Can I hike it alone?
Yes. Many do. It's no problem.
During the high season there is every chance you will meet & join up with other hikers. And it is fairly easy to Walk-on without a reservation if you are hiking alone.
Be sure to bring an emergency whistle if you do hike solo. Never side trip alone.
(We recommend that any zealous solo hiker first read Into the Wild by Jon Krakauer. It’s a riveting tale of solo wilderness disaster in Alaska.)
Should I join an organized tour? Hire a guide?
No, most hikers do the West Coast Trail self-guided though it is highly recommended that someone in your group act as leader to explore the best routes across surge channels and other tricky sections. If you have a larger group, you might assign one experienced hiker to lead and another to walk last (to help anyone who lags behind, or gets into trouble).
If you are really not confident, for between C$1000 - $1400 you could join a tour group. For example:
We definitely have no comment on any guiding services as we’ve never even met anyone who has taken one. We are independent hikers.
Can I bring children?
Normally, children younger than age 12 are discouraged on the WCT. This is a good rule. We've been told that Trail Use Permits will not be issued to children younger than 6.
That said, we’ve seen serious hikers as young as 7 carrying a light pack, dashing past their elders. If you have a very experienced hiker younger than 12, inquire when you phone to register.
Alternately, we would recommend the Juan de Fuca Marine Trail which is excellent for kids. Or you could plan a WCT trip with the kids from Bamfield to the Pachena lighthouse, the easiest section of the Trail.
