West Coast Trail

Information

Distance

75.0 km

Duration

5–9 days

Max elevation

285 m

Country

Canada (CA)

Difficulty

Strenuous — more than 100 stair systems, slippery bridges, river crossings, and extreme Pacific coast weather

Best Season

May–September (trail open only 1 May – 30 September)

Permits & Fees

Required: a Backcountry Use Permit of CAD 325.25 per person + a National Park entry ticket; reservations open every January and sell out in under an hour

Description

The West Coast Trail is one of North America's most iconic backpacking routes, stretching 75 km along the southwestern edge of Vancouver Island within Pacific Rim National Park Reserve, British Columbia, Canada. Built in 1907 as a rescue trail for shipwreck survivors on the treacherous coast known as the 'Graveyard of the Pacific', it is now celebrated as one of the world's great wilderness trails. Despite its modest distance, the route is technically demanding — hikers navigate over 100 wooden ladder systems with full packs, slick boardwalks, river crossings, and unpredictable Pacific weather. The rewards are exceptional: old-growth rainforest, secluded beach campsites, abundant marine wildlife, and historic shipwreck sites visible along the coast. The trail traverses the traditional territories of the Pacheedaht, Ditidaht, Huu-ay-aht, and Nuu-chah-nulth peoples, who have inhabited these lands for more than 4,000 years.

Trail Highlights

More than 100 wooden ladder systems, ancient rainforest with Sitka spruce and western red cedar, remote sandy beaches, waterfalls dropping straight into the sea, dramatic sea stacks, beachside campsites, opportunities to see whales and bears, and the maritime heritage of the shipwreck rescue trail known as the 'Graveyard of the Pacific'