BACKPACKING TRIP
The Wildside Trail
2 DAYS / 1 NIGHT | MODERATE
To expand on our day tour of the Wildside Trail in Flores Island Provincial Park, this off the beaten path adventure is an excellent introduction to overnight backpacking! This trip focuses on teaching our guests about backcountry preparation, navigation, map & compass, camp-craft, route planning, hazard awareness, equipment selection, and proper clothing in a hands-on, practical approach. This backpacking trip is designed for beginners who have some day hiking experience where our guides will provide you with the confidence to head into the backcountry on your own.
TOPICS WE WILL COVER
Itinerary
DAY 1
Tofino to Flores Island
This memorable Tofino & Ucluelet backpacking tour begins with a boat ride into Clayoquot Sound to Flores Island. Here we will embark on a beautiful coastal trek, crossing countless beaches and old growth rainforest. Along the way we will teach you the skills you need to explore the outdoors on foot including what gear you need (and how to use it) as well as the basics on planning trips, navigating on- or off-trail and setting up camp. During the evening we will rest on the beach at our campsite and watch the blows of grey whales and keep an eye out for the elusive coastal wolf.
DAY 2
Return to Tofino
Today we will have a leisurely morning at camp and discuss “Leave no Trace Ethics” before making the journey back across Clayoquot Sound to Tofino. Along the way we should have the opportunity to spot whales and sea otters on route before finishing the day at our shop where we will unpack and dream up our next adventure.
Useful Information
- Duration: 2 days / 1 night
- Departs/Ends: Tofino
- Hiking Distance: 11 km (6.8 miles)
- Type: Multi-day Hiking Trip / Backpacking Course / Camping
- Location: Flores Island
- Terrain: Coastal / Rainforest Trail
- Group Size: 1-4 people
- Season: May – September
- You will need to arrive the day before your trip in time to attend a mandatory orientation meeting at 4:00 PM at Storm Light Outfitters (390 Main Street, Tofino, British Columbia, CANADA). Your guide will cover introductions, a thorough briefing of your route, hand out group and personal gear and answer any last-minute questions you may have. Our group will meet at the same location the following morning for our boat transport to the trailhead together. Dinner & lodging is on your own tonight; make sure you have a hearty meal and a good night’s sleep as tomorrow we hit the trail!
Moderate
- You will need a reasonable level of fitness. You will need to be able to walk for 3-4 hours at a time on undulating paths. Most of the trails are hard packed sand, boardwalks and rain forest trails. You do not need to have any previous hiking experience before you join this tour. You will receive instructions and a full briefing by your experienced hiking guide before you set off. Content with occasional steep section but primarily gradual. Few hazards such as uneven terrain and slippery rocks. Good mobility required.
- Suitable for ages 13 and up.
- A certified ACMG Hiking Guide
- Boat Charter (Tofino to Flores Island and return)
- Top-of-the-line tent and backcountry sleeping pad
- High quality, synthetic sleeping bag (professionally laundered after every use) – or bring your own
- Use of trekking poles
- All meals are included from lunch the first day through dinner on the last day
- Bear safety equipment including bear spray cannisters and food-hanging gear
- Emergency equipment including a company-issued first-aid kit and satellite phone
- Pre-Trip Planning and Organizing Logistics
- Packing Tips
- Trail fees
- Transportation to Tofino
- Accommodation in Tofino pre and post trek
- Clothes, rain gear, and footwear, multi-day backpack (available to purchase at Storm Light Outfitters)
- Sunscreen, toiletries and personal items (available to purchase at Storm Light Outfitters)
- Water bottles and a headlamp or flashlight (available to purchase at Storm Light Outfitters)
- Your favourite trail snacks
- Guide gratuity (industry recommendation is 10-20% of trip cost)
- All of our hiking and backpacking tours include a diversity of tasty meals packed full of critical carbohydrates, proteins and fats. We carry foods that travel well in the backcountry – rice, pastas, lentils, beans, couscous, packaged meats, nuts, breads, oatmeal, granola, and more.
- For optimal taste and energy, we supplement all our meals with spices, herbs, oils, cheeses, butter, sugar, and fruits and vegetables (fresh and dried). In addition, we provide you with with an assortment of trail mix, snacks, and dried fruits to eat at your own discretion.
- We regularly accommodate vegan, vegetarian, kosher and non-gluten diets and will make adjustments for food allergies. These and other special dietary requests may require an additional fee.
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Have a Question?
Our team at the Long Beach Nature Office looks forward to hearing from you!
CONTACT US
+1.250.725.3320
Box 1132 Tofino, BC V0R2Z0
OFFICE
Storm Light Outfitters
390 Main Street, Tofino BC