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Nanaimo

EXPLORE CANADA’S WILD WEST COAST TRAIL

Hiking

Category

9 Days

Duration

Advanced

Experience

Intense

Fitness

From 1 to 8

Participants

What you'll do

Hike the full West Coast Trail on this 9-day guided adventure. Navigate beaches, suspension bridges, ladders, tide shelves, and lush rainforest. Encounter waterfalls, wildlife, shipwreck history, and Indigenous culture as you camp under the stars and experience coastal wilderness at its best.

Itinerary

We begin with pick-ups between 08:15–09:55 at Departure Bay, downtown Nanaimo, and Duke Point (exact times confirmed the day prior). From there, we drive to Port Renfrew, stopping in Lake Cowichan for a lunch break. Upon arrival, we’ll set up camp and attend the official West Coast Trail orientation by Parks Canada. Afterward, we’ll hold a gear check and pack-fitting session to ensure you're comfortable and well-prepared. Dinner is at a local Port Renfrew restaurant (not included in the trip cost).
After a 6:00 AM wake-up, we ferry across Port San Juan to the trailhead. This first stretch is among the most challenging of the trek, featuring dense forest, steep ascents, and rugged root-filled paths. We’ll stop for lunch near an old donkey engine or at the trail’s highest point, before continuing to Thrasher Cove, where we’ll set up camp on the beach and gather around a campfire (conditions permitting) to share stories of shipwrecks and west coast lore. Time: 5–6 hrs | Length: 6 km | Elevation gain: ~300m up, ~200m down
We begin the day scrambling over boulders and pocket beaches toward Owen Point (tide dependent). After a photo stop, we traverse the sandstone shelf before climbing up into the forest trail. Lunch is along the way, and the final stretch leads us over creeks and cable cars into Camper Bay. Here, you’ll have time to relax or refresh in the nearby creek while our guides prepare dinner. Time: 6–8 hrs | Length: 8 km | Elevation gain: ~350m up, ~400m down
One of the most diverse and demanding days. If tides allow, we’ll walk the remote sandstone shoreline, then ascend into the forest near Sandstone Creek. The day includes some of the longest and most iconic ladder sections of the trail—Cullite Creek, Logan Creek, and more. After lunch, we pass through a rare upland bog with bonsai cedars, sundew plants, and Labrador tea. We end at Walbran Creek, where a swim in the creek and a hearty meal await. Time: 7–10 hrs | Length: 9 km | Elevation gain: ~500m up, ~500m down
With the hardest hiking behind us, we enjoy a slower-paced day along beaches and sea shelves. We’ll pass Bonilla Point, view the distant Carmanah Lighthouse, and cross Carmanah Creek before arriving at Cribs Creek. Keep an eye out for sea lions and gray whales offshore as we enjoy dinner and the peaceful coastal views. Time: 5–6 hrs | Length: 11 km | Elevation gain: ~200m up, ~150m down
Today offers more stunning beach walking and tide pool exploration as we move toward Cheewaht Beach. After entering the forest, we reach Nitinat Narrows, where you can enjoy a fresh crab or fish lunch (approx. $30, not included). Here, we also collect a food drop to lighten our packs. We continue to a remote wild camping site, often visited by gray whales, where we relax before dinner and hear stories of the coast’s First Nations and settlers. Time: 6–8 hrs | Length: 12 km | Elevation gain: ~250m up, ~200m down
After breaking camp, we visit a Ditidaht Warrior Camp, where a First Nations guardian offers a brief cultural interpretation of the area. Then it’s off to Hole-in-the-Wall and Tsusiat Falls, where we break for lunch and a refreshing swim. We ascend ladders for cliff-top views, then descend to Klanawa Creek for our next camp and possibly another swim. Time: 4–6 hrs | Length: 9 km | Elevation gain: ~150m up, ~150m down
The trail begins to mellow. We alternate between beach and forest, stopping for lunch at Tscowis. If tides allow, we take a side trip to the site of the Valencia shipwreck, a solemn point that led to the trail’s creation. Afterward, we head to our final beach campsite at Darling River or Michigan Creek. It’s a perfect place to reflect on the journey around the campfire. Time: 4–6 hrs | Length: 8–11 km | Elevation gain: ~200m up, ~200m down
Our final day is lighter but still has a few muddy surprises. After breakfast, we hike through coastal forest, stopping at Pachena Lighthouse and Sea Lion Rock before reaching the Pachena Trailhead around noon. We celebrate with photos and pack weigh-outs before driving back via Port Alberni for lunch, and onward to the Departure Bay ferry terminal in Nanaimo. Expect to arrive by late afternoon to catch the early evening ferry or transfer to your next accommodation. Time: 4–6 hrs | Length: 12–14 km | Elevation gain: ~150m up, ~250m down | Drive: ~4.5 hrs

Important stuff

From the highest peaks to the hidden trails, we've got your back

Once you book, your trip is guaranteed to run, allowing you to book your flights with confidence.

Want to change your departure date or trip? No problem—enjoy maximum flexibility to make changes up to 60 days before departure.

Travel with peace of mind. Our insurance package covers accidents and rescue during outdoor activities, medical expenses, and luggage protection, as well as trip cancellations and 24/7 medical assistance from our insurance partner.

see more on How it works

What's included

Accident insurance
Medical and luggage insurance
Travel cancellation insurance
Hiking Guide
Local transport
Double camping tent (to share)
Round-trip transportation from and to the departure location (pick-up and drop-off)
All West Coast Trail park and camping fees
Flight
Visa (if applicable)
Everything not mentioned in the “What’s included”
Tips
Expenditure of personal nature

Accomodations

Wild camping

For the duration of the tour, accommodation will be in backcountry campsites along the trail, offering a true wilderness experience. Campsites are scenic, remote, and set up each night by your group and guides. Tents are provided and shared between two people unless otherwise arranged. Your first night, however, will be spent at a basecamp or designated frontcountry site, with access to vehicle support and basic amenities—ideal for settling in, checking gear, and preparing for the journey ahead. From Day 2 onward, it’s all about sleeping under the stars and waking up in nature.

Meeting point

49.2020849-123.976201
Nanaimo

Frequently asked questions

Departures

Cannot find a departure date that suits you?

Make a private request

3290 €

(1085 € deposit)
Mapo Tapo

© Mapo Tapo - Mapo Tapo S.r.l - Viale Piceno, 6 - 20129 Milano (MI)
Tour Operator - Vat no 11336700965 - Reg. Impr. Milano 07-08-2020 no 11336700965
Liability Insurance: Policy no. 505384275 - ALLIANZ
Travel Guarantee: FONDO CONSORTILE DI GARANZIA - Vacanze garantite - cert. no 2023091573AT

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