West Coast Trail, Long-distance hiking trail in Vancouver Island, Canada
The West Coast Trail is a 75 kilometer (47 mile) long-distance path within Pacific Rim National Park Reserve on the western side of Vancouver Island. The route runs between sandy shores, coastal forests, tidal zones, and rocky cliffs that face the open Pacific.
The path was created in the late 1800s as the Dominion Life Saving Trail to rescue shipwreck survivors after several coastal disasters. The route was developed for hikers starting in the 1970s and formally placed under national park protection in 2001.
The route passes through lands of the Huu-ay-aht, Ditidaht, and Pacheedaht Nations, who sustained communities along this fish-rich coast for generations. Hikers encounter place names and coastal sections that reflect indigenous presence and traditional ways of interacting with the land.
Hikers need permits and should plan to walk between May and September when weather conditions are more favorable. Completing the trail usually takes six to seven days and requires moving through muddy sections, tidal zones, and ladders along steep bluffs.
Hikers pass through 13 designated camping areas where they can watch sea stars and anemones in tidal pools. Many coastal viewpoints offer chances to see grey whales moving close to shore during spring and fall.
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