What to Expect on the West Coast Trail

No Average Walk in the Park

Joyful hikers posing in front of Pacific Rim National Park sign on guided tour

Happy Campers

There are some places still left in this world that only the most intrepid travelers will ever experience. Canada’s West Coast Trail is one of them. No average walk in the park, it’s an epic journey of discovery, one that you must prepare for both physically and otherwise.

76 km (47 mi) from tip to tip, the West Coast Trail demands a lot from those that choose to hike it. It takes true grit and determination to navigate the jungle-like edge of Vancouver Island, and some other things too. Consider the following, and if you’re still game to take this epic journey it would be our privilege to guide you through, ensuring your quest for the West Coast Trail is a safe and memorable journey.

Reservations Guaranteed

Parks Canada limits access to the trail to 26 hikers each day in peak season, but should you choose to hike with us, a WCT Trail pass is included as part of your Ecosummer WCT adventure.

The WCT winds its way along the rock and timber-strewn shores of Vancouver Island’s southwestern coast. Every effort is made to maximize time spent hiking the beaches, however, shifting tides often restrict access, limiting shoreline hiking to low-tide when it’s safest to travel.

Remote and wild, the WCT twists and turns its way through the heart of black bear, wolf and cougar country, creatures you’ll only want to view from a considerable distance
Count on wild weather. The WCT veers through the heart of a rainforest, and, along the southwestern most reaches of Vancouver Island. With average rainfall in excess of 120 cm (47 in) each year, the weather can change without a moment’s notice!
Mud, sweat, no tears – wind and rain create wet, muddy and slippery conditions making some sections of the trail difficult to navigate. That’s where a sturdy pair of well-broken hiking boots come in handy!
Feel the burn – hiking the trail you’ll climb and descend dozens of ladders with a fully loaded pack on your back. Your quads and ankles may never be the same afterward
So far off the beaten path, the WCT’s isolated wilderness can make a rescue difficult in most sections
Experience required. The WCT wilderness terrain is geared to adventuresome hikers over 12 years of age who have trained for the hike of a lifetime
No limitations. A WCT adventure is suited for those without respiratory, cardiac, or circulatory disorders or limited mobility

What's Included?

Joining us on an epic adventure on the West Coast Trail? Here’s everything we’ve included:

The leadership of a fully qualified wilderness guide, expert on the intricacies of hiking the West Coast Trail, and certified in CPR
All the equipment needed to make you feel right at home in the wild: tents, kitchen, cooking gear
Hearty, healthy meals to fuel your journey. Breakfast, lunch and dinner are included daily, beginning and ending with lunch your first and last days
Roundtrip transportation to the trailhead from Victoria
Boat shuttles along the Trail
We can provide sleeping bags and thermarests (please let us know upon booking)
Parks Canada permits and camping fees (mandatory, but charged separately, please see Dates & Rates for current fees)
Kiixin Tour Fee
Pachena Bay Camping Fee (last night - day 7 camping)

What's not included?

We’ve taken care of most of the details, but some costs are excluded from your package: Any meals and accommodation not listed in the itinerary

Travel to and from Victoria
Accommodations before and after the tour
Any optional excursions
Personal clothing & equipment as noted on our Clothing & Equipment List
Expenses incurred due to bad weather / fog / flight delays
Gratuities for guides (never obligatory but always appreciated)