West Coast Trail

Starting at Pachena Bay, you reach the coastline almost immediately. After a short forest section, wide sandy beaches define the early kilometers of the trail. At low tide, walking is relatively straightforward, with firm sand and great views along the coast. It’s hard to get tired of this. Several side routes and points of interest appear early on, including a junction to Sea Lion Rock.

As you continue south, the trail alternates between short beach sections and thick rainforest. The terrain is often muddy, with exposed roots and uneven ground requiring your constant attention. There are boardwalks frequently to help, but they can be slippery, especially later in the season, so be careful! You will come across a few ladder systems on this stage, some higher than ten meters. You will end the day at Tsusiat Falls, which is a major landmark and also the campsite, located directly on the beach.

Next up is one of the longer and more varied sections of the trail. Depending on tide levels, you alternate between inland forest routes and exposed coastal sections. You will need to be careful in your timing, as some beach routes are only passable at low tide. Inland sections involve ladders, bridges, and muddy sections, while hiking by the coast will require some careful boulder scrambling.

The next day, at Walbran Creek, you will reach a key transition point marked by a manually operated cable car crossing. From here, you approach Owen Point, a coastal headland that can only be safely rounded at very low tide. You must assess real-time ocean conditions when you’re there, as the waves can quickly make your passage unsafe. If you’re there at the wrong time with it or are uncomfortable assessing the situation, there is an inland alternative that bypasses the headland through steep forest with ladders. You’ll end at Thrasher Cove, which is tucked into a sheltered bay and is often used as the final overnight.

The last section is short but steep, beginning with a long ladder ascent out of Thrasher Cove. You then descend gradually through the forest before reaching the Gordon River, where a ferry crossing marks the official end of the West Coast Trail. After crossing, you must check out with Parks Canada.

The West Coast Trail is open seasonally, from May 1 to October 7. Outside these dates, the trail is closed.  Early-season hikes in May and June often mean you will have higher water levels, colder temperatures, and more rain, making river crossings and muddy sections more challenging.

Mid-summer usually is the best time because the weather is more stable, though fog and rain will still be common. Late-season hikes in September and early October can be quieter, but come with shorter daylight hours and thus may require a bit more planning on your part as you consider the tides.

The West Coast Trail requires some seriously thoughtful preparation when it comes to gear and safety. Sturdy footwear with good grip is essential because of the constant rain, deep mud, and slippery wooden infrastructure, along with reliable rain gear to stay warm and dry in the rainforest. Trekking poles are not a luxury here but a crucial tool, especially in the mud and during river crossings.

Tides play a critical role along the trail, so carrying and understanding the tide tables provided by Parks Canada is also very important for a safe hike. Certain coastal sections are only passable at low tide, and conditions can change quickly.

Finally, wildlife is another factor: the trail runs through an active bear habitat, so it is recommended to bring bear spray. All food and scented items must be stored in bear boxes at designated campsites.

The West Coast Trail is often described as one of Canada’s toughest hikes, not because of extreme distances or elevation gain, but because of the technical difficulty. Progress along the trail is slow and very demanding. There are constant transitions between muddy rainforest, slippery boardwalks, steep ladders, rocky shorelines, and super risky tidal zones.

Many ladders exceed ten meters in height and require your full focus, especially when wet. And the coastal sections can feel exposed and unforgiving, with how wild the waves, narrow rock corridors, and limited escape routes are if the conditions worsen.