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Planning your Hike on the West Coast Trail
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Planning your hike on the West Coast TrailNew for 2013: Beginning 8:00 am (PST) on April 17, 2013, reservations for the West Coast Trail can be made for any date between June 15 and September 15 through the
Parks Canada Reservation Service.
Operating Season
| | Dates in effect annually | Notes |
|---|
| Overnight Use |
May 1 – September 30 |
|
| Peak Season |
June 15 – September 15 |
Reservations required. |
| Closure |
October 1 – April 30 |
The West Coast Trail (WCT) is closed due to prolonged periods of heavy rain, strong winds, high tides, large waves and short days. |
Orientation Session
All overnight users of the WCT must participate in an orientation session.
The purpose of the orientation is to:
- Reduce the number of hiker injuries by addressing common safety issues.
- Reduce environmental impacts by providing backcountry etiquette information.
- Inform hikers about current issues and trail conditions.
- Issue WCT Overnight Use Permits and collect fees.
- Provide a brief history of the WCT and its place in Canada's heritage.
When attending the session:
- Bring along your reservation confirmation information.
- Hikers with reservations will be issued a waterproof WCT map. Hikers on stand-by can purchase the map at the trailhead.
- Three 1 ½ hour orientation sessions are scheduled at both trailheads – 9:30 am, 1:00 pm, and 3:30 pm.
- To get an early morning start, hikers may participate in the 3:30 pm session the day before their hike begins. NOTE: We recommended hikers start the trail at least 5 hours before sunset.
- Sign off the WCT at the end of your hike.
Entrance and Exit Points
Hikers may ONLY ENTER the WCT at Pachena Bay (North) or Gordon River (South).
NOTE: Starting the trail from any other location, including Nitinat, other than by walking is NOT permitted.
Starting from Pachena Bay (north end)
- This start point gives hikers a chance to lighten their packs and strengthen up for the more challenging sections of the trail to the south.
- The first 16 km is the flattest section of the trail.
Starting from Gordon River (south end)
- This is the choice for hikers who want to get the most challenging part of the hike over early.
- Most suitable for hikers who are already conditioned for rugged, long-distance backpacking.
- The first 5 km from Gordon River to Thrasher Cove is the toughest section of the trail. Allow at least 4 hours to travel this section.
- It is not advisable to hike from Gordon River to Camper Bay (an additional 8 km past Thrasher Cove) in one day unless hikers start the trail at 8:30 am.
- Hikers may exit the WCT at Pachena Bay, Gordon River, or Nitinat Narrows.
- The Nitinat Water Taxi usually makes a trip at 5 pm from the Narrows to Nitinat Village. NOTE: Cash payment only.
Trip Plan
All hikers should draft a trip plan and leave it with a responsible friend or family member. Details should include:
- departure date
- expected return date
- planned hiking route (from Pachena south, or from Renfrew north)
- names of travelling partners and their emergency contact information
- what to do if you do not return as planned
NOTE: A WCT Overnight Use Permit DOES NOT fulfill this role.
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