The west coast trail travels through numerous native reservations. You can hike from south to north, or north to south. Lastly, when planning your trip to west coast trail comfort camping, even if you are not hiking the entire trail, think like a hiker come prepared for anything, including the experience of a lifetime. West coast trail hopefuls in limbo due to covid19 outbreak. Instead of 60 hiking permits day, were now allowed up to 75 day. However if you do choose to cancel, parks canada and the nitinaht entry point bookings, water taxi, comfort camping and nitinaht lake motel will be waiving all reservation fees and all refunds will be paid. The west coast trail is a 47milelong backpacking route with wilderness camping areas for overnight visitors. When cancelling a reservation 21 days or more prior to the departure date, the west coast trail overnight use fee and the ferry fees are fully refundable. No decision has been made on when the trail will open, but jager. All spaces are reservable and no spaces are set aside for standby hikers as they have in the past. Many people ive talked to have a clear preference for one direction over the other. West coast trail cell phone reception just wondering if anyone can provide some more specific information as to where one may be able to get cell phone reception on the west coast trail. Use the form below to make a reservation at wild renfrews seaside cottages and west coast trail lodge. Hikers without reservations and wishing to start on either the pachena bay or gordon river trailhead, can register on a standby list in.
It was a tough trail, but no where near as bad as i was expecting. The west coast trail is open may 1 to september 30. Reservations for 2019 hiking season will open in november 2018 upon approval of our requested dates by parks canada. To get a good price you need a number of hikers taking that transport at the same time. We west coast trailed in august and it was incredible. Toll free number 18449287433 1844wctride cell 250 710 4679. All you need to know about the north coast trail tourism. The story of west coast trail begins as an ancient path used for trade and travel by the first nations. So many things need to be addressed when considering reopening the west coast trail unit for this season. Your guide to the west coast trail in british columbia happiest. Introduction to the west coast trail in british columbia. Now, theres a lot that goes into decision making, especially with parks canada. To make a reservation, visit the parks canada website.
The west coast trail travels the west coast of southern vancouver island between the towns of port renfrew and bamfield. Explore the northside of this prime locale in andrew molera state park, which offers a. Traversing the wct across the pacific rim will bring appreciation for the enduring conservation efforts needed for its preservation and the preservation of all public lands. Nov 18, 2015 the west coast trail is a 75kilometre hiking trail on vancouver island run by parks canada. Room amenities would allow you to eat in but with the pr pub just a short walk away we only took advantage of morning coffee. By comparison, the west coast trail has only 1 point along where you could enterleave via boat up an inlet to a native reservation that has road access. The intoxicating beauty of super, natural british columbia is epitomized in the one and only west coast trail wct. The north coast trail shuttle, which offers boat transfers to shushartie bay and pick up from the cape scott trailhead operates may 1 to sept 15. With the west coast trail, no two hikes are ever the same. West coast trail preparation how to prepare for the hike. Order online tickets tickets see availability directions location. The 2018 season begins on the west coast trail on may 1st.
Please do not wander off trail, and be respectful to those who have occupied this land much longer than us. It consists of rough trails in the forest, boardwalk sections, ladders in and out of deep gorges, and coastal walking on sand, gravel, boulders and smooth sandstone shelf. Exiting or entering via nitinat make shorter wct adventures possible. Your guide to the west coast trail in british columbia. But this year, the hopes and dreams of about 7,500 people with reservations for the west coast trail are at the mercy of the covid19 pandemic. Parks canada offers a complete list of equipment needed to hike the west coast trail. So bring many pairs of socks, a touque, gloves, and warm leggings and fleece zipups to relax in camp in. Your browser does not currently recognize any of the video formats. The northwest point starts at pachena point, 3km 1. No, the only means of accessing any section of the west coast trail is to. Visitors who currently have a reservation on the west coast trail do not need to cancel their reservation until further decisions are made. This guide is not written like the other hiking guides on this site, which provide a clear route description to get from point a to b. I do not understand why folks struggle with car camping nonsense when they can just march down the jdf a couple miles and camp beachfront for ten bucks, no reservation, no crowds.
The west coast trail is a 75kilometre hiking trail on vancouver island run by parks canada. Close to restaurants, long term parking and west coast trail bus stop. In 2014 a new access point was opened, nitinat narrows. Standby spaces are no longer available, all spaces are reservable. Backpack west coast trail british columbia sierra club outings. West coast trail victoria capital regional district. Highway 1s crown jewel, big sur, is among the most celebrated destinations of the west coast. West coast trail overnight use permit per trip, per person.
Pachena bay to darling river west coast trail day 2. West coast trail victoria capital regional district all. The nitinaht region on the west coast of vancouver island is home to some of the most wondrous natural and cultural sights and experiences all in one beautiful, remarkable untouched place. The telegraph line was first carved through the virgin coastal wilderness in 1890, to serve as a communication link to aid in the rescue of vessels in distress off. Issue the wct overnight use permits and collect fees bring your reservation confirmation information to the orientation. However, since 2018 all permits for the entire season are reservable. What you need to know to hike the west coast trail hike.
Approximately 1 in every 100 people who attempt the west coast trail are removed by rescue professionals, and even more fail to complete the journey. This was, and is, the land of the huuayaht, ditidaht, and pacheedaht tribes. There is a reservation registration system in place. Before you decide to make a west coast trail reservation for yourself. Days inn by wyndham las vegas wild wild west gambling hall. Spaces fill quickly, so consider setting up an account prior to january 6, 2020. The pacific rim national park, established in 1970, is a national treasure, and its west coast trail is a worldclass hike. The west coast trail, originally called the dominion lifesaving trail, is a 75 km 47 mi backpacking trail following the southwestern edge of vancouver island in british columbia, canada. West coast trail pro guide prepare for your west coast. At the end, you will be able to decide if you want to go the trail on your own, fully prepared, or take a guided tour from a company that sets it all up for you. Some site seems to indicate that tehre is no coverage at all, while others are reporting that with certain carriers you can get decent coverage along a fair. But you must book both van shuttle san josef andor water taxi shushartie in advance. The 77 km 47 mi of beach and forest hiking trail, the west coast trail, starts at port renfrew in the south.
Having done it both ways, i have a slight preference for south to north. West coast trail hiking vancouver island guided adventure. No average walk in the park, completing the west coast trail is a heroic journey of discovery. West coast trail victoria capital regional district 2020. We did it in 4 full days 2 days of fair weather and 2 days of torrential rain forest style rain. West coast trail vancouver island news, events, travel. The west coast trail is a 75km long hike between the vancouver island communities of bamfield and port renfrew, bc. A view of the pacific coast from the west coast trail. Trek 75 kilometers from start to finish, through an untamed and animated coast, and temperate, inland rainforest, where new adventures meets every sunrise. West coast trail 2019 hiker preparation guide the west coast trail is an iconic backcountry, multiday backpacking trail that is a bucket list challenge for many hikers. If you are hiking vancouver island, find your bliss on a guided hiking adventure in canadas premiere wilderness areas. Those who are well prepared physically, mentally, and equipmentwise, come away with tales. Welcome to my video series chronicling my preparation and journey along the famous west coast trail on vancouver island.
The trail is situated both along the coastline and in the rain forest of the pacific rim national park reserve. World north america pacific nw canada west coast trail the best hike in the world is the west coast trail. See the section on west coast trail reservations in my guide to the west coast trail for more info on booking. With many day use options, with easy to moderate access, this is a great option for the whole family. Any unused quota space and noshow reservations at the three wct. There will be no refund when no notice is given to the west coast trail express office. West coast trail journal west coast trail planning west coast trail packing list west coast trail day 1. The bus is the only form of transportation from one end of the trail to the other. I had my heavy sleeping bag, bought in nepal, and was glad i had it.
Before you decide whether to make a west coast trail reservation for yourself, learn what you are signing up for and make sure this hike is for you. Changes made within 10 days of the reservation date are subject to availability. Victoria to pachena baybamfield shuttle bus west coast trail. The west coast trail, pacific rim national park reserve, parks canada logo hikers enjoying the trail narrator the west coast trail is a multiday backcountry hike along the west shoreline of vancouver island. I am starting with the preparations that im taking to book the trail. The entire park is 51,300 hectares 126,761 acres including 22,300 hectares 55,103 acres of ocean, starting at port renfrew in the south and going up island to.
We did an 8day, south to north route, just the two of us husband and i. Trekking the west coast trail, pacific rim national park reserve. West coast preservation 3935 w reno ave las vegas, nv. Our west coast trail guide was borne out of our experiences with helping people on the trail. For the opening week of reservation bookings on the west coast trail, january 4 12, i will have limited access to phone. The west coast trail is open from may 1 until september 30 by reservation only. Hiking the west coast trail on vancouver island outdoor vancouver. Dedicated a national park reserve in 1970 by princess anne, the park consists of three parts long beach, the broken group and the west coast trail. It is an experience that can bring even the most experienced hikers to their knees. It was great to get the tougher stuff done first, so that we could really kick back and enjoy. The west coast trail on vancouver island is an internationally acclaimed hiking trail that retraces an old telegraph route that once connected victoria with cape beale near bamfield.
The west coast trail passes through the traditional territory of the pacheedaht, ditidaht, huuayaht, and nuuchahnulth peoples, who have inhabited the area for more than 4,000 years. If you are planning on hiking the west coast trail, consider a warm up on another bc hike, the nootka island trail as well. In this post, i will discuss what the west coast trail is, as a general guide. Not nearly as tough or regulated in how many can be on the trail at any time. In the past, there were some firstcome, firstserved spots each day. Victoria to pachena baybamfield shuttle bus west coast. We west coast trail ed in august and it was incredible. With everything said, hopefully well get a chance to see the trail again this season. Theres no park entry fee, and the ferries are included in the permit. Changes to reservations can be made up to 10 days before the reservation date with no penalty. Situated at the midpoint of the world famous hiking trail in pacific rim national park, west coast trail comfort camping offers ecofriendly rustic luxury to hikers in need of a nights rest, as well as outdoor adventurers visiting via nitinaht lake. If you call afterhours, it should be for an emergency only. Emails will be answered asap, and bus reservations can be made online through our website.
West coast trail british columbia travel and adventure. The west coast trail closes to the public october 1st to april 30th. The world renown multiday backpacking trail is a challenge for even the most seasoned hikers and brings over 7,500 backpackers from around the world to the beautiful traditional territory our people, the huuayaht as well as the ditidaht and pacheedaht nations. How to see the wonders of the west coastwithout a car travel. Provide a brief history of the west coast trail and its place in canadas heritage. Learn more about how to make a reservation to hike the west coast trail in pacific rim. They are given seats on the bus before anyone without reservations. The west coast trail does not go through any settlements, there is no easy way to bounce off the trail and back onto it that would really only involve the medivac zodiac, and there aint no return trip on that, so you need to bring everything you will need for the entire trail. I hope this encourages others to tackle the trail or any outdoor adventure they are thinking of. Reservations for the trail open in march and can be made for may 1 to sept.
The west coast trail is open to hikers from may 1 to september 30 each year. Outside of these dates, transport must be arranged on an individual basis, which can come at a higher cost, but can also offer more solitude if thats what youre after. With over 80 rv parks nationwide, thousand trails is americas premier provider of membership campgrounds and rv parks with resort style amenities. All persons planning to hike the west coast trail must read and understand the.
The west coast trail, is a 75 km long backpacking trail following the southwestern edge of vancouver island in british columbia, canada. Actually, there is one other way off but youll need to break a bone first to use it. It was built in 1907 to facilitate the rescue of shipwrecked survivors along the coast, part of the treacherous graveyard of the pacific. West coast healthcare las vegas, nv employment agencies. This is the west coast, you will get wet, and despite it being summer, it does cool off at night. West coast trail cell phone reception clubtread community. Its an amazing trail that requires attention to detail, training, and the right gear. Hikers with reservations, finishing the trail any day before their return reservation date, and up to 2 days after, have priority seating on the bus.
West coast trail is in limbo land because of covid19. Start here for shorter hikes and weekend warrior overnight comfort camping. The 2018 west coast trail season will end on september 15th. Unfortunately, i cannot get into detail of many things, but hopefully this will give you some insight of what happens behind the scenes. As ship traffic increased in the late 1800s, so did the number of shipwrecks off the treacherous west coast of vancouver island.
We are home to the new parks canada third entrance to the west coast trail. The pacific rim national park rserve is the best the west coast has to offer. Hike of a lifetime pacific rim national park reserve. West coast trail lodge motel, port renfrew tripadvisor. Within these communities, we have elders and vulnerable people to consider their wellbeing and safety. Serious gear and serious fitness are required to complete the entire 47kilometre trail. You must make advance reservations to hike the west coast trail. I did it in golite sundragon trail runners with about 21 lb starting weight including foodwater. In the hostile weather months the west coast trail is closed due to prolonged periods of heavy rain, strong winds, high tides, large waves and short days. The full wct spans a total of 75 km along the west coast of vancouver island. A west coast trail guided tour is one of the best hikes in bc.
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