58 m away
Day 1 North Coast Trail
An extremely difficult start, but well worth the effort as you begin one of the best coastal trails in Canada.
Severe Hiking
- Distance
- 9 km
- Ascent
- 341 m
- Descent
- 361 m
North Coast Trail
Vancouver Island
The West Coast Trails Wild Sibling
Hiking Difficult
- Distance
- 61 km
- Ascent
- 1.5 km
- Descent
- 1.5 km
- Duration
- 1 day +
- Low Point
- -1 m
- High Point
- 236 m
- Gradient
- 15˚
The standard route involves drop off at Shushartie Bay by water taxi. From there it's a muddy, heavily rooted climb across the Shushartie overland, then down to the beaches. The route follows the coast from here popping in and out of woods. There are several campsites along specific beaches with food storage facilities and vault toilets. The trail links up with the Cape Scott Trail towards it's western end. Five to six days are the most common trip lengths.
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Difficulty
Difficult
Hiking trails where obstacles such as rocks or roots are prevalent. Some obstacles can require care to step over or around. At times, the trail can be worn and eroded. The grade of the trail is generally quite steep, and can often lead to strenuous hiking.
Low Exposure
The path is on completely flat land and potential injury is limited to falling over.
Remoteness
Little chance of being seen or helped in case of an accident.
Best time to visit
Features
- Wildlife
- Historical
- Picturesque
- Forestry or heavy vegetation
Similar routes nearby
7.7 km away
Day 2 North Coast Trail
A much more scenic day than day 1, with some of the best beaches on Vancouver Island to be found at Cape Sutil
Difficult Hiking
- Distance
- 8.7 km
- Ascent
- 274 m
- Descent
- 263 m
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Guidebooks in this area
6 routes · Hiking
Vancouver Island's Stunning North Coast Trail
5 routes · Hiking · Trail Running
5 of British Columbia's Best Backpacking Routes
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