GUIDES

You will be paired with a certified ACMG Hiking Guide. The ACMG demands the highest entry standard of any Canadian qualification. Its members are among the best climbers, skiers and backcountry experts in the country. ACMG members are also outstanding teachers and coaches who can help you progress your technical competence, mountain sense and risk management skills. Guides and instructors know their terrain and conditions and will help you achieve success by assisting you in choosing the best objectives for the current conditions.

WHEN IS THIS TRIP AVAILABLE?

This backpacking trip is offered only once a year as permits and access are limited. Please reach out to us directly if you are interested in the dates listed above and our team will get back to you right away.

SAMPLE ITINERARY - This is an example of what our itinerary may look like. Weather, group fitness and many other factors may cause the camp locations and the days hiking distances to change.

DAY 1 | ORIENTATION DAY, TOFINO

You will need to arrive at 2:00pm to meet your guide at our office inside Storm Light Outfitters in Tofino. Long Beach Nature Tours will provide you with a detailed PreTrek document upon registration including personal gear list, meeting location and driving directions. Here at our guide hut, your guide will begin the route orientation, discuss the weather forecast, gear check, gear distribution and packing. You will have this afternoon and evening to rest and get any last minute items you may want for the trek ahead starting the following morning as we wont have access to any services after today.

DAY 2 | BAMFIELD & PACHENA BAY

Our day begins early in Tofino where we take the short 30 minute drive to Ucluelet where we meet our boat for a scenic cruise across Barkley Sound and through the Broken Island Group of Pacific Rim National Park Reserve. The tranquil waters of the Broken Group Islands provide a perfect canvas for wildlife encounters, from playful seals to majestic bald eagles soaring overhead. As we approach Bamfield, the quaint charm of this coastal village beckons, nestled between towering evergreens and the endless expanse of the ocean. Here we will taxi to the Pachena Bay campground where we will attend our mandatory Parks Canada briefing that afternoon. Today we will base ourselves at Pachena Bay, practice camp set up, next to the trailhead for the official start of the trail tomorrow. Hiking Distance: 0kmElevation Gain/Loss: 0m

DAY 3 | PACHENA BAY to MICHIGAN CREEK

It's trekking time! We will get an early start today as this will be our first official day on the West Coast Trail. The trail is very well groomed along most of this section. This is one of the easiest sections of the entire hike and a nice warm up for a heavy pack. We will cover some rainforest and coastal sections today along with a visit to the Pachena Point Lighthouse. Hiking Distance: 12kmElevation Gain/Loss: 250m/250m

DAY 4 | MICHIGAN CREEK to TSUSIAT FALLS

After enjoying breakfast, we will break camp and continue south along the trail, with some beautiful rainforest and beach sections, ladders and an exciting cable car crossing of the Kianawa River. At the end of a long day of hiking, we will arrive at the most popular and most beautiful campsite along the route; Tsusiat Falls. Hiking Distance: 12kmElevation Gain/Loss: 410m/470m

DAY 5 | TSUSIAT FALLS to CRIBS CREEK

Today will be the longest hike we will have along the trail, awarded with amazing views and a boat ride across Nitinat Narrows with a well earned hot lunch at the famous Crab Shack where we will rest and enjoy the break and a full belly. Tonight we will make camp at Cribs Creek known for it's unique rock features and bird life. Hiking Distance: 17kmElevation Gain/Loss: 570m/630m

DAY 6 | CRIBS CREEK to WALBRAN CREEK

Today promises to be filled with the captivating features that define this trail: from striking sandstone formations to breathtaking coastal panoramas, the opportunity for encountering diverse wildlife, and the iconic Carmanah Lighthouse steeped in history. Keep an eye out for glimpses of whales in the distance, and don't be surprised to spot playful sea lions along the way. Hiking Distance: 12kmElevation Gain/Loss: 400m/400m

DAY 7 | WALBRAN CREEK to CAMPER BAY

Once we've wrapped up our campsite and enjoyed breakfast, our route for today promises an array of suspension bridges and ladders utilizing cable cars. One standout moment awaits us: crossing the lofty bridge spanning Logan Creek. We'll settle in for the night at Campers Bay where our guide will treat us to a well-prepared dinner. With each step, our backpacks grow lighter, and the vistas become more breathtaking, rewarding us for our adventurous spirit. Hiking Distance: 9kmElevation Gain/Loss: 300m/300m

DAY 8 | CAMPER BAY to THRASHER COVE

Waking up to freshly brewed coffee or tea, accompanied by a scrumptious breakfast, energizes us for the day ahead as we prepare to continue our hike. Today marks one of the most demanding legs of our journey but with our lighter packs and having settled into the rhythm of the route we are now well prepared for  the rugged coastal terrain. Our campsite is Thrasher Cove, where we can enjoy our last dinner together as this is our last night on the trail. Hiking Distance: 7kmElevation Gain/Loss: 300m/300m

DAY 9 | FINAL DAY & TRAVEL to TOFINO

Today marks our final day on the trail, where we will hike the last short section of the route from Thrasher Cove to the Gordon River trailhead. Our shuttle will be waiting for us where we will start our journey back up island to Tofino! We highly recommend you spoil yourself with a spa treatment at your hotel to top this trek off with a bang. What a trip! Hiking Distance: 5kmElevation Gain/Loss: 200m/200m

INCLUDED MEALS

During this trip, Long Beach Nature Tours will provide group meals consisting of seven (7) breakfasts and seven (7) dinners. You will need to provide your own lunches and snacks on this hike.

BACKPACKING LUNCHES

We suggest bringing a variety of snack foods to consume while on the move. Throughout each day, we strongly encourage you to take regular, brief breaks, approximately once per hour. These snacks play a crucial role in sustaining a consistent energy level during your hike. Please note that we won't have an extended lunch break, so relying on these snacks is essential. Consider including the following examples of snack foods in your provisions: dried meats (such as salami), jerky (turkey, beef, fish), tuna fish, cheese, crackers, bagels, dried fruit, nuts, chocolate, candy bars, gummy candy, cookies, energy bars, and trail mix. Emphasizing the importance of enjoying the foods you bring cannot be overstated. Proper nutrition is key to maintaining strength in mountainous terrain. We recommend a mix of sweet and salty foods to cater to various tastes. When preparing lunches, please avoid bringing items that require cooking or extensive preparation. Opt for convenient and easily accessible options to ensure a smooth and enjoyable experience.

GEAR WE PROVIDE

We provide all group gear which includes the following: | MSR 3 person tents | Synthetic-fill sleeping bags (or bring your own) | 70L Backpack (available for rent) | Thermarest sleeping pads | Trekking Poles | Cooking stoves and cookware | Bear spray and food canisters | First Aid Kit | Emergency Communication Device

GUEST PACKING LIST

Upon booking this trip, you will gain access to a downloadable trip information document containing a packing list tailored to the specifics of this route. Essential items for all trips include sturdy hiking shoes or boots, rain gear, a recommended clothing system, a headlamp or flashlight, a hydration system (water bottles and/or bladder), and additional items specific to each trip. We can provide sleeping bags and backpacks if needed but commonly participants opt to bring their own.