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Hiking the West Coast Trail, B.C. Canada

Hiking the West Coast Trail, B.C Canada is a challenging 77 km hike between Port Renfrew and Bamfield on Vancouver Island, This coastal hike is through some of Vancouver Island's most pristine wilderness. Hiking the West Coast Trail will offer views of caves, cliffs, coves, pristine beaches ,waterfalls and shipwrecks. There is abundant wildlife to be seen such as bald eagles, mink, deer, bears, seals and grey whales migrate through Clayoquot Sound. As this is bear, wolf and cougar country proper precautions must be taken.

The annual rainfall in this area is 270 cm but there are often periods of sunny days in July and August. The West Coast Trail can be walked from 1st of May to 30th of September, however there is a reservation and quota system in place so bookings are essential. Supplies cannot be acquired on this hike so you will need to be completely self sufficient. Here, the influence of the ocean on the human history has been dramatic. Native people, lighthouse keepers, shipwreck survivors, homesteaders, prospectors and missionaries all have traveled along these trails and beaches. When hiking the West Coast Trail, you will find about 36 ladders to climb and these were largely set up because of the large amount of shipwrecks along the coast thus enabling survivors a way to reach civilization. Hikers come to experience the beauty of the coastal environment and the challenge of hiking one of the most arduous hiking trails in North America. A hike of the entire trail takes 6 to 10 days.

Day 1 It is compulsory to attend a parks Canada orientation session before setting off. Cross the Gordon river and hike to Thrasher Cove which is a 6 kilometre walk.

Day 2 is a fairly strenuous hike for 14 kilometres to Campers Cove.

Day 3 A 9 kilometre hike from Campers Cove to Walbran Creek.There are steep ladders to climb on this section which passes through plenty of forest.

Day 4 Goes from Walbran Creek following the coast for 11 kilometres to Cribs Creek.

Day 5 Cribs Creek to Tsusiat Falls.This is the longest day and is 17 kilometres long but provides some spectacular views.

Day 6 Tsusiat Falls to Michigan Creek is an 11kilometre walk through forest with lots of rock pools and plenty of mud.

Day 7 The last day is 12 kilometres through rainforest to Bamfield. There is a side trip to Pachena Lighthouse for some spectacular views. Hiking the West Coast Trail is a challenging walk and hikers should be well prepared before undertaking this spectacular hike.

Hiking the West Coast Trail B.C Canada