West Coast Trail
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Overview
Highlights
- Hike through BC’s temperate rainforest and spectacular coastal beauty
- Cross suspension bridges, ladders, shelf walks and cable crossings
- Explore cliffs, coves, creeks, caves, caverns and remote beach camping
- Spot whales, sea lions, eagles, bears and other wildlife along the shoreline
- Carry a lighter load with our mid-hike drop
- Navigate tidal crossings, campgrounds and route with our expert local guide
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Itinerary
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.
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...
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...
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...
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 a...
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 bea...
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 ho...
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 a...
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 Albern...
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Dates & Availability
Check Current Availability, prices, specials with Great Canadian Trails.
The total tour cost includes the tour price (regular or promotional) and the compulsory local payment. The promotional price is subject to change. Check directly with the operator for the latest price offer. The tour operator requires you to pay only the tour price to purchase your travel. The compulsory local payment will be paid when you join the trip. All prices are based on double, twin or triple share occupancy. Solo passengers will be accommodated in a double, twin or triple room according to availability with a passenger(s) of the same gender. Single supplement only needs to be paid if the passenger does not want to share and requests their own room. Discounts can only be applied at the time of booking and cannot be added at a later date, regardless of any changes made to the original booking.
Prices may vary due to local taxes and trip seasonality. Click "Request Info" to inquire directly with the tour operator for the final trip price.
Great Canadian Trails Reviews & Ratings
Other Great Canadian Trails Reviews
A beautiful island
After travelling to French Canada from Australia and doing a bus tour my partner and I (65 yrs old) started our 7 day rode around Prince Edward Island rail trail. A ...
Overall trip rating very satisfied
Overall trip rating: very satisfied, the holiday was good value. The most memorable part of the trip was The Chilkoot Pass day. Make sure you enjoy hiking with a ful...
The scenery was spectacular
The whole thing!! The scenery was spectacular, the guides (Gill and Tom) were excellent and the food fabulous. Canada must be the most beautiful country in the world...
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Tour Operator
Great Canadian Trails is the active Canadian holiday specialist, offering unique hiking and cycling adventure packages from coast to coast… to coast. Experience charming communities and changing landscapes at handlebar level, paddle along dramatic shorelines and hike rugged trails with the support of our expert local team.
With both small group guided tours with reduced pack weight, and supported self-guided tours, Great Canadian Trails makes it easy to explore Canada’s vast wilderness and quiet communities.
On our guided hikes, we do things a little differently. On iconic backpacking trails, we literally take the weight off your shoulders with pack support and food drops.
On our self guided trips we take care of reserving charming accommodation and moving your main luggage everyday so that you can explore at your own pace with only a daypack. Plus, all participants on a self guided tour receive comprehensive maps and custom route notes with helpful information on the best places to visit, eat, and explore each day.
Canadian trails are now within reach for all active travellers.
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Logistics
- 8 days backpacking
- 8 nights camping
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