It is a strenuous three or four day trip from end to end but can be accessed at several points along its length for day hikes. Botanical beach offers one of the richest tidal areas found along the west coast, and opportunities for viewing in these tide pools is excellent. Crossing its giant suspension bridges, seeing waterfalls into the ocean and some enormous old growth, and camping along its beautiful beaches provides you with a great way to truly experience this rugged coast of ours. The two middle sections of the trail are rated difficult and most difficult. Located on the west coast of vancouver island, a little south of its more famous cousin, the west coast trail, its short distance belies the difficulty of the trail.
The west coast of vancouver island can be a very wet place. Dogs are also able to use this trail but must be kept on leash. Suspension bridge puzzle in bridges jigsaw puzzles on. Play full screen, enjoy puzzle of the day and thousands more. Visitors to your site will appreciate you offering them help with planning their vacation. Terrain is varied and can be hiked in 10 k daytrips, the most difficult section being between mystic beach and china beach, where you hike in and out of 17 creek valleys with climbs on the average of 100m. Located on the west coast of vancouver island, a little south of its more famous cousin, the west coast trail, its. You still get to see amazing vistas and shoreline and yea bears but without the difficult rope and ladder challenges on the wct.
This post will tell you everything you need to know before you go. You can access printable pdf maps of the trail, get trail information such as how to figure out the tides, trail markers and access, camping and trail etiquette, etc. This is the shortest, least demanding and most accessible of our coastal hikes, while still. But dang it, the west coast trail is not possible to complete in four days in may.
Dense rainforests and changing ecosystems along this west coast hike. Why not head to british columbia so you can get started today. It also serves as the regional international boundary between the u. Parking is available at the top of blanchard street.
Its beauty is close to the better known west coast trial, but has the advantage of not needing to book months in advance, and can be be enjoyed for day trips, an over nighter or multy day hikes. It has all the advantages mentioned above, plus users to your site can conveniently access it directly on your site. The trail is primarily used for hiking and is best used from january until august. This is the shortest, least demanding and most accessible of our coastal hikes, while still offering a wonderful wilderness experience. These trails make use of existing sooke parks, trails and sidewalks as much as possible. Keep these tips in mind and youll have a great hike. Keep in mind that this trail can be wet, muddy and rough, and that tides can affect access to trails and. Keep in mind that this trail can be wet, muddy and rough, and that tides can affect access to trails and beaches. They point me in the right direction and enthusiastically inform me that they have just seen a black bear with a cub on the rocks down by the beach just a. The trail offers a number of activity options and is best used from may until november. The closest one is the seaside cottages, just 2 miles 3 kilometers away. Hikebiketravel is frequently cited as one of the top travel and outdoor adventure blogs in canada. There are several areas between botanical beach and payzant creek that have been compromised and hikers should be warned that conditions are extremely difficult and dangerous.
Like its perhaps more famous neighbouring hiking trail just to the north, the. Plenty of chances to see wildlife, from bears to whales. It is located in the county capital regional district and the province of british columbia, in the southwestern part of the country, 3700 km west of the capital, ottawa. Trekkers who want to extend the enjoyment of their hike could add one or all of the options to extend the trek described in the guidebook. Even though we hiked this trail in july, it rained for 2 out of the 4 days we were on the trail. Starting at botanical is about a 3 day trek to the other end of this 1way route. Most of the important terrain features are encountered. The hike should take about 4 days and the plan is to be back home on salt spring on the 16th or so. The 47kilometre trek unmarked side trails which are the key to dayhiking this trail. It can be a fantastic trip if all goes as planned but it can be a struggle if everything goes wrong.
Along about the umpteenth time that our trail switchbacks between towering sitka spruce, kristin finally voices what we three have been thinking. From otter point road turn up burr rd, then left onto petemar, right onto blanchard. The park is approximately 1,500 hectares about 3700 acres or 5. Browse the amazon editors picks for the best books of 2019, featuring our. I was hoping for sun but rain is typical for the west wet coast.
It hugs the southwestern shore of vancouver island, between jordan river and port renfrew for a distance of about 48 kilometres. Its small and includes some interesting background detail. You can recommend improvements by leaving recommendations or links in the. It is about 47 km and we will be hiking from south to north. The trail stretches from china beach, 35 km west of sooke, to botanical beach, just outside port renfrew. The west coast trail is the best hike in the world. These ones are a bit more geared towards hiking the entire trail in multiple days but you can always dayhike one section. Being prepared and bringing the right gear will enhance your experience on the west coast. Hiking on the edge is a quick, easy read with absolutely stunning photos by david nunuk. Whales, marine birds and other wildlife can also be seen in the park. You dont have to book them in advance, they work on first come first.