Canada
Canada - West Coast Trail Trekking (short version)
Canada - West Coast Trail Trekking (short version)
Duration
5 days
Start/End
Nanaimo
Tour type
Group
Level
Demanding
Accommodation
B&B or campsite, tent camps
Overview
On the shorter version of the classic you hike for three and a half days from the Nitinaht Narrows via Barge Beach and the Klanawa River to Pachena Bay. Tide pools, long beaches and, with luck, whales – daily stages of up to eight hours with a backpack and tents right on the coast.
The Half West Coast Trail is the shorter version of the classic coastal hike and a true gem on Vancouver Island. Over approximately 33 kilometers, you follow the historic rescue path for shipwrecked sailors through impressive temperate coastal rainforest, across sandstone plateaus by the sea, and along enchanting forest trails. Tide pools and long beaches make the tour unforgettable, and if whales and other wildlife make an appearance, that's the icing on the cake. With its fascinating history and scenery, this variant offers a less strenuous way to experience the legendary trail. And the West Coast Trail is full of surprises: from the Crab Shack at the Nitinaht Narrows, where we start, to the Canadian Coast Guard lighthouse right on the trail.
Tour Code
Tour language
EnglishItinerary
Day 1
Arrival in Balaats'adt
B&B or campsite
Transfer
You will be picked up in Nanaimo in the morning: at Departure Bay between 8:15 and 8:30 a.m., in downtown Nanaimo between 8:45 and 9:00 a.m., or at Duke Point between 9:30 and 9:55 a.m. Your guide will confirm the exact times the day before. We will drive to Balaats'adt, the village of the Ditidaht First Nation, making stops at points of interest along the way. Depending on availability, we will spend the first night in a B&B or at a campground.
Arrival in Balaats'adt
Day 1
B&B or campsite
Transfer
You will be picked up in Nanaimo in the morning: at Departure Bay between 8:15 and 8:30 a.m., in downtown Nanaimo between 8:45 and 9:00 a.m., or at Duke Point between 9:30 and 9:55 a.m. Your guide will confirm the exact times the day before. We will drive to Balaats'adt, the village of the Ditidaht First Nation, making stops at points of interest along the way. Depending on availability, we will spend the first night in a B&B or at a campground.
Day 2
Via the Nitinaht Narrows to Barge Beach (approx. 8 km)
Tent camp, full board
Hiking, approx. 8 km
Early in the morning, the first water taxi takes us to the Nitinaht Narrows. From there, we hike a short distance south to Clo-oose and back (approx. 6.5 km) without our luggage. We can provide a packed lunch, but most people opt for fresh seafood from the Crab Shack. Bring cash for this. After lunch and a chat, we cross the Narrows and hike with our backpacks (approx. 1.5 km) to Barge Beach, where we spend the night.
Via the Nitinaht Narrows to Barge Beach (approx. 8 km)
Day 2
Tent camp, full board
Hiking, approx. 8 km
Early in the morning, the first water taxi takes us to the Nitinaht Narrows. From there, we hike a short distance south to Clo-oose and back (approx. 6.5 km) without our luggage. We can provide a packed lunch, but most people opt for fresh seafood from the Crab Shack. Bring cash for this. After lunch and a chat, we cross the Narrows and hike with our backpacks (approx. 1.5 km) to Barge Beach, where we spend the night.
Day 3
Zum Klanawa River (approx. 8 km, 6–8 Std.)
Tent camp, full board
Hiking, approx. 8 km
We get up around 6 a.m., pack our things, and have breakfast. Afterwards, we continue to Tsuquadra, home to the Ditidaht Trail Guardians and once the site of a warrior village. We pass Tsusiat Point, have lunch at Tsusiat Falls, and then hike on to the Klanawa River. Here we spend the night overlooking the open Pacific Ocean.
Zum Klanawa River (approx. 8 km, 6–8 Std.)
Day 3
Tent camp, full board
Hiking, approx. 8 km
We get up around 6 a.m., pack our things, and have breakfast. Afterwards, we continue to Tsuquadra, home to the Ditidaht Trail Guardians and once the site of a warrior village. We pass Tsusiat Point, have lunch at Tsusiat Falls, and then hike on to the Klanawa River. Here we spend the night overlooking the open Pacific Ocean.
Day 4
To Michigan Creek
Tent camp, full board
Hike
We'll start early again today, as morning is the best time for hiking. From the Klanawa River, we'll hike across beaches and sandstone plateaus towards Tsocowis and its waterfall. Along the way, you'll learn about the Valencia disaster, which inspired the construction of the West Coast Lifesaving Trail. We usually reach Michigan Creek in the early to mid-afternoon and set up camp there for the night. Lunch will be in Tsocowis or at Michigan Creek. There's a good chance of spotting whales here if they're in the area.
To Michigan Creek
Day 4
Tent camp, full board
Hike
We'll start early again today, as morning is the best time for hiking. From the Klanawa River, we'll hike across beaches and sandstone plateaus towards Tsocowis and its waterfall. Along the way, you'll learn about the Valencia disaster, which inspired the construction of the West Coast Lifesaving Trail. We usually reach Michigan Creek in the early to mid-afternoon and set up camp there for the night. Lunch will be in Tsocowis or at Michigan Creek. There's a good chance of spotting whales here if they're in the area.
Day 5
To Pachena Bay Trailhead and return to Nanaimo
Breakfast, lunch
Hiking, 4–5 hours, transfer
On the final leg, we hike for 4 to 5 hours to the trailhead at Pachena Bay, possibly with a detour to Seal Rock. Afterwards, we drive back to Nanaimo.
To Pachena Bay Trailhead and return to Nanaimo
Day 5
Breakfast, lunch
Hiking, 4–5 hours, transfer
On the final leg, we hike for 4 to 5 hours to the trailhead at Pachena Bay, possibly with a detour to Seal Rock. Afterwards, we drive back to Nanaimo.
Services
What's included
Pick-up in Nanaimo and transfer to and from the trail
1 night in a B&B or at a campsite
3 nights in a tent (double occupancy)
All meals on hiking days
All parking and camping fees
Professional English-speaking guides
Detailed guide to preparation
Small group with a maximum of 8 guests
What's not included
Individual travel to and from the destination (we are happy to put together a suitable offer)
Travel insurance (we are happy to put together an individual offer)
Personal equipment
Visa and vaccinations, if required (eTA required for Canada)
Tip (recommended: 10–20 CAD per day and guide)
Overnight stay before and after the tour
Hiking boots (should not be older than 5 years)
Backpack, sleeping bag and sleeping mat (can be rented on site)
Meals during travel days
Entrance fees for the national park (subject to change by Parks Canada)
Single tent available for an extra charge
Character of the trip
Fitness
Demanding
Altitude
Low
Culture / nature
Pure nature
This tour is of moderate difficulty and suitable for anyone with good fitness and sure footing.
- Over 3.5 days of hiking, you'll cover approximately 33 kilometers with a backpack, across beaches, sandstone plateaus, and forest trails.
- Daily stages last up to 8 hours.
In addition, allow 1.5 days for travel to and from the starting point.
The first night will be spent in a B&B or at a campsite, after which you'll camp in tents right on the coast. You'll help with setting up and taking down the camps. Be prepared for rain, wind, and muddy sections of the trail, and bring a sense of adventure and a willingness to embrace basic conditions in the wilderness.
Dates and prices
Group dates
Notes on the trip
Program adjustments depending on weather conditions
Since we'll be in the wilderness, the itinerary may change depending on the weather, tides, trail conditions, and the group's fitness level. Your safety is always our top priority. You will receive the exact pick-up time at least 12 hours in advance via phone, email, or text message.
Arrival and departure
It's best to arrive in Nanaimo the day before and plan your departure for the day after the tour. You can fly to Vancouver (YVR) or Seattle (SEA) and continue your journey to Vancouver Island by ferry, bus, or plane, or fly directly to Nanaimo (YCD) or Victoria (YYJ).
Notice in accordance with EU Directive 2015/2302:
This trip is not suitable for people with reduced mobility.