West Coast Trail

Until the beginning of this century Canada's stormy Pacific coast with its treacherous shallows and rocky headlands was known to sailors as the "graveyard of the Pacific"; a great many ships were lost in storms and fog. To give survivors a means of escape from this otherwise impassably rocky coastline backed by impenetrable rain forest, a primitive trail was opened in 1906, following the route of the telegraph lines laid in 1890 between the various lighthouses. About 40 years ago, having lost its raison d'àtre with the advent of modern navigational aids, communications and aircraft, the trail was allowed to lapse. In the 1960s however, the 6 to 10 day hike along the West Coast Trail was discovered by backpackers, and when the National Park was created the authorities set about restoring and extending the route. Throughout the summer Park Rangers now regularly patrol the 72 km / 45 mi trail, a richly rewarding but extremely arduous hike across challenging terrain. The trail is still only roughly marked out and the very basic campsites along the way have no sanitary facilities. Nor can any supplies be obtained. In the season Indians will ferry hikers across the Nitinat Narrows for a small fee; other rivers have to be waded or crossed by simple bridge or (in some cases) primitive cable-car. Good equipment and waterproof clothing are essential - it can be soaking wet or foggy and cool even in July and August. At Pachena Bay, 5 km / 3 mi south of Bamfield at the northern end of trail, there is an Information Center where maps are available. Most people begin the hike from there.