How to Hike the West Coast Trail

Hiking the West Coast Trail is a excellent Canadian adventure.The trek is considered one of the best multi-day hikes in the world and is as much a mental challenge as a physical one.

The trail is 75 kilometers (46 miles) through Pacific Rim National Park, a nature reserve on the western, tidal shelf of Vancouver Island, British Columbia.

The only way to make this backpacking trip a success is to plan ahead. Remember that the only resources available for this 7-day hike is what you can carry in your backpack, so plan well!

1. What to Expect on the Trail - Besides all of the scenic beauty, the powerful northern Pacific Ocean and some of the oldest trees on the planet, expect to scale towering ladders and to slog through knee-high mud in the rain. All this while carrying 30-50 lbs on your back.
2. Get in Shape for Hiking - The West Coast Trail can be difficult but you don't need to be in excellent shape. I've seen 65 year old men with bad knees complete the hike as well as middle-aged mothers succeeding on their 'independence trek' without their family. Now obviously you do need some endurance and strength, but not as much as you probably think.
3. Plan in Advance - Determine how long you want to spend on the trail and bring the right amount of supplies. Some people finish the journey in 4 days while some take up to 8 days. Weather delays and muddy trail conditions can destroy any good plans so bring extra supplies.
4. Select a Hiking Group - Pick your hiking-mates wisely and only go with people you're compatible with. You're going to be hiking, cooking and camping together. And remember, tolerance levels diminish when you're cold, wet & exhausted.
5. Make Reservations - The West Coast Trail is located in Pacific Rim National Park and is patrolled from May 1 to September 30. The summer months are busy so make your reservations well in advance. I hiked it in September when the crowds were non-existent and the weather was warm and dry... well drier at least.

Pacific Rim National Park is located on the west coast of Vancouver Island in BC and is made up of three different parts. The West Coast Trail is located in the southern section stretching between Port Renfrew, BC and Bamfield BC. You can start at either end.

1. Getting to Canada - Since this is one of the best hiking trails in the world, you're bound to meet people from all over the globe. Getting to Canada is easy since most major international airlines service Vancouver, Calgary & Toronto. The closest major city to Pacific Rim National Park is Victoria, BC.
2. Getting to Vancouver Island - Just to clarify, the City of Vancouver is located on the mainland while the City of Victoria is on Vancouver Island, 2 hours from the West Coast Trail. There's a small international airport in Victoria with regular daily flights from across Canada & the US. BC Ferries provides service between Vancouver & Victoria/Nanamio with multiple sailings per day.
3. Getting to the West Coast Trail - There's shuttle service to both trail heads. You can catch the bus at the ferry terminal, Victoria airport and various spots in the Victoria & Nanamio. You'll be dropped off at one trail-head and pick you up upon your arrival at the other. Call ahead for reservations.

1. Make a schedule but be flexible. - Aim to hike 15 kilometers a day but always prepare for the unexpected. Weather delays, trail conditions and even your energy level can change your schedule. You'll go slowly through the gorges but quickly through the flat spots.
2. Set up camp before dark. - Since this rugged terrain is hours away from any major city, it gets VERY dark here once the sun sets. Make sure to arrive at your planned campsite at least 1 hour in advance to setup and prepare for dinner.
3. Keep your energy level high. - You'll be expending lots of energy while scaling ladders, walking on sandy beaches and navigating steep inclines. Eat frequently to keep your energy levels up. For me, a 2 kilogram bag of M&M's never tasted so good!

Hiking the West Coast Trail can be difficult, muddy and dangerous in sections. But the personal challenge and sense of accomplishment is as grand as the trees in the ancient coastal rainforest of BC.