All Backcountry TrailsVancouver Island West, BC

West Coast Trail (WCT)

Pacific Rim National Park ReserveParks Canada
Total Distance
75 km
Duration
6 to 8 Days
Elevation Gain
+1450m
Difficulty
Strenuous

The world-famous 75km coastal shipwreck trail along the rugged southwest coast of Vancouver Island. Sells out instantly on opening day in January/February; cancellation drops occur throughout summer.

How Booking & Permits Work

🎫 Trailhead Entry Permit Quota System

You book a single Trailhead Departure Permit for your entry date on Parks Canada (daily cap of 75 hikers). Camping at any of the 8 designated coastal campsites is included with your permit.

Sequential Trail Camps & Bottlenecks

9 Waypoints
1
Pachena Bay Trailhead (North Entry)Bottleneck
Km 0
2
Michigan Creek
Km 12
20 pads
3
Tsusiat FallsBottleneck
Km 25
30 pads
4
Cribs Creek
Km 42
20 pads
5
Carmanah Creek / Nitinaht EntryBottleneck
Km 46
6
Walbran Creek
Km 53
25 pads
7
Camper Bay
Km 62
25 pads
8
Thrasher Cove (Owen Point Access)Bottleneck
Owen Point route requires < 1.8m falling tide
Km 70
9
Gordon River Trailhead (South Entry)Bottleneck
Km 75

Essential Route Hazards

  • Owen Point sea caves strictly impassable at tides > 1.8m (6.0 ft)
  • 100+ wooden ladder climbs with heavy backpacks
  • Surge channels and slippery coastal sandstone shelves
  • Cable car river crossings and dense mud bogs

Catch Dropped Dates for West Coast Trail (WCT)

Permits and backcountry pads sell out months ahead. Our automated scanner monitors dropped reservations 24/7 and alerts you instantly via Email, Web Push & SMS text alerts.