Tour Details
Number of Days: 9 days
Skill Level: Intermediate/Advanced
Pickup: Vancouver/Victoria, BC
Ending Place: Vancouver/Victoria, BC
Min. Group Size: 3 people
:
Seasonal Availability
May 16 to May 30
Jun 01 to Sep 02
Sep 01 to Sep 30
Weather permitting, custom departures may be available outside of our normal seasonal operations. Please contact us to make a booking.
Planned Departures
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The West Coast Trail - 9 Days
The West Coast Trail on British Columbia’s Vancouver Island is considered one of the top treks of North America of not the world. As part of the Pacific Rim National Park system, this area protects some of the most beautiful coastline and ecologically important temperate rain forest in western Canada. The trail itself covers a distance of 75 km, and lies roughly between the two small hamlets of Port Renfrew and Bamfield BC. The Trail (including a telegraph line) was Originally built in the 1890’s as a life-saving escape route and communication line for survivors of this infamous stretch of the Pacific coast line called: “The Graveyard of the Pacific. Until the trail’s incorporation into the Pacific Rim National Park system in the 1970s it was considered one of the most challenging, treacherous, and dangerous hikes in North America. Today it is a well developed, beautiful, yet still strenuous trek of between five to eight days. Considered the traditional lands of the Huu-ay-aht, Ditidaht and Pacheedaht first nations, to this day First Nations work alongside Parks Canada in the managing and conservation of this area. Throughout its length the trail crosses temperate rain forest, kilometres of pristine beaches, waterfalls, and fiords. The West Coast Trail is considered one of the classic hikes of North America and one of the most scenic and beautiful treks in Western Canada.
PRICE: $1800 CAD (Per Person + 5% GST)
DATES:
July 3 - 11, 2020
Aug 21 - 29, 2020
Sept 11 - 19, 2020
GROUP SIZE: 4 - 10 Participants
HIGHLIGHTS:
• Considered to be one of the top 10 treks in the world
• A seven day trek through old growth temperate rain forest and countless kilometres of pristine beaches
• Carmanah lighthouse and Sea Lion rock
• Logan Suspension Bridge
• Nitinat Narrows and fresh caught crab meal
• Tsusiat Waterfall
• Tsusiat Point & Hole in the Wall natural rock formation
WHAT IS INCLUDED:
• 1 night hotel accommodation in Port Renfrew (double room occupancy)
• 7 nights accommodation 2 person three season tent
• Experienced Guide (providing logistical support, advice, safety, daily trip distance recommendations)
• All meals
• Tents and all group camping equipment, safety equipment (excluding personal gear)
• All National park fees, as well as West Coast Trail fees
• Transportation to and from the trail head starting in Vancouver including ferry transfer to Vancouver Island
WHAT IS NOT INCLUDED:
Sleeping bag & mattress, personal trekking equipment, rain gear, personal expenditures. *trekking back packs can be provided upon request. It is recommended though that participants bring their own trekking backpack if possible. An extensive list of suggested personal gear & equipment will be provided to all participants at time of booking.
WHAT TO EXPECT:
Active trekking holiday, moderate to difficult hiking with multi-day pack. Participants are required to carry their own camping equipment, tents, and provisions over the seven day period. The guide/trip leader will support participants with all necessary skills but it is recommend that participants have some previous hiking experience.
SINGLE ROOM & TENT SURCHARGE: $240.00 CAD Per Person
*An optional add on hotel accommodation night in Vancouver prior to commencing the trip can be organized upon request: (approximately $200 CAD per person)
QUESTIONS OR MORE INFO:
If you have any questions or if you would like some more information please contact us anytime by email, or phone. We would love to help answer any questions you may have or set up a trip for you or your group.
Itinerary
Day 1
(Arrival) Arrival in Vancouver, meet guide(s) and other members of the group. We check over all personal equipment to make sure everyone is properly equipped and prepared for the following six day adventure. From Vancouver we drive to horseshoe bay and take the hour and a half ferry crossing to Vancouver Island. From Nanaimo and additional three hours on winding mountain roads brings us to the magnificent pacific coast at Pachena Bay, the northern end of the West Coast Trail and the start of our 6 day trek. Tonight we camp at Pachena Bay and in the evening enjoy dinner and discuss the detailed tour itinerary and prep for the following 6 days.
Day 2
After breakfast we pack up all of our equipment. Parks Canada requires all hikers of the West Coast Trial to take part in a mandatory orientation and safety briefing prior to starting the trek. Our étape today is approximately 14 km. The trail today is relaxed as we ease our way into the trip. The first 14 km are characterized predominately by thick rain forest, we emerge at Michigan Creek, the first camp of our trip.
Day 3
The Hike today remains relatively easy and is also quite variable. After breakfast we continue on from Michigan Creek 3-4 km by beach along the beautiful pacific ocean. At the Valencia's Bluffs the trail moves into the forest for two km as hikers are rewarded with elevated views of the ocean and surrounding rainforest. An additional two km along the beach brings us to our camp for the evening at Klanawa River. An optional two km further brings us to the famous Tsusiat Waterfalls, the second camping option for the evening. We set up our tents on the beach and around the campfire take in the magnificent pacific sunset. Todays stage approximately 9 km.
Day 4
Today is one of the longest hiking days of the West Coast Trail (approximately 17 km). The day begins gently with beach hiking. The morning also brings us to the "Hole in the Wall" an impressive tidal rock formation which can be accessed at low tides. A more strenuous three km through the rain forest brings us to the Nitinat Narrows, a large tidal channel connecting the Pacific with Nitinat lake 17 km upstream. By motorboat the local indigenous natives ferry hikers over this deep channel. At Nitinat travelers can also rest for lunch and enjoy locally caught crab. After the Narrows it is an easy but still long 9 km to Cribs Creek our goal for the day. After Nitinat Hikers are also rewarded with some of the most beautiful beach stretches along the entire length of the trail.
Day 5
Optional easy day of hiking. After a late breakfast from Cribs Creek we continue along the Pacific for approximately tow km to the Carmanah lighthouse. A short climb leads to the lighthouse grounds themselves where you can enjoy spectacular panoramic views. Visitors here are rewarded with the possibility to see sea lions on Sea Lion Rock or observe bald eagle at the flight. Lunch today is at "Chez Monique’s" a small beach burger shack run by local natives. From "Chez Monique" it is two km further to the Carmanah Creek Campground, or an additional two km to Walbran Creek or 7 km to Cullite Creek. Spectacular beach camping awaits us at any one of these amazing location. Total distance today approximately 6-12 km.
Day 6
Past Walbran Creek the hiking becomes much more strenuous. From here on the going gets tedious on this challenging yet exciting part of the West Coast Trail. Roots and slippery rocks provide grounds for concentrated and focused hiking. We climb through the narrow and deep fjord gorges on this section of the island by ascending and descending numerous steep wooden ladders. Today we cross the impressive Logan suspension bridge. Overnight at Thrashers Cove. Total distance today approximately 12 km.
Day 7
Today is our last day on the West Coast Trail, yet it is also one of the most strenuous. Although our packs may be light our muscles are tired. At the southern most end the trail passes through old growth rainforest with mud, rocks and large roots characterizing this stretch. Our total hiking distance may only comprise approximately 5 km yet many travelers feel this is the hardest sections of the entire trail. In the afternoon we reach Gordon River where a motorboat ferry takes us across to our goal and the southern entry point to the West Coast. A quick shuttle brings us to the small fishing village of Port Renfrew (about 200 inhabitants). In the evening, overnight in a hotel including a well-earned shower. In the evening we celebrate the adventure of the past week with a dinner in a local restaurant.
Day 8
Today is our last day on the West Coast Trail. From Thrashers Cove it is only 6 km to the end of the Trail but the going remains rough and tough! It is an unforgiving 6 km all the way to the end. At Gordon River a motorboat ferry takes travellers across to the southern entry/exit point to the West Coast. A quick shuttle brings us to the small fishing village of Port Renfrew (about 200 inhabitants). In the evening, overnight in a hotel including a well-earned shower. In the evening we celebrate the adventure of the past week with a dinner in a local restaurant.
Day 9
From Port Renfrew we take the 8:30 am shuttle bus approximately 250 km back to Pachena Bay. From Pachena Bay it is approximately a 2-3 hour drive back to Nanaimo and a 1.5 hour ferry ride across the Inside Passage bring us back to Vancouver. We arrive back in Vancouver by late evening.
Tour Details
Number of Days | 9 days | Skill Level | Intermediate/Advanced |
---|---|---|---|
Pickup | Vancouver/Victoria, BC | Ending Place | Vancouver/Victoria, BC |
Min. Group Size | 3 people |
Activities
Camping
Hiking/Trekking (75.00km)
Sightseeing
What is included:
(Minimum) Two experienced wilderness tour guides
4 Nights Hostel Accomodation
A breathtaking experience of a lifetime
All group camping and outdoor equipment including Tents, cookware, cook shelter, emergency gear, etc. (excluding personal outdoor and camping equipment for example: sleeping bag, mattress, raingear, clothing etc)
All meals for the entire length of the trip (Menu is varied and is nutritious and delicious)
All transportation
Experienced and fun loving guide(s) with a maximum 6:1 ratio of participants to guides
Small group sizes (max 14)
Two nights hotel accomodation
What is not included:
Expenses incurred as a result of an emergency Evacuation by plane or Helicopter or coverage as a result of delays due to extreme weather conditions.
Personal outdoor equipment including sleeping bad, sleeping mattress, cloths raingear, etc.
Click ’show’ beside Personal Gear to view a list of suggested personal gear and equipment.
Personal gear to bring:
Weather conditions can change quickly in the outdoors therefore it is essential to have proper equipment and even prepare for extreme conditions to ensure your comfort and most importantly your safety. Try to avoid cotton fabrics as they provide very little insulating value when wet and are very slow drying. Rely mainly on fleece, wools and synthetics as these fabrics still provide substantial insulating value even when wet (which can frequently occur in the outdoors). In early and late summer it is not uncommon that 0 degress C or below freezing temperatures can occasionally occur, thus it is important to always bring enough warm clothing. When selecting equipment pay attention to quality as this may greatly enhance your enjoyment and comfort.
Do not bring external frame backpacks.
Sleeping Gear
-Duffel Sacks
-Good sleeping bag (minimum comfort range to 0 degrees C)
-Thermarest sleeping mattress
Clothing
-2 long shirts
-Bandana
-Bathing suit
-Fleece jacket / wool pullover
-Gloves or mitts
-Hat (for protection from the sun)
-Long pants (quick drying)
-Rain gear (water proof Jacket and pants Gore-Tex or equivalent)
-Several pairs of socks (quick dry)
-Several pairs of t-shirts
-Shorts (quick drying)
-Sun glasses
-Undershirt
-Underwear
-Warm hat or touque against the cold
Rain Gear
Personal Items
-Environmentally Biodegradable soap
-Medications (if required take extra)
-Small towel
-Sunscreen
-Toiletry Items
Additional Outdoor Gear
-Binoculars
-Camera (in waterproof case)
-Flashlight
-Garbage bags (for waterproofing)
-Matches/lighter (in a waterproof case)
-Nylon rope
-Pocket Knife
-Sewing kit (for ripped clothing)
-sturdy hiking boots
-Waterbottle
-Whistle
-Note: Due to the long hiking nature of this trip but sure to minimize the weight of the gear you bring as much as you can, Weigh your pack and if possible do a shorter hike beforehand to get used to the weight
Seasonal Availability
Spring Season: May 16 to May 30
Summer Season: Jun 01 to Sep 02
Fall Season: Sep 01 to Sep 30
Weather permitting, custom departures may be available outside of our normal seasonal operations. Please contact us to make a booking.
Planned Departures
All prices are per person in Canadian dollars.
Canadian Wilderness School and Expeditions
Contact Information
42 Lac Des Arcs Drive
Lac Des Arcs, Alberta, Canada T1W 2W3
1-855-653-8877 (Toll-free)
0-800-183-0079 (Deutschland)
0-800-561-705 (Schweiz)
1-780-695-5141 (Edmonton)
Fax: 1-780-455-3944
tours@cwexpeditions.ca
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