FAQs (Frequently Asked Questions)
Is there any way to hike the WCT faster? Exit at Nitinat?
It is possible & allowable to start at one Trailhead, hike as far as you like, then backtrack to the same Trailhead. (And to your vehicle, if you’ve driven).
Another rarely used option would have you hike just half the WCT. You would exit at Nitinat Narrows by water taxi down the Lake to Nitinat village. From there you can connect by bus to either Port Renfrew or Bamfield. (It’s no longer possible to enter the WCT at Nitinat; you can only exit there.)
You can hike to Nitinat from:
- Bamfield in 3 days (easier)
- Port Renfrew in 4 days (very challenging!)
If you are interested in exiting at Nitinat, you should telephone the Nitinat Lake Visitor Centre – 250 745-8124. Ask about:
- Water taxi
- Parking (if needed)
- Transportation out of Nitinat village
- Accommodation at Nitinat village
The Dididaht Cheewhat Backcountry Campsite has been recommended if you want to camp near Nitinat village.
The cost of the Trail Permit is the same even if you hike just half the West Coast Trail.
Can I day hike the WCT?
Yes, but only the Bamfield end of the Trail is recommended for day hikers.
Day users require a Day Use Permit as opposed to the Park Use Permit required for those sleeping overnight on the Trail. We understand the Day Use Permit is free — get it at the Pachena Bay trailhead near Bamfield.
Hike Port Renfrew to Bamfield? Or the other direction?
Good question. There are pros & cons for each.
If pressed to recommend one direction over the other, we’d advise starting in Port Renfrew.
The decision may be made for you when you phone to make a Reservation — if you are picky on which date you want to depart. It may be that all the Permits departing from Port Renfrew will be booked but that Permits are still available departing from Bamfield on your requested date.
Actually, the trip is great in both directions.
Advantages of starting at Port Renfrew:
- Do the more difficult section while you are keen & relatively healthy.
- From Victoria, it is much easier to get to & from Port Renfrew than Bamfield. If you drive your own vehicle the logistics are easier. Parking in Port Renfrew is safe & convenient.
- The last day is easy. You can hike out when you want, even late in the evening.
- If you have your own vehicle, it's much easier to drive to Port Renfrew than to Bamfield.
The last day hiking the other way — Bamfield to Port Renfrew — is a tough one, sometimes rushed by the necessity to reach the Gordon River early enough for pickup by boat.
Advantages of starting at Bamfield:
- The first day is easy on the easiest section of the Trail. Your pack will be lighter by the time you reach the most difficult (southern) section.
- Start hiking when you want. There is no ferry to catch as there is out of Port Renfrew. It's easy to reach a good campsite even when starting the hike late in the day. This is not the case out of Port Renfrew — you want a full hiking day to reach Thrasher Cove, the usual first campsite.
- Travel to Bamfield is fun & scenic. You can opt to take the wonderful ferry between Port Alberni and Bamfield.
