It’s very convenient for hikers to catch the West Coast Trail Express Bus which trips during the hiking season:
- Victoria <> Port Alberni (via Nanaimo)
- Victoria > Port Renfrew > Gordon River > Nitinat > Bamfield (return)
This is a good option for those looking for the least expensive and quickest transport. We have had good experiences on the shuttle van but we heard many complaints about the service in 2002 — rude service, missed connections, bad roads, etc. If you have time and cash, you may be happier with either the Ferry to Port Alberni or the water taxi Port Renfrew — Bamfield.
The most popular route starts in Victoria; hop on the West Coast Trail bus at 6:50 am and you should make it to the Gordon River Trailhead near Port Renfrew by 9 am, in time for the first Orientation of the day. You'll be able to start the hike and reach Thrasher, the first campsite, the same day. Fare is about C$30 one way.
Catch the West Coast Express is in front of Island Coach Lines at 700 Douglas Street in Victoria.
The bus (usually a van) continues on rough logging road parallel to the West Coast Trail through to arrive in Bamfield by around 12:30 — plenty of time to do Orientation & start the hike.
The road Port Renfrew to Bamfield is so bad that the trip is kind of fun; cramming a bunch of hikers into a van for a few hours. (Some are dirty & stinking, just having finished the hike.)
The return trip is normally scheduled:
- Depart Bamfield 1:00 pm
- Arrive Nitinat 2:30 pm
- Arrive Port Renfrew 4:15 pm
- Depart Port Renfrew 4:15 pm
- Arrive Victoria 6:30 pm
You’ll be in the big city early enough for a shower & a night on the town.
Check the website to confirm WCT bus schedule & costs.
Make sure you phone for a reservation as the bus often is full.
Pacheenaht Bus
You may read about a shuttle service run by the Pacheenaht band. It no longer exists — West Coast Express has taken over that run.
Backpacker buses
More fun than Greyhound are the backpacker buses & vans that trip around BC. Check BC Experience Bus, Bigfoot Adventure Tours & Moose Run Adventure Tours.
Anyone can hop on a backpacker bus, but most of the passengers are in their twenties.
Hitchhiking
Hitchhiking within the Victoria city limits is illegal.
Hitching should be your LAST option, especially on remote highways. On the other hand, if you get stuck, Canadians are still willing to pick up hitchhikers — unlike the USA where it can be difficult to get a lift.
You may get stuck on Highway 14 as it dead-ends in Port Renfrew. And you'll be taking your chances on remote logging roads — lucky you've got a tent.
