West Coast Trail: Frequently asked questions

For detailed answers to your questions, review the West Coast Trail: Hiker Preparation Guide.

1. Do I need a permit to hike the trail?
2. Should I make a reservation?
3. Do I have to pay a fee?
4. Are tsunamis a likely occurrence?
5. Will I have to pay for an evacuation if I need one?
6. I have heard that dogs have been allowed on the trail. Is this true?
7. Can I hire a helicopter to bring my family to Tsusiat Falls for the afternoon?
8. What do I do if food lockers are full when I arrive at a camping area?
9. I know removing natural or cultural resources from the beach is not allowed. Can I keep a glass ball if I find one?
10. Where can I park my car while hiking the West Coast Trail?
11. I understand that the West Coast Trail is part of Pacific Rim National Park Reserve. Are there other areas of the park?

For answers to other questions, contact us: pacrim.info@pc.gc.ca.

1. Do I need a permit to hike the trail?
Yes. Even if you are only planning a day hike, you need to obtain a permit, participate in the orientation session and check-in once you are off the trail.

2. Should I make a reservation?
Standby spaces are not available; all spaces are reservable.

3. Do I have to pay a fee?
Yes. Fees must be paid by everyone that hikes the West Coast Trail. Payment is made at the time of reservation. 

4. Are tsunamis a likely occurrence?
The west coast experiences a number of small earthquakes each year. The chances of a tsunami occurring are very slim. If a tsunami alert is issued, hikers on the trail will be notified. If you feel the ground shake or if the water in the ocean suddenly goes out, head for high ground and follow the tsunami escape route.

5. Will I have to pay for an evacuation if I need one?
When you pay the overnight use fee, part of your payment goes to support the rescue services that Parks Canada staff perform.

6. I have heard that dogs have been allowed on the trail. Is this true?
Dogs are not permitted on the West Coast Trail unless they are service pets.

7. Can I hire a helicopter to bring my family to Tsusiat Falls for the afternoon? 
No, the only means of accessing any section of the West Coast Trail is to hike from either Pachena Bay, Gordon River or Nitinaht.

8. What do I do if food lockers are full when I arrive at a camping area?
If the food lockers are full, or there isn’t one where you are camping, hang your food approximately 4 metres off the ground and 3 meters away from tree trunk. Do not hang your food above your tent or your neighbours’. Clothes you wore when cooking your dinner should be left outside of your tent at night as clothes can absorb food odour.

9. I know removing natural or cultural resources from the beach is not allowed. Can I keep a glass ball if I find one?
Yes. Removal of any man-made object is permitted.

10. Where can I park my car while hiking the West Coast Trail?
There is unsecure parking available in close proximity to each of the trailheads.

11. I understand that the West Coast Trail is part of Pacific Rim National Park Reserve. Are there other areas of the park?
Yes, the West Coast Trail is only one unit of Pacific Rim. Long Beach, famous for its long sandy beaches can be accessed by car following Highway 4. The Broken Group Islands is a cluster of over 100 islands, islets and reefs in the Barkley Sound area. It is only accessible by boat.