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Hiking Canada’s Legendary West Coast Trail

Itinerary
Hiking Canada’s Legendary West Coast Trail
Date and group size

Add-ons

Gear rentals

Your guides offer gear rentals (tents, backpacks, sleeping bags, hiking poles, gaiters, etc.) for an additional fee. If you’re interested, please let us know prior to booking.

Most meals are included in the price of this trip. Special dietary requirements can be accommodated, please let us know down below if you have any.

Hiking Canada’s Legendary West Coast Trail
Itinerary
Hiking Canada’s Legendary West Coast Trail
People
1 Person
Date(s)
--
Duration
8 day
Guide(s)
Chris Skinner, Hahn Vincent, Playwest Mountain Experience
Reserve deposit (50%) $0
Second Payment Amount: $0

  • 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

      Hiker on a bridge

    • 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

      Hiker at sunset

    • 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

      Hikers in the woods

    • 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

      Chilling on a suspension bridge

    • 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

      Lady hiker

    • 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

      Hiking through greenery

    • 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

      Crow on the trail

    • 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

      Pachena lighthouse

    • 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.

    • Included:

        • Experienced hiking guide/s (Professional Association of Canadian Mountain Guides) with extensive knowledge of the area
        • 8-day West Coast trail guided tour
        • Accommodation: 1 night shared accommodations at the West Coast Trail Lodge in Port Renfrew, 6 nights of beachfront camping
        • All on-trail meals (cooked and prepared by the guides)
        • Transportation to and from Victoria
        • Pre-trip planning and organization
        • Pre-trip Zoom meetings to review all the details as a group
        • Parks permits & fees
        • Ferry fees
        • Pre-trip package with a 6-week training program

      Add-ons

        • Gear rentals (backpack, tent, sleeping bag & pad, gaiters, hiking poles etc.) — rentals available, let us know if you’re interested prior to booking

      Not included:

        • Flights
        • Transportation to and from Victoria from point of origin
        • Lunch and dinner on Day 1 (travel day from Victoria to Port Renfrew), and breakfast on Day 2 (prior to departing from Gordon River trailhead)
        • Crabshack lunch 
        • Travel and medical insurance  — optional
        • Guide gratuities — optional

    • 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.

      Looking to explore a different side of Canada? Check out these amazing adventures!

    • 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:

        • Base layers (top & bottoms, good for cool days and evenings)
        • Pants (soft shell/synthetic, quick dry/water resistant) 
        • Short sleeved top
        • Long sleeved top
        • Insulated mid layer (down/softshell/fleece)
        • Jacket/shell (waterproof, with hood, breathable, Gore-tex or similar)
        • Camp clothes (bare minimum, stowed in a dry, waterproof bag)
        • Synthetic/wool top
        • Quick dry pants
        • Socks and underwear 
        • Gloves (medium to lightweight, preferably quick dry)
        • Gaiters (must fit over your boots)
        • Toque (wool, synthetic)
        • Sun hat 
        • Sunglasses 
        • Lightweight camp shoes (e.g. Crocs)
        • Base layers (top/bottom)

      Technical gear (rentals available):

        • Hiking boots (backpacking-specific boots are recommended, please make sure your boots are well broken-in prior to the departure date)
        • Backpack (should have an internal frame and be no less than 60L) 
        • Tent (3- or 4-season tent, backpacking-specific)
        • Water bottle (min. 1L) 
        • Sleeping bag
        • Sleeping pads (inflatable/insulated or closed cell foam)
        • Bowl, mug, spork
        • Toiletries (toothbrush and paste, toilet paper, hand sanitizer, facemask, foot care kit, sunscreen (SPF 30))
        • Headlamp (bring a spare set of fresh batteries)

      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

        • For this West Coast trail guided tour, the usual client-to-guide ratio is 6:1. 
        • It takes a minimum of 4 people for this tour to operate. The maximum group size is set at 8 participants. Should the group be full, 2 guides will accompany the group.
        • This adventure can be booked up to 90 days prior to departure.

      A West Coast trail guided tour can be arranged for larger groups. Contact us to make arrangements.

      Min. age requirements

        • If you are older than 18, you’re good to go.
        • Minors older than 12 may be permitted to join the West Coast trail guided tour on a case-by-case basis, but must be in the presence of a parent or legal guardian.

      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!

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