FAQs (Frequently Asked Questions)
Where is the West Coast Trail?
The West Coast Trail is on the rainy west coast of Vancouver Island, north of Victoria, BC (British Columbia).
What is the American West Coast Trail?
The other West Coast Trail is a long distance hike, the entire west coast of the continental United States.
We first started hearing about another West Coast Trail in 2002 though the national Coast Trail Association has been working on this project since at least 1995.
It was a mistake to call this new hike the same name as the most famous hike in Canada — it will only confuse people.
Where are the trailheads?
The two trailheads are near the small towns Port Renfrew & Bamfield. (Link to the QU'UAS online map of the WCT.)
- Gordon River Trailhead is near Port Renfrew
- Pachena Bay Trailhead is near Bamfield
How do I get there?
Access to the West Coast Trail is quite convenient. You have many transportation options.
To get to the West Coast Trail you must first get to Vancouver Island:
Next you'll travel to one of the trailhead towns:
- Port Renfrew,
- or Bamfield
If you have your own vehicle you'll need to arrange transportation back to the other Trailhead where you've parked.
Get away from it all.
