47 mi.
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.
Where does the West Coast Trail start and end?
The trail can be hiked either way; from south to north starting at the Gordon River Trailhead close to Port Renfrew and ending at Bamfield or the other way around. Some awesome beach scenery on the second day of the West Coast trail. What is this?
Is the West Coast Trail difficult?
The West Country Trail is a backcountry backpacking adventure that is both difficult and challenging throughout the seventy-five kilometres of multi-day hiking. Hikers will climb ladders, pass through deep waters, and push through unpredictable weather of wind or rain.
How long does it take to run the West Coast Trail?
Some people hike it in five or 6 days and others take their time and allow 8 or 9 days. Trail runners have even blasted through it in less than 10 hours! The first time I hiked the West Coast Trail we did it in 6 days.
Can you hike the West Coast Trail alone?
There are hundreds of moments spent evaluating risk in the outdoors: bears, cougars, rising tides, slippery ladders, kelp-covered rocks, hand-pulled cable cars, strangers, nights alone, inclement weather. As a soloist, there are no second opinions. Your choices are yours, alone, to own.
How fit do you have to be to do the West coast trail?
Preparing for the West Coast Trail: first, the obvious get your body ready for a 75-kilometer hike. This means hiking prior to, and with weight on your back. Hiking with 42 pounds on your back (which is what I started out with) is a whole new ball game. So start hiking with weight at least three months before you go.
How much does it cost to hike the West coast trail?
West Coast Trail Fees
If you are hiking the whole trail from one end to the other you will have to pay the West Coast Trail Overnight Use Fee: $127.50 and two ferry crossing fees, Gordon River: $16 and Nitinat Narrow: $16. These three fees are mandatory and if you reserve ahead the reservation fee is $24.50.
What is the hardest part of the West Coast Trail?
Some people find the West Coast Trail section between Walbran and Camper to be the hardest part of the trail due to all the ladders. The trail from Walbran starts with a section of ladders. At the top, you’ll go through a bog on boardwalks. When the boardwalk ends, the mud, roots, and logs begin.
How heavy should my pack be for the West Coast Trail?
To enjoy your West Coast Trail experience you must be comfortable; use quality, lightweight equipment. Your pack should weigh 25% – 30% of your body weight.
Are there bears on West Coast Trail?
There are over 100 ladders and bridges, miles of slippery boardwalks, surge channels to be crossed, and countless mud holes. There are also bears, cougars and wolves. On the bright side, there are no grizzlies, relatively few mosquitoes (at least in May), and no poison oak or venomous snakes.
Can you do the West Coast Trail in 3 days?
Hiking the West Coast Trail is difficult, even for experienced hikers.” Most people will spend between 6 and 8 days in the backcountry, when travelling from end-to-end. There’s also a mid-way entry point at Nitinaht Village, which can shorten your journey by a few days.
How many ladders Does the West Coast Trail have?
70 ladders
The West Coast Trail on Vancouver Island is a spectacular 75km backpacking route along potentially hazardous terrain. It’s a wild trail that takes 5–7 days to hike and has nearly 70 ladders, 130 bridges and four cable cars.
How do you physically prepare for the West Coast Trail?
Preparing for the West Coast Trail
- Pack smart. Try to limit your total pack weight to 30% of your body weight or less.
- Break in your gear. Although your hiking shoes should be comfortable right out of the box, it is imperative to wear them in.
- Practice hikes.
- Core and leg strengthening.
Are there bathrooms on the West Coast Trail?
You can find toilets on the West Coast Trail at every campsite except Orange Juice Creek. There are also toilets at the Pachena Bay trailhead, Gordon River Parks Canada Office, Ditidaht luxury tents and Nitinaht Narrows. There are no public toilets at the Carmanah and Pachena lighthouses.
What is the golden rule of hiking?
The best thing you can do when hiking is to remember the “golden rule”: treat others the way you would want to be treated. Here are some main points of hiking etiquette. Hikers coming uphill have the right of way. If you’re descending the trail, step aside and give space to the people climbing up.
How busy is the West Coast Trail?
Around a hundred people start the West Coast Trail daily during the busy months of July to August, adding up to over 6,000 hikers per year. Permits must be obtained in advance (see more information below). The trail is closed October through April and no services are provided during this time.
How much food should I take on the West Coast Trail?
A reasonable goal is 1.5 to 2.5 lbs. of food (or 2,500 to 4,500 calories) per person each day depending on size, weight and exertion levels. At the same time, a common mistake is to pack too much food, forcing you to carry unwanted bulk and weight. Experience will teach you what amount of food works for you.
Are Gaiters necessary for West Coast Trail?
Gaiters (Optional)
Most people I saw on the West Coast Trail wore gaiters. They are helpful to keep mud, sand, and water out of your boots.
What direction do you hike the West Coast Trail?
Hiking direction
The West Coast Trail can be hiked northbound or southbound from each of the three trailheads – Gordon River, Pachena Bay and Nitinaht Narrows. The choice of which direction to hike the WCT must be finalised at the time of making a reservation.
Do I need a permit to hike the West Coast Trail?
Overnight visitors to the West Coast Trail must purchase a West Coast Trail Overnight Use Permit and have a valid National Park Entry Pass. These fees help support the cost of operating the West Coast Trail (e.g., rescue services, information services, construction of ladders, cable cars, boardwalks and bridges).
Is there cell coverage on the West Coast Trail?
Most backpackers expect to spend a week or more traversing this 75km trail along the west coast of Vancouver Island. The West Coast Trail is almost entirely outside cell coverage.