Multi-level ladders are just one challenge for seasoned hikers on the West Coast Trail/Parks Canada

The iconic West Coast Trail on Vancouver Island is reopening for the first time since 2019.

The 75-kilometre (47-mile) backcountry backpacking trail in Pacific Rim National Park Reserve is a bucket list experience and typically draws 7,500 experienced hikers a year. It usually takes six to eight days and follows the island’s western shoreline in temperate rainforest through the traditional territory of three First Nations.

“Those who are well prepared physically, mentally and equipment-wise come away with tales of grit,” reports Parks Canada. “Hikers climb more than 100 ladders with a heavy pack, trudge through deep mud, wade through mountain-fed rivers in fast-flowing, hip-deep waters, and push through whatever weather the wild West Coast delivers — often driving wind and rain.”

The West Coat Trail will be open June 4 to September 30. Parks Canada will launch reservations at 8 a.m. (PDT) on April 30. Experienced hikers can book trips online or at 1-877-RESERVE (1-877-737-3783). People are advised to set up accounts before April 30. 

The trail was closed in 2020 due the Covid-19 pandemic after Parks Canada consulted with First Nation partners.

Sunset on a coastal beach along the West Coast Trail/Parks Canada

The trail is part of the ancient paths and paddling routes used for trade and travel by the First Nations. Huu-ay-aht, Ditidaht and Paachedaht First Nation villages were well established before foreign ships sailing the Juan de Fuca Strait arrived, along with shipwrecks and drownings. Sailors dubbed the coastline “the Graveyard of the Pacific.”

Parks Canada reports that when the steamship Valencia went down in 1906 killing 133 people, the public outcry prompted the Canadian government to do more to help mariners. The Pachena Lighthouse was constructed in 1907. Lifesaving stations were established at Cloo-ose and Bamfield. The telegraph route was upgraded to become the Dominion Life Saving Trail, complete with six shelters stocked with provisions for both shipwreck victims and their rescuers. As navigation technology improved, many of these measures became obsolete and were abandoned.

Pacific Rim was established in 1970. Three years later, the lifesaving trail was included in the national park reserve as a recreational hiking trail.

There are three access points to the West Coast Trail, at Bamfield (Pachena Trailhead) Nitinaht Village and Port Renfrew (Gordon River Trailhead).

Only seasoned hikers should attempt the challenging West Coast Trail/Parks Canada

A mid-point entrance at Nitinaht Narrows, accessed by water taxi from Nitinaht Village, lets people tackle shorter, three to five-day adventures. The Ditidaht First Nation has comfort tents. The Huu-ay-aht First Nation runs the Pachena Bay Campground.

Camping remains closed at Keeha Beach, Tapaltos and all other locations in the Cape Beale region and the Nitinaht Triangle. Motorized and non-motorized vessels, including kayaks, are forbidden.

Even those planning day hikes need to get permits, join an orientation session and check-in once they’re on the trail.

Trail fees include $130.31 ($103 USD) per trip, per person for an overnight use permit, $24.50 ($20 USD) for a reservation fee and a national park entry fee.

Parks Canada and the First Nations want everyone to follow public-health guidelines and stay up-to-date on restrictions and closures.