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.

[@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

[@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!

[@lovetobecolouring2]

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

[@brom371]

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

[@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.

[@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.

[@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!

[@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

[@qualicumwilson5168]

My West Coast Trail story. I was born and raised in Port Alberni. Myself and a friend of mine were talking to his grandfather in 1966 and he told the story of him building the life saving road in the early 1900's. Never heard of that so asked him about it, He told us of the SS Valentia (please see). He said the Telegraph people then used the road and told us the name of the Lineman from the Alberni side. He was in his 80's but a neat guy. Told us all about the trail, where the cabins were (there were cabins about a days walk apart, long gone now) and real good information for the northern 2/3rds of the trail. The reason was when he walked south another man from Victoria looking for the break in the line. (of interest the "line" was the only link at the time from Bamfield BC North America, underwater through Hawaii to New Zealand and Aussie, part of Englands' Trans global telegraph link so was considered Internationally extremely important) There were two lines. one from Victoria and one from Alberni and the maintenance of two operating lines was vital. Period. This is getting long so will quicken. We walked as far as Camper Cove today and did not know we had to go inland from there. Returned to Bamield (stopped in and was WELCOMED by Carmanah point lightkeeper and asked them to contact our parents to say we were safe and be home in 3-4 days. Short of food but they assisted. The next summer I was hiking with the "Vancouver Island Ramblers" on Cokley ridge and mentioned this story to some from Victoria. They had heard rumors of this trail and we gave all the info we had. They contacted the linesman from Victoria, after getting his info from the Alberni guy, who was also still alive, and got all the info from the southern end. As far as I know they walked the "trail" that fall all they way through, that would be 1967 or 1968, and were the first people to do that for near on 40 +++ years. The rest, as they say, is history. Sorry about the long winded stuff.

[@JeffPelletier]

Amazing, thank you!

[@TheMcgojoh]

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

[@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?

[@user-tp5pb6lu7k]

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 ❤

[@travelvlogsters1112]

As someone who has done vlogs during a travel trip I gotta tell ya, this video would have taken a lot of work. Very well done. I've always wanted to do the West Coast Trail and you've given me a great feel for it.

[@robertkahnt3607]

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

[@JeffPelletier]

Thanks Robert!

[@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.

[@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.

[@justynajustyna5503]

Beautiful lush forests of Pacific Coast 😍

[@gmcdude5540]

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

[@andylpratt]

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

[@MatthewCherry]

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

[@user-vw1si9xk4s]

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.

[@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.

[@Ms.MonterayLearning]

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

[@RunDaddyO]

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

[@lippymommy]

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

[@moralebooster8437]

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

[@lindsaywait8763]

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

[@quailypoes]

This video is beautiful! Thank you for sharing!

[@coolguywithhat]

What a gorgeous trail. Great video!

[@RichDueck]

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

[@terencesingerline135]

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

[@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.

[@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.

[@BackpackingandBlisters]

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

[@eileenrobinson8014]

Thanks! Such a lovely video experience, and hope my friends who did this can relive it!

[@trishfriesen8943]

Stunning views!!!! Great capture of the area and makes me wanna explore more of BC.

[@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!

[@jordynhatt2409]

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

[@el_chino778]

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

[@FacesOfVancouver]

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

[@VladsAdventures]

On my bucket list!

[@patbmail]

Great video to watch during Covid. Many thanks!

[@BradleyWherry]

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

[@paulkirk5760]

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

[@JeffPelletier]

Thanks Paul!

[@uweg5752]

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

[@loria3158]

Awesome! Great memories to relive for me. I did the trail in 1994, North to South. Things have changed quite a bit since then. Must do it again!

[@dennismarchant6414]

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

[@JeffPelletier]

Thanks so much Dennis!

[@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!

[@coastmt]

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

[@Mizz.Person]

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

[@JeffPelletier]

Thanks! Glad you enjoyed it.

[@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.

[@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.

[@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.

[@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.

[@johnfahy6353]

Wow amazing. A dream hike .

[@JeffPelletier]

It's one for the bucket list for sure.

[@jkibble98]

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

[@infinitedestiny6328]

Totally cool, thank you.

[@JeffPelletier]

Glad you liked it!

[@evanbarrett2072]

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

[@0.robinson.1]

Sooo good, what a pleasure to watch!!

[@JeffPelletier]

Thanks very much!

[@X_explorer]

Fantastic clip!

[@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

[@WildWestTrail]

beautiful country! thanks for sharing.

[@JeffPelletier]

The best!

[@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.

[@leogadget]

Nice video, thanks for sharing!

[@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!"

[@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.

[@chrisbarth4813]

Great video and photography Jeff!

[@HikerSteve]

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

[@dc3lor]

Jeff I came across your channel not to long ago, subscribed after the 1st video I watched which was the Rockwall. Your storytelling and the visual quality is so top notch. You deserve so much subscribers.

[@JeffPelletier]

Thanks, I appreciate that!

[@floriotj]

Great video!! Thanks!!

[@JeffPelletier]

Thank you!

[@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.

[@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.

[@CascadeBackcountry]

Wow.. awesome trail!

[@JeffPelletier]

It sure is!

[@mell2994]

Amazing! Really enjoyed your journey!!

[@JeffPelletier]

Thanks Mel, glad you enjoyed it!

[@gennasmithers]

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

[@JeffPelletier]

Thanks, glad you enjoyed it!

[@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.

[@CrazyHikers]

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

[@JeffPelletier]

Fingers crossed!

[@divineinpurple9058]

I first did the trail in '88 with my Dad, beer and crab only cost $5 each at Nitinat Narrows but there was no restuarant. I did it again in '95 with friends, we woke up to cougar tracks around our tent on Carmanah Beach. The last time I brought a pot big enough to cook a crab!

[@jamesharris184]

Excellent excellent video thank you

[@JeffPelletier]

Thanks James!

[@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

[@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.

[@laktat_intolerant]

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

[@JB_FLYA69669]

Great video you have inspired me to go here

[@aliyamarie2418]

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

[@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..

[@30srinivasrprasad91]

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

[@LetsMakeADayOfIt]

Great video! Thanks for sharing :)

[@ThisIsJhonny]

great videography! love this trail.

[@JeffPelletier]

Thanks!

[@Querweltein]

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

[@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!

[@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 😉

[@fotografomochileiro]

Nicely done 👏👏👏

[@vickyagnew1651]

Nice video. Thank you.

[@JeffPelletier]

Glad you liked it!

[@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.

[@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.

[@unjarredoutdoors5513]

Great thumbnail. I love the west coast!

[@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.