You could go on a regular hike… or you could battle your way through Canada’s most infamous, mud-drenched, ladder-laden coastal beast. The West Coast Trail isn’t for the faint of heart—it’s for those who see a raging tide and think, “Timing this just right is part of the fun.” We’ll hop logs, climb cliffs, dodge waves, and zip through the rainforest in cable cars that look suspiciously like repurposed grocery baskets. And when we stumble into camp? The crackle of a fire, meals that taste like a triumph, and the sweet, sweet burn of knowing we crushed it.
The West Coast Trail isn’t just a hike; it’s a rite of passage for thrill-seekers. One moment, we’re climbing ladders taller than our houses. The next, we’re timing our dashes between crashing waves. Every day brings a fresh challenge—slick log bridges, rope-assisted climbs, and suspension bridges that sway just enough to remind us who's in charge (spoiler: it’s nature). But the rewards? Off-the-charts. Wild beaches, roaring waterfalls, and seafood straight from the ocean to our plates. If you’re ready to swap the ordinary for a week of epic adventure, this trail is the one.
The guides will offer pickup at your choice of 2 different locations in Victoria between 10:30-11:30am. The Inn at Laurel Point (680 Montreal Street – 10:30am), and the Days Inn Victoria on the Harbor (427 Belleville Street –10:45am).
We will depart to the town of Port Renfrew to take part in the Parks Canada West Coast Trail orientation at 2pm at the Gordon River Trailhead before checking into our accommodation for the evening in Port Renfrew. Upon checking into the accommodation, there will be a group dinner where the guides will debrief the group about the schedule, distribute rented gear and food, and answer any questions. Accommodation is included as part of the package tonight. The group dinner is at your own cost.
Accommodation: West Coast Trail Lodge in Port Renfrew
We will start bright and early this morning to catch the 8:30am ferry over to the Gordon River trailhead, and the start of the West Coast Trail. The distance traveled today is short, but it is tough and slow, so we will take our time and enjoy the scenery of our first day of hiking. Our campsite at Thrasher Cove is a starting and finishing point for many hikers who will be tackling the trail. Tonight will be an opportunity to share stories of the trails with other hikers, and enjoy our first dinner together on the trail.
Meals: Lunch, dinner
Hiking: 6 km (3.7 mi)
Elevation gain/loss: 450 m (1,476 ft)
Accommodation: Camping
Today, if tides and weather allow, we will climb around Owens Point, maneuver around driftwood, beach boulders, and sandstone bluffs while keeping a keen eye on the tide levels. If the tides and/or weather are not working in our favour then it will be a full day in the forest working our way over mud, roots, ladders and fallen trees. This is a very interesting day either way and will get our trip started on the right foot with some stunning views and some technical terrain.
Meals: Breakfast, lunch, dinner
Hiking: 8 km (5 mi)
Elevation gain/loss: 355 m (1,165 ft)
Accommodation: Camping
Are you ready to get muddy? Today may be the most difficult portion of the hike, but it will also be the most rewarding! Due to the difficulty level of today’s hike, the distance covered will be considerably shorter than some of the upcoming days. However, you can expect it to be one of the longest days of the trip. This portion of the trail includes multiple ladders, suspension bridges, and a cable car crossing. Dinner in front of a campfire with a West Coast sunset will taste especially good after this rigorous day.
Meals: Breakfast, lunch, dinner
Hiking: 9 km (5.6 mi)
Elevation gain/loss: 350 m (1,148 ft)
Accommodation: Camping
Today’s route will be dependent on the ocean tides and will be determined by the guides early in the morning. Both options are beautiful and rewarding in their own way: next to the ocean or deep in the rainforest. Either option will provide stunning views and wildlife sightings. Our destination for camp tonight is Cribs Creek. On our way, we will pass Carmanah Lighthouse where the Pacific Ocean meets the Strait of Juan de Fuca, which is another amazing point of exploration.
Meals: Breakfast, lunch, dinner
Hiking: 11 km (6.8 mi)
Elevation gain/loss: 450 m (1,476 ft)
Accommodation: Camping
This morning, we will rise and shine bright and early to get ready for a full day of hiking. Today’s distance is the longest of the trip, but the terrain is fairly moderate and will be far less strenuous than the previous 4 days. An absolute highlight of the West Coast trail is stopping in at The Crab Shack at the Nitinat Narrows. Fresh crab off the dock, fully loaded baked potatoes, chips, chocolate bars and even an ice cold beer await. Bring cash only, as they do not take credit or debit.
Meals: Breakfast, lunch
Hiking: 17 km (10.5 mi)
Elevation gain/loss: 675 m (2,215 ft)
Accommodation: Camping
After eating breakfast and packing up camp, we will depart Tsusiat Falls after spending some time to snap a few photos and enjoy the sunrise. Today we will cover 13 km (8 mi) of tough forest terrain, including more ladders and bridges, on our way to our final camp at Michigan Creek Campground.
Today’s hike is full of exciting features like ropes, ladders, and cable cars crossing rivers. This is a fun and eventful day with plenty of photo opportunities at beautiful locations. Feel free to eat whatever is left in your pack and lighten your load for the last day of hiking tomorrow!
Meals: Breakfast, lunch, dinner
Hiking: 13 km (8 mi)
Elevation gain/loss: 675 m (2,215 ft)
Accommodation: Camping
We will have 12 km (7.4) of easy-moderate terrain to cover as a finale today. After a rest stop at the Pachena Lighthouse and a viewpoint where we will hopefully see some sea lions, we will hike out to Pachena Bay Trailhead around lunchtime. At Pachena Bay, a van will be waiting for us to go for a celebration meal and drink. Lunch at the local pub is included in the package price (drinks on your own).
After our celebration meal, we will load back into the van and drive back to Victoria to drop everyone off at 1 of the 3 listed locations of their choice. Congratulations, you have now finished the West Coast Trail!
Meals: Breakfast, lunch
Hiking: 12 km (7.4 mi)
Elevation gain/loss: 370 m (1,214 ft)
Accommodation: Camping
This itinerary is subject to change — the exact schedule (including daily distances hiked) will be dictated by factors such as weather and safety, as well as group strength and preferences.
Such a fantastic trip. Chris was friendly and a font of knowledge enabling us to relax and enjoy the hike, stunning views and delicious fondue.
Fantastic course! Chris (and Nathan) are extremely experienced in the backcountry and share that experience in a very educational way. I would definitely recommend this course through Playwest.
Included:
Add-ons
Not included:
This West Coast trail guided tour is a challenging hike and requires great fitness and balance. You will be provided with a detailed 6-week training plan to help you prepare before the trip. Expect hiking up to 17 km (10.5 mi) per day.
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All on-trail meals are included and prepared by the guides.
Please note that the meals and drinks in restaurants and outside of the trail are at your own expense, except on Day 8, when lunch in a restaurant is included in the price of the package.
Here’s a list of the equipment you need to bring:
Clothing:
Technical gear (rentals available):
Dress comfortably and for the weather in clothes you can move in. We suggest bringing clothing appropriate for the season. Layers are best and don’t wear jeans.
Group sizes and pricing
A West Coast trail guided tour can be arranged for larger groups. Contact us to make arrangements.
Min. age requirements
If your group has participants under the age of 18, contact us prior to booking to make arrangements.
The starting point of your West Coast trail guided tour is Victoria, BC. To get there, most people fly into Victoria International Airport (YYJ). From there, you can take a shuttle service, public transport, or rent a car to reach Victoria, BC.
The guides will offer pickup at your choice of 2 different locations in Victoria between 10:30-11:30am. The Inn at Laurel Point (680 Montreal Street – 10:30am), and the Days Inn Victoria on the Harbor (427 Belleville Street –10:45am).
We highly recommend that you cover all your bases with both medical and travel protection. To make your booking and traveling experience as carefree as possible, simply choose Redpoint—the official 57hours insurance partner!
Redpoint tailors their protection packages for adventure travel, offering a comprehensive travel program, even in remote locations. Trip cancellation, natural disasters, pandemic coverage, medical evacuation, primary medical expenses—regardless of the travel interruption that may happen, Redpoint will have you covered.
Once your booking is confirmed and your trip is paid in full, you will be offered to purchase Redpoint’s protection. If you need any help or require more information, let us know and we will be happy to help!
Deposits
Secure your spot either by paying in full or with a 50% deposit! The remaining 50% of the trip price must be paid 120 days prior to departure, at the latest. If booking within 120 days of departure, the full amount is required at the time of booking.
Cancellations
I had the pleasure of attending a guided hike lead by Chris thanks to his fantastic business.
Through the hike itself we went at a comfortable pace and our guide took moments to give recognition to special spots we would not have seen otherwise, as well as share a little bit of his personal nature knowledge. At the top we had an amazing fondue provided by our guide and took the time to watch the sunset over the incredible mountains. Having Chris as our guide during this adventure was well worth it. The experience would definitely not have been the same without him.
would do it again any day!