Stay in the heart of Renfrew, just two kilometres from the Juan De Fuca Marine Trail. Youll be carrying all your supplies on your back. These challenging hikes wind through temperate rainforest to spectacular west coast beaches. However, the storms of the Pacific wrecked havoc on these vessels: throughout the next hundred and fifty years, more than 70 ships sank off the western shores of Vancouver Island. Before setting out, there are a few things you need to do: Visit the Pacific Rim National Park Reserve COVID-19page for updates on park facilities and services. Nothing with sour your trip faster than a nasty stomach bug. Ferry or by airplane (Victoria has an international airport). and purify before drinking. We are home to the new Parks Canada third entrance to the West Coast Trail. It forces you to put all your energy into the task at hand. We got incredibly lucky with the weather on our trip. Plan your trip to the edge of the world today. Consequently, a second lighthouse was built at Pachena Point and the overgrown and poorly maintained telegraph line was completely upgraded to serve as a rescue route for unfortunate mariners shipwrecked on this treacherous, stormy coast. Animated text: Yes or No. Before setting out, there are a few things you need to do: Start a full-body strength and cardio program at least 3 months before your hike. The entire trail is inside Pacific Rim National Park. help maintain the trail, share stories and welcome hikers. How you plan to get to the trailhead, and back to your car after, may be a bigger consideration than anything. The West Coast Trail - Vancouver Island, BC. for proper insulation at night. It covers extremely difficult terrain and should only be attempted. Im endlessly fascinated by the ever-changing nature of the coastline, the renewed beauty and life brought by each outgoing tide. The sun came out in time for a quick nap in the hammock and some chatting with other hikers at the incredible food-trap.Walking along Bonilla PointSeals off Bonilla Point. [Confident hiker explaining something to other hikers]. to get you to the next large fresh water source. Happy trails! But please, promise mejust as I did the stranger in the barthat youll take the journey one day. 1) To obtain access via the reservation system: Keeha Beach is OPEN for overnight visitors May 1 to September 30 in 2022, as provincial health guidelines allow. help maintain the trail, share stories and welcome hikers. Animated text: Saftey Tips. a weather proof map of the trail Line your pack with a heavy-duty garbage bag it could get caught on trees or rocks and throw you off balance. The recommended age is over 12. Generally considered a challenging route, it takes an average of 18 h 27 min to complete. and secure your equipment, straps, and clothing The West Coast Trail, or WCT. Avoid cotton and jean materialsagain, hypothermia is a risk if you get wet, Youll be carrying all your supplies on your back. Seit seiner Fertigstellung im Jahre 1910 diente er Schiffbrchigen, schnell in die Zivilisation . Features: The West Coast Trail is an incredibly scenic coastal route with well-maintained campgrounds along the way. Accessing The Trail there are three ways of accessing the trail: Dont leave anything swinging off the sides If you normally only hike with 1 pole, you may want to bring 2 so you have a spare. Cape Beale Headlands provide a chance for visitors to sample the same terrain as the 75 km West Coast Trail. like dehydrated meals you can add water to, energy bars, dried fruit and nuts, and oatmeal. learn more tents cabins nitinaht region Oh, I say, eyes widening with interest. From months of daily drizzle to heavy downpour in the mountains, were acutely aware of the benefits of a quality waterproof and breathable shell. 30 people maximum can hike daily out of Pachena Bay and Gordon River. The final 10 km are very flat and fast compared to the rest of the trail. the West Coast Trail Guardians from each of these Nations. And I cant think of a better beach to meander than the 75-kilometer West Coast Trail on Vancouver Island. Required fields are marked *. It is an experience that can bring even the most experienced hikers to their knees. [Hiker walking through parking lot with items swinging off side and red ""X' flashing over the improperly packed bag]. or waterproof liner to protect your gear. Unless you really get off the beaten path for a . Lastly, theres limited cell service on the trail. Otherwise, its preferred if you dig a hole in the forest or on the beach below the tide line, and cover it up. in case you end up on the trail longer than expected. Of the less-alive variety, we see an oddly fascinating and massive whale carcass and the remains of a giant octopus. While some might look at restaurants along a backcountry trail with abhorrence, in my opinion these local establishments only add to the endlessly unique feel of the West Coast Trail. Driving Time from Vancouver: Half-dayTrailhead Coordinates:Gordon River: 48.576863, -124.416529, Pachena Bay: 48.792879, -125.115281. If it nails Utah, mountain bike the 8000 skull-rattling vertical feet of the Whole Enchilada trail. Today, over 7,500 backpackers hike the West Coast Trail every year. Help keep the drinking water sterile. First, put together a training plan. Why do nearly 7,000 hikers flock here from all over the world each year? Nitinaht Campsite Described as the toughest trek in North America, the West Coast Trail is certainly not for the novice, casual or ill-prepared hiker. They include costs of ferry crossings and other fees, but nevertheless, this is a pricey outing when considering you are camping in the wilderness. If it beams central British Columbia, Id make you promise to paddle the 117-kilometer Bowron Lakes Circuit. For those prepared, however, it will be an experience unlike any other, and certainly the thing to do should your dart ever land on Vancouver Island. He works his way over with a pint and we begin to talk. Today, through cooperative management, Her family has said they will keep the restaurant running, at least for the 2018 season. www.westcoasttrail.com says, "It has the reputation of being one of the most grueling treks in North America. [Hiker sitting on log, setting up safety device before heading out on hike]. These Nations have been here since time immemorial. [Animated map of the West Coast Trail] [Animated text: West Coast Trail | 6 to 8 Days | 75 km]. The West Coast Trail is an incredible bucket list experience Use only driftwood and do not cut any trees branches or any other living vegetation to use in your fire. On top of that, youll have a heavy backpack and will likely be exhausted. I went for a dip in the waterfalls, which was the second coldest of the water I swam in along the trail. Theres no regretting your pledge to visit the varied landscape and uncompromising beauty witnessed on this unbelievable path, the humble beginnings of which have morphed from a way back to civilization into a way for people to escape itand to experience the wilder side of the West Coast of Vancouver Island. or waterproof liner to protect your gear. These books will help fill in some of the details missing in the guides, such as campsite information. The 1,600 ton, 253-foot vessel sank in 1906, succumbing to the sea with more than 170 people on board. However, hiking the West Coast Trail is still nothing compared to costs associated with a vacation destination such as Hawaii, so perhaps its all a matter of perspective. Use the metal food lockers provided at the campsites to store your food and deter wildlife. The West Coast Trail is notoriously wet and muddy, even during the summer. Its so sad Monique passed away this year its such a highlight of the trip. If youve had a recent surgery or concussion, suffer from a heart condition, The first step in hiking the West Coast Trail is getting to Vancouver Island in British Columbia. Almost 70 ships have met their demise along this stretch of the Graveyard of the Pacific. Whenever possible, I prefer to hike on the beach rather than in the forest. No spaces will be available for stand-by (first come first serve). If you would like to change your settings or withdraw consent at any time, the link to do so is in our privacy policy accessible from our home page. I used Blisters and Bliss, and found it to be a terrific book. Youll also need a synthetic-filled sleeping bag and a sleeping pad Try this 46.6-mile point-to-point trail near Alberni-Clayoquot A, British Columbia. Its remote. which is common on the trail, even in summer. Finally, is everyone in your group over the age of 12? Part of the province of British Columbia, Vancouver Island is about half the size of Ireland. [Photo of rain gear, under layers, rain gear, socks, hat and gloves]. Water. This is one of British Columbias most challenging hiking routes. Ill be honest. More, he is a true outdoorsman First introduced in 2008, the Copper Spur series by Big Agnes has been a consistent frontrunner in the ultralight tent category. A mid-point entrance at Nitinaht Narrows (only accessible by water taxi from Nitinaht Village), allows hikers to tackle a shorter portion. Hiking the West Coast Trail. The campground is at the mouth of the Pachena River, next to the Huu-ay-aht First Nations community of Anacla, and just 5 kilometres from the picturesque town of Bamfield. Treat all your water, always. These lighthouses were connected by a telegraph line to Victoria for communication. It also meant we were far away from the mice lurking in the driftwood, waiting to come out at night. - Able to hike long distances? From Duncan: By paved road via Lake Cowichan (turn south at the community of Mesachie Lake). - Able to hike long distances? Either direction works, but it should be noted that the northern section is much easier than the southern section. Winter storms continued to claim vessels throughout the nineteenth century, with many survivors perishing from starvation and exposure on the rugged coast of the island. Animated text: Yes or No. On average, orientation sessions last approximately 60 minutes. Joint injuries are a leading cause of evacuation. Imagine that there is a place out there right under your nose that defies all logic and description. Obtain access via the reservation system That said, day 1 was grueling. [Parks Canada logo [Hiker setting up tent]. Its a good idea to have at least a days worth of emergency rations Before calling: My advice: add it to your bucket list. The West Coast Trail is a 75 km point-to-point hiking trail along a remote stretch of the southwestern coast of Vancouver Island. The ladders were difficult both physically and mentally. We incidentally ended up camping almost every night with this group. Are plans flexible? It is an experience that can bring even the most experienced hikers to their knees. a first aid kit including prescription medication, 15 metres of rope to hang your food. Just weeks after a U.S. man suffered a life-changing injury on B.C.'s West Coast Trail, search and rescue teams were called to another hiking emergency on Monday. Reservations for the entire month of June open on April 1st, for July on May 1st, and so on. Of them, our groups consensus favorite is Tsusiat Falls. Animated checklist with all five items checked off: The remainder is beach. This was also an incredibly scenic day of beach hiking. Animated text: Saftey Tips. There are a number of cable cars to carry you across rivers. Animation: Adult and child hiker with red "X" flashing over child, indicating children under twelve should not attempt the West Coast Trail. A trail map of the West Coast Trail is an invaluable tool and only available at Pacific Rim National Park ranger stations. As always, it is best to hike by Leave No Trace principles (link in the resources section for more info). The Juan de Fuca Trail is a 47 km hike along the west coast of Vancouver Island in beautiful British Columbia, Canada. the trail lies in the traditional territories of the Huu-ay-aht, Ditidaht, and Pacheedaht First Nations. Reservations are mandatory Long Beach is located on Vancouver Island's west coast, about a 20-km drive south of Tofino. West Coast Trail is a hiking trail that follows along the southwestern shoreline of Vancouver Island. Approximately 1 in every 100 people who attempt the West Coast Trail are removed by rescue professionals, and even more fail to complete the journey. Value 3.9. Putting one foot in front of other, until youve made the 75-kilometer journey.if(typeof ez_ad_units!='undefined'){ez_ad_units.push([[300,250],'outdoorvancouver_ca-medrectangle-4','ezslot_3',127,'0','0'])};__ez_fad_position('div-gpt-ad-outdoorvancouver_ca-medrectangle-4-0'); And second, it is really, really, ridiculously good-looking. Millionstraveljust to stand on the edgeof the Grand Canyon, gaze across the expanse, and peer into the abyss. Outside Canada & USA: 1-250-387-1642. In 1906, when the steamship Valencia went down with the horrific loss of more than 125 lives, the public outcry prompted the Canadian government into further action: Pachena Lighthouse was constructed in 1907; lifesaving stations were established at Cloo-ose and Bamfield; the telegraph route was upgraded to become the Dominion Life Saving Trail, complete with six shelters stocked with provisions for both shipwreck victims and their rescuers. Incredible. If you answered YES to all five questions, the West Coast Trail may be a great fit for you. 2) To obtain access via the waitlist system: To fully appreciate it you have to do the WCT twice going both ways! The 75-kilometre (47-mile) West Coast Trail is part of the ancient paths and paddling routes used for trade and travel by first nations. Know the ferry times. The West Coast Trail, Vancouver Island. More details here. First, for exactly all the reasons listed above. Dont forget to bring cash to enjoy the beer, burgers and hot cooked breakfast at Chez Moniques at Pacheena Point and salmon BBQ at Nitinat ferry.! The highlight of the day came in the form of coming across a decaying whale on the beach (not sure if it was a grey or humpback whale, in the state it was in). Getting to the West Coast Trail for your orientation can be a journey in itself. The West Coast Trail is OPEN May 1 to September 30 for the 2022 season. so you dont attract wild animals. We made great time through the boardwalks in the Ditidaht First Nations territory. We missed the beach walk into Pachena Bay because of the tides and were forced to climb up and down the infamous ladders. The West Coast Trail is British Columbia at its best. Photos (463) Directions. even something as small as an aggravated knee should be cleared by your doctor. The man who got pulled at the same time as Nicole had gastro-intestinal issues so intense he couldn't go on. Or better yet, take the shuttle bus and enjoy a six-hour ride with fellow hikers. PC.GC.CA Dont cross when water is flowing above the knees. Mills Landing offers accommodation, moorage, fishing charters, whale watching, nature adventures, and marine tours of the Broken Group Islands near Bamfield. [Hikers walking on slippery rocks, crossing a flowing river, propelling the cable car and traipsing through ankle-deep deep mud.]. Like me, maybe a decade will pass before you visit. And a little unnerving if youre afraid of heights. Driftwood smaller than your wrist should be used. When I first moved to Chamonix, skiing wasn't a priority. Well written, informative, and with humorous illustrations.
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