Safety & Staying Healthy
Do I need accident insurance?
Perhaps. If you are a non-Canadian, an accident could wipe you out financially. A hospital bed can cost C$2000 / day or more. Check the terms of your insurance policy.
The largest seller of hospital and medical insurance to visitors to Canada is Ingle Life & Health.
Who administers First Aid?
Long before a Park Warden reaches you, in case of injury, someone will need to take responsibility for First Aid. If you are hiking alone — you must administer your own First Aid.
In every group, someone should be assigned the role of First Aider. This person must be competent & certified in First Air, preferably in the speciality of Wilderness First Aid. It's worth having some people in your group take the certification before your hike.
Who rescues me in case of emergency?
call (250) 726-3604, the Parks 24-hour / day emergencies only phone number! Bring mobile phones with you on the hike — not all phones work all places. From the beach is your best bet.
Alternately, you could try calling one of the Park numbers:
- 250 726-8035 (Long Beach)
- 250 728-3234 (Pachena Bay Reservation Office)
- 250 647-5444 (Port Renfrew)
- 250 647-5434 (Gordon River Reservation Office)
Don't call 911.
If you have a marine radio, call on channel 16. This should connect you to USA Coast Guard who will contact the Canadian Park Wardens.
Don't forget to leave your planned itinerary with your loved ones & phone home immediately when you finish the trek. Most hikers feel well protected while on the Trail, but your people back home may be worried.
Park Wardens are responsible for assisting injured hikers. Watch for their red or gray Zodiac boats. Wave something bright over your head to signal them to come to shore. The red & white Canadian Coast Guard helicopters are not there to assist you — don't try to flag them down.
You may also be advised or assisted by the QU'UAS Guardians, members of the Pacheedaht, Dididaht and Huu-Ay-Aht First Nations who work in partnership with Park Rangers on:
- hiker orientation & rescue
- trail repair, upkeep and maintenance
- heritage education
- cultural resource protection
- etc.
The injured hiker should first try to reach a Trailhead on their own steam. They may also exit at Nitinat Narrows with the boat at 4 - 5 pm. There's a fee for transportation out to Nitinat Village.
If that's impossible, try to reach one of these evacuation sites:
- Pachena Lighthouse (km 10)
- Tsocowis Creek (km 17)
- Tsuquadra Beach (km 30)
- Carmanah Lighthouse (km 44)
- Walbran Creek (km 53)
- Logan Creek (km 56)
- Cullite Cove (km 58)
- Camper Bay (km 62)
- Thrasher Cove (km 70)
If the injured hiker cannot move, they should remain in a safe place. Don't leave them alone. Send other hikers to find help.
This will be explained at hike Orientation. Every hiker gets an Evacuation Information Form which includes phone numbers & details.
