Q: How much will I have to carry?
A: Besides personal clothing & toiletries participants are asked to carry an equal amount of group gear such as food, tents, cooking gear, etc. which results in approx. 12 - 15 kg per person additionally.
Q: What weather should I expect?
A: The West Coast of Vancouver Island is well known for unpredictable weather. You need to be prepared for all kinds of weather. We've had groups that had practically no rain, others had rain for most of the days, but most have a mixture of both, rain and shine.
Q: What kind of fitness level do I need?
A: There is a saying that only hiking the West Coast Trail is the real training to hike the West Coast Trail. It's an advantage if you have some backpacking experience, however, the sometimes difficult terrain of the West Coast Trail can surprise even the most experienced hiker, especially in rainy conditions. Remember that despite the distance there are also the ladder systems to be considered, which can be quite slippery and require your full attention at all times. Most of our guests do experience some signs of exhaustion, it's common, but that's why you participate in a guided trip. Everybody of the group experiences the same more or less and together you'll pull it through. And there are our experienced guides who will be able to lift your spirit just in the right moment ...
Q: What if I am the slowest person?
A: The people who come on the West Coast Trail feel that it is the discovery in the journey that is important, not rushing along but more importantly steady. Generally guests who come on these trips are fit and strong but not competitive. There is so much to see that faster hikers have plenty to experience and are happy to accommodate to the pace of slower folks.
Q: How big are the groups on the West Coast Trail?
A: We have a maximum of 8 guests plus 2 guides.
Q: What is the best time of the season to come?
A : We usually choose the dates to take advantage of the tide schedules and longer daylight.