In the morning, we'll meet at a pre-arranged meeting point in Nanaimo. After introductions and a gear check, we'll drive to the Juan de Fuca Trailhead, leaving a vehicle for the return trip. Then it's time to lace up our boots, grab our backpacks, and hit the trail. We'll hike through regenerating forest and across a suspension bridge, reaching Mystic Beach and the first possible campsite after about 2 kilometers. Depending on the time and tides, we'll continue hiking, crossing several streams and a tide-dependent section, until we reach Bear Beach.

From Mystic Beach onwards, the trail becomes more challenging. Over breakfast, we plan how best to tackle the tide-dependent sections and then continue hiking to Bear Beach.

Today's itinerary includes the most strenuous part of the tour. Mud and constant ups and downs through the stream gorges will challenge you before we set up camp at Chin Beach.

From Chin Beach, the trail leads back into the forest, with further elevation gain and numerous stream crossings. A highlight is the suspension bridge over Loss Creek, offering a view of the waterfall. The trail continues through the forest and over a few tide-dependent obstacles to Sombrio Beach. This beautiful campsite is also popular with day visitors and can serve as an entry or exit point if needed.

We hike along the coast to Minute Creek, past Kuitshe Cove, and on to Parkinson Creek. The old-growth rainforest gives the hike a completely new atmosphere. We expect to set up our last camp at Payzant Creek.

On the final stretch, we reach Botanical Beach and the end of the trail. Here, it's worth taking some time to admire the fascinating tide pools and the sandstone plateaus sculpted by the sea. It's just a short distance to Port Renfrew. If time allows, we'll visit Avatar Grove with its enormous ancient trees on the way back. Then we'll drive back to Nanaimo.