The West Coast Trail
The West Coast Trail winds through Vancouver Island’s lush rainforests. Photo credit
The West Coast Trail is a world-renowned hiking trail along Vancouver Island’s beautiful west coast. It was built in 1907 as a life-saving trail in response to the many ships wrecked along its rugged coast. Today it is a part of Pacific Rim National Park.
The trail runs from Port Renfrew northward to Bamfield. Hikers can tackle the trail from either starting point. Day trippers may want to begin in Bamfield since the northern end of the trail is much flatter and less challenging than the southern leg.
Well-deserved refreshment on the West Coast Trail. Photo credit
The West Coast Trail winds along Vancouver Island’s coastline and takes hikers through old-growth rain forest, around waterfalls, over sandstone cliffs and along some of the most scenic coastline in the world.
Hiking all 75 km (about 45 miles) of the West Coast Trail generally takes five to seven days. Permits for overnight use of the West Coast Trail can be obtained from Parks Canada; no permit is required for day trips.
Nuu-chah-nulth carvings on the West Coast Trail. Photo credit