This challenging backpacking trip is a true west coast experience and is considered one of the top ten trails in the world.
The West Coast Trail offers sandy beaches, rugged cliffs, blowholes, caverns, caves, waterfalls, bogs, rainforest, lighthouses, abandoned settlements, shipwreck relics, native culture, whales, sea lions, eagles, and giant trees. With over 35 years of guiding on the trail—the longest of any company—our West Coast Trail itinerary includes stops to see things other companies can't offer. We point out historic and scenic wonders unknown to many hikers. Our pace allows time to adjust to the demands of the trail and to fully see and explore this magnificent Coastal Environment. Readings and anecdotal stories help the hiker fully appreciate the dramatic and colourful history of the events and people who were—and some still are—a part of this coastline. We have arranged a food drop for the half way point in our hike, thus reducing the weight carried by each hiker.
Our starting point is Nanaimo, on Vancouver Island, because it reduces travel times to and from the trailheads, getting you back to your hotel or transportation earlier on the last day. With an international airport, and service by two ferry terminals coming in from the two Vancouver area terminals, Nanaimo is more accessible than Victoria. We pick up from downtown hotels and the ferries, and from there, everything but travel food is provided (you provide your own personal gear).
We have been leading groups on the West Coast Trail longer than any other tour company on the trail, so we know the ins and outs, the history and the secrets, and have built a strong and respectful relationship with the First Nations on the trail.
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Availability (2025):
Price: $2795 CAD per person
INTERNATIONAL NUMBER: +1 778 348 1676
You can also send an email to info@adventures.com, or use the contact form here below.
Find out more details about the tour and its highlights
Guide information: Enthusiastic and knowledgeable, our certified guides offer an invaluable source of information on local culture, history and sights making your trip one of a kind. Maximum 8 guests/2 guides.
Restrictions: This trip is rated as Strenuous—significant elevation changes and/or technical sections and/or heavier pack weights. Good level of fitness is recommended on this strenuous trip.
The trail is identifiable but may require some route-finding. Unevenness is common and there are regular obstacles, such as roots or rocks along the trail.
The trail is identifiable but may require some route-finding. The trail is very uneven and has many obstacles to negotiate.
Moderate backpack weight with significant elevation gain/loss and/or significant other factors, such as rope pulls or ladders throughout.
Rain effects: weather factors can change the terrain significantly. Rain may make conditions slippery or muddy, rainfall amounts may swell streams that then require fording.
Fog effects: fog may cause wetness in the terrain that can cause slippery footing; it may also adversely affect visibility and the ability to route find.
Tides and ocean swell effects: tides may restrict routes and make travel more difficult; and ocean swells may create hazards when near shore.
Arrival in Vancouver. This denotes the day or days spent in Vancouver or on Vancouver Island before the listed start date of the trip. We recommend coming to Nanaimo on this day and arranging a hotel.)
Arrival in Vancouver. This denotes the day or days spent in Vancouver or on Vancouver Island before the listed start date of the trip. We recommend coming to Nanaimo on this day and arranging a hotel.
Nanaimo, Vancouver Island Nanaimo is a good choice if you are looking for less travel time on the first and last day of the trip. Nanaimo acts as the link that "closes the loop" for our trip, it is the perfect pick-up and drop-off location. Also, it ...)
Nanaimo, Vancouver Island Nanaimo is a good choice if you are looking for less travel time on the first and last day of the trip. Nanaimo acts as the link that "closes the loop" for our trip, it is the perfect pick-up and drop-off location. Also, it is a good choice if you are planning to stay on Vancouver Island.
**PICK UP** – For 2024, the arriving ferry times from the mainland are 8:15 at Departure Bay and 9:45 at Duke Point. The Guide team will do a first pick up at the Departure Bay ferry terminal at 8:15 am, followed by a Nanaimo hotel pick up between 9:00 and 9:30, the a pick up at Duke Point around 9:45. People taking the Departure Bay ferry need to be on the 6:30 am ferry from Horseshoe Bay. People taking the Duke Point ferry need to be on the 7:45 am ferry from Tsawwassen (It is also possible to take the 5:15 ferry arriving at 7:15, but you will be waiting at the ferry terminal). We stop in Lake Cowichan for a break and to buy lunch food. From there, we are on our way to a mandatory 2:00 pm Parks Canada Orientation which everyone must attend in order to do the WCT. It is about two hours from Duke Point to Port Renfrew. After registering at the trailhead office, we will stay in Port Renfrew. We will be camping on the beach and learning how to set up our tents for the first time. Your guide team will then take the time to do a final 'pack check' with everyone to ensure that you have everything you need (but also not too much of what you think you need!). The time will be used to get to know our traveling companions and discuss the trail ahead.
We will return to the West Coast Trail registration office and be transported across the Gordon River by boat to the trailhead. Our destination is Thrasher Cove. Although just 6 km away, the terrain is such that it will take us most of the day. There...)
We will return to the West Coast Trail registration office and be transported across the Gordon River by boat to the trailhead. Our destination is Thrasher Cove. Although just 6 km away, the terrain is such that it will take us most of the day. There are no scenic rewards other than those provided by the forest, creeks and occasional waterfall. You will sample your first set of ladders and see a donkey engine, used for logging the local forest in the early 1900s. Thrasher Cove presents your first opportunity to enjoy beach camping. Although a small cove, it provides water and an excellent view of Port San Juan and Port Renfrew across the water.
The morning tide will determine whether we will follow the beach to Owen Point or return to the trail. The beach hike, although characterized by huge boulders, is more scenic and varied than the trail. The shelf near Owen Point has sandstone bluffs, ...)
The morning tide will determine whether we will follow the beach to Owen Point or return to the trail. The beach hike, although characterized by huge boulders, is more scenic and varied than the trail. The shelf near Owen Point has sandstone bluffs, caves and caverns, unusual rock formations and surge channels. Many hikers believe it resembles a moonscape. We will eventually leave the shelf because of impassable headlands and sample the beauty and denseness of a west coast rain forest. Camper Bay is our destination. The campsite is located by a creek and flanked by magnificent sandstone bluffs.
Our day will once again be spent in the forest. Although this is a difficult and usually muddy section of the trail, it offers an opportunity to really appreciate the lush, vibrant beauty of a rain forest. Or we may be lucky enough to traverse one mo...)
Our day will once again be spent in the forest. Although this is a difficult and usually muddy section of the trail, it offers an opportunity to really appreciate the lush, vibrant beauty of a rain forest. Or we may be lucky enough to traverse one more amazing sandstone shelf, tide willing, on our way to Sandstone Creek. At Sandstone and Cullite Creeks we will encounter another series of ladders. From Cullite Creek we will pass along a boardwalked bog that features some interesting flora, including stunted cousins of hemlock, spruce and cedar. At Logan creek we will cross the WCT's largest suspension bridge. Our campsite is Walbran Creek. We now leave behind the most difficult section of the trail and begin that section characterized by mostly beach and shelf hiking.
Today will be a shorter, more restful day. Primarily on the beach, this day's hike will be a welcome change from the challenges of the forest. At Bonilla Point we will see the Carmanah Lighthouse in the distance. Today we will pass a special spot on ...)
Today will be a shorter, more restful day. Primarily on the beach, this day's hike will be a welcome change from the challenges of the forest. At Bonilla Point we will see the Carmanah Lighthouse in the distance. Today we will pass a special spot on the beach which was, until recently, the location of Chez Monique's. Sadly both Monique and her husband, Peter, have passed and the legendary food shack has been forced to close. Your guide will be happy to recall many tales from past visits with Monique who was well-known for her generous and gregarious nature. Her daughter Sandy and her family kept the oasis open one last year in 2018 to honor her parents. Next we will visit Carmanah Point Lighthouse; perched on top of the cliffs like a castle, Carmanah offers breath-taking views of the surrounding area. Below the lighthouse is a rock favoured by sea lions. Our camp tonight is at Cribs Creek, the Cribs being a geographic feature making a natural breakwater, with many tide pools to explore.
Depending on the tide, we will likely hike the "beach" again. This section of hard packed sand, imposing cliffs and some of the most unique and varied sandstone rock shelf formations makes for very enjoyable hiking. We will descend to a beautiful san...)
Depending on the tide, we will likely hike the "beach" again. This section of hard packed sand, imposing cliffs and some of the most unique and varied sandstone rock shelf formations makes for very enjoyable hiking. We will descend to a beautiful sandy beach near the Cheewhat River. After crossing the Cheewhat River we will re-enter the rainforest (where you'll really notice the difference in the type of trail compared to the first three days). Stopping at Clo-oose for a short rest, we continue on to Nitinaht Narrows and the Crab Shack. The Narrows, because of its depth and current, must be crossed by boat with the assistance of the local First Nations. Carl and Shelley Edgar and their family have been operating the "Crab Shack" here for many years. We will stop here for a filling crab and fish lunch before we cross the narrows and continue on to our camp at Barge Beach. We will also pick up the remainder of our food for our last part of the trail at the narrows.
The section of trail from our camp past the Narrows to Tsuquadra Beach is considered by many to have the most spectacular views. We will stop to explore the remnants of the Didadaht village from the turn of the century. Old lodge poles stand in solem...)
The section of trail from our camp past the Narrows to Tsuquadra Beach is considered by many to have the most spectacular views. We will stop to explore the remnants of the Didadaht village from the turn of the century. Old lodge poles stand in solemn tribute to the memory of these hardy coastal people who once inhabited the site. Soon after leaving thevillage site we will arrive at Hole in the Wall, a wave worn hole cut into the rock at Tsusiat Point. An old Ditidaht legend states that "… those who pass through Hole in the Wall have passed through Hole in the Wall." Tsusiat Falls is just up the beach, where we will stop for a leisurely lunch and swim below the falls. Tsusiat Falls is considered by many to be one of the major highlights of the trail. After our lunch break, we will continue on the next few kilometres to Klanawa River for our camp.
Leaving the Klanawa River, we will follow the beach until Trestle Creek and then head into the forest. We will stop where the trail overlooks the shelf. In 1906 the S.S.Valencia went aground here in a violent storm. The battering waves eventually bro...)
Leaving the Klanawa River, we will follow the beach until Trestle Creek and then head into the forest. We will stop where the trail overlooks the shelf. In 1906 the S.S.Valencia went aground here in a violent storm. The battering waves eventually broke the ship apart and 126 passengers and crew lost their lives. This tragic event was the catalyst for creation of the West Coast Life Saving Trail which would later become the West Coast Trail. Returning to the trail we will cross two suspension bridges, stopping at Tsocowis Creek for lunch. It is all beach and shelf to our campsite at Michigan Creek.
With the exception of a visit to Pachena Lighthouse, and perhaps at Sea Lion Rock, our last day on the trail will be uneventful. From Michigan Creek, the trail will be entirely through rainforest. The route follows the section of the West Coast Life...)
With the exception of a visit to Pachena Lighthouse, and perhaps at Sea Lion Rock, our last day on the trail will be uneventful. From Michigan Creek, the trail will be entirely through rainforest. The route follows the section of the West Coast Lifesaving Road that was completed, and wider than the trail from days before. It is considered the easiest section of the trail. The end of the trail is at Pachena Bay. We should be there by around noon. We will drive to Port Alberni-on the now chip-sealed road for lunch and then on to the Departure Bay ferry terminal in Nanaimo. We should arrive at the ferry terminal by late afternoon with the intent to catch the early evening ferry back to Horseshoe Bay or your accommodation in Nanaimo.
Deposit and taxes
Pricing does not include: 5.00% GST and 3% booking fee
A 30% deposit is required to hold your reservation.
Balance of payment is due 75 days before trip commencement.
CANCELLATION POLICY & DETAILS
The 30% deposit on your tour holds your tour space and guarantees your spot on the tour. Your deposit is non-refundable in most circumstances. If you pay the balance before the 75-day due date, the balance, less the non-refundable deposit, is refundable except under circumstances outlined in the Cancellation Policy (provided upon booking). Your final balance payment is due 75 days before departure, and becomes non-refundable 60 days before departure. If you fail to pay the balance by the 75-day due date, you forfeit your deposit and lose your reservation. If you cancel within 60 days before the tour departure date, you forfeit your entire trip cost. This is necessary to guarantee that tours run when there are insufficient bookings after cancellations, and to cover the significant costs and commitments to run a tour.
