Pacific Rim National Park Reserve of Canada

Planning your Hike on the West Coast Trail

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Operating Season

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).

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

Planning Tools

• 2013 West Coast Trail Preparation Guide Coming soon
  • Highly recommended for anyone planning a trip to the WCT.
  • Provides details about hiking the WCT, tips and contact information.
• Download the WCT Map (PDF, 2.87 MB)
  • Waterproof maps are provided to hikers during check-in at the trail if they have paid their reservation fee.
  • Hikers without reservations can purchase waterproof maps for $8.50 at the trailheads.
  • Contact us to receive a waterproof map by mail for $10.
• Tide Tables
  • Provides information on planning routes around inaccessible areas at high tides.
  • For additional information, call 250-726-3500 or email us.