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

[@overthere5483]

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.

[@peterbarton100]

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.

[@JeffPelletier]

Thanks Peter! I'd imagine the trail was a completely different experience back then. I suspect the North Coast Trail might be a little more like the WCT back then.

[@bikinggal1]

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!

[@nelsonho8263]

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.

[@lovetobecolouring2]

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

[@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.

[@JeffPelletier]

Thanks! It would have been much more challenging with ropes for sure. Most of this infrastructure is needed now though to prevent erosion from the heavy traffic.

[@adventureswithdougie]

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

[@doughunter3967]

me too, before permits or restaurants eh...Creator bless...doug

[@TheMcgojoh]

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

[@andylpratt]

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

[@BellaWoods-m2g]

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 ❤

[@gmcdude5540]

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

[@stanpister6832]

Great video...your ability to capture the story with movie quality shots, uplifting music and a lovely voice will make this video watched and obsessed over by all, forever....Hiking as fast as you did with all that camera gear is impressive...well done...I have watched this video several times since securing a permit this year in 2021....IMO The west coast trail pairs very well with magic mushrooms.... a wonderful trip..climbing up ladders while peaking gives you a rush of adrenaline. The stream water and hiking curbs any upset stomach and the mystical cedars/hemlocks take away all insecurities/worries in this life...the "trip of a life time" has many meanings to those who "explore". When the map is a little too wavy to read it's best to ask the ocean whether its tide is coming in by peaking at its beauty and feeling its temperature...I think with your ability to capture the trail, paired with an open minded partner could create a niche.....in any way... great video. Keep exploring

[@stevethrendyle8406]

This comment is all time.

[@robertkahnt3607]

Top Film, top Music, top Story - one of the best hiking Vids ive seen! More Stuff like this

[@JeffPelletier]

Thanks Robert!

[@MatthewCherry]

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

[@RichDueck]

What a fabulous video guys.Thanks for taking the time to share it with us guys

[@justynajustyna5503]

Beautiful lush forests of Pacific Coast 😍

[@mahlice64]

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.

[@IdRatherBeHiking]

What's worse a drone or the egregious logging all around the WTC?

[@katharinesaville6145]

Your video was wonderful to watch. Thank you so much for your time and effort. An o!d friend of mine and I hiked to the lighthouse at Cape Scot instead of doing the WCT. It rained every day but was incredibly beautiful. I'm very happy to have that experience. I remember being able to hear the ocean from a significant distance away, always expecting to see it around the next bend in the trail. No such luck. It was spectacular walking and camping on the beach. I also remember kissing the car when we returned, tossing out my jeans as they were coated in mud, so was I but it was worth it. So thank you for the memories of almost 50 years ago.

[@JeffPelletier]

Thanks Katharine. Glad to hear you enjoyed the film and that it bought back some memories!

[@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.

[@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!

[@JeffPelletier]

Thank you! Stay tuned, lots more to come.

[@Ms.MonterayLearning]

Wow, what a GREAT video! Excellent footage & fantastic pointers.

[@BlackGuardXIII]

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

[@TheMcgojoh]

Nicely done! Correct me if I'm wrong but that was before the permit system, no?

[@BlackGuardXIII]

@@TheMcgojoh No, we had to get permits. I’d start calling at 9AM the day reservations opened to try to get the dates we wanted. We did all the surge channels too. The last year we did adrenaline surge channel, which is now out of bounds I believe. That year we also went around the Carmanah headland, which was labelled impassable. I wish I’d had a video camera back then!

[@douggraves8958]

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.

[@terencesingerline135]

Brings back great memories of Hiking this mind blowing Trail..Thank you for posting

[@el_chino778]

Thanks for taking us along this journey for a lot of us who wouldn't be able to trek it

[@brom371]

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

[@DoseofDustin]

Get over yourself

[@dennismarchant6414]

Incredible video, this was inspiring! You've got a real talent Jeff, impressive!

[@JeffPelletier]

Thanks so much Dennis!

[@Vanislandtrailblazer]

Hopefully I can hike this trail in the summer.

[@melissarobinson9618]

This is one of my bucket list adventures, mostly because there's no altitude sickness, so you can have proper focus on all your survival skills

[@JeffPelletier]

Hey Melissa, I think that's what appeals to a lot of people, the lack of elevation. It's still a challenging and rewarding hike in its own way.

[@AlejAndrado-t2n]

Thank you so much for making and sharing this brilliant video. I used to enjoy walking rocky cliffside walks near my home, but I was not carrying a 45 pound load in a backpack! Happy trails.

[@janicebrennan8377]

I have a been thinking about hiking this trail for many years now, I should have just done it , unfortunately at 64 I know I got have the stamina to complete this amazing trail! Your editing was and narrating was exceptional- many thanks for taking us along on this historical trail!

[@JeffPelletier]

Thanks Janice!

[@GourmetNinj4]

Janice, age is just a number! I've seen people in Alberta at like 60+ trail running Jasper's Skyline trail. If you have the will and the resilience to train for it I'm sure you can do it if you give yourself enough time!

[@Aeye424]

Go for it man start walking a bit a day with a pack. Check out Coastal bliss adventures they do 4 day and 9 day trips I did them and there were people your age just go for it.

[@jkibble98]

Great Video Did it the same direction in the same year. Missed the whale though. Doing it again this July!

[@Mizz.Person]

What a beautiful mini dock. Great job with everything. Love it!

[@JeffPelletier]

Thanks! Glad you enjoyed it.

[@timschepers5682]

Great video of an amazing trail. Brings back a lot of memories when I hiked this trail with 3 friends in 1999. I would love to go back and hike it with my family one day. Greetings from Belgium!

[@jordynhatt2409]

Jealous an happy you got to experience it mark my words!! I’m gunna do it with in 2 years

[@paulkirk5760]

Excellent videography and a fascinating hike. If only I were 25 years younger!!

[@JeffPelletier]

Thanks Paul!

[@lippymommy]

Thank you for posting this Jeff. I got to re-live my experience from 2018 something I will never forget.

[@OntarioHikingTrails]

WOW what an incredible hiking trail thanks for sharing your adventure I'm envious

[@JeffPelletier]

I look forward to checking out some of the trails in Ontario one day too.

[@lindsaywait8763]

Thanks for sharing, brings back some great memories of our hike 10 years ago.

[@uweg5752]

Well done 👍 (The hike and the Video) Regards from Germany

[@coolguywithhat]

What a gorgeous trail. Great video!

[@RunDaddyO]

Wow. Incredible journey! Thanks for the inspiration and for taking us along!

[@0.robinson.1]

Sooo good, what a pleasure to watch!!

[@JeffPelletier]

Thanks very much!

[@christiannikodemus]

I did the West Coast Trail two summers ago, and where you guys camped at 9:00 in that cave there a large piece of rock dislodged and fell from that cliff the morning we were setting out, we also did the trail from south to north. Brings back so many memories!

[@JeffPelletier]

Yikes! We were a little worried about that actually.

[@BackpackingandBlisters]

Thanks for the video Jeff! Excellent variety in camera shots and angles!

[@johnfahy6353]

Wow amazing. A dream hike .

[@JeffPelletier]

It's one for the bucket list for sure.

[@VladsAdventures]

On my bucket list!

[@MariahSabelVlogs]

omy a very amazing view,i like the up and down in the wooden stairs looks like fun....wish i can try a real hiking like this and a camping on the mountain too...always take care my friend

[@Beelady400]

I love the West Coast Trail. I went north bound in 2018. Thanks for the video.

[@JeffPelletier]

You're very welcome, glad you enjoyed it and hope it brought back some memories.

[@quailypoes]

This video is beautiful! Thank you for sharing!

[@NickandRachel]

So beautiful out there! Thanks for sharing

[@JeffPelletier]

It sure is! You’re very welcome.

[@NickandRachel]

@@JeffPelletier we really enjoy making these types of videos as well

[@SuperCharcoalangel]

Only did the northern half from the Crab Shack to Pachena Bay this July. Was my first ever overnight hiking trip and, it was hard but so beautiful and I enjoyed almost every second. Never have I felt like I was walking on the moon as much as throwing off your 40lbs pack after climbing roots, slopping through mud, climbing ladders and chasing off bears (we came across 4 in one day!). One beach hike was the WORST. Absolute slog. No part of that hike was I miserable except that first beach you can access from the Narrows. It was like walking in snow. Mostly walked the ocean shelves whenever I had the opportunity which I enjoyed because tide pools are fascinating. I hope to go back some day and do the other half. Also, love the first thing you see on the WCT is a ladder. Like it is saying "Welcome! Hope you're ready!"

[@HikerSteve]

Great video. Lots I didn't know about the trail. One day I will do this hike.

[@rogerbouchard7135]

Great video. I liked how you covered starting making sure you have permits and the timing so you can catch the ferry from the north to south end. Very informative, this is on my bucket list to complete before long.

[@aliyamarie2418]

Outstanding video! You have a true talent for filming, keep it up!

[@jaredbennett2695]

Excellent account of how the adventure should be , thanks I hope to get to it in the near future

[@JeffPelletier]

Thanks Jared, hope you can make it out here one day soon.

[@UptothetopDe]

Hi Jeff, Thanks for this great video. We stayed on Vancouver Island last year before the WAM100 in Whistler, where we both met at the aid station 9/10. Vancouver Island is great and we discovered some parts of the costal trails on the Port Renfrew side...awesome area. Need to come back for exploring and racing. ;-) Greetings from Germany Steve

[@JeffPelletier]

Great to hear from you Steve! I definitely remember meeting you at WAM. Happy trails.

[@WildWestTrail]

beautiful country! thanks for sharing.

[@JeffPelletier]

The best!

[@patbmail]

Great video to watch during Covid. Many thanks!

[@Querweltein]

Amazing Video! Thanks very much... did the trail in 1992 and 2019, also made a little video... Miss Vancouver Island....

[@chrisbarth4813]

Great video and photography Jeff!

[@paddington1670]

There was no orientation when I did it in 2001. Yes those goddamn ladders and that light house eh. My friend and I wrote "SEND PIZZA" in the sand in front of our tent on the beach at the campsite with the rats, and a coast guard chopper flew past with the doors closed and then came back with the doors open and there were dudes hanging out giving a thumbs up,Omg Chez Moniques is still there!!! bahahaha that's so awesome. Most expensive, bestest and most well deserved burger ive ever had, I think they were $14.00 at the time. Looks like it's way more built up now. I too saw a beached whale but the one I saw wasnt as far gone as the one you saw. Great video, thanks for the nostalgia. Everyone who has the opportunity should train and do the WCT, it's amazing, though the first thing I said when I finished was, "never again." It's not easy, but bring gaiters, train for it, and youll enjoy it instead of suffer and need an airlift. ps. im pretty sure theyre called gaiters, the things that go around your feet and shoes for mud, everyone we met on the trail was German or Swedish and had them, and there we were with Korean war era backpacks and hiking shoes from Walmart. There's a lot of mud, those shoe things are a must.

[@angelaoediger8816]

This is so cool! Thanks for the very happy memories. I've been on the trail around the same time :-) The whale was there too, a bit more burried though, I couldn't see the tail.

[@TheWctman]

The WCT is my all time favourite place. I completed this trail over 5 consecutive summers (00 - 04), back in the good old days when you could walk up at either end and take your chances on being 1 of 6 daily walk-ups. Never waited more than 1 night, and 4/5 times got on the same day ie arrive at the trailhead, sign in, get going after orientation. Over 31 nights, had 1 night of rain; had one complete trip with not a cloud in the sky for the entire 7 days; had one trip with no moon, black as coal at night with a billion stars on display. Did one trip solo and spent a layover day at Tsusiat; had the whole beach to myself for an entire day. Met a tonne of amazing people, all with their own stories to tell about ridiculous surge channels, falls in the mud, bear encounters, cougar tracks around the campsite, whale sightings, seals and otters and of course the eagles. What an amazing hike.

[@JeffPelletier]

Thanks for the comment! It sounds like those definitely were the ‘good old days’! Have you done any other coastal trails? I’ve got my eye on the Juan da Fuca as well as the North Coast Trail.

[@FacesOfVancouver]

Great video! A great reminder of how amazing that hike was - makes us want to head back sooner than later!

[@megansampson5445]

For anyone curious about getting a taste of the west coast trail before committing there are smaller hikes/day trips on the Juan De Fuca Marine Trail (China Beach to Sombrio). The easiest "introduction" for beginners would be the 2 hour hike to Mystic Beach (also kid friendly). Good to slowly build yourself up for this hike.

[@thealpinebeachboys9093]

That's an interesting story behind it! I'm wanting to give it a shot at some point, great video!

[@JeffPelletier]

The Alpine Beach Boys thanks! There’s definitely a lot of history on this trail..

[@Morale_Booster]

Thank you for the video! I'm doing the hike this coming September and I can't wait!

[@30srinivasrprasad91]

Very nice video...thank you..from mysore india

[@laktat_intolerant]

thank you for your enternaining videos! best from Allgäu / GER

[@CascadeBackcountry]

Wow.. awesome trail!

[@JeffPelletier]

It sure is!

[@gennasmithers]

Such a great video, thanks so for sharing 👍 like it more than the typical blogs. Very nice

[@JeffPelletier]

Thanks, glad you enjoyed it!

[@infinitedestiny6328]

Totally cool, thank you.

[@JeffPelletier]

Glad you liked it!

[@endijeden5358]

What a beautiful trail and great film. It made me regret that I wasn't a good hiker when I visited Vancouver Island. But I also just have to say that I was sad to see animals suffering and being slaughtered.

[@CrazyHikers]

Hopefully they’ll be opened this year as WCT has been on the bucketlist

[@JeffPelletier]

Fingers crossed!

[@BradleyWherry]

Amazing video! Shows such a great perspective on the trail! 👏

[@unjarredoutdoors5513]

Great thumbnail. I love the west coast!

[@stefaniekappel]

Superb video. Thanks! Did the WCT in August 2019

[@denelson83]

Next, try the Vancouver Island Trail, which is ten times as long.

[@JeffPelletier]

That new trail system sounds like it’s going to be great!

[@evanbarrett2072]

Great video! A bunch of buddies and myself are doing this in 2 years, can’t wait

[@forbiddenair]

excellent video. props for the amount of effort for the quality aerial footage and everything else. music was also a rare treat that wasn't awful. :) I thought I was hiking this trail in '91 but I was a 19 yr old idiot with no clue reservations to walk a trail was a thing. about time for redemption. thanks for the quality vid.

[@JeffPelletier]

Thanks man! It’s getting pretty hard to get reservations - I lucked out and was able to join my buddy on this one when his girlfriend bailed. In case you can’t, there’s always the Juan de Fuca trail which doesn’t require them.

[@forbiddenair]

@@JeffPelletier wow man, appreciate the alternative route! solid on your part to help another dude out looking for adventure. i will attempt permits and research juan de fuca!

[@coastmt]

I have done it in May 1997 and spent 7 days. it was no rain at all. I was very lucky.

[@mell2994]

Amazing! Really enjoyed your journey!!

[@JeffPelletier]

Thanks Mel, glad you enjoyed it!

[@floriotj]

Great video!! Thanks!!

[@JeffPelletier]

Thank you!

[@BadHikers]

I don't know how we havn't come across your channel before but its soo good! Also never heard of this trail, but as usual the list of what to hike gets longer!! Can't wait to watch more!!

[@JeffPelletier]

Thanks! I'm looking forward to seeing more from your channel as well. Are you based in CO or CA?

[@BadHikers]

@@JeffPelletier We're based in Southern California, but we have family in Colorado.

[@JeffPelletier]

You’re lucky! I can’t wait to get down there again once travel restrictions are lifted from Canada.

[@BadHikers]

@@JeffPelletier Funny how that goes, because we can't wait to come visit Canada!! 😂

[@JeffPelletier]

BC is beautiful of course, don’t get me wrong. It’s just so difficult to string together larger routes here without heading very deep into the backcountry. We’re also quite limited by off limits areas around Vancouver because of the watersheds, not to mention the relatively late snowmelt each year. There are just so many great long distance trail systems in the western states.

[@jamesharris184]

Excellent excellent video thank you

[@JeffPelletier]

Thanks James!

[@Fishyblubtv]

Me and a few others did it in the summer. Was really wet and rainy. Had days of 9 hour hikes cuz of the rain. Nice to see you didnt.

[@jenniferlokash9023]

I'm loving your videos here in St. John's, Newfoundland. You should come do a fastpack of the East Coast Trail! It's glorious!

[@JeffPelletier]

Yes! The East Coast Trail has been on my list for a while now.

[@JoeOsChannel]

Good video Jeff, just subscribed. Sad to hear about Chez Moniques, I stopped there during one of y sea kayak circumnavigations around Vancouver Island and it was a nice break. Someday I have to backpack the trail and see it from the perspective of the land after having seen it twice during my sea kayak trips all the way around the island

[@JeffPelletier]

I've always wanted to do a kayak trip like that. I've sailed quite a bit, but getting to explore the shore in a kayak must be a really cool experience!

[@JoeOsChannel]

@@JeffPelletier I want to kayak circumnavigate the island again but take my time. Both times I did it before, it was to set a speed record for the island circumnavigation...next time, going to slow it down and enjoy it all.

[@juliecurran9884]

I am from Australia and did WCT in July this year.Like you guys we did the toughest part first.We were lucky to perfect weather which we were told is almost unheard of.I loved the whole experience and would highly reccomend it.However I agree about the state of the boardwalks.They are terrible and unsafe

[@ronmailloux8655]

the moisture makes them like that. Its impossible to replace all the boards needed in a optimal time. I live near this trail. It rains at least 11 months of the yr . Even when the rest of Vancouver island may be dry and 30 c there its often 2oc or less. Forest fires are no problem here.

[@ThisIsJhonny]

great videography! love this trail.

[@JeffPelletier]

Thanks!

[@leogadget]

Nice video, thanks for sharing!

[@LetsMakeADayOfIt]

Great video! Thanks for sharing :)

[@atlantic101]

Thanks for the wonderful videos!! this seems to be a really great hike. Also a huge fan of your Annapurna circuit.

[@JeffPelletier]

Glad you enjoyed them! More to come.

[@walkingtwobytwo7122]

So fantastic guys. Now I have added this to my list 😆 loved the way you walked it and appreciated the scenery. Loved it.

[@JeffPelletier]

Thanks! We tried to soak it in, although to be honest we wished we could have taken more time to soak in the lakes en route.

[@walkingtwobytwo7122]

Jeff Pelletier oh if I get the chance to visit Canada this is my must do.

[@francesmcdonald2247]

You're carrying so much stuff! I get the impression you travel much more lightly these days. Great video, as always. 😊

[@JeffPelletier]

Hah, yea this was a few years ago now. I definitely would do it lighter next time 😉

[@vickyagnew1651]

Nice video. Thank you.

[@JeffPelletier]

Glad you liked it!

[@fotografomochileiro]

Nicely done 👏👏👏

[@Galvaxatron]

When I did the West Coast Trail it rained on us for 6 of the 7 days we were there, but it was still very much worth it. I got much luckier on the Juan Da Fuca Trail where it never rained once.

[@Nowt2seehere]

Aah well after about a month of views here i have found a video where i could actually have kept up with you guys lol , avid hiker and camper myself but i run more like a fun runner than an ultra runner but we cant all be great at everything eh 😅 cool hike trail that one , added to rhe bucket list ❤

[@carlito_148]

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

[@redracoon1123]

U got this!

[@jaysonnookemus9865]

I've seen 60 yr olds on the trail, i worked out there the past 3 yrs and its amazing