Recommended Routes
Though it may be difficult to believe, this website doesn't include everything. You still need to carry one of the recommended Guide Books.
Highlights of the West Coast Trail
What are the highlights of the most varied hike in Canada? Every hiker has a different list.
Some of our favourite spots:
- The boulders, logs & scrambling between Thrasher & Owen Point. Very challenging!
- The Sandstone Creek scramble. Unique & very challenging!
- Photogenic sea stacks at Bonilla and all along the coast.
- Camping at Carmanah Creek beach. Chez Monique's.
- Classic lighthouses at Carmanah Point & Pachena Point.
- Nitinat Narrows crossing & tour.
- Hole in the Wall at Tsusiat Point.
- Tsusiat Falls.
- Gorgeous views from the Valencia Bluffs & other view points overlooking the sea.
- Misty, magic fog over the shelf or in the huge, quiet old growth trees.
- Cable car crossings.
- Any part of the WCT when the sun appears!
Expect the unexpected
Hikers have basked topless one day & been close to hypothermia on the next. Trail & weather conditions can deteriorate quickly. Use common sense. There’s every chance you’ll change your plan based on weather.
Open-ended Itinerary is Best
Take as many days as you like, deciding day-by-day where to lunch and where to set up your tent. If the sun appears — stop & take a rest day.
Most hikers stay at official campsites listed on the map you get at Orientation. Yet you are allowed to camp wherever you like (except in the First Nations reserve lands). We suggest you seek out a wilderness site for at least one night on the Trail. We like a wilderness site called Hole in the Wall near Tsusiat Point (km 27) but you should find your own private cove beach. The headlands between Pachena and Michigan offer many little pocket cove options.
How many nights on the trail?
We recommend you plan for a minimum of 6 nights on the WCT — 7 nights would be better. You can spend as long as you like on the Trail but may be limited by how much food you can carry.
Port Renfrew to Bamfield, 7 nights on the Trail
Here is a sample recommended itinerary:
Many hikers rise early on the last morning & sprint to Bamfield in order to connect with:
Instead, we recommend you sleep in & make your way leisurely to Bamfield. Stay that night in Bamfield & depart the following day. No rush.
If you don't have the extra night to stay in Bamfield, you may not want to stay at Tsocowis (17 km) but instead hike on at least to Michigan (12 km).
Why did we choose these campsites? See our camp site chart for an explanation. It has recommendations too for 4, 5, 6, 7, 8 nights or more on the WCT.
