West Coast Trail
The West Coast Trail is open for hiking from May 1 to September 30. The West Coast Trail Information Centres are open daily, from 9am to 5pm during this period. Travel during the off-season is hazardous and not recommended. Hiking the West Coast Trail requires a reservation system institueted by The Canadian Parks Service to address the concern over environmental impact on the trail and hiker safety and enjoyment.
The West Coast Trail is located on the south-west coast of Vancouver Island, and stretches 77 kilometers from Port Renfrew on the south end to Bamfield on the north. The West Coast Trail is dominated by old-growth spruce, hemlock and cedar. Some of the tallest and largest trees in Canada can be found along the West Coast Trail.
Photo used under Creative Commons from Labomatic
Hiking the West Coast Trail is challenging, but rewarding for wilderness enthusiasts. You may encounter black bears, cougar and other wild animals along the trail. The topography of the region features natural wonders like the Hole-in-the-Wall natural sandstone arch carved by relentless waves, the Tsusiat Falls at the mouth of the Tsusiat River, the Nitinat Lakes and Narrows and countless caves, creeks, coves, tidal pools and rocky headlands.
Thousands of hikers travel all or part of the trail each year to experience the beauty of the coastal environmental and the challenge of hiking one of the most arduous hiking trails in North America. The trail is a challenging five to seven day trek. It is both difficult and physically demanding – accidents and injury are common and the potential for hypothermia exists if bad weater conditions prevail.
Hiking the West Coast Trail – CBC Video Documentary Part 1
Hiking the West Coast Trail – CBC Video Documentary Part 2
Hiking the West Coast Trail – CBC Video Documentary Part 3
The trail takes the hiker along the wild and remote temperate rainforests, along cliffs, beaches and sandstone ledges, and over suspension bridges spanning rivers and streams. There are hundreds of cliff face steps to climb, hike through fog and mud and to put up with the west coast torrential rain. Fitness and stamina are required to power the cable trolleys across riverbeds. Described as one of the toughest trek in North America, the West Coast Trail is certainly not for the novice, casual or ill-prepared hiker.
