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The
West Coast Trail
Adventure in the Pacific Rim National Park Reserve of Canada
©
Outdoor Adventure Canada
 The
West Coast Trail (WCT) in British Columbia offers challenge, rugged
beauty and adventure. Part of the Pacific Rim National Park Reserve
of Canada, the WCT it is a spectacular 77 kilometers (48 miles)
of deserted beaches and lush coastal rainforest. A portion of
the trail was originally a telegraph route from the 1890s and
around the turn of the century the WCT was instrumental in the
rescue of shipwrecked mariners. The waters off the trail have
been dubbed the "Graveyard of the Pacific", with more
than 240 shipwrecks.
Considered
to be an extremely challenging trail, the 25,640 hectare (56,408
acre) strip stretches southeast of Barkley Sound between Port
Renfrew and Bramfield, along the coast of Vancouver Island. The
trail also passes through land that has been maintained by First
Nations for 4000 years. The Quu'as West Trail Group includes wardens
from native Indian tribes specifically Pacheedaht, Huu-ay-aht
and Ditidaht First Nations. Quu'as works with the wardens of Pacific
Rim National Park Reserve to patrol the region. In 1970 lobbying,
by groups such as the Sierra Club, brought about park protection
and trail improvements which were continued throughout that decade.
The
journey will take from 5 to 8 days to complete. Because bad weather
could cause delays it is recommended that you carry extra supplies.
A very damp area, the WCT has an average annual rainfall of 300cm
(120 inches). The most precipitation is during May and June but
frequent rain is not unusual throughout the summer. Excessive
rain can cause flooding and delays at swollen river crossings.
Cable cars and ladders are in place at the numerous river crossings
and crevasses. Camping close to rivers and estuaries should be
avoided due to the dangers of flooding. Because of the dampness
you may encounter heavy morning fog. Fog is more frequent in July
and August.
 The
West Coast Trail contains some of the largest old growth trees
in Canada, such as the Hemlock, Spruce and Western Red Cedar,
which are towering and ancient trees. The rainforest floor is
covered with thick undergrowth and fallen trees can become treacherously
slippery after heavy rains, which sometimes may last a week. The
coastal rainforest is another world explored on this trek, but
there is a potential for danger. Bears and cougars inhabit this
area so great care must be taken.
The
beach sections of the trail have rugged coastline and sea stacks.
There is also a "Hole in the Wall" which is a sandstone
arch that has been formed by the eroding action of the waves.
Waterfalls and tidal pools add to the beauty of this area, but
be aware of the tide times as the high tides can pose a real danger
if you are at a tidal pool or river estuary. An unwary hiker can
easily be washed from the coastal rocks into the sea, with the
beach sections from the Gordon River access being particularly
hazardous. Tidal schedules are available from the park. You can
expect to see wildlife such as sea lions, birds and tidal pools
teeming with aquatic life.
This
arduous journey is rewarded by the variety of breathtaking scenery,
abundant wildlife and the satisfaction that comes from completion
of the trek.
Notes:
The WCT is open from May 1st to September 30th. Reservations
for the trail are recommended between June 15th and September
15th. Without a reservation you may have to wait a few days on
a waiting list. During the shoulder season reservations are not
necessary. The fee for a permit is $70.00 Canadian per person
and there are quotas. Your fee pays directly for protecting and
managing the trail. There are also two ferry fees of $12.50 Canadian
each. One is for the Nitinat Narrows and the other for the Gordon
River. You must state whether you will begin your hike at the
Gordon River or Pachena Bay and each hiker must complete a 30
minute orientation outlining the trail's challenges. A waterproof
tent with a fly is a must and sleeping bags should have synthetic
fill due to the dampness of the area. Waterproof/breathable rainwear
is also a necessity.
Please read about the 2007 Trail Damage here.
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