Canada
Canada - Cape Scott Trekking
Canada - Cape Scott Trekking
Duration
6 days
Start/End
Nanaimo
Tour type
Group
Level
Moderate
Accommodation
Zeltcamps
Overview
In Cape Scott Provincial Park you hike through forests of hemlock, cedar and Sitka spruce to Nels Bight and Nissen Bight, with day trips to Cape Scott Lightstation, Hansen Lagoon and Guise Bay. Mostly flat terrain and two tented base camps.
Cape Scott Provincial Park, on the northwestern tip of Vancouver Island, is one of the island's most beautiful and fascinating hiking areas. The hike leads through diverse coastal ecosystems, characterized by hemlock, cedar, and Sitka spruce, and through large stands of these tree species. Numerous hiking trails lead through the park to fascinating historical and scenic highlights. This tour allows ample time to discover the park's beauty, with excursions to Nels Bight, Hansen Lagoon, and Guise Bay. Just outside the park, beyond Guise Bay, stands the Cape Scott Lighthouse, one of the few remaining manned lighthouses in Canada. The region's history is captivating, and the views are unparalleled.
Tour Code
Tour language
EnglishItinerary
Day 1
From Nanaimo to Cape Scott Provincial Park
Tent camp, dinner
Transfer, hiking
We'll meet at one of the pickup points in Nanaimo and drive approximately 5 hours up the island to Port Hardy. After a gear check, we'll hike 67 kilometers along forest roads to the parking lot of Cape Scott Provincial Park. From there, we'll hike to Eric Lake or Fisherman's Creek, where we'll camp for the first night.
From Nanaimo to Cape Scott Provincial Park
Day 1
Tent camp, dinner
Transfer, hiking
We'll meet at one of the pickup points in Nanaimo and drive approximately 5 hours up the island to Port Hardy. After a gear check, we'll hike 67 kilometers along forest roads to the parking lot of Cape Scott Provincial Park. From there, we'll hike to Eric Lake or Fisherman's Creek, where we'll camp for the first night.
Day 2
To Nels Bight
Tent camp, full board
Hike
We continue hiking through the relatively flat terrain of the cape, visiting several historical sites along the way. At our destination, Nels Bight, we set up our base camp for the next two nights.
To Nels Bight
Day 2
Tent camp, full board
Hike
We continue hiking through the relatively flat terrain of the cape, visiting several historical sites along the way. At our destination, Nels Bight, we set up our base camp for the next two nights.
Day 3
Day hike to the Cape Scott Light Station
Tent camp, full board
Day hike
There's so much to discover at the Cape. Today we're heading towards the lighthouse, taking in the sights along the way: around Experiment Bight, across the sandbar to Guise Bay, and then to the lighthouse itself. After our visit, we'll return and take a different route from Guise Bay.
Day hike to the Cape Scott Light Station
Day 3
Tent camp, full board
Day hike
There's so much to discover at the Cape. Today we're heading towards the lighthouse, taking in the sights along the way: around Experiment Bight, across the sandbar to Guise Bay, and then to the lighthouse itself. After our visit, we'll return and take a different route from Guise Bay.
Day 4
To Nissen Bight
Tent camp, full board
Hike
The other side of Nels Bight is waiting to be explored. We hike back and stop at Hansen Lagoon on the way to Nissen Bight. Fewer people come here, but bears and wolves are frequently spotted. We set up camp for another day hike the following day.
To Nissen Bight
Day 4
Tent camp, full board
Hike
The other side of Nels Bight is waiting to be explored. We hike back and stop at Hansen Lagoon on the way to Nissen Bight. Fewer people come here, but bears and wolves are frequently spotted. We set up camp for another day hike the following day.
Day 5
Day hike to a moorland lake
Tent camp, full board
Day hike, hiking
From Nissen Bight, we ascend to the end of the North Coast Trail. We take a break with a snack at a bog lake in the highlands. Afterwards, we return, pack up, and in the afternoon begin our hike back to Fisherman's Creek or Eric Lake, where we spend the night.
Day hike to a moorland lake
Day 5
Tent camp, full board
Day hike, hiking
From Nissen Bight, we ascend to the end of the North Coast Trail. We take a break with a snack at a bog lake in the highlands. Afterwards, we return, pack up, and in the afternoon begin our hike back to Fisherman's Creek or Eric Lake, where we spend the night.
Day 6
Final explorations and return to Nanaimo
Breakfast, lunch
Hiking, transfer
On the last day of the tour, we'll explore the area around Eric Lake. Then we'll pack up and hike to the parking lot, where we'll load our luggage and begin the return journey. The tour ends at the starting point in Nanaimo.
Final explorations and return to Nanaimo
Day 6
Breakfast, lunch
Hiking, transfer
On the last day of the tour, we'll explore the area around Eric Lake. Then we'll pack up and hike to the parking lot, where we'll load our luggage and begin the return journey. The tour ends at the starting point in Nanaimo.
Services
What's included
Pick-up in Nanaimo and transfer to Cape Scott Provincial Park and back
5 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
Moderate
Altitude
Low
Culture / nature
Pure nature
This tour is moderately challenging and suitable for anyone in good physical condition. The terrain at the Cape is mostly flat. Over five days of hiking, you'll be carrying a full backpack for some days and lighter day hikes for others. One travel day is also included for arrival and departure. You'll be sleeping in tents, with two nights each at base camp along Nels Bight and Nissen Bight. You'll help with setting up and taking down camp. Be prepared for rain and wind, and bring a willingness to enjoy 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 the tour and plan your departure for the day after. You can fly to Vancouver (YVR) or Seattle (SEA) and then travel to Vancouver Island by ferry, bus, or plane, or fly directly to Nanaimo (YCD).
Notice in accordance with EU Directive 2015/2302:
This trip is not suitable for people with reduced mobility.