Nice to see they updated this from before. Folks nowadays can and should get their packs under 30 lbs to ensure this hike is safe and enjoyable. But boots are not necessary we found after 20 years living on the coast backpacking these trails. Majority of folks hiking these coastal trails nowadays do it just fine in trail runners, as we did on the WCT. Boots do not 'support' you with heavy weight but they can present major problems with blisters and foot pain, plus they will slow you down and impact your agility on the tricky obstacles. Gaiters are a must, but they can be shorty ones. I needed poles but some folks are fit enough to go without them. While it is wilderness and rain can ruin the trip, you also avoid the very different risks of alpine hiking by choosing this trail.
The West. Coast Tral is a great hike. We did it in 2016 and hope to hike it again someday. When you tell peeople about it, they always ask "How long is it?" and they are rarely impressed by the distance. That is because on this trail the distance is only a very small part of the challenge. It is better described as a week-long mud run / obstacle course. I say that, but our group was extremely lucky: we did not have to hike in the rain at all (only rained one night while we were already in tents). We ended up finishing the trail a day earlier than our original plan. Hopefully the trail will open soon so everyone who planned to hike the WCT in 2020 gets their chance!
Hi there. Someone asked about June 2020 reservations the other day. Please know that Pacific Rim National Park Reserve is working on plans to gradually re-open. We need to ensure the safety of visitors and staff, and we need to be respectful of local communities and First Nations. Please check our website: www.pc.gc.ca/en/pn-np/bc/pacificrim/visit/covid-19-info for the most up-to-date information.
How was it? I’m debating if I should do it in 7 or take my time, 14 days feels like a lot but I’d like to take at least a day or two to just camp and enjoy the beaches
@Drimplz I stayed at the following campsites on the WCT; Thrasher, Camper, Walbran, Cribs, Tsusiat, Tsocowis, Darling, Pachena, Tsocowis, Tsusiat, Crabshack, Carmanaha, Cullite, Thrasher , . Was an event of a lifetime. 14 nights 15 days , I also then hiked the Juan de fuca for 10 nights/11 days; Mystic, Bear-WEST, Chin, Sombrio, Payzant, Little Kuitshe, Sombrio-EAST, Bear-West, Bear-East, Mystic .
The decrepit state of the infrastructure on the trail is dangerous and has created obstacles that lead to people having to navigate around and wreak havoc on the environment. The route is not hard, but has lots of opportunity for injury without the rotting boardwalk, ladders and bridges. Almost every hiker I ran into was appalled at the condition and surprised that one of the crown jewels was allowed to fall into such a state of disrepair. Parks Canada has failed in its duties. The scenery is breath taking and truly one of a kind the trail/park needs to fulfill its duties to maintain such a treasure.
Hello! Is this the orientation video you need to watch prior to getting your permit? I have been reading the prep guide but I am not entirely sure if this part is alluding to this video or something else? Thank you! "In 2022, the mandatory West Coast Trail Orientations MUST be viewed electronically by all West Coast Trail hikers (every single member of your hiking party including yourself) BEFORE you arrive at the West Coast Trail Orientation Centres. As the primary permit holder, it is your responsibility to ensure that all members of your hiking party watch the WCT orientation video before they arrive."
Hi Ty! Thank you for your question. Once you have made your reservation for the West Coast Trail, you will receive an email 2 weeks prior to your departure date that includes a link to the Orientation Video they are speaking of. This TH-cam video, while not the orientation video, is a great one to get the idea of what the trail is like. Hope this is helpful.
Hi Eric. All Parks Canada facilities are temporarily closed. Please refer to our website for updates www.pc.gc.ca/en/voyage-travel/securite-safety/covid-19-info
Hi there! You can make a reservation for the West Coast Trail by visiting reservation.pc.gc.ca (select backcountry and then West Coast Trail). You can also find planning information on the Parks website: parks.canada.ca/pn-np/bc/pacificrim/activ/sco-wct
Nice to see they updated this from before. Folks nowadays can and should get their packs under 30 lbs to ensure this hike is safe and enjoyable. But boots are not necessary we found after 20 years living on the coast backpacking these trails. Majority of folks hiking these coastal trails nowadays do it just fine in trail runners, as we did on the WCT. Boots do not 'support' you with heavy weight but they can present major problems with blisters and foot pain, plus they will slow you down and impact your agility on the tricky obstacles. Gaiters are a must, but they can be shorty ones. I needed poles but some folks are fit enough to go without them. While it is wilderness and rain can ruin the trip, you also avoid the very different risks of alpine hiking by choosing this trail.
The West. Coast Tral is a great hike. We did it in 2016 and hope to hike it again someday. When you tell peeople about it, they always ask "How long is it?" and they are rarely impressed by the distance. That is because on this trail the distance is only a very small part of the challenge. It is better described as a week-long mud run / obstacle course.
I say that, but our group was extremely lucky: we did not have to hike in the rain at all (only rained one night while we were already in tents). We ended up finishing the trail a day earlier than our original plan. Hopefully the trail will open soon so everyone who planned to hike the WCT in 2020 gets their chance!
We took the Canadian to bc from Ontario twice. Great trip!
Thanks for visiting!
You know a trail is a death march when Parks Canada makes a 10 min video warning you about it 😅
Hi there. Someone asked about June 2020 reservations the other day. Please know that Pacific Rim National Park Reserve is working on plans to gradually re-open. We need to ensure the safety of visitors and staff, and we need to be respectful of local communities and First Nations. Please check our website: www.pc.gc.ca/en/pn-np/bc/pacificrim/visit/covid-19-info for the most up-to-date information.
Cant wait I booked for 14 Nights this June :)
Amazing! Hope you have a great trip!
How was it? I’m debating if I should do it in 7 or take my time, 14 days feels like a lot but I’d like to take at least a day or two to just camp and enjoy the beaches
@Drimplz I stayed at the following campsites on the WCT; Thrasher, Camper, Walbran, Cribs, Tsusiat, Tsocowis, Darling, Pachena, Tsocowis, Tsusiat, Crabshack, Carmanaha, Cullite, Thrasher , .
Was an event of a lifetime.
14 nights 15 days , I also then hiked the Juan de fuca for 10 nights/11 days; Mystic, Bear-WEST, Chin, Sombrio, Payzant, Little Kuitshe, Sombrio-EAST, Bear-West, Bear-East, Mystic .
@@HikingOutdoors that’s awesome, thanks for letting me know
The decrepit state of the infrastructure on the trail is dangerous and has created obstacles that lead to people having to navigate around and wreak havoc on the environment. The route is not hard, but has lots of opportunity for injury without the rotting boardwalk, ladders and bridges. Almost every hiker I ran into was appalled at the condition and surprised that one of the crown jewels was allowed to fall into such a state of disrepair. Parks Canada has failed in its duties. The scenery is breath taking and truly one of a kind the trail/park needs to fulfill its duties to maintain such a treasure.
Hello! Is this the orientation video you need to watch prior to getting your permit? I have been reading the prep guide but I am not entirely sure if this part is alluding to this video or something else? Thank you! "In 2022, the mandatory West Coast Trail Orientations
MUST be viewed electronically by all West Coast Trail hikers (every single member of your hiking party including yourself) BEFORE you arrive at the West Coast Trail Orientation Centres.
As the primary permit holder, it is your responsibility to ensure that all members of your hiking
party watch the WCT orientation video before they arrive."
Hi Ty! Thank you for your question. Once you have made your reservation for the West Coast Trail, you will receive an email 2 weeks prior to your departure date that includes a link to the Orientation Video they are speaking of. This TH-cam video, while not the orientation video, is a great one to get the idea of what the trail is like. Hope this is helpful.
Does this mean it’s open? June10th yeehaw
Hi Eric. All Parks Canada facilities are temporarily closed. Please refer to our website for updates www.pc.gc.ca/en/voyage-travel/securite-safety/covid-19-info
where do I purchase a West Coast Trail Backcountry Use Permit?
Hi there! You can make a reservation for the West Coast Trail by visiting reservation.pc.gc.ca (select backcountry and then West Coast Trail). You can also find planning information on the Parks website: parks.canada.ca/pn-np/bc/pacificrim/activ/sco-wct
How early can you reserve?
We are prepping until my son turns 12
Hello! You can find more info on West Coast Trail reservations here: www.pc.gc.ca/en/pn-np/bc/pacificrim/activ/SCO-WCT/sco-wct-reservations