The rugged beauty of the West Coast Trail in British Columbia has made it one of the top 10 hikes in the world. Backpackers will enjoy the ever-changing splendor of an untouched coastline where the powerful Pacific Ocean batters the shores of Vancouver Island.

The sandy beaches are endless and the old-growth forest is thick. Hikers will see and hear the crashing water just off shore and will walk along the jagged tidal shelf in solitude. It’s mesmerizing to see the abundant sea creatures that live on the narrow border between land and sea, air and water.

The 47 mile West Coast Trail is a historic rescue route used by survivors of disastrous ship wrecks during the 1800’s. Today, it is now part of the Pacific Rim National Park and is one of the most popular reserves in the Canadian park system. It attracts hikers from all over the world and offers both a physical and mental challenge on this 6-8 day trek.

We saw 65 year old men with bad knees complete this hike. We came across families with young children marching through the mud, their laughter was loud enough to ward off the coastal black bears. People of all fitness levels who had a strong mental attitude have successfully completed the trek.

Before hitting the trail, learn what to expect and how to cope with the seasonal conditions (rain in spring, heat in summer, arid in autumn). And prepare for a wild Pacific storm with torrential rain and gale force winds which may blow ashore at any time.

When to Hike the West Coast Trail

The West Coast Trail is open from May 1 to September 30. During this time, Parks Canada staffs the trail on foot and provides emergency removals with patrolling boats and helicopters. Permit & hiking fees help to fund these emergency services.

The best time to hike is in autumn, after Labor Day in September when the crowds have thinned. With fewer people on the trail, the hiking experience is more secluded and intimate. The trail is relatively dry and the days are warm and sunny. Most mornings are greeted with slow moving fog that crawls along the low lying beaches and gorges. By mid-morning, the mist has been burned away.

During the summer months, camp sites along the beach are in high demand and delays on the ladders are frequent. Rain is common during the spring. Winter travel is unpleasant, unsafe and highly discouraged.

Tips for Hiking the West Coast Trail

• Only 60 backpackers per day are allowed to start the trek so reservations are highly recommended.
• Due to safety issues, it’s best to backpack with at least one other person. Accidents are common and help may be hours away.
• Hiking companions should have similar fitness levels so the group can travel safely in unison. Personalities should also be compatible since it takes from 6 – 8 days to complete (and there are no showers).
• Hike with care. It’s easy to sprain an ankle or twist a knee on the uneven boardwalks. Every year, rescuers make emergency removals of people who have fallen and broken limbs.
• Have a flexible schedule. Weather delays and minor injuries such as blisters may slow your progress. And bring extra supplies to cover unexpected interruptions.
• Set up camp before nightfall since it gets very dark here.
  

  

• Headlamps are better to use than flashlights, allowing for both hands to be free.
• We happened to be on the West Coast Trail during a full moon and the landscape was bathed in a beautiful blue light. Watching a moon-rise over the open ocean was one of the highlights of the trip.

Hiking the West Coast Trail is difficult and dangerous in sections but the challenge is more mental than physical. You don’t have to be super-fit to complete the 47 mile trail but having a good sense of adventure, lots of determination and sturdy hiking books will help you complete this rugged personal challenge.

Greg Lynch is the author of the Scenic Travel Canada, a website for travelers looking for lesser-known Canadian adventures. Sign up for the Scenic Traveler newsletter to find hiking and adventure hints, tips and outings!

Garabaldi

Guest Trip Report from WilderMiss of A Mountain Top High blog

If you are looking for bang-for-your-buck on a trip in Garibaldi Provincial Park (between Squamish and Whistler, BC, Canada) you’ll be blown away by Garibaldi Lake. A gigantic glacier lake, panoramic views, and wildflower meadows await you after only a few kilometers on the trail. This trip is a must-do for local hikers and I highly recommend it to an outdoor lover planning a visit to south western BC.

Suggested Itinerary

You can hike all the way to Panorama Ridge in one epic day trip (bring your Power Thirst ) but for the most enjoyment I’d recommend a leisurely 3 day trip.

Day 1: Hike from Rubble Creek Parking Lot to Garibaldi Lake campsite. 9 km (5.5 miles), steep grade. Mountain Man and I are confident in doing this hike after work on Friday mid-summer (our northern latitude gives us very long days in June and July, check online for sunset time). Make sure that you’re used to climbing endless switchbacks with your pack on and have your headlamps handy if you attempt to do the same.

The hike from the parking lot to the lake isn’t fun. It’s switchbacks. ALL switchbacks. It’s steep and feels endless. But it’s not. If your quick you can cover the distance in about three hours. Budget for up to five hours.

But the reward makes it worthwhile. Garibaldi Lake is a gigantic, sparkling, glacier lake surrounded in a ring of white topped mountains. It’s breath taking and it’s untouched except by the hikers who schlep up 9km of switchbacks. Water skiers would be so jealous. Come on a sunny day and you’ll never want to leave.

Set up camp at West Garibaldi Lake, jump in the icy cold water, and make friends with like minded campers.

Day 2: Day hike to Panorama Ridge

The lake is fabulous. But Panorama Ridge on a clear day is what this whole trip is all about. They don’t use the term “panorama” lightly here. 360 degrees of stunning. Like, when-I-die-scatter-my-ashes-here stunning. Le sigh.

The trail from the campground is 5 km (3 miles) each way and is delightfully varied. You’ll encounter woods, meadows (with wild flowers if your lucky) and sheer mountain tops above the tree line. The final ascent is steep and covered in patchy snow fields year round. Hiking poles are recommended.

I’m not even going to say more about how magical the ridge is. So here are some facts: the pointy topped black mountain you see is the Black Tusk, you can see your campsite on the right (west) tip of the lake below, and the mountains to the north include the famous ski resort Whistler Blackcomb. Figure out how to take panoramic pictures on your camera before you go. Trust me. I also highly recommend enjoying a lunch of bread and cheese (a la Heidi) atop the ridge, just to extend your time. And bring a jacket, it’s usually windy.

A lot of the other hikers you’ll meet will be day hiking to Black Tusk. Don’t be fooled. Panorama Ridge is the way to go. Black Tusk is really better for observing from a distance. If you have a fourth day or want a longer day trip, knock yourself out and head to Black Tusk. But bring a helmet (seriously) lest the lose rocks kicked by other hikers scrambling for the top knock you out.

Mountain Man and I had loose plans of heading over to Black Tusk after the ridge. But extra time on the ridge and a nap in a meadow below won out. I have no regrets.

Day 3: Garibaldi Lake to Rubble Creek Parking lot

Make it a leisurely morning, take a dip in the lake, and head back down to earth on the final day of your trip. The 9km (5.5 mile) hike down is easy (if a little boring) but you can punch it up by taking the turnoffs for view points and stopping by pretty creeks.

Getting There

Garibaldi Provincial Park is between Whistler and Squamish BC. You’ll find the Rubble Creek parking lot 37km north of Squamish or 19km south of Whistler off highway 99. Four wheel drive is not needed to access the parking lot.

Camp user fees are $10/person/night and must be paid in cash at the drop box at the trail head. Make sure to leave one receipt with your car and bring one with you in order to claim your campsite.

When to go

I recommend this hike for the sunny and warm months of July and August. Clear skies and warm temperatures are a must for enjoying the views from the ridge and the icy cold lake water. You will find crowds during these months, but I find that like-minded back country enthusiasts make great company.

Note that this area is open year-round and is also a destination for winter sports. If you plan to make the trip on skis or snowshoes plan a lot of extra time.

Campsites

There are only two campsites available: Taylor Meadows and Garibaldi Lake. Both are first-come first-served and the only way to know if there is space is to show up and look around. Garibaldi Lake is better so head there first. Taylor Meadows will get the job done but it’s not on the lake.

Camp amenities include

Pit outhouses

Shelter huts including critter boxes to store your food (bears and other animals are par for the course in these parts, please store your food appropriately); Rushing stream for water about 15 minute walk from camp (on the trail back towards the parking lot). The water is pretty clean but treat it just in case.  Raised plots to pitch your tent. Remember to bring your receipt from the parking lot in order to secure your spot. The ranger patrols regularly.  Lake for your swimming pleasure.

What to Bring

I recommend bringing gators and hiking poles to contend with the steep snow fields on the final ascent to Panorama Ridge. And don’t forget your hill climbing legs.

Hopefully I’ve encouraged a few of you to try out this fabulous trail next time you find yourself hankering for a hiking trip. Feel free to contact me on my blog amountaintophigh.blogspot.com or at amountaintophigh@gmail.com if you would like any more information.

Happy Wanderings

WilderMiss

Having Fun on the Trail

Trail Map