Stay : West Coast Trail, an extreme hike on Vancouver Island

From Port Albemi or Duncan, it takes about 3 hours to reach Pachena Bay, the northern start point of the trail. The rest of the day is dedicated to the preparation of this hike, which is aimed at experienced and well-equipped sportspeople. Several precautions are to be taken. You must go to the National Park office to obtain an access permit that will cost you $ 25 CAN non-refundable. You should absolutely book because there are quotas of hikers.

After folding the bivouac, hike can begin. 14 km is to be covered until the next campsite, Darling River. You first go through a kind of jungle by the sea, set up here and there by wooden ladders diving between huge trees. You then reach the coast, at Pachena Lighthouse. The end of the trail makes it possible to see elephant seals basking on the rocks. You pass through the very busy Michigan Creek Campsite to join Darling River Campsite.

You have to be careful with the tides, because much of today's portion is on the beach. On the way, you can see star fish, which swim in natural pools. Then, you go up to the heights, walk on the Tsocowis Creek bridge, hanging over a waterfall. A few kilometres away, you cross Klanawa River by zip line! You will reach Tsusiat Falls at the end of the day, after 11-km walking, to camp on the beach.

You leave the bivouac again to continue the descent to the south of the island. The weather is generally very wet, misty and sometimes cold, even in summer. You must get ready to walk 21 km today. After a few kilometres, you will reach Nitinat Narrows, where you will take the ferry. Then, duckboards in the jungle will allow to move through ferns and bushes. Back on the beach, you can end up reaching Carmanah Lighthouse, then the only restaurant of the trail, Chez Monique, for a burger in nature! Still a few kilometres and you can rest at the Carmanah Creek Campsite.

The 16 km planned today are particularly difficult. Another zip line allows you to leave the campsite, to cross to the other side of the shore. A 7-km walk in the sun follows the hiking. After Walban Creek, you get back into the land because the coast becomes too dangerous. An impressive suspension bridge overlooks Logan Creek, you will commit yourself to it. You will arrive at Camp Bay after trampling in the mud for several kilometres.

A beautiful walk on the rocks showing the water awaits you. You can see from a distance the Olympic Peninsula, in the United States. A lunch break at Owen Point allows you to admire caves dug by the water. The beautiful beach of Thrasher Cove finally takes shape after several kilometres walking on tree trunks and stacked rocks.

You only have 8 km left to reach Gordon River, the end of the trail. From there, you will have to take a ferry to cross the river and return to civilisation.