Pacific Rim National Park Reserve of Canada

West Coast Trail Reservations: When and How to Make Them

May 1 - June 14

• Unrestricted number of hikers can access the trail.
• Upon completion of the orientation process, hikers can begin the trail.

---

June 15 - September 15 (peak hiking season)

• To avoid overcrowding, Parks Canada limits the number of hikers during the peak hiking season. Hikers can gain access to the trail by either making a reservation or registering on the standby list.

• Standby List: Hikers can register on the standby list when they arrive at either the Pachena Bay or Gordon River West Coast Trail Information Centre. Occasionally, wait times can be up to two days.

• Reservations: Can be made by phone or online up to three months in advance of the hike start date:
  • Hikes starting in June - reservations accepted as of 7 am PST, April 1
  • Hikes starting in July - reservations accepted as of May 1
  • Hikes starting in August - reservations accepted as of June 1
  • Hikes starting in September - reservations accepted as of July 1  
  • Click here to learn more about the West Coast Trail before you make a reservation.

• When making a reservation, have the following ready:
  • preferred start dates – first choice and alternate dates
  • trailhead you plan to start from
  • number of hikers in your group
  • email address to send confirmation and orientation information to
  • means of payment: Visa, MasterCard or American Express

• Reservations can be made online or through the Parks Canada Call Centre:

Reservation Service:	Online	Call Centre
Reservation Period: April 1 to September 13	24 hours a day 7 days a week	7 am - 4 pm PST 7 days a week
Contact:		1-866-727-5722 (toll-free within Canada & US) 250-726-4453
NOTE: New spaces become available for online reservation at midnight PST on May 1, June 1 and July 1.

---

September 16 - 30

• Unrestricted number of hikers can access the trail.
• Upon completion of the orientation process, hikers can begin the trail.

---

October 1 - April 30

• Overnight use of trail is closed due to prolonged periods of heavy rain, strong winds, high tides, large waves, and short daylight hours.