Hiking the West Coast Trail - BC's Most Iconic Backpacking Trail

The West Coast Trail is a 75 km point-to-point hiking trail along a remote stretch of the southwestern coast of Vancouver Island. Originally created in 1907 to help rescue shipwrecked survivors along the coast, it’s become one of BC's most popular long-distance trails, attracting nearly 7,000 visitors each year from all over the world.

The trail offers a unique and challenging experience, complete with deep sand, thick mud, torrential rain, creek crossings in cable cars, slippery roots, rocks and boardwalks, not to mention the countless ladders. The coast guard rescues someone from the trail on average every second day. But it’s also a place of incredible beauty, offering glimpses of wildlife like wolves, eagles, humpback whales, and sea lions, as you make your way through dense forests, past lakes, caves and waterfalls, and along rugged beaches and awe-inspiring coastal features at every turn.

Growing up in Vancouver, I'd always wanted to hike the trail, so I jumped at the chance to join my friend Karl in the summer of 2017 when he managed to secure permits.

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#WestCoastTrail #trekking #backbacking

[overthere]

As a B.C. boy that's been stuck in California for over 60 years your beautiful video made me feel like I came back home. . Thanks so much.

[carlito_]

I live in Texas but am from Port Angeles. I’m 41 I will do this before I’m to old

[bikinggal]

I always dreamed of doing this, now I'm too old and injured, but your video has shown me how amazing it really is. Thank you!

[peterbarton]

I really enjoyed your film. I brought back memories when I hiked it 50 years ago. We did a lot of beach hiking, but there was plenty of time in the forest. It was a lot more rugged back then. My older brother and UVic friends got an opportunity for youth grant to start clearing the trail. Some parts had not been cleared by the time we hiked the full length at the end of the summer. It was something I will never forget . Thanks for the memories.

[lovetobecolouring]

I'm a Vancouver islander and did this hike many years ago. It's wonderful to see your experience .

[nelsonho]

Great video. Mahalo. I hiked the trail to Tsusiat Falls in 1974. It was quite primitive then, but just as beautiful. Soap up and rinse on shore, not in the river.

[adventureswithdougie]

Thanks for some great memories. I did the trail 32 years ago. Good times. 👍👌

[lotharwilhelm]

Congrats for that excellent video! The WCT is one of the finest trails I ever did. Got stuck in rain and mud in 1981 and gave it up. Returned in 1986 and did it solo from Bamfield to Renfrew. The trail appears much more populated and much more developed. Back in the days there were ascents with a rope instead of a ladder, and there were no restaurants, just a small kiosk at Nitinat.

[TheMcgojoh]

Hiked it in 2000. Thanks for short, brought back some good memories.

[MatthewCherry]

Hiked it in 1996 and still remember it vividly, so your last statement is absolutely true. Great film!

[mahlice]

The only thing more shocking than the dip at Tsusiat Falls, is the incessant whine of a drone souring the experience for all. Count me among those hucking rocks at any such airborne obscenity. Rest of the video was nicely produced, freshened some fond memories.

[BlackGuardXIII]

I hiked it four times from ‘96 to ‘99. It is never disappointing.

[ArtistryOfAdventure]

Like most people, I have dreamed of hiking the West Coast trail. Your video has been another great reminder that I need to make this into a reality. Thanks for hauling around your gear to capture this amazing footage.

[andylpratt]

Thanks for making the video and taking me on this trip. What a wonderful trail to explore.

[gmcdude]

The second campsite you stayed at is the best campsite in my opinion I did the trail last year

[brom]

Did this trail twice in 2000 & 2004 with 2 different women and brought both of them back alive!

[BellaWoods-mg]

Me and my mom just hiked the trail about a month ago It was one of the most amazing experiences I’ve ever had in my life I am very grateful that I got the opportunity to do it And it was really sunny and hot the entire time no rain and no mud which is surprising and there’s a fire band, but that’s OK because we still had a Candle Lantern that my mom brought 😂 But it was still an amazing experience and I’m glad you Guys had an amazing experience as well ❤

[ririemarilyn]

Im probably never going to have the chance on visiting these beautiful mesmerizing trails and valleys on your films, thank you for 'taking' me along. Please don't stop at what you do!

[douggraves]

A friend of mine sent me a copy of his diary on the trail. Your video added an extra dimension to my reading experience. Thanks.

[justynajustyna]

Beautiful lush forests of Pacific Coast 😍