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Pacific Rim National Park Reserve of Canada
Obtaining a Park Use Permit
All people using the West Coast Trail (WCT) must obtain a Park Use Permit.
Day users require a WCT Day Use Permit .
All people staying overnight on the WCT require a WCT Overnight Use Permit.
WCT Overnight Use Permits are only issued at the West Coast Trail Information Centres.
Parks Canada does not recommend this hike for children under the age of 12. A WCT Overnight Use Permit will not be issued to children under the age of 6.
A quota system limiting the number of WCT Overnight Use Permits was implemented by Parks Canada to reduce overcrowding and ecological degradation. Some hikers prefer to apply for quota spaces in advance of their hike start date; other hikers opt to apply for quota space when they arrive at a WCT Information Centre. See the following table for details.
| Quota Spaces can be obtained by applying for : | The Details |
|---|
| Standby |
- A minimum of 10 spaces are allocated via standby per day
- Register in person at a WCT Information Centre as soon as you arrive in the area
- From Monday through Friday in the shoulder season* there is no hiker quota on the West Coast Trail. As long as hikers participate in one of the orientation session they will be issued a WCT Overnight Park Use Permit the same day that they arrive.
- Peak season** : hikers should anticipate a wait of 1-2 days. Spaces are allocated at 1:00 PM each day from the WCT Information Centres.
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Reservations through Supernatural BC (SNBC) |
Parks Canada has discontinued reservations in the shoulder season. The shoulder season daily quota rarely filled. Hikers can obtain quota spaces on standby. Reservations are available during peak season** - Hikes starting in June can be reserved as of April 1.
- Hikes starting in July can be reserved as of May 1.
- Hikes starting in August can be reserved as of June 1.
- Hikes starting in September can be reserved as of July 1.
To make a reservation call SNBC: Toll Free Canada/ USA 1-800-435-5622
Greater Vancouver 604-435-5622
International 250-387-1642 Reservations may be made up to 2 days before the hike start date.
When calling, have the following details ready: - Your intended start date and two alternate start dates.
- The trailhead you plan to start your hike from (Pachena or Gordon River).
- The number of hikers in your group.
- Your email address
- Your credit card (Visa or MasterCard).
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| School and Non-profit Group reservations |
| Commercial Groups Reservations |
Hikers wishing to join a commercial group can contact the National Park for a list of operators. |
* Shoulder season (May 1-June 14 and September 16-30)
** Peak season (June 15- Sept. 15)
Register off the WCT at the end of your hike by dropping off one copy of the WCT Overnight Use Permit at the WCT Information Centre nearest your exit.