West Coast Trail: Pachena Bay to Port Renfrew (8 days / 75 km)

This is the most intense trail in all of Canada! Packed full of mud, scenic vistas, ladders, bridges, cable cars, all sorts of wildlife, oh and more mud. The trail spans 75 km along the South Western coast of Vancouver Island, British Columbia and is not for the faint of heart! Although it is a must for any true adventure seeker. We witnessed some of the most spectacular scenery we have ever seen in our lives, hiking one of the toughest trails.

Trip Summary

Starting Point: Pachena Bay, Vancouver Island, British Columbia

Ending Point: Port Renfrew, Vancouver Island, British Columbia

Total Distance: 75 km

Elevation Gain: 230 meters at the highest point

Duration: 8 days, 7 nights

Difficulty: Difficult (For experienced multi-day hikers only!)

Location

This hike is on the southern coast of Vancouver Island in British Columbia, Canada. Trail access is from the remote villages of Port Renfrew, Bamfield, or Nitinaht. The entire trail is found inside the Pacific Rim National Park.

Maps & Resources

Parks Canada - West Coast Trail 2021 Hiker Preparation Guide

Parks Canada - West Coast Trail Map

Permits: You need to reserve a backcountry permit for the dates you will be on the trail through Parks Canada in advance. The trail is very popular and there is a limited number of permits for each day / hiking direction, so reserve well in advance. Backcountry permits can be picked up at the park offices at Pachena Bay and Port Renfrew. Also, a mandatory information session is completed before starting each hike.

Outfitters & Shuttles

Northern Trailhead: We used a shuttle to get us from our hostel in Victoria, British Columbia to the northern trailhead in Bamfield simply called “The West Coast Trail Express" - Trail Bus.

Southern Trailhead: There is a boat shuttle ($22) that takes hikers from the southern end of the trail to the Port Renfrew Trail Office.