We handle the details
Our guides organize trail logistics, transportation from Nanaimo, camps, cooking and water treatment, so you can focus on the journey.
Dates and booking
2027 West Coast Trail departures
All-in price per person
$3,087.68 CAD
Includes the booking fee and GST.
View full pricing and inclusions
Choose a departure from Coastal Bliss Adventures or Sea to Sky Expeditions below. Each company operates its own West Coast Trail departures and booking account. Final availability is confirmed through the relevant Checkfront checkout.
Coastal Bliss Adventures
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Sea to Sky Expeditions
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2027 dates are provisional until Parks Canada confirms allocated start dates. If either availability feed is temporarily unavailable, contact our team. Select a date under the operator you wish to book with; checkout is handled separately for each company.
Complete your reservation
Why go guided?
More trail. Less logistics.
Support before departure
Receive detailed preparation guidance on equipment, packing and training. We help you understand what a strenuous coastal hike requires.
See more along the way
Years of trail experience inform the timing, campsite choices and interpretation of coastal ecology, geology and history.
The experience
The full West Coast Trail
The West Coast Trail follows approximately 75 kilometres of Vancouver Island’s Pacific shore, through temperate rainforest, beach, rocky sea shelf and intertidal environments. Ladders, mud, roots, slippery rocks and changing tides make it a rewarding but strenuous backpacking journey.
Our nine-day tour begins in Nanaimo, includes a travel and orientation day, approximately seven and a half hiking days, and a return transfer. On the trail, the pace leaves opportunities to notice the natural and human stories of this coastline—not just to cover the distance.
The trail crosses the traditional and ongoing territories of coastal First Nations. We approach these places with respect, recognizing that their histories and living relationships with the land are not simply attractions along a hiking route.
What the journey looks like
Wild scenery. Real terrain. Memorable moments.
The coast is extraordinary, but this is no ordinary beach walk. These are photographs from our West Coast Trail collection.
Your journey
Nine-day sample itinerary
This is our typical south-to-north route, not a guaranteed daily schedule. Tide windows, safety, park requirements, weather and the group may change camps, distances and activities.
Day 1
Nanaimo to Port Renfrew
Pick up in Nanaimo, drive south with a lunch stop, attend the Parks Canada orientation, check equipment and camp near the trailhead. Restaurant dinner is at your own expense.
Day 2
Gordon River to Thrasher Cove · approx. 6 km
Cross to the trailhead and begin a demanding day of roots, elevation changes and coastal forest before descending to Thrasher Cove.
Day 3
Thrasher Cove to Camper Bay · approx. 8 km
Weather and tides permitting, navigate rocky shorelines toward Owen Point, then return to forest trail and camp near Camper Bay.
Day 4
Camper Bay to Walbran Creek · approx. 9 km
A challenging day with ladders, forest, possible sandstone-shelf travel and coastal bog habitat. Camp at Walbran Creek.
Day 5
Walbran Creek to Cribs Creek · approx. 11 km
Explore beaches, tide pools, sea stacks and the Carmanah area before continuing to Cribs Creek.
Day 6
Cribs Creek toward the Nitinaht area · approx. 12 km
Travel shore and forest sections, cross the Nitinaht Narrows area and collect the scheduled food resupply. Optional purchased lunch is not included.
Day 7
Toward Tsusiat Falls and Klanawa · approx. 9 km
Continue along the northern coast, with opportunities to see Tsusiat Falls, coastal viewpoints and the landscape’s history; camp near Klanawa.
Day 8
Klanawa to Darling River or Michigan Creek · approx. 8–11 km
Alternate beach and forest travel and enjoy the final full night at a coastal campsite.
Day 9
To Pachena Bay and return to Nanaimo · approx. 12–14 km
Finish the trail via the Pachena area, then return by vehicle to Nanaimo, normally in the late afternoon or early evening.
Price and inclusions
What your tour includes
Published 2027 base price: CAD $2,855 per person before the 3% booking fee and 5% GST (approximately $3,088 total when calculated sequentially). The live booking system is authoritative for the final total, selected date and optional charges.
Your package at a glance
Included
- Professional wilderness guides and support
- Scheduled transport from and back to Nanaimo pickup points
- Camp meals on trail (not meals on travel days)
- Shared tent and camp cooking arrangements
- Trail camping/permit arrangements as specified by Coastal Bliss
- Preparation information before your trip
Not included or potentially extra
- Travel to Nanaimo and accommodation before or after the trip
- Travel-day restaurant meals and optional purchases at Nitinaht Narrows
- Personal clothing, boots, backpack, sleeping bag and sleeping mat
- Optional gear rentals and single-tent supplement
- Gratuities; any separately assessed park entry or other fees shown at booking
For deposits, cancellation and refund terms, read the Booking Policy and Terms and Conditions before reserving.
Beyond the kilometres
Adventure is also the time between the miles.
There are hard climbs and muddy trail sections, but also shared meals, ocean evenings and time to discover the details of this coastline. A guided journey creates room for both.
See departure datesBefore you go
Get ready for a demanding coastal journey
Fitness and footing
Expect long days carrying a backpack, uneven terrain, steep ladders, slippery rocks and mud. Prepare well in advance; guides cannot eliminate the physical demands.
What to bring
Personal hiking clothing, sturdy boots and appropriate sleep and carrying equipment are your responsibility. Equipment rentals may be available. See gear rental options.
Getting to the start
Arrive in Nanaimo the day before the tour and avoid scheduling an immediate onward connection on the final day. Pickup is arranged at nominated Nanaimo locations, including ferry terminals.
Common questions
West Coast Trail planning questions
Is this a beginner hike?
It is a strenuous multi-day backpacking trip. First-time backpackers should discuss their fitness, hiking background and preparation plan with our team before booking.
Are dates guaranteed?
No. The listed 2027 dates remain provisional until Parks Canada confirms the assigned starts. Check the current booking details or ask us directly.
Can I rent gear?
Some equipment is available for rental; confirm availability and suitability well ahead of your departure.
What if I have less time?
Compare our Half West Coast Trail and Mini West Coast Trail options, or compare southern coast hiking trips.
Ready to explore?
Find your West Coast Trail departure
Review dates and availability, or contact us if you want help choosing your trip.
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