After arriving at Cape Sutil after 7.3 km, we ate lunch. A large part of the trail is spent hiking on miles of extensive, white sandy beaches separated by spectacular indigenous forest. Or, if you are unsure when your holidays will fall, you can rest assured you will be able to hike the North Coast Trail as it has not reached a saturation point in terms of visitation. Click photo to see hundreds more on Flickr. It is isolated, strenuous, physically challenging and potentially hazardous. In the last 10-15 years the trail has been upgraded to make it somewhat more accessible to novice hikers which has diminished the challenge- which is why you’ll see the North Coast Trail called “the West Coast Trail 20 years ago!”Â. It was great to get the tougher stuff done first, so that we could really kick back and enjoy the rest of our trip. Gateway to the North Coast Trail Port Hardy. Rest assured it’s the right one for you (even with it’s own unique challenges)! West Coast Trail is … Located on the west coast of Vancouver Island, the West Coast Trail was once a life-saving route established for survivors of shipwrecks along the coast. • North Coast Trail is like the West Coast Trail without the hassle of getting a “Trail Use Permit” • west coast of Vancouver Island is fantastic. You can book the NCT online the day before and head out the next day! Highly recommended. Or, if you are unsure when your holidays will fall, you can rest assured you will be able to hike the North Coast Trail as it has not reached a saturation point in terms of visitation. We remember one Canada Day at Nels Bight when the entire bay was animated with multiple whale species jumping, playing and frolicking all day long while beachgoers excitedly stared on in disbelief at the show in front of them. The only permit you will need is your BC Park backcountry camping permit (the same as any other BC Parks backcountry pass) which can be paid for up to a year in advance. April 15- Sept 30. Okay now that you know the basics, let’s get into the interesting stuff that makes you want to visit a place. Login or register to submit one. We remember one Canada Day at Nels Bight when the entire bay was animated with multiple whale species jumping, playing and frolicking all day long while beachgoers excitedly stared on in disbelief at the show in front of them. Over 7,500 hike the track every year. The route has over 70 ladders, with deep mud brought on by endless amounts of rain. The West Coast Trail is a popular spot for wildlife viewing, although there is less of it than the North Coast Trail purely because of the number of visitors. High praise! Essentially, you make a reservation on, to hike the trail but there are no limits on occupancy so you’ll never be denied a reservation. Summer is just around the corner and you’re already dreaming of the long summer days to come. photo by Sam Yeaman Rogier linked to an article in Wild Coast Magazine in which the authors claim the NCT is even better than the famed WCT, our #1 hike in the world. With hopeful glances at the weather forecast we pack the car and head to the ferry terminal in Horseshoe Bay on a perfect summer day. In addition to large sea mammals, the intertidal zone is rich with tidal pools and surge channels filled with mollusks, bivalves and different kinds of algae. We hiked from north to south – beginning in Pachena Bay and finishing at Gordon River. Discover open sections of the England Coast Path in the South East, from the Wash through East Anglia and Kent and along the south coast to Southampton. Fees include a $24.50 reservation fee plus $127.50 for a West Coast Trail fee. Check out the updated web site…. When booking you’ll need to know where you want to go, how many hikers are in your group, the names of your emergency contacts and preferred start dates before securing your spot with a credit card. Good luck with a massive backpack bringing you out of balance, not to slip. If you are familiar with the West Coast Trail, you will be familiar with its many stairs, bridges and boardwalks. Parks Canada limits the number of people who can hike the trail. ( Log Out /  22; 2; 18; 30; 12; 10; Activities. ( Log Out /  Hiking the West Coast Trail requires some long-term planning and organisation as it is a popular route!Â, The North Coast Trail – Does have a permit system but does not require an advance booking. The North Coast Trail: Vancouver Island’s Coastal Hikes, Summer Jobs at Cape Scott & Strathcona Park, How to Get to Cape Scott Park & The North Coast Trail (& where to stop along the way!). Nootka Trail. But which one? It’s not inexpensive. It is not uncommon to hike all day, rest for a beachfront picnic looking out into infinite ocean and arrive at your camp spot without seeing another soul. You’ll pass through dense old growth forests, navigate around dramatic headlands and pass ocean surge channels. Will you find the solitude you seek? West Coast Trail – Over 7,500 hike the track every year. It is one of the best places to hike in BC. Change ), You are commenting using your Twitter account. In addition to large sea mammals, the intertidal zone is rich with tidal pools and surge channels filled with mollusks, bivalves and different kinds of algae. The trail is part of Pacific Rim National Park Reserve. Change ). Both hikes are unforgettable trips that highlight the unique beauty of the amazing island we are lucky enough to call home. North Coast Trail – April 15- Sept 30. It eventually joins up with the old Cape Scott Trail and continues on for another 15 kilometres – that’s 58.5 kilometres of killer trekking in total. Highly recommended. You’re dreaming of the the feeling of a cool coastal breeze on your cheek while you unload your heavy pack. If it is solitude you seek, the North Coast Trail is for you. This truly is one trek that could change your life. But more than 50% of the hike is on beaches. Before 8am I was loaded onto the boat with the 11 other passengers and the captain. Aug 9, 2017 - Explore céleste catherine's board "North Coast Trail 2016" on Pinterest. North Coast Tail – Less than 1,000 people make the trek each year. Although very unlikely, you can encounter cougars, some black bears and at times wolves on the beach sections. The trail is located in the Cape Scott Provincial Park. There is no daily limit on any certain date so you can be sure to hike on the days that suit you. You are allowed to camp anywhere along the trail, so long as you keep your fires on the beach and store your food securely from wildlife- the options are endless! hiking Coachella Valley Preserve, Palm Springs CA. They have put in place a daily limit of up to 30 people who may leave the trailhead from each direction each day, making it much more likely that you will be camping with a large group of people.Â. You’re dreaming of the the feeling of a cool coastal breeze on your cheek while you unload... Read More . The West Coast Trail is a strenuous 75 km multi-day beach and forest hiking trail on the coast of Vancouver Island in British Columbia, Canada. The North Coast Trail – The North Coast Trail is a wild portion of seaside, rich with both aboriginal and early settler history. www.westcoasttrail.com says, "It has the reputation of being one of the most grueling treks in North America. Local Trail Association. You can book the NCT online the day before and head out the next day! The open sections are shown on the interactive map. The trail was built in the early 20th century to help shipwrecked sailors find their way to safety . ( Log Out /  Day one, July 7th the North Coast Trail shuttle picked me up at the North Coast Trail Hostel at 7:20, just enough time to get a muffin and a coffee at the cafe run by the hostel. The North Coast Trail – Recommended that hikers take 4- 7 days to complete the full hike, which is 58 kms in length. The article includes an excellent map: Don’t start packing yet. The North Coast Trail lacks the same amount of trail aids, and for the most part is just a clearing through Vancouver Island terrain. Chances are you have heard of the West Coast Trail. The West Coast Trail –  Works off a strict permit system, with reservations for the May start date of the season opening on January 7 of the same year! We did an 8-day, south to north route, just the two of us (husband and I). The North Coast Trail makes a great alternative if you have missed the boat on booking early for the West Coast Trail. Looking for an epic summer job? We West Coast Trail-ed in August and it was incredible; we had the most incredible trip. There are seven designated campsites spread across the NCT. Picking up a copy of Cape Scott and the North Coast Trail will add context to your visit, as it provides loads of details about the rich history of the area! Dec 14, 2020 - West Coast Trail has the reputation of being on of the most excutiating treks in North America, rewarding you with stunning backdrops in a cultural and historical landscape. The North Coast Trail: Vancouver Island’s Coastal Hikes. The best season to visit is during late spring and summer, from early May to the end of September. This was the first surface tramroad in Cornwall. The sites are wild and remote feeling, and the expensive shuttle keeps the crowds at bay. This one’s not actually on Vancouver Island, but it’s close. We hope we haven’t overwhelmed you with information, but there is just so much to write! Hiking the West Coast Trail requires some long-term planning and organisation as it is a popular route!Â, Does have a permit system but does not require an advance booking. When To Hit The North Coast Trail. This is very close to impossible. It connects the Westernmost point of Canada, the Cape Scott Lighthouse, to Shushartie Bay, a remote and pristine bay on the Pacific Ocean nearby to Port Hardy. The West Coast Trail vs. The challenging route passes through varied terrain, from striking coastal landscapes featuring lonely sea stacks, monstrous sea caves, rocky headlands and blow holes. You’ll pass over tidal fed rivers on cable cars, across long stretches of deep mud on sun-drenched portions of upland bog and through rich, thick old-growth cedar ignored by the early logging days because of its remote location. The NCT will be open May 10. It's an amazing trail that requires attention to detail, training, and the right gear. You can hike the trail year-round but North Coast Trail Shuttle does not run regular services outside of these times. It became part of the Pacific Rim National Park in 1973 and now the 75 km (47 mi.) The minimum recommended one way hiking time is 5 days; although, it is more commonly completed in 6 to 8 days. What’s the challenge like? The West Coast Trail vs. Often referred to as ‘The West Coast Trail of 20 years ago’ - the North Coast Trail is for those hikers who have some experience backpacking and want to do something completely different and away from all the crowds to enjoy nature at its best. The West Coast Trail is a 75 kilometer hiking trail along the coast of Pacific Rim National Park on Vancouver Island. The North Coast Trail is a wild portion of seaside, rich with both aboriginal and early settler history. It is $10 per night per person.Â, Roughly $317 for permits, camping and ferry crossings (does not include drop off and pick up shuttle), Roughly $240 for camping, water taxi drop off and shuttle bus pick up. Although very unlikely, you can encounter cougars, some black bears and at times wolves on the beach sections. Post was not sent - check your email addresses! I was shuttled to the water traxi office where I paid my taxi and shuttle fees and showed that I had paid my park fees. The West Coast Trail is a sensational coastal route that hugs the Southern West Coast of Vancouver Island from Bamfield to Port Renfrew. The West Coast Trail is an internationally well-known bucket list hike for backcountry enthusiasts. You are able to pitch a tent wherever you’d like to catch a beautiful sunset and swap stories with fellow campers about the day that has just passed.Â. The North Coast Trail's reputation as the rugged badder sibling to the West Coast Trail on Vancouver Island is well earned. This is a true backcountry adventure and is quickly gaining a reputation as one of the best coastal hikes in the world. When booking you’ll need to know where you want to go, how many hikers are in your group, the names of your emergency contacts and preferred start dates before securing your spot with a credit card. Aside from the ones that get your heart racing, you can come across hummingbirds, orcas, grey whales, seals, sea lions and eagles.Â, Seals, otters, sea lions, orcas, grey and minke whales galore- the ocean that surrounds Cape Scott Park is alive with healthy marine life! The West Coast Trail – Recommended that hikers take 6- 8 days to complete the full route, which is 75 kms in length. In it’s 12 years of existence, less than 9,000 people have hiked the route, so it stays relatively wild without much traffic. There is no daily limit on any certain date so you can be sure to hike on the days that suit you. One of them is one of British Columbia’s most iconic and recognizable multi-day backpacking trips to tick off the bucket list. It is $10 per night per person.Â, The West Coast Trail – Roughly $317 for permits, camping and ferry crossings (does not include drop off and pick up shuttle), The North Coast Trail – Roughly $240 for camping, water taxi drop off and shuttle bus pick up. The only permit you will need is your BC Park backcountry camping permit (the same as any other BC Parks backcountry pass) which can be paid for up to a year in advance. You’ve got limited time for exploring and want to choose the route that’s right for you. In it’s 12 years of existence, less than 9,000 people have hiked the route, so it stays relatively wild without much traffic. Rogier linked to an article in Wild Coast Magazine in which the authors claim the NCT is even better than the famed WCT, our #1 hike in the world. If it is solitude you seek, the North Coast Trail is for you. The hike itself takes 5 to 7 days. The West Coast Trail is part of Pacific Rim National Park. It takes about six days to tackle this trail, depending on the weather. You’ll hear a lot of people talk about the mud on the NCT- it gets deep and pretty endless! The North Coast Trail is like the West Coast Trail in the '70s. If you have any questions, or insights from doing the hikes yourself please share them in the comments below! The North Coast Trail is a 43.1 km extension to the original Cape Scott trail. Mountain Bike; E-Bike; Hike; Trail Running; Region Status . Hikers are requested to avoid using any part of the route until after construction is finished. At the moment you can only walk some sections of the England Coast Path National Trail. During the core summer months, you won’t be starting the hike with more than 11 other hikers, because that is the maximum number of travellers that can fit on the drop off shuttle! See more ideas about North coast trail, North coast, Hiking food. The West Coast Trail. Hiking, North Coast Trail; 07 March 2020; 07 March 2020 . What sort of spots are you going to camp? Getting onto the trail is an adventure unto itself. On land, you may come across rare coastal wolves, black bears, eagles, various types of sea birds and osprey.Â. A good flowing trail network will have most trails flowing in a single direction according to their intension. Two ferry crossings will cost $30 each and transportation to and from the trailheads. With more than 484 shipwrecks, this trail formed to facilitate survivors walking to Victoria and rescuers hiking to help them. England Coast Path – South East . The official website today still states: The Trail is not complete. That’s a big benefit. Change ), You are commenting using your Google account. Explore the most popular trails in my list West Coast Trail with hand-curated trail maps and driving directions as well as detailed reviews and photos from hikers, campers and nature lovers like you. We hope that with the information we provide, you can decide which adventure you’d like to take. The scenery will leave you speechless! Summer is just around the corner and you’re already dreaming of the long summer days to come. The reservation system usually gets inundated with bookings as soon as it opens, so there is no guarantee that you will secure the dates you have requested. On land, you may come across rare coastal wolves, black bears, eagles, various types of sea birds and osprey.Â, A reminder to anyone planning a visit to Cape Scott Park next month. You can hike the trail year-round but North Coast Trail Shuttle does not run regular services outside of these times. Learn how your comment data is processed. Change ), You are commenting using your Facebook account. We’ll need to hike the North Coast Trail during the … What are you going to see? The Coast to Coast Trail closely follows the line of two historic transport routes. Affiliates with the trails have high hopes to connect all of these portions and to extend the trails into Indiana and Pennsylvania, two of Ohio's land-bordering states. The other, an up and coming wilderness route through some of the least accessible terrain on Vancouver Island. The North Coast Trail – The NCT is still in its infancy, which makes it more rough, rugged and untamed.   Works off a strict permit system, with reservations for the May start date of the season opening on January 7 of the same year! The ferry leaves Horseshoe Bay bound for Nanaimo on Vancouver Island . During the core summer months, you won’t be starting the hike with more than 11 other hikers, because that is the maximum number of travellers that can fit on the drop off shuttle! It requires trudging through deep mountain-fed rivers, all while battling the wind and rain with a huge backpack on your back! As you hike the 75 kilometer route, you’ll see intertidal rock formations, lush waterfalls, upland bog, pebble and sand beaches. In the North West, the following sections are open to the public (as of February 2020): Allonby to Whitehaven; Walney Island ; There are route descriptions in the Further Information section of this website. The minimum recommended one way hiking time is 5 days; although, it is more commonly completed in 6 to 8 days. Most people start the North Coast Trail by taking a water taxi from Port Hardy to Shushartie Bay, a scenic ride with whale watching and other great photo opportunities. The West Coast Trail, originally called the Dominion Life Saving Trail was built out of necessity because of the enormous number of shipwrecks that gave this stretch of ocean its brutal name, the Graveyard of the Pacific. North Coast Trail vs West Coast Trail. This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. It follows the 75 km coastline between Bamfield and Port Renfrew along the southwest rim of Vancouver Island. The West Coast Trail – The route has over 70 ladders, with deep mud brought on by endless amounts of rain. Now who is ready to book their next visit!! That’s a big benefit. The only person more excited than me about the new North Coast Trail on Vancouver Island, Canada, is BluePeak editor Rogier Gruys. In the last 10-15 years the trail has been upgraded to make it somewhat more accessible to novice hikers which has diminished the challenge- which is why you’ll see the North Coast Trail called “the West Coast Trail 20 years ago!”  You’ll pass through dense old growth forests, navigate around dramatic headlands and pass ocean surge channels. You may have heard spotty information about a newer route “like the West Coast Trail 20 years ago” called the North Coast Trail. 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