and the challenges that make the West Coast Trail so notorious. Camper Bay to Walbran may not be far in the distance, but soaks up the most time of any other section. Today, we will encounter a series of eight large wooden ladders that need to be climbed across creeks and cliffs, taking us deeper into the embrace of the rainforest. This is the adult jungle gym portion of the trail and continues to the trail end. From Cullite Creeks, we continue along the boardwalk over the wet bog. Your guide will point out interesting fauna, including stunted cousins of hemlock, spruce, cedar, and a species of carnivorous plant. Our campground at Walbran Creek lies adjacent to a fantastic swimming hole.

meals : B,L,D

Day 5 Walbran Creeks to The Cribs (Approx. 5hrs – 10.5km/6.5mi)

Leaving behind the most challenging section of the trail, today will be a shorter day hiking primarily on the beach. Your guide will be happy to recall many tales from past visits as we arrive at a special spot, once known as Chez Monique. This legendary trail haven and food shack recently closed with the passing of Monique and her husband Peter but holds plenty of memories for locals and travellers alike. A short walk takes us to the Carmanah Point Lighthouse for a visit to the station. Perched on top of the cliffs, marvel at the magnificent view and be on the lookout for resident sea lions, often spotted on the rocks below. We set up camp at The Cribs, a natural breakwater formed by volcanic rock, with colourful tidal pools to explore.

meals : B,L,D

Day 6 The Cribs to Tsuqadra (Approx. 6-8hrs – 12km/7.5mi)

The morning tide will determine if we hike the beach or follow the trail as it edges along steep cliffs. It’s an enjoyable walk on hard packed sand, with imposing cliffs and some of the most varied sandstone rock formations. We descend near the Cheewhat River to a beautiful sandy beach. After crossing the Cheewhat River, we re-enter the rainforest and carry on to Nitinaht Narrows. The family operated "Crab Shack" here has been in operation for about 40 years and there is fresh seafood for purchase. After lunch we pick up our mid-hike food drop for the last part of the trip, before crossing the Narrows. The Narrows must be crossed by boat with the assistance of the local First Nations. The segment to Tsuquadra Beach is particularly spectacular.

meals : B,L,D

Day 7 Tsuqadra to Klanawa via Tsusiat Falls (Approx. 4-6hrs – 9km/5.6mi)

We break camp via the forest and stop at the remnants of a Didadaht Warrior village from the turn of the century. Old lodge poles continue to stand in tribute to the memory of these historic coastal inhabitants. After this we reach the Hole in the Wall; a wave-worn hole cut into the rock at Tsusiat Point. Just up the beach is Tsusiat Falls, the perfect location for lunch and a refreshing swim. From the falls, we hike to the Klanawa River and one last cable car crossing, before reaching our camp for the night.

meals : B,L,D

Day 8 Klanawa to Michigan Creek (Approx. 4-6hrs – 11km/6.8mi)

Today we follow the beach to Trestle Creek, where we re-enter the forest. Along the shoal, we’ll see where the SS Valencia ran aground in 1906, the catalyst for the trail’s creation inside today’s Pacific Rim National Park. From here, we cross two suspension bridges and our last ladder and emerge from the coastal rainforest at Tsocowis Creek, home to the first of three Guardian Cabins where members of the local First Nations live while maintaining the trail. It’s a 4km/2.4mi hike along the beach to our campsite at Michigan Creek.

meals : B,L,D

Day 9 Michigan Creek to Pachena Bay (Approx. 4hrs – 12km/7.5mi). Return to Nanaimo.

Today is our last day on the trail, and it’s on the easiest portion of the trail. We remain immersed in the coastal rainforest on an old supply road until arriving at Pachena Bay. This is the end of your hike on the West Coast Trail. From here, we drive to Port Alberni for lunch before hitting the road to Nanaimo where we say our goodbyes to the team. Service ends after a transfer to Nanaimo.

meals : B

Day 1 Halifax / Lunenburg

Welcome to Halifax! Your tour starts today with a welcome meeting at 10am before you head to historic Lunenburg on the South Shore, one of only two urban communities in North America designated as a UNESCO World Heritage site. Explore Mahone Bay and nearby Blue Rocks on a leader-led walking tour and learn about this old fishing community that’s become a hub for artists and photographers. Enjoy some free time exploring the old town centre, which is a National Historic Site of Canada. And since Lunenburg was a rum-running town in the days of Prohibition, make sure you take the time to sample of the local brews. Head back to Halifax in the late afternoon and meet later in the evening for an optional dinner if you wish.

Day 2 Halifax

Take a trip to famous Peggy’s Cove, a picturesque fishing village that is one of the most photographed places in all of Canada – for good reason! Rocky outcrops, the crashing Atlantic, colourful fishing boats and that famous red-tipped lighthouse are what you expect to see on Maritimes postcards. Follow your local leader along the Peggy’s Cove Rock Walk, which meanders along the barren coastline that glaciers created some 12,000 years ago. Grab lunch in the village (your own expense) – perhaps a creamy seafood chowder or fresh lobster roll.

Day 3 Baddeck

Today you will drive from Halifax to Baddeck, but not without a stop at the excellent Millbrook Cultural & Heritage Center. Located in the heart of a development owned by Millbrook First Nation, it tells the story of the Millbrook Mi’kmaq and the important role they played and continue to play in the Maritimes. Don’t miss the gift shop which sells beautiful traditional arts and crafts. On arrival in Baddeck, relax and settle into your hotel before we head for an included dinner together.

Day 4 Baddeck

Today offers a big day of discovery and adventure. Start with a visit to the Alexander Graham Bell National Historic Site to gain insight into the life and work of this inventor, scientist, and teacher who is arguably best known for inventing the telephone. Then drive along the Cabot Trail and stop for a leisurely hike within Cape Breton Highlands National Park. The Skyline Trail is the park’s signature hike, which leads out to spectacular sweeping views over the sea. If it’s a nice day for driving, your leader will take you further along the Cabot Trail – a 4 hours’ drive, but with plenty of beautiful stops along the way. Enjoy a picnic lunch while you’re out along the trail before returning to Baddeck for the night.

Day 5 Charlottetown

Drive from Baddeck to Charlottetown, the capital of Prince Edward Island and the smallest provincial capital in the country. It’s the perfect destination to explore on foot when you arrive in the late afternoon. Stroll alongside the picturesque harbour or take in the leafy parks and Victorian-era streets lined with gabled houses. Tonight you may like to join your group for an optional dinner and toast your adventure.

Day 6 Charlottetown

An orientation meeting will take place at 10am this morning to welcome any new travellers joining you for the next leg of your journey, then head out with your leader for a walking tour of the town. Finish with a tasting at Upstreet Brewing – a fellow B Corp business that brews a mix of classic, seasonal and experimental craft beers. Your afternoon is free to wander on your own before regrouping in the evening for a truly special dinner. Head out along the stunning Points East Coastal Drive (approximately 45 minutes) to meet a local fisherman and enjoy a traditional lobster and mussel boil on his private property.

Day 7 Charlottetown

Drive from Charlottetown to the Greenwich section of Prince Edward Island National Park, home to a rare parabolic dune system as well as miles of pristine white sand beaches. Located along the famous Points East Coastal Drive, Greenwich is the perfect place to discover the small towns, beaches and wildlife that make Prince Edward Island so unique. As you walk the dune trail and dip your toes in the surf, look out for rare coastal plant species and a variety of seabirds.

Day 8 Summerside

This morning visit Lennox Island First Nation to meet with a Mi'kmaq guide for a tour of the cultural center and St. Anne church. Immerse yourself in Mi'kmaq culture and history, and learn the traditional way of preparing bannnock at a campfire. Settle in with a cup of tea and soak up the stories about life on Lennox Island. Then drive to nearby Cavendish where L.M. Montgomery famously drew her inspiration for the “Anne of Green Gables” novels. Visit Green Gables Heritage Place and explore the area on a walking tour (with a focus on Anne, of course!). Then, check out the very cool Bottle Houses – a village of buildings, including a tavern, a chapel and gift shop, that are literally made out of thousands of bottles. At spectacular Thunder Cove Beach the sandstone cliffs, sea stacks and caves make for an otherworldly landscape that most visitors to Prince Edward Island totally miss. Spend the night in the coastal city of Summerside.

Day 9 Moncton

Enjoy a free morning exploring Summerside on your own. You may want to check out the local museums, galleries and cultural centres, or you can just wander through the neighbourhoods of historic homes. Then get your sea legs ready! Today you’re cruising the waters of Shediac Bay on a working lobster boat with local fishers. Get a hands-on demonstration of lobster fishing and enjoy a delicious freshly caught lunch on board. After lunch, drive to Moncton and your hotel for the night.

Day 10 Saint John

Cross over into New Brunswick and make your way to the postcard-perfect Hopewell Rocks Provincial Park. Arrive for low tide and join a naturalist guide for a walk right out onto the sea floor and get up close to the towering sandstone formations known as the Hopewell Rocks, or Flowerpot Rocks. When the tide comes in, waters in the bay can reach up to 16 metres, so a trip here is all about timing and your local leader will make sure you get the most out of your visit. In the afternoon, take a quick detour to spectacular Cap Enrage with its charming lighthouse before continuing on to explore Fundy National Park. Then it's a short drive onwards to the historic seaport city of Saint John, where you’ll stay for the night.

Day 11 Saint John

Your tour ends today, and you are free to leave at your leisure. Or, if you like, stick around and explore the city of Saint John and more of the Maritimes on your own.