I’ve done all of these trips, some of them multiple times. I’ve also done lots of other backpacking trips across BC that didn’t make the list, so you can rest assured that these are the best of the best.

For each trip, I’ve got all the details you need to make it happen: difficulty, duration, distance, best time to go, fees, reservations, and links to trail guides.

The trips on this list are:

• Vacation-worthy – you won’t mind travelling a bit to get there
• Located all over BC including near Vancouver, on Vancouver Island, and in Eastern BC including the Rocky Mountains.
• For hikers of all abilities – there are trips for both beginners and experts, and lots in between. (I’ve also got a whole list of Easy Backpacking Trips In BC For Beginners.)
• Great for any vacation length from quick overnighters to long-weekend-length trips to week long epics.
• Great for planners or last-minute trips: A few of these trips require reservations, but most do not.

Here’s a handy map I made for you that shows the locations for each of my picks for the best backpacking trips in BC.

This is a sensitive wilderness area. Learn how to Leave No Trace to keep the wilderness wild. Make sure you are prepared by bringing the 10 Essentials. Get ready for adventure with this checklist of things to do before every hike.

Hey there: Some of the links in this post are affiliate links, which means I earn a small commission at no cost to you. Thanks for your support. -Taryn

Best Backpacking Trips Near Vancouver

Howe Sound Crest Trail

Duration: 2-4 days

Distance: 31.7 km traverse

Difficulty: Very Challenging

Fees and Reservations: None.

The Trail: The Howe Sound Crest Trail is very rough and difficult. Honestly, it is more like a route in some places and requires occasional hands-on scrambling moves as you traverse a chain of rocky summits high above Howe Sound near Vancouver. If you’re up for the challenge, the views are worth it.

More Info:

• Find details on this hike in my book, Backpacking in Southwestern British Columbia.

Watersprite Lake

Duration: 2 days

Distance: 17 km round-trip

Difficulty: Moderate

Fees and Reservations: Both the hut and campground require reservations and fees.

The Trail: Watersprite Lake is an Instagram sensation thanks to its ice blue water and dramatic rock tower. We can credit the BC Mountaineering Club for building the trail to the lake along with a cabin and campground. I think it’s one of the best hikes in Squamish.

More Info:

• Find details on this hike in my book, Backpacking in Southwestern British Columbia.
• Make cabin reservations through the BCMC.

Elfin Lakes

Heads up: Day passes are required at Garibaldi Lake in summer and early fall. However, if you have a backcountry camping reservation, you don’t need a day pass. Learn more in my guide to BC Parks day passes.

Duration: 2 to 4 days

Distance: 22 km round-trip

Difficulty: Moderate

Fees and Reservations: Reservations and camping fees are required.

The Trail: Even though the hike to Elfin Lakes is on an old road, it’s worth doing since the views are so incredible. You can see Mount Garibaldi/Nch’kay and lots of glaciers. Its worth spending more than one night at the Elfin Lakes campground or Elfin Lakes Shelter to do some of the great day hikes.

More Info:

• Find details on this hike in my Elfin Lakes hiking guide and my book, Backpacking in Southwestern British Columbia.
• Booking camping and the hut through BC Parks.
• Use my guide to making backcountry camping reservations to get ready to book.

Get My Book…

Backpacking in Southwestern British Columbia

A one-stop resource for backpackers in beautiful British Columbia.

• 40 backpacking trips within a few hours of Vancouver
• Info about permits, reservations, and campground facilities
• Detailed maps and photos
• Advice for extending your trip
• Points of cultural and natural history

Get the book

Garibaldi Lake

Heads up: Day passes are required at Garibaldi Lake in summer and early fall. However, if you have a backcountry camping reservation, you don’t need a day pass. Learn more in my guide to BC Parks day passes.

Duration: 2 to 4 days

Distance: 18 km round trip

Difficulty: Moderate

Fees and Reservations: Reservations and fees are required for camping.

The Trail: Located just north of Squamish, Garibaldi Lake is one of the most popular backpacking trips in BC. But it’s also one of the most picturesque with tumbling glaciers, alpine meadows, and unique volcanic geology. From the lake, you can tackle incredible day hikes like Black Tusk and Panorama Ridge.

More Info:

• Find details on this hike in my book, Backpacking in Southwestern British Columbia.
• Booking camping and through BC Parks.
• Use my guide to making backcountry camping reservations to get ready to book.

Russet Lake

Duration: 2 days

Distance: 25 to 29 km round trip

Difficulty: Challenging

Fees and Reservations: Reservations and fees are required for camping and the hut.

The Trail: Nestled into the mountains above Whistler, Russet Lake is home to a backcountry campground and a luxurious hut. There are two ways to get there: a steep trail from the village or an undulating traverse across mountain summits from the top of the Whistler Gondola via the High Note Trail.

More Info:

• Find details on this hike in my guide to hiking and backpacking at Russet Lake and my book, Backpacking in Southwestern British Columbia.
• Booking camping and through BC Parks.
• Use my guide to making backcountry camping reservations to get ready to book.
• For hut reservations, see the Spearhead Huts Society.
• You can get to this hike without a car! It’s on my list of car-free backpacking trips in BC.

Joffre Lakes

Heads up: Day passes are required at Joffre Lakes in summer and early fall. However, if you have a backcountry camping reservation, you don’t need a day pass. Learn more in my guide to BC Parks day passes.

Duration: 2 days

Distance: 10 km round trip

Difficulty: Moderate

Fees and Reservations: Reservations and fees are required for camping.

The Trail: The chain of three Joffre Lakes near Pemberton make up one of the Vancouver area’s most popular day hikes. But leave the day-time crowds behind by scoring a coveted reservation to camp at the Upper Lake. Listen for chunks of glacier crashing down the rocks on warm days. This is also one of my picks for the best easy backpacking trips in BC.

More Info:

• Find details on this hike in my Joffre Lakes hiking guide and my book, Backpacking in Southwestern British Columbia.
• Booking camping and through BC Parks.
• Use my guide to making backcountry camping reservations to get ready to book.

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Sunshine Coast Trail

Duration: 8-14 days

Distance: 180 km traverse

Difficulty: Challenging

Fees and Reservations: None.

The Trail: The Sunshine Coast Trail winds through the forests along the length of the upper Sunshine Coast near the town of Powell River. Hike by the ocean, through old-growth forest, and across mountain tops, staying in rustic backcountry huts along the way.

More Info:

• Find details on shorter backpacking trips you can do on sections of the SCT in my book, Backpacking in Southwestern British Columbia.
• For full details on the trail, pick up a copy of The Sunshine Coast Trail Guide Book by R. E. Walz or visit the Sunshine Coast Trail website.
• Some sections of the Sunshine Coast Trail are hikeable all year and made my list of the best spring backpacking trips in British Columbia.
• You can get to this hike without a car! It’s on my list of car-free backpacking trips in BC.

Heather Trail

Duration: 2 to 5 days

Distance: 45 km round trip

Difficulty: Moderate

Fees and Reservations: Reservations and fees are required for Buckhorn and Kicking Horse campgrounds. Nicomen Lake Campground is first-come, first-served and fees are required.

The Trail: The Heather Trail is Manning Park’s signature trail. With a start high in the alpine, you stay above treeline in meadows of wildflowers for nearly the entire length. Take a side trip to summit Three Brothers Mountain and dip in chilly Nicomen Lake.

More Info:

• Find details on this hike in my book, Backpacking in Southwestern British Columbia.
• Booking camping and pay fees and through BC Parks.
• Use my guide to making backcountry camping reservations to get ready to book.

Frosty Mountain

Duration: 2 to 3 days

Distance: 14 km round trip

Difficulty: Moderate

Fees and Reservations: Camping fees are required year-round. Reservations are required between late July and late October.

The Trail: Frosty Mountain is the highest mountain in Manning Park and it has panoramic views. Break up your hike by camping at Frosty Creek camp. Plan your visit for fall when the larch tree needles turn golden.

More Info:

• Find details on this hike in my book, Backpacking in Southwestern British Columbia, and my Frosty Mountain trail guide.
• Booking camping and pay fees through BC Parks.
• Use my guide to making backcountry camping reservations to get ready to book.

Get My Book…

Backpacking in Southwestern British Columbia

A one-stop resource for backpackers in beautiful British Columbia.

• 40 backpacking trips within a few hours of Vancouver
• Info about permits, reservations, and campground facilities
• Detailed maps and photos
• Advice for extending your trip
• Points of cultural and natural history

Get the book

Best Backpacking Trips on Vancouver Island

Juan de Fuca Trail

Heads up: The Juan de Fuca Trail will be closed in 2025 due to significant storm damage. It is not possible to hike the entire trail, but you can visit and camp at Mystic Beach and East Sombrio Beach.

Duration: 3 to 5 days

Distance: 47 km

Difficulty: Challenging

Fees and Reservations: Camping fees are required. All campsites are first-come, first-served.

The Trail: The Juan de Fuca Trail is a gorgeous coastal trail is easier to access than the West Coast Trail thanks to first-come, first-served camping and trailheads close to Victoria. But the hike is just as challenging and spectacular, making it easy to include on a list of the best backpacking trips in BC.

More Info:

• Get details on this hike in my Juan de Fuca Trail guide and my book, Backpacking on Vancouver Island.
• Pay fees through BC Parks.
• The JDF is hikeable all year and made my list of the best spring backpacking trips in British Columbia.
• You can get to this hike without a car! It’s on my list of car-free backpacking trips in BC.

West Coast Trail

Duration: 5-8 days

Distance: 75 km

Difficulty: Challenging

Fees and Reservations: Reservations and camping fees are required. You will also need to pay National Park entry fees.

The Trail: The West Coast Trail is Canada’s premier multi-day backpacking trip. It follows the wild coastline for 75 kilometres, up and down ladders, across cable cars, through mud holes, and along beautiful beaches as it travels between the isolated towns of Port Renfrew and Bamfield.

More Info:

• Get details on this hike in my West Coast Trail guide and my book, Backpacking on Vancouver Island.
• Make reservations and pay fees with Parks Canada.
• Use my guide to making backcountry camping reservations to get ready to book.
• The West Coast Trail opens in May and made my list of the best spring backpacking trips in British Columbia.
• You can get to this hike without a car! It’s on my list of car-free backpacking trips in BC.

Della Falls Trail

Duration: 2-5 days

Distance: 32 km round trip

Difficulty: Moderate

Fees and Reservations: No reservations or fees are needed for camping. But if you want to take a water taxi to the trailhead, you’ll need to book in advance.

The Trail: Della Falls is one of the tallest waterfalls in BC at 440 m tall. (Some sources claim it’s the tallest waterfall in Canada, but that’s not true.)

The hike starts with a boat trip across Great Central Lake. From there you hike up a river valley to the base of the falls. Allow time for the 6 km side trip to Love Lake where there is an incredible view of the entire waterfall from above.

More Info:

• Get all the details in my Della Falls Trail guide and my book, Backpacking on Vancouver Island.
• You can get to this hike without a car! It’s on my list of car-free backpacking trips in BC.

Get My Book…

Backpacking on Vancouver Island

Discover Vancouver Island’s best day hikes and overnight trips

• 25 backpacking trips and 10 day hikes throughout Vancouver Island
• Info about permits, reservations and campground facilities
• Detailed maps and photos
• Advice for extending your trip
• Points of cultural and natural history

Get the book

Wild Side Trail

Duration: 2 days

Distance: 22 km round trip

Difficulty: Easy

Fees and Reservations: No reservations required but you must pay trail fees and water taxi fees.

The Trail: The Wild Side Trail takes you along the shoreline of Flores Island in Ahousaht First Nation territory. Most of the hike is along incredible sandy beaches. The trail is a short water taxi ride from Tofino. This off-the-beaten-path hike doesn’t get many visitors, making it one of the quietest hikes on this list of the best backpacking trips in BC.

More Info:

• Get details on this hike in my Wild Side Trail guide and my book, Backpacking on Vancouver Island.
• The Wild Side Trail opens in May and made my list of the best spring backpacking trips in British Columbia
• It’s also on my list of the best easy backpacking trips in BC.
• You can get to this hike without a car! It’s on my list of car-free backpacking trips in BC.

Circlet Lake and Mount Albert Edward

Duration: 2 to 3 days

Distance: 31 km round trip

Difficulty: Challenging

Fees and Reservations: No reservations required (all campsites are first-come, first-served) but you must pay camping fees.

The Trail: Summit Mount Albert Edward, one of the highest peaks on Vancouver Island. On the way, you’ll stay at tiny Circlet Lake. This Strathcona Provincial Park trip starts at Mount Washington and is a rite of passage for many Vancouver Island hikers.

More Info:

• Get details on this hike in my book, Backpacking on Vancouver Island.
• Pay fees through BC Parks.
• You can get to this hike without a car! It’s on my list of car-free backpacking trips in BC.

Bedwell Lakes

Duration: 2 to 3 days

Distance: 22 km round trip

Difficulty: Challenging

Fees and Reservations: No reservations required (all campsites are first-come, first-served) but you must pay camping fees.

The Trail: Climb steeply up through the forest to emerge on the granite shores of Bedwell and Baby Bedwell Lakes, each with their own campground. Intrepid hikers can continue to isolated Cream Lake, which makes a great day trip destination. The trailhead is in a remote area near Buttle Lake in Strathcona Provincial Park.

More Info:

• Get details on this hike in my book, Backpacking on Vancouver Island.
• Pay fees through BC Parks.

Elk River Trail and Landslide Lake

Duration: 2 to 3 days

Distance: 22 km round trip

Difficulty: Moderate

Fees and Reservations: No reservations required (all campsites are first-come, first-served) but you must pay camping fees.

The Trail: Follow the trail through a beautiful forest alongside the shady Elk River to its terminus at picturesque Landslide Lake and great views of Mount Colonel Foster. There are two campgrounds along the river to choose from. Find the trailhead along the highway to Gold River.

More Info:

• Get details on this hike in my book, Backpacking on Vancouver Island.
• Pay fees through BC Parks.

Nootka Trail

Duration: 3 to 5 days

Distance: 35 km traverse

Difficulty: Moderate

Fees and Reservations: No reservations required. You must pay camping fees. You also need to book in advance for the water taxi or float plane.

The Trail: Arrange a water taxi or floatplane to shuttle you to the Nootka Trail on Nootka Island near Gold River. It’s a remote coastal hike that sees few visitors but has incredible scenery. Highlights include sandy beaches, wolf sightings, Calvin Falls, and the tiny Mowachaht First Nation village of Yuquot.

More Info:

• See my trip report from my Nootka Trail hike. Get details on this hike in my book, Backpacking on Vancouver Island.
• Pay camping fees to the Mowachaht/Muchalaht Nation
• The Nootka Trail made my list of the best spring backpacking trips in British Columbia.

Get My Book…

Backpacking on Vancouver Island

Discover Vancouver Island’s best day hikes and overnight trips

• 25 backpacking trips and 10 day hikes throughout Vancouver Island
• Info about permits, reservations and campground facilities
• Detailed maps and photos
• Advice for extending your trip
• Points of cultural and natural history

Get the book

North Coast Trail

Duration: 4 to 5 days

Distance: 43 to 59 km traverse

Difficulty: Very Challenging

Fees and Reservations: No reservations required (all campsites are first-come, first-served) but you must pay camping fees. You also need to book the water taxi in advance.

The Trail: The rough and rugged North Coast Trail follows the coastline around the northern tip of Vancouver Island. Start with a water taxi from Port Hardy, then get ready for lots of mud, steep hills with rope assists, and rocky beaches.

More Info:

• Get details on this hike in my North Coast Trail guide and my book, Backpacking on Vancouver Island.
• Join the Cape Scott Park Facebook group for the latest trail conditions.
• Pay fees through BC Parks.
• The North Coast Trail is a great destination between May and September, so it made my list of the best spring backpacking trips in British Columbia
• You can get to this hike without a car! It’s on my list of car-free backpacking trips in BC.

Cape Scott Trail

Duration: 3 days

Distance: 47 km

Difficulty: Moderate

Fees and Reservations: No reservations required (all campsites are first-come, first-served) but you must pay camping fees.

The Trail: The Cape Scott Trail follows an old settler’s route through the muddy forest to the wild beaches at the north end of Vancouver Island. Choose from several campsites on sandy beaches, then day hike out to the Cape Scott Lighthouse.

More Info:

• Get details on this hike in my Cape Scott Trail guide and my book, Backpacking on Vancouver Island.
• Join the Cape Scott Park Facebook group for the latest trail conditions. For camping fee info, see Cape Scott Provincial Park.
• Pay fees through BC Parks.
• The Cape Scott Trail is hikeable all year, so it made my list of the best spring backpacking trips in British Columbia
• You can get to this hike without a car! It’s on my list of car-free backpacking trips in BC.

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Best Backpacking Trips in Eastern BC and the Rocky Mountains

Kaslo Lake

Duration: 2 to 3 days

Distance: 18 km round trip

Difficulty: Moderate

Fees and Reservations: No reservations required for camping (all campsites are first-come, first-served) but you must pay camping fees. Reservations and fees required for the hut.

The Trail: Hike into the backcountry of Kokanee Glacier Provincial Park near Nelson to camp next to Kaslo Lake. Follow beautiful trails through the alpine to viewpoints and peaks. You can also book the palatial Kokanee Glacier Cabin nearby.

More Info:

• See Kokanee Glacier Provincial Park for trail info.
• Pay fees through BC Parks.
• See the Alpine Club of Canada for cabin reservations.

Eva and Jade Lakes

Duration: 2 days

Distance: 12 to 18 km round trip

Difficulty: Moderate

Fees and Reservations: Reservations and camping fees are required. You will also need to pay National Park entry fees.

The Trail: This alpine hike is easily accessible thanks to the paved Meadows in the Sky Parkway at Mount Revelstoke National Park. Walk through the alpine to a beautiful campsite on the shores of Eva Lake, an easy distance for beginners and made my list of beginner-friendly backpacking trips in BC. If you want more solitude, head over a pass to Jade Lake.

More Info:

• Get the details in my Mount Revelstoke National Park guide.
• Make reservations and pay fees with Parks Canada.
• Use my guide to making backcountry camping reservations to get ready to book.

Mount Assiniboine

Duration: 4 to 6 days

Distance: 52 to 55 km round trip

Difficulty: Moderate

Fees and Reservations: Reservations and camping fees are required. You will also need to pay National Park entry fees if you camp in Banff National Park on the way to the trail.

The Trail: The scenery at Mount Assiniboine is postcard-worthy, but getting there can be a challenge. The hike itself is long, but not too difficult and the camping at Lake Magog is gorgeous. But it requires reservations in both a BC Park and Banff National Park, which can be tough to arrange.

More Info:

• See my huge Mount Assiniboine hiking guide for trail info and reservation strategies.
• Make reservations and pay fees for camping in Mount Assiniboine Provincial Park through BC Parks.
• Make reservations and pay fees for camping in Banff National Park on the way to Assiniboine with Parks Canada.
• Use my guide to making backcountry camping reservations to get ready to book.
• Join the Mount Assiniboine Facebook group for updates on trail conditions.
• You can get to this hike without a car! It’s on my list of car-free backpacking trips in BC.
• It’s also on my list of the best backpacking trips in the Canadian Rockies.

Rockwall Trail

Duration: 4 to 5 days

Distance: 55 km traverse

Difficulty: Moderate

Fees and Reservations: Reservations and camping fees are required. You will also need to pay National Park entry fees.

The Trail: The spectacular Rockwall Trail traverses the mountains of Kootenay National Park near Banff, climbing up and over several high passes. There are glacier views, alpine lakes, and the best wildflower meadows I’ve ever seen. I think it has the best effort to reward ratio of all the backpacking trips in BC.

More Info:

• Get details on this hike in my Rockwall Trail guide.
• Make reservations and pay fees for camping with Parks Canada.
• Use my guide to making backcountry camping reservations to get ready to book.
• Join the Rockwall Trail Facebook group for updates on trail conditions.

Yoho Valley Loop/Iceline and Whaleback Trails

Duration: 2 to 3 days

Distance: 29.4 km loop

Difficulty: Challenging

Fees and Reservations: Reservations and camping fees are required. You will also need to pay National Park entry fees.

The Trail: Combine several trails in Yoho National Park near Field to make an epic loop that takes in the spectacular Iceline and Whaleback Trails. The views of nearby peaks and waterfalls are breathtaking. Choose from two backcountry campgrounds along the way.

More Info:

• Get trail details in my Yoho Valley Loop backpacking guide.
• Make reservations and pay fees for camping with Parks Canada. Use my guide to making backcountry camping reservations to get ready to book.
• This hike is on my list of the best backpacking trips in the Canadian Rockies.

Berg Lake

Duration: 2 to 4 days

Distance: 42 km round trip

Difficulty: Moderate

Fees and Reservations: Reservations and camping fees are required.

The Trail: The incredible Berg Lake Trail near Valemount follows the Robson River uphill to Berg Lake, named for the glaciers crashing into it from Mount Robson, the tallest mountain in the Canadian Rockies. Plan to spend a few days in the area to tackle spectacular day hikes.

More Info:

• Get details on this hike in my Berg Lake Trail guide.
• Make reservations and pay fees for camping through BC Parks. Use my guide to making backcountry camping reservations to get ready to book.
• You can get to this hike without a car! It’s on my list of car-free backpacking trips in BC.
• It’s also on my list of the best backpacking trips in the Canadian Rockies.

BC Backpacking in Your Inbox!

Sign up to receive a bi-monthly newsletter from Taryn at Dawn Outdoors stuffed with the latest on backpacking in BC including:

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Final Thoughts

So there you have it: 25 recommendations for the best backpacking trips in BC. How many of these trips have you done? Is there an amazing backpacking destination that I left off the list? Tell me in the comments.

Get My Books

Backpacking in Southwestern British Columbia and Backpacking on Vancouver Island

Discover BC’s best backpacking trips

• 40 backpacking trips within a few hours of Vancouver
• 35 backpacking trips and day hikes on Vancouver Island
• Info about permits, reservations, and campground facilities
• Detailed maps and photos

Get the books

MORE BC BACKPACKING DESTINATIONS:

• 24 Easy Backpacking Trips In BC For Beginners
• 11 Best Backpacking Trips in the Canadian Rockies
• 35+ Places to Go Backpacking in BC Without A Car
• 25 Spring Backpacking Trips in British Columbia
• Backcountry Huts in British Columbia and the Canadian Rockies

BC BACKPACKING RESERVATION INFO:

• How to Go Backpacking in BC Without Reservations
• How to Make Backcountry Camping Reservations in BC
• BC Backpacking Reservation Dates You Need to Know

The post 25 Best Backpacking Trips in BC appeared first on Dawn Outdoors.

While this post is aimed at locations where you can go on an overnight hiking trip in spring, most of these trips make great fall backpacking trips in British Columbia too.

In BC, most mountain trails are snow-covered between late October and mid-June. However, there are lots of lower elevation trails that are snow-free between March and November. There are even a few on this list that you can backpack year-round.

This list of 25 spring backpacking trips in British Columbia includes:

• Destinations near Vancouver, on Vancouver Island, and in BC’s interior
• Trips ranging in difficulty from beginner to expert
• Hikes between 2 and 8 days long
• Trails that are usually snow-free by March, April, or May and stay snow-free until October or November
• Tips for spring backpacking trips in British Columbia
• Bonus: Spring backpacking suggestions for Washington State

This is a sensitive wilderness area. Learn how to Leave No Trace to keep the wilderness wild. Make sure you are prepared by bringing the 10 Essentials. Get ready for adventure with this checklist of things to do before every hike.

Hey there: Some of the links in this post are affiliate links, which means I earn a small commission at no cost to you. Thanks for your support. -Taryn

Map of Spring Backpacking Trips in British Columbia

Tips for Spring Backpacking in British Columbia

Backpacking in the spring has its own challenges. Here are a few things to watch out for:

Weather: In spring, the weather is colder and wetter than in summer. It’s also less predictable. Pack accordingly and be prepared to cancel your trip or switch to a different destination if the forecast looks bad. (Use these picks for the best weather apps for hiking.)

Trail Conditions: Many trails suffer blow-downs, wash-outs, and flooding over the winter. Often, parks staff and volunteers do trail maintenance in late May or June, which means trails can be in rough shape before then. (Here are my tips for how to check trail conditions.)

Mud: Wet and muddy trails are inevitable in spring. Come prepared with waterproof hiking boots and gaiters.

Creek crossings: Streams run high in the spring with a combo of snow-melt and rain. Bridges may be washed out and fords may be dangerous. Be prepared to turn back.

Bears: As they wake up from hibernation and tend to new cubs, bears are more active in spring, especially in valley-bottom and coastal locations where there are lots of things for them to eat at this time of year. Read more about bear safety for backpackers.

Seasonal closures: Some parks and trails are closed in the off-season, or may have temporary closures to due damaged infrastructure. Check park and trail websites before you go.

Trailhead access issues: In spring, logging roads that access trailheads may be muddy or washed out. If you’re heading to a trail that requires a water taxi or floatplane, fog and rough weather may delay or cancel your trip. Shuttle services between trailheads may not start operating until May.

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Spring Backpacking Trips in Southwestern British Columbia

Viewpoint Beach and Halfmoon Beach, Golden Ears Provincial Park

Heads up: Day passes are required at Golden Ears Provincial Park in summer. However, if you have a backcountry permit registration, you don’t need a day pass. Learn more in my guide to BC Parks day passes.

This easy hike in Golden Ears Provincial Park follows the banks of Gold Creek. There are trails on both the west and east sides of the creek, connected by a bridge, so loop trips are possible. You can camp at Viewpoint Beach or venture further upstream to Halfmoon Beach.

This is the closest place to Vancouver that you can take a spring backpacking trip in British Columbia and also made my list of the best easy backpacking trips in BC.

More Info: Find details on this hike in my book, Backpacking in Southwestern British Columbia. For info on camping fees, see Golden Ears Provincial Park.

READ NEXT: How to Make Backcountry Camping Reservations in BC

Lindeman and Greendrop Lakes, Chilliwack Lake Provincial Park

It’s a short hike to picturesque Lindeman Lake where you can camp next to the tranquil turquoise waters. If you have more energy, carry on along the rougher trail to Greendrop Lake. Lindeman Lake is often snow-free in April, but Greendrop Lake holds snow into May.

Lindeman Lake is also one of my picks for beginner-friendly backpacking rips in BC.

More Info: Find details on this hike in my book, Backpacking in Southwestern British Columbia. For info on camping fees, see S⨱ótsaqel / Chilliwack Lake Provincial Park.

Get My Book…

Backpacking in Southwestern British Columbia

A one-stop resource for backpackers in beautiful British Columbia.

• 40 backpacking trips within a few hours of Vancouver
• Info about permits, reservations, and campground facilities
• Detailed maps and photos
• Advice for extending your trip
• Points of cultural and natural history

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Skagit River Trail, Skagit Valley Provincial Park

Note: Access to this trail was disrupted by the November 2021 storms. The river has changed course at the Sumallo Grove trailhead and the bridge is not accessible at times of high water. In late summer, it’s an easy ford. However, western trailhead on Silver-Skagit Road in Skagit Valley Provincial Park is open between mid-April and November, so you can access it from that direction.

This laid-back hike follows a historic fur-trade route along the banks of the Skagit River as it flows downstream. You can do an 8 km round trip hike from the Sumallo Grove Trailhead in Manning Provincial Park, camping at Delacy Camp. If you have two cars, you make a 14 km traverse from Sumallo Grove to Silver-Skagit Road.

The Skagit River Trail is one of the best easy backpacking trips in BC.

More Info: Find details on this hike in my book, Backpacking in Southwestern British Columbia and the E.C. Manning & Skagit Valley Provincial Parks map from Clark Geomatics.

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Tikwalus Heritage Trail, Fraser Canyon

This historical Indigenous and fur trade route leads steeply up from Highway 1 in the Fraser Canyon to several spectacular lookouts. Camp high on a bluff near several small lakes. The trail takes its name from a former Nlaka’pamux village near the trailhead.

More Info: Find details on this hike in my book, Backpacking in Southwestern British Columbia.

READ NEXT: How to Go Backpacking in BC Without Reservations

Lower Stein Valley, Stein Valley Nlaka’pamux Heritage Provincial Park

Note: A large wildfire burned the lower Stein Valley trail in July and August 2023. As of early 2026, the trail is currently only open up to Earl’s Cabin camp 10.5 km from the trailhead.

The warm, dry climate in Lytton makes the Lower Stein Valley my favourite choice for spring backpacking trips in British Columbia – Over the years, I’ve been there six times in March, April, and May. The valley is a spiritual place for the local Nlaka’pamux First Nation.

The trail travels next to the Stein River passing Indigenous pictographs and culturally modified trees. Choose from five different campgrounds spaced out along the lower section of the trail. This is one fo the best places for beginner backpacking in BC.

More Info: Find details on this hike in my book, Backpacking in Southwestern British Columbia and the Stein to Joffre Trail Map by Trail Ventures BC.

READ NEXT: How to Make Backcountry Camping Reservations in BC

Cheakamus Lake, Garibaldi Provincial Park

Heads up: Day passes are required at Cheakamus Lake in summer. However, if you have a backcountry camping reservation, you don’t need a day pass. Learn more in my guide to BC Parks day passes.

As the lowest elevation trail in Garibaldi Provincial Park, Cheakamus Lake is a good spring backpacking destination. The flat and easy trail leads through old-growth forest to the beautiful glacially-fed lake. Camp at the lake outlet or follow the trail along the shoreline to camp at Singing Creek.

This trail is my number one pick for easy backpacking near Vancouver.

More Info: Find details on this hike in my book, Backpacking in Southwestern British Columbia and the Garibaldi Provincial Park Map by Clark Geomatics. For info on camping fees and reservations, see Garibaldi Provincial Park.

Psst! You can get to this hike without a car! It’s on my list of car-free backpacking trips in BC.

Get My Book…

Backpacking in Southwestern British Columbia

A one-stop resource for backpackers in beautiful British Columbia.

• 40 backpacking trips within a few hours of Vancouver
• Info about permits, reservations, and campground facilities
• Detailed maps and photos
• Advice for extending your trip
• Points of cultural and natural history

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Fairview Bay/Saltery Bay Loop, Sunshine Coast Trail

Portions of the Sunshine Coast Trail are snow-covered most of the year, but you can tackle this low elevation section starting at the southern terminus in Saltery Bay. Hike along the coast to Fairview Bay hut as an out-and-back trip, or take on the full loop, camping at either Fairview Bay Hut or Rainy Day Lake Hut.

The trip to Fairview Bay is on my list of the best easy bacpacking trips in BC.

More Info: Find details on this hike in my book, Backpacking in Southwestern British Columbia.

Psst! You can get to this hike without a car! It’s on my list of car-free backpacking trips in BC.

Join the Backpacking in BC Facebook Group

Confederation Lake and Fiddlehead Landing, Sunshine Coast Trail

Here’s another low elevation section of the Sunshine Coast Trail (SCT) that is perfect for a spring backpacking trip. The trail starts at Inland Lake, then climbs steeply through thick old-growth forest to a hut on the shores of Confederation Lake. Follow the SCT downhill to Fiddlehead Landing on the shores of Powell Lake and another hut.

More Info: Find details on this hike in my book, Backpacking in Southwestern British Columbia.

Sarah Point to Powell River, Sunshine Coast Trail

This northern section of the Sunshine Coast Trail is an ideal spring backpacking destination. Arrange a water taxi or 4WD shuttle to the trailhead at Sarah Point or skip the first few kilometres by taking the shortcut trail to Wednesday Lake from Sarah Point Road. Finish your trip at the Shinglemill Pub in Powell River. Along the way, walk along bluffs speckled with arbutus trees, through old-growth forest, and past small lakes.

More Info: Read my trip report from my March backpacking trip on the northern section of the Sunshine Coast Trail. Part of this section is also featured in my book Backpacking in Southwestern British Columbia.

Psst! You can get to this hike without a car! It’s on my list of car-free backpacking trips in BC.

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Spring Backpacking Trips on Vancouver Island

Narvaez Bay, Saturna Island

This oceanfront campground is located on the southeastern side of Saturna Island in Gulf Islands National Park Reserve. It’s an easy hike in from the trailhead and the trail is also open to bikes. FYI: There is no potable water here so you’ll have to pack in your own. It’s also on my list of the best easy backpacking trips in BC.

More Info: Find details on this hike in my book, Backpacking on Vancouver Island. See Gulf Islands National Park Reserve for camping reservations.

Psst! You can get to this hike without a car! It’s on my list of car-free backpacking trips in BC.

READ NEXT: BC Backpacking Reservation Dates You Need to Know

Juan de Fuca Trail, Juan de Fuca Provincial Park

Note: The Juan de Fuca Trail is closed in summer 2025 due to significant storm damage. It is not possible to hike the entire trail, but you can visit and camp at Mystic Beach and East Sombrio Beach. The full trail is expected to re-open in late May, 2026.

The rugged Juan de Fuca Trail runs along the coast from near Jordan River to Port Renfrew. It’s a little shorter than the West Coast Trail, its famous neighbour to the north, but it’s just as rugged and has more hills. This trail crosses lots of steep gullies, so it is prone to washouts in the spring, fall, and winter months.

More Info: Read my Juan de Fuca Trail guide for full details. Find details on this hike in my book, Backpacking on Vancouver Island. For camping fees, see Juan de Fuca Provincial Park.

Psst! You can get to this hike without a car! It’s on my list of car-free backpacking trips in BC.

READ NEXT: Juan De Fuca Trail Guide: Backpacking on Vancouver Island

West Coast Trail, Pacific Rim National Park

Note: The West Coast Trail is open from May 1 to September 30 each year. The National Park officially closes the trail from October to the end of April.

The West Coast Trail is Canada’s most famous multi-day hike. Since it opens in May, it also makes a great spring backpacking trip. The 75-kilometre-long trail follows the wild shoreline with the help of bridges, ladders, and cable cars. Each night you will camp on a wilderness beach.

More Info: Get details on this hike in my West Coast Trail guide. Find details on this hike in my book, Backpacking on Vancouver Island. For info on reservations, trail fees, and National Park fees, see Pacific Rim National Park.

Psst! You can get to this hike without a car! It’s on my list of car-free backpacking trips in BC.

READ NEXT: Your Guide to the West Coast Trail in British Columbia

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Backpacking on Vancouver Island

Discover Vancouver Island’s best day hikes and overnight trips

• 25 backpacking trips and 10 day hikes throughout Vancouver Island
• Info about permits, reservations and campground facilities
• Detailed maps and photos
• Advice for extending your trip
• Points of cultural and natural history

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Keeha Beach, Pacific Rim National Park

Note: Keeha Beach is open from May 1 to early October each year. The National Park officially closes the trail from early October to the end of April.

This sandy beach is located just north of the West Coast Trail. It’s a short hike to get there, but allow plenty of time as the trail is very rough with lots of slippery roots and tons of mud. (The mud is pretty epic – comparable to the North Coast Trail.) You can also day hike to the nearby Cape Beale Lighthouse.

More Info: Find details on this hike in my book, Backpacking on Vancouver Island. For trail fees, and reservations, see Pacific Rim National Park.

Psst! You can get to this hike without a car! It’s on my list of car-free backpacking trips in BC.

Join the Backpacking in BC Facebook Group

Della Falls Trail

At 440-metres-tall, Della Falls is one of the tallest waterfalls in Canada. To get there, you first have to canoe, motor boat, or water taxi across Great Central Lake. Then hike up through a river valley to the base of the falls. Don’t miss a side trip on the Love Lake trail for incredible views of the falls.

The water taxi starts running on May 15 each year when the falls are in full flow. However, snow can linger in May and early June in the upper valley and on the Love Lake Trail, so go prepared.

More Info: Get all the details in my Della Falls Trail guide and join the Della Falls Facebook group. Find details on this hike in my book, Backpacking on Vancouver Island.

Psst! You can get to this hike without a car! It’s on my list of car-free backpacking trips in BC.

READ NEXT: Della Falls Trail Hiking Guide

Wild Side Trail, Flores Island

Note: The Wild Side Trail is open from May to October each year. The Ahousaht Nation officially closes the trail from November to April.

The Wild Side Trail has one of the best effort to reward ratios of any of Vancouver Island’s coastal trails. It’s one of my favourite spring backpacking trips in British Columbia – I’ve done it twice in May! This trail is also one of my picks for the best beginner backpacking trips in BC.

It’s an easy walk along beaches and through the forest to a gorgeous campsite at Cow Bay. There are also two other campsites along the way. The hike is located in Ahousaht First Nation territory on Flores Island near Tofino, so you’ll need to arrange a water taxi.

More Info: Get details on this hike in my Wild Side Trail guide. Find details on this hike in my book, Backpacking on Vancouver Island. For info on trail fees and camping fees, see the Wild Side Trail website.

Psst! You can get to this hike without a car! It’s on my list of car-free backpacking trips in BC.

READ NEXT: Wild Side Trail: Hiking and Camping Guide

Hesquiat Peninsula Trail, West Coast Vancouver Island

If you’re looking for an off-the-beaten-path adventure, take a water taxi or floatplane to the remote Hesquiat Peninsula on the west coast of Vancouver Island. This informal trail follows the rugged coastline as it bucks and dips across rocky headlands, through surge channels, and along beaches. There are no facilities or formal campsites.

More info: See Hiking the West Coast of Vancouver Island by Tim Leadem, and Hesquiat Peninsula Provincial Park.

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Backpacking on Vancouver Island

Discover Vancouver Island’s best day hikes and overnight trips

• 25 backpacking trips and 10 day hikes throughout Vancouver Island
• Info about permits, reservations and campground facilities
• Detailed maps and photos
• Advice for extending your trip
• Points of cultural and natural history

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Nootka Trail, West Coast Vancouver Island

The Nootka Trail is my favourite coastal hike in BC. It’s located on Nootka Island off the west coast of Vancouver Island, so you need to take a water taxi or floatplane to get there. What makes this trail special is that it is almost entirely on the beach. There are no formal facilities or campsites.

More info: See my Nootka Trail trip report. Find details on this hike in my book, Backpacking on Vancouver Island. For info on fees, see Yuqot.ca, the Mowachaht-Muchalaht First Nation website.

READ NEXT: Sunshine on the Edge of the World: Nootka Trail Trip Report

Tatchu Peninsula Trail, West Coast Vancouver Island

The Tatchu Peninsula is a wilderness hike on the west coast of Vancouver Island. The hike traces a route down the west side of the peninsula, linking numerous beaches with short overland trails. There are no formal facilities or campsites. You can do the easier (and more scenic) northern section as an out-and-back or complete a very challenging traverse.

More info: See my Tatchu Trail guide, Rugged Point Provincial Park. Find details on this hike in my book, Backpacking on Vancouver Island.

Raft Cove, Raft Cove Provincial Park

Raft Cove is a remote beach on the north end of Vancouver Island, reached by a maze of logging roads from the tiny town of Holberg. It’s a short walk into the beach, but the rough and muddy trail makes it seem longer. Camp on the sandy beach and watch surfers work the waves just offshore.

This is one of my picks for the best easy backpacking trips in BC.

More info: Find details on this hike in my book, Backpacking on Vancouver Island. See Raft Cove Provincial Park for info and camping fees.

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San Josef Bay, Cape Scott Provincial Park

This is the easiest trail in Cape Scott Provincial Park, but it still has spectacular scenery. The trail winds through the coastal forest and ends at a beautiful beach. At low tide, you can explore incredible sea stacks. There are two beaches to camp on separated by a headland that is impassable at high tide.

The flat trail makes it one of the best easy backpacking trips in BC.

More info: For more info, see my Cape Scott guide, the North Coast Trail Map by John Baldwin, and the North Coast Trail Waterproof Map by Wild Coast. Find details on this hike in my book, Backpacking on Vancouver Island. For camping fees, see Cape Scott Provincial Park.

Psst! You can get to this hike without a car! It’s on my list of car-free backpacking trips in BC.

READ NEXT: Cape Scott Trail Guide: Hiking and Camping on Northern Vancouver Island

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Backpacking on Vancouver Island

Discover Vancouver Island’s best day hikes and overnight trips

• 25 backpacking trips and 10 day hikes throughout Vancouver Island
• Info about permits, reservations and campground facilities
• Detailed maps and photos
• Advice for extending your trip
• Points of cultural and natural history

Get the book

Cape Scott Trail, Cape Scott Provincial Park

While the north end of Vancouver Island gets a lot of rain, the Cape Scott Trail can be a great spring backpacking destination if you get a window of good weather. It’s a long hike through bog and coastal forest on old settler trails to the campsite at Nel’s Bight. From there, you can day hike to Cape Scott, the northernmost point on Vancouver Island.

More Info: Get details on this hike in my Cape Scott Trail guide, the North Coast Trail Map by John Baldwin, and the North Coast Trail Waterproof Map by Wild Coast. Find details on this hike in my book, Backpacking on Vancouver Island. For camping fees, see Cape Scott Provincial Park.

Psst! You can get to this hike without a car! It’s on my list of car-free backpacking trips in BC.

READ NEXT: Cape Scott Trail Guide: Hiking and Camping on Northern Vancouver Island

North Coast Trail, Cape Scott Provincial Park

The tough North Coast Trail traverses the northern end of Vancouver Island. It starts with a water taxi drop-off in Shushartie Bay and ends when it intersects the Cape Scott Trail at Nissen Bight. In between, there is lots of muddy and rough trail through coastal bog and old-growth forest, and a few gorgeous beaches.

More Info: Get details on this hike in my North Coast Trail guide. Find details on this hike in my book, Backpacking on Vancouver Island. For camping fees, see Cape Scott Provincial Park.

Psst! You can get to this hike without a car! It’s on my list of car-free backpacking trips in BC.

READ NEXT: North Coast Trail Guide: Backpacking on Vancouver Island

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Spring Backpacking Trips in British Columbia’s Interior

Okanagan Mountain Provincial Park

This large park between Kelowna and Naramata has several different spring backpacking options. You can hike to Divide Lake and Baker Lake near the summit of Okanagan Mountain. You can also follow the Wild Horse Canyon Trail to campsites on the shores of Okanagan Lake. A connecter trail links the two, so you can make a big loop. Spring and fall are the best time to visit this park, as it is too hot in the summer.

More info: See Okanagan Mountain Provincial Park.

Psst! You can get to this hike without a car! It’s on my list of car-free backpacking trips in BC.

READ NEXT: How to Go Backpacking in BC Without Reservations

Okanagan High Rim Trail

This trail follows an elevated route above the Okanagan Valley between Vernon and Kelowna. In most years, it is snow-free by early to mid May. This trail is only a few years old and crisscrosses lots of forestry roads in between great viewpoints and small lakes.

More Info: Get the details from the Okanagan High Rim Trail Association.

Psst! You can get to this hike without a car! It’s on my list of car-free backpacking trips in BC.

Join the Backpacking in BC Facebook Group

Deer Point Trail, Gladstone Provincial Park

The low elevation Deer Point Trail along Christina Lake in Gladstone Provincial Park near Grand Forks make a good spring backpacking destination. You can camp at Trapper Creek partway along the trail or at Troy Creek at the north end of the lake. Both campsites are open to boaters as well.

More Info: Get info on the trail and camping fees from Gladstone Provincial Park.

Flatiron Trails, Wells Gray Provincial Park

Note: In 2023, a few key bridges washed out and with high water, it is currently not possible to cross the creeks and reach any of the campsites.

Even though it is near the entrance to the park, Flatiron area of Wells Gray Provincial Park is a bit under-the-radar. A network of trails follows creeks to the banks of the Clearwater River and there are three backcountry campgrounds. You can access the area from three different trailheads, making loop trips or a traverse possible.

More Info: Get info on the trails from Exploring Wells Gray Park by Roland Neave. For camping fees see Wells Gray Provincial Park.

Get My Books

Backpacking in Southwestern British Columbia and Backpacking on Vancouver Island

Discover BC’s best backpacking trips

• 40 backpacking trips within a few hours of Vancouver
• 35 backpacking trips and day hikes on Vancouver Island
• Info about permits, reservations, and campground facilities
• Detailed maps and photos

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Spring Backpacking Trips in Washington

Since it is a short trip across the border, it’s worth mentioning a few spring backpacking locations in Washington State.

Olympic Coast: The wilderness coast in Olympic National Park is accessible year-round. With several access points, lots of different trips are possible. As a bonus, it’s easier to get permits in the spring. For trip ideas, see my guides to Shi Shi Beach, Ozette Loop, and Toleak Point.

Enchanted Valley: Follow the East Fork Quinault River Trail into the Enchanted Valley in the rainforest of Olympic National Park.

East Bank Trail, Ross Lake: This trail in North Cascades National Park follows the shoreline of Ross Lake. See my East Bank Trail trip report.

Chelan Lakeshore Trail: This 17-mile-long trail in Okanogan-Wenatchee National Forest begins and ends with a ferry on Lake Chelan. The trail finishes at the boat-access-only village of Stehekin in North Cascades National Park.

So that gives you 25 different spring backpacking trips in British Columbia to choose from!  Which one would you choose?  I’ve hiked most of these trails (some of them several times) so feel free to ask me more about them in the comments.

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READ NEXT:

• 30 Best Backpacking Trips in BC
• 24 Easy Backpacking Trips In BC For Beginners
• How to Go Backpacking in BC Without Reservations
• BC Backpacking Reservation Dates You Need to Know
• How to Make Backcountry Camping Reservations in BC
• Backpacking Checklist: Gear You Need To Go Backpacking

The post 25 Spring Backpacking Trips in British Columbia appeared first on Dawn Outdoors.

I’ve put together a section-by-section overview of the North Coast Trail to give you a taste of the trail and help you get prepped for your trip. It’s got info on distances, difficult, hiking times, and things you won’t want to miss for each section. There are also loads of photos! I also have step-by-step North Coast Trail itineraries for the standard 6-day trip, plus lots more shorter and longer itinerary options.

Use this North Coast Trail itinerary and section-by-section overview to help you plan your trip. It includes:

• details on what each section is like including distances, time to complete, and must-sees
• info on each campsite and trailhead
• itinerary for a standard 6-day trip plus seven more itinerary options

WANT MORE NORTH COAST TRAIL INFO? Check out these posts:

• North Coast Trail Basics
• North Coast Trail Packing List: Everything You Need to Bring
• Cape Scott Trail Guide – add a side trip to your North Coast Trail trip

Hey there: Some of the links in this post are affiliate links, which means I earn a small commission at no cost to you. Thanks for your support. -Taryn

Key Distances on the North Coast Trail

A Quick Note: I’ve chosen to layout this guide from east to west because most hikers travel in the trail in that direction. As anyone who has hiked the trail with GPS can tell you, the distances that BC Parks gives for each section can be much longer than hikers will experience. So for each North Coast Trail section below, I’ve given the “official distance”. You may find that you travel much further than the official distance!

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Shushartie Bay Trailhead and Camp

The Shushartie Bay Trailhead is on the west side of Shushartie Bay. The only way to reach the trailhead is by boat. There is no dock. The water taxi operator will nose the boat against a large rock and hikers will clamber directly onto the shore. The rocks are covered in barnacles and slippery seaweed, so it’s an exciting start to the trail. See the North Coast Trail Water Taxi section of my North Coast Trail Guide for details.

The small Shushartie Bay Camp is located two minutes up the trail from the trailhead. It is seldom used but is helpful in an emergency. It has three tent pads, a pit toilet, and a food cache. The campsite is set into a steep slope in dark forest.

There is no official water source here, but I’ve heard that you can get water by heading northwest along the coast at low tide for 15 minutes to the second of two beaches. Since water is so hard to access here, it’s best to arrive on the water taxi with full bottles.

Shushartie Bay to Skinner Creek

The first section of trail is entirely inland – you won’t see the ocean again until you emerge at Skinner Creek. Travel through this section can be very slow due to a steep initial ascent and some very technical trail. Give yourself lots of time. While you will be walking through mud bog, there are no good creeks for water until Skinner Creek.

From the trailhead sign, you’ll climb steeply uphill past the Shushartie Bay Camp, using a few fixed rope handlines to help you. The first kilometre is the steepest, which will be further exacerbated by full backpacks.

The grade eases after about one kilometre as you begin a more gentle ascent. You have reached the upland bog portion of the trail with open grassy meadows, stunted trees, and lots of standing, murky water. You can look forward to fast travel on many sections of weathered gray boardwalk.

Unfortunately, travel is much slower where there is no boardwalk as wet ground creates huge mud pits, some of which might just be bottomless. Use trekking poles to probe below the surface to find tree roots, discarded planks, and rocks to stand on. If possible, avoid braiding the trail to prevent further damage to this unique ecosystem.

Reach the trail’s highpoint at a lofty 245 metres about 2.5km from the trailhead. The trail continues to alternate between boardwalks and deep mud as it heads slowly downhill towards the coast. Watch for a sign on your right near the 4 km mark announcing the halfway point. Past here, the trail gets slightly easier, even though the mud is still relentless.

About 8km from the trailhead you’ll walk the last boardwalk and start your descent into coastal forest. As you begin to hear the ocean, head downhill on a staircase to Skinner Creek. Follow the creekbed to the beach, ducking under fallen logs along the way. (Look for flagging to choose the best route.)

Skinner Creek Camp

The Skinner Creek Camp is a welcome sight after the struggle through the inland section. It’s a wide sand and pebble beach with views of Hope Island across Goletas Channel. At night, look for the blinking navigation light on Godkin Point.

There is a small clearing in the forest on the way to the outhouse that will hold one tent. Otherwise, the best camping is on the beach. The sandbars on either side of the creek make great campsites. You can also camp above the high tide line, although there are not as many flat spots.

The food cache and outhouse are located down a short trail on the west side of the creek. Collect drinking water from the creek, but be sure to go upstream to avoid contamination from the many seagulls.

Skinner Creek to Nahwitti River

Leaving Skinner Creek you can walk the first kilometre on the beach if the tide is in your favour. At high tides (over about 2.8 metres) the beach is inaccessible as a tidal obstacle and you’ll have to take a rough forest route that heads uphill behind the outhouse. Apparently, the forest trail passes the remains of an old settler cabin, but I’ve never taken that route so I haven’t visited it.

At the end of Skinner Beach look for fishing buoys marking the steep, rope-assisted climb into the forest. The next section rambles through the forest and incorporates a few sections of old settler’s corduroy road, made from stacking logs parallel to each other. Thanks to the long-ago labours of the settlers, this section isn’t too muddy.

The trail emerges from the forest onto a gravel beach. Walk down the beach for about half a kilometre to reach the Nahwitti River Camp, just east of the river mouth. On my most recent trip, we were treated to the sight of humpback whales and sea otters feeding in the kelp beds just offshore. The river estuary is also a common place to see bears and seabirds.

Nahwitti River Camp

If you caught an early water taxi and are a strong hiker, Nahwitti River Camp is a good option for your first night. It tends to be much quieter than Skinner Creek so you might have it to yourself. There are four tent pads in the forest behind the beach along with an outhouse and food cache. You can also camp on the beach but it may be too sloped to be comfortable.

To find drinking water, follow the trail into the forest for a few minutes to the banks of the Nahwitti River. Try to get water at low tide to avoid saltwater. Do not collect water near the river mouth since it is too salty.

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• 25 backpacking trips and 10 day hikes throughout Vancouver Island
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Nahwitti River to Cape Sutil

Leaving Nahwitti River Camp, the first kilometre is an easy walk through the forest inland along the east bank of the Nahwitti River. Cross the river using the cable car, the first of two on the route. After the cable car, the trail follows the west bank of the Nahwitti River for a few minutes before climbing back up into the forest. The next few kilometres take you up and over a 120m-high-hill.

About 4km from Nahwitti River Camp you’ll start to hear the ocean again as you descend over 200 wooden stairs at Long Leg Hill and emerge onto pebbly Tripod Beach. The cliffs at the west side of the beach are impassable at tides above about 2.5 metres and there is no inland trail. Be sure to time your hike well or else you could be stuck waiting here for hours. Thankfully when we had to wait for the tides on my most recent trip it was a beautiful sunny day and we had a great time playing cards! (See my North Coast Trail Guide for info on tide tables for the North Coast Trail.)

If you do get stuck on the beach overnight there is room for one or two tents above the high tide mark and a creek in the centre of the beach for drinking water. There is no food cache here so be prepared to hang your food. There is also no outhouse so use Leave No Trace practices if you go to the bathroom.

Once you are past the cliffs, take a minute to ogle at the unique three-legged basalt Tripod rock that gives the beach its name. The remainder of the hike to Cape Sutil is very challenging as you ascend steep headlands with fixed ropes, then plunge back down to pocket beaches before doing it all again. Take your time and be careful on the ropes and muddy slopes. A fall here could mean serious injury.

At low tides, you may be able to skirt around some of the headlands on the beach, but use caution as many of them have very slippery cobblestones.

After the final headland, you’ll break out onto a beautiful sandy beach. Walk a few hundred meters to the Cape Sutil Camp at the west end of the beach.

Cape Sutil Camp

The campsite at Cape Sutil is located at the west end of the sandy beach, which is great for swimming. Cape Sutil is the northernmost point on Vancouver Island, but unfortunately, you cannot visit it since it is inside the Nahwitti First Nations reserve and off-limits to visitors. Please be respectful of this indigenous site. See the Indigenous context section of my North Coast Trail guide or the excellent book, Cape Scott and the North Coast Trail by Maria I. Bremner for more information. You can follow a short trail over a headland to the next beach where the water taxi lands, but do not proceed further.

There are lots of places to camp along the beach above the high tide line, but the best tent spots are towards the west end of the beach. There is a pit toilet and bear cache a few minutes along the main trail leading west from the beach. There is also another bear cache behind the beach about 1/3 of the way down from the end. It’s marked with a small sign that can be easy to miss.

The water source at this beach is not always obvious. Look for buoys or flagging about halfway down the beach. Follow a short trail into the forest to access a small pool. In early season or after heavy rains, the creek may also flow directly onto the beach.

There is also a BC Parks yurt near the west end of the beach. The yurt used to open to the public in the winter, but that is no longer the case.

Cape Sutil to Irony Creek (Shuttleworth Bight)

The route between Cape Sutil and Shuttleworth Bight is mostly on the beach, but there are also lots of short and difficult inland forest sections. The trail leaving Cape Sutil cuts across the neck of the cape for about half a kilometre before emerging on the first of many steep gravel beaches. Follow hanging buoys into the forest at the end of the beach to find the 100-metre-long trail to the next beach.

This cycle repeats a few more times: walk through a pocket cove, then through the forest. Some of the beach sections have inland trail alternatives you can use at high tide, but they tend to be quite overgrown. About 2km from Cape Sutil, make sure you take the last exit from the beach into the forest as the coast past here is impassable. All of the exits from the beach are steep, with ropes to help you up the slope.

Follow the trail up into the forest. You’ll be inland for about 700m as you navigate a steep climb and lots of mud. Next, you’ll pop out into a pocket cove, then head back into the forest for about 200m. After that, you have a kilometre-long stretch of beach. This stretch is like many you will encounter today: steeply pitched with lots of driftwood and seaweed above the storm tide line.

The beach ends with a few meters of forest walking to round a point about 3.5km from Cape Sutil. After that, follow buoys across several rocky headlands and through pocket coves for another few kilometres. The forest trails are often steep and challenging, and the beach walking is not easy, but the scenery is beautiful.

About 5.5km from Cape Sutil, you begin a long beach section. The remainder of your hike to Irony Creek on Shuttleworth Bight is on the beach, except for a few very short forest sections to get around rocky outcroppings. At around 7.5km you will round a point and enter Shuttleworth Bight. The eastern part of the bight has some small sandy coves, but push on to the broader expanse of sand on the east side and the excellent campsite at Irony Creek.

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Irony Creek (Shuttleworth Bight) Camp

The Irony Creek Camp is the most beautiful campsite on the North Coast Trail. It’s set in the middle of sandy Shuttleworth Bight and makes a great place for a rest day if you choose to take one. The campsite is located on the west side of the creek, which provides great (if red-tinged) drinking water.

There are four tent pads, a toilet, and a bear cache in the forest just west of the creek. You’ll have to scramble over a big pile of driftwood to access them. There are also great beach campsites in the sand amongst the driftwood to the west.

Irony Creek (Shuttleworth Bight) to Laura Creek

Thankfully, the section from Irony Creek to Laura Creek is mostly on the beach. However, most of the beaches have fairly tricky footing with lots of cobblestones, driftwood, seaweed, and steep angles. For the easiest walking, look for a faint boot-beaten path at the high tide line.

Use caution in this section as it sees a LOT of bear activity. On our most recent hike we spotted 39!!! piles of fresh bear scat on this stretch and saw three bears. All of the other hikers we met had numerous bear encounters here too. (Read my bear safety tips for backpackers.)

Leaving the Irony Creek Camp, you’ll start with about 1.5 kilometres of easy walking across the sand of Shuttleworth Bight. Towards the end of the beach, follow floats to find the forest exit. The trail heads along the east bank of the Stranby River for a few hundred meters to the Stranby River cable car. Unfortunately, the water here is too salty to drink.

Cross the cable car and follow the trail for another 1.5 kilometres of relatively easy walking through the forest. Your path parallels the river but it is rarely visible. The next section connects numerous pocket coves with short overland trails in a two-kilometre-long stretch.

About 7 kilometres from Irony Creek you will round a headland as trail starts to head more southwest. You have arrived at a beautiful sandy beach, nicknamed Wolftrack Beach or Sunny Bay by many hikers. There is a small stream here and the flat sand makes this one of the most popular unofficial campsites on the trail. If you stay here, be sure you know how to construct a bear hang and go to the bathroom the Leave No Trace way.

Past Wolftrack Beach the beach walking gets a bit more tiring as the gravel beaches are often steeply slanted, making hiking uncomfortable. Be sure to pay attention to your feet as blisters are common on this type of terrain. (Read my tips for preventing and treating blisters.) If the tide is low, try walking on the sand or rock shelf near the surf as it is more level.

At the end of the beach, head back into the forest for a short trail section and a few more pocket coves. About 2km past Wolftrack beach, reach Christensen Point, marked with a cluster of hanging fishing floats. From here it’s a straight shot down the beach to Laura Creek. This section is non-technical beach walking along the gravel but can feel very tiring after a long day on the trail.

Laura Creek Camp

You’ll arrive at Laura Creek first, your drinking water source. There are a few small campsites on the beach on the west side of the creek above the high tide line. However, use caution as they are very close to the surf at high tides and can get washed out if the creek floods.

The main campsite with four tent platforms, a bear cache, and toilet is located in the forest about three hundred meters west. One of the tent platforms is located right next to the bear cache and in the middle of the path to the toilet and other sites, so it’s not ideal.

The sites are in dense old-growth forest and are well sheltered from the elements, but the forest can seem dark and oppressive. This is the only site on the trail with limited beach camping so you may want to arrive early to make sure you get a spot.

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Backpacking on Vancouver Island

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• 25 backpacking trips and 10 day hikes throughout Vancouver Island
• Info about permits, reservations and campground facilities
• Detailed maps and photos
• Advice for extending your trip
• Points of cultural and natural history

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Laura Creek to Nissen Bight

Today’s hike is mostly inland as it follows old settlers road up and around Nahwitti Cone. Start by walking 1 kilometre along the beach from Laura Creek, before following the buoys into the forest. The trail gains elevation immediately up a well-constructed staircase, then continues more gently uphill through muddy upland bog along the old settler’s trail.

About 2.5km from Laura Creek the trail crosses several branches of Dakota Creek, which is a good place to get drinking water. The main crossing is a massive log bridge, which is a fun photo-op. The next crossing doesn’t have a bridge so you will have to rock-hop across. Follow flagging tape for the best route.

After the creek crossings, the trail heads uphill again to a bit of a plateau around Laughing Loon Lake around 4km from Laura Creek. The lake itself is very marshy so don’t plan to swim or get drinking water here. There are lots of good boardwalks through this section, but some epic mud bogs too.

Leaving the lakeshore, the trail begins a slow descent to the beach. This section is a bit more challenging with lots of mud, puddles, roots, and slippery sections. It can be slow going through here, which is even more frustrating since you are almost at the end! Once you can hear the ocean and are on the stairs, you’ll know you are close.

About 6.5km from Laura Creek, you will finally emerge on the beach at the east end of Nissen Bight. If you plan to camp here and need drinking water, follow a trail to the right just before the beach. If you are pressing on, walk along the wide sand beach for another kilometre to find the Nissen Bight Camp and the junction with the Cape Scott Trail.

Nissen Bight Camp

Nissen Bight is a wide expanse of sand. There are two main camping areas. The camping area at the east end of the beach has a new bear cache and outhouse. It is also close to the water source, which is on a short, marked side trail through the forest near the entrance to the North Coast Trail.

There is another, older camping area at the west end of the beach near the junction with the Cape Scott Trail. There are lots of established campsites amongst the driftwood above the high tideline. The food cache and outhouse are located a few meters down the trail to Cape Scott. However, if you camp here you’ll have to walk 1 km to the east end of the beach to find water.

Nissen Bight to Cape Scott Trailhead

For a more detailed description of the Cape Scott Trail and the Fisherman River and Eric Lake campgrounds, see my Cape Scott Trail guide.

Leaving Nissen Bight, follow the wide trail through the salal. After about 2 minutes, a trail branches off to the right to Fisherman Bay, where you can get picked up by Cape Scott Water Taxi.

The remainder of the 2 kilometre walk to the junction with the Cape Scott Trail is along an old settler’s road that climbs gently uphill. In wet weather, it is muddy and slippery. At the junction, turn left to head to the parking lot. Turning right will take you to Nel’s Bight and Cape Scott, a worthwhile side trip that will add an extra day to your trip. (Read my Cape Scott Trail guide to decide if you want to combine it with your North Coast Trail hike.)

From the junction, the trail heads downhill in the forest before emerging in a bog. Unlike on the North Coast Trail, most of the bog sections on the Cape Scott section have boardwalk or good gravel underfoot, so the mud is not ever-present and never too deep.

About 4km from the junction reach the Fisherman River Camp and the new bridge over the river. On the other side, you’ll travel along a long, straight section of settler road with drainage ditches on either side, then high above the banks of St. Mary’s Creek through some rocky and rooty sections.

Around 12km from Nissen Bight, some boardwalk sections announce your arrival at Eric Lake Camp. The trail travels past an outhouse and numerous tent platforms. Follow a short spur trail to the lakeshore if you need a break.

Just past Eric Lake, the trail crosses a creek on a large fallen log, then heads into a long boardwalk section that can be slippery. About 13.5km from Nissen Bight reach the south end of Eric Lake and a spur trail leading to the lake.

The next section of trail is rough with badly eroded settler corduroy road heading slightly downhill. Go slowly here as you pick your way through mud and slippery terrain. Reach a junction at about 14.5km. Turn left to reach the parking lot. (Right goes to San Josef Bay.) The final kilometre is easy walking on a wide, well-maintained gravel trail.

Cape Scott Trailhead

The trailhead area has two parking lots, one up the hill from the other. If you are catching the Cape Scott Shuttle Bus, it picks up and drops off next to the trailhead. There is an outhouse and an info board with a map at the trailhead as well as a covered picnic shelter. There is also a ranger yurt in the trees a few meters down the trail.

Join the Cape Scott Park Facebook group

North Coast Trail Itineraries

Standard 6-Day North Coast Trail Itinerary

This is the itinerary that most people who hike the North Coast Trail use.

Day 1 – Shushartie Bay to Skinner Creek: 8.1 km (6-7 hours)

Day 2 – Skinner Creek to Cape Sutil: 7.9 km (4-5.5 hours)

Day 3 – Cape Sutil to Irony Creek (Shuttleworth Bight): 7.8 km (4-5 hours)

Day 4 – Irony Creek (Shuttleworth Bight) to Laura Creek: 11.8 km (5-6 hours)

Day 5 – Laura Creek to Nissen Bight: 7.5 km (2.5-4 hours)

Day 6 – Nissen Bight to Cape Scott Trail Parking Lot: 15.4 km (5-6 hours)

Abbreviated 5-Day North Coast Trail Itinerary with Water Taxi Pick-up

If you want to skip the walk out to the Cape Scott Trailhead, this abbreviated 5-day itinerary is a good option. I chose this North Coast Trail itinerary on my most recent trip because I had already hiked the Cape Scott Trail four times.

Day 1 – Shushartie Bay to Skinner Creek: 8.1 km (6-7 hours)

Day 2 – Skinner Creek to Cape Sutil: 7.9 km (4-5.5 hours)

Day 3 – Cape Sutil to Irony Creek (Shuttleworth Bight): 7.8 km (4-5 hours)

Day 4 – Irony Creek (Shuttleworth Bight) to Laura Creek: 11.8 km (5-6 hours)

Day 5 – Laura Creek to Fisherman Bay water taxi pickup: 7.6 km (2.5-4 hours)

Fast 5-Day North Coast Trail Itinerary

This itinerary is suitable for strong hikers who have the stamina to spend most of the day on the trail.

Day 1 – Shushartie Bay to Nahwitti River: 11 km (7-8.5 hours)

Day 2 – Nahwitti River to Irony Creek (Shuttleworth Bight): 12.8 km (7-9 hours)

Day 3 – Irony Creek (Shuttleworth Bight) to Laura Creek: 11.8 km (5-6 hours)

Day 4 – Laura Creek to Nissen Bight: 7.5 km (2.5-4 hours)

Day 5 – Nissen Bight to Cape Scott Trail Parking Lot: 15.4 km (5-6 hours)

Super-Fast 4-Day North Coast Trail Itinerary

Fast and experienced hikers could use this super-fast North Coast Trail itinerary. The last day is long, but doable since the terrain is much easier than the rest of the route.

Day 1 – Shushartie Bay to Nahwitti River: 11 km (7-8.5 hours)

Day 2 – Nahwitti River to Irony Creek (Shuttleworth Bight): 12.8 km (7-9 hours)

Day 3 – Irony Creek (Shuttleworth Bight) to Laura Creek: 11.8 km (5-6 hours)

Day 4 – Laura Creek to Cape Scott Trailhead: 22.9 km (7.5-10 hours)

Relaxed 7+ Day North Coast Trail Itinerary

This more relaxed itinerary 7-day North Coast Trail itinerary includes a rest day at Irony Creek. If you want to split up the trail even more you could add an extra night at Nahwitti River between Skinner Creek and Cape Sutil, or one at Wolftrack Beach (no facilities) between Irony Creek and Laura Creek. You could also break up the hike out to the Cape Scott Trailhead with an overnight at the Fisherman River Camp.

Day 1 – Shushartie Bay to Skinner Creek: 8.1 km (6-7 hours)

Day 2 – Skinner Creek to Cape Sutil: 7.9 km (4-5.5 hours)

Day 3 – Cape Sutil to Irony Creek (Shuttleworth Bight): 7.8 km (4-5 hours)

Day 4 – Rest Day at Irony Creek

Day 5 – Irony Creek (Shuttleworth Bight) to Laura Creek: 11.8 km (5-6 hours)

Day 6 – Laura Creek to Nissen Bight: 7.5 km (2.5-4 hours)

Day 7 – Nissen Bight to Cape Scott Trail Parking Lot: 15.4 km (5-6 hours)

4-Day Half North Coast Trail Itinerary

If you are worried about the rigors of the first two days of trail, or you want to prioritize beach scenery, you may want to consider doing half of the North Coast Trail. To do this, you’ll need to arrange a water taxi drop-off at Cape Sutil instead of at Shushartie Bay.

Day 1 – Cape Sutil to Irony Creek (Shuttleworth Bight): 7.8 km (4-5 hours)

Day 2 – Irony Creek (Shuttleworth Bight) to Laura Creek: 11.8 km (5-6 hours)

Day 3 – Laura Creek to Nissen Bight: 7.5 km (2.5-4 hours)

Day 4 – Nissen Bight to Cape Scott Trail Parking Lot: 15.4 km (5-6 hours)

7-Day Cape Scott + North Coast Trail Itinerary

If you are already in the area, it makes sense to add an extra day to your North Coast Trail itinerary to go to Cape Scott. The beach at Nel’s Bight is one of the most beautiful campsites in the park and the day hike to the lighthouse is worthwhile. See my Cape Scott Trail Guide for all the details.

Day 1 – Shushartie Bay to Skinner Creek: 8.1 km (6-7 hours)

Day 2 – Skinner Creek to Cape Sutil: 7.9 km (4-5.5 hours)

Day 3 – Cape Sutil to Irony Creek (Shuttleworth Bight): 7.8 km (4-5 hours)

Day 4 – Irony Creek (Shuttleworth Bight) to Laura Creek: 11.8 km (5-6 hours)

Day 5 – Laura Creek to Nel’s Bight: 11.2 km (4-5.5 hours)

Day 6 – Day hike to Cape Scott from Nel’s Bight: 13.6 km return (5 hours)

Day 7 – Nel’s Bight to Cape Scott Trailhead Parking Lot: 16.8 km (6 hours)

7-Day San Josef Bay + North Coast Trail Itinerary

Add an extra day to your North Coast Trail itinerary by adding on a day at San Josef Bay. The beautiful sandy beach and sea stacks make a great destination for your final day on the trail.

Day 1 – Shushartie Bay to Skinner Creek: 8.1 km (6-7 hours)

Day 2 – Skinner Creek to Cape Sutil: 7.9 km (4-5.5 hours)

Day 3 – Cape Sutil to Irony Creek (Shuttleworth Bight): 7.8 km (4-5 hours)

Day 4 – Irony Creek (Shuttleworth Bight) to Laura Creek: 11.8 km (5-6 hours)

Day 5 – Laura Creek to Nissen Bight: 7.5 km (2.5-4 hours)

Day 6 – Nissen Bight to San Josef Bay: 17 km (5.5-6.5 hours)

Day 7 – San Josef Bay to Cape Scott Trailhead Parking Lot: 2.5km (40 minutes)

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So that’s my section-by-section breakdown of the North Coast Trail and all the info you need to choose your North Coast Trail itinerary. For your first time, I recommend the standard 6-Day North Coast Trail Itinerary. If you’re planning your hike and have questions, let me know in the comments. I’d love to help.

READ NEXT:

• North Coast Trail Guide
• Cape Scott Trail Guide: Hiking and Camping on Northern Vancouver Island
• Coastal Hiking Tips: Advice for Beach Backpacking
• North Coast Trail Packing List: Everything You Need to Bring
• 20+ Ways to Reduce Your Backpack Weight

MORE VANCOUVER ISLAND POSTS:

• Things to do on North Vancouver Island
• Your Guide to the West Coast Trail in British Columbia
• Kayaking in the Johnstone Strait: Everything You Need to Know
• How to Visit Avatar Grove, Big Lonely Doug, and Other Big Trees on Vancouver Island
• Your Guide to the West Coast Trail in British Columbia
• Juan De Fuca Trail Guide: Backpacking on Vancouver Island
• 30 Best Backpacking Trips in BC
• 25 Spring Backpacking Trips in British Columbia

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The post North Coast Trail Itinerary and Section-By-Section Overview appeared first on Dawn Outdoors.

I hiked the trail twice (to research my book Backpacking on Vancouver Island), so I’ve put together a full North Coast Trail guide for you. It includes:

• how to get to the North Coast Trail, including driving directions and info for booking the water taxi and shuttle van
• how much it costs to hike the North Coast Trail
• key North Coast Trail safety information on wildlife, tides, and drinking water
• information on the history and indigenous context of the North Coast Trail

WANT MORE NORTH COAST TRAIL INFO? Check out these posts:

• North Coast Trail itineraries and section-by-section overview of the trail
• North Coast Trail Packing List: Everything You Need to Bring
• Cape Scott Trail Guide – add a side trip to your North Coast Trail trip

Hey there: Some of the links in this post are affiliate links, which means I earn a small commission at no cost to you. Thanks for your support. -Taryn

This is a sensitive wilderness area. Learn how to Leave No Trace to keep the wilderness wild. Make sure you are prepared by bringing the 10 Essentials. Get ready for adventure with this checklist of things to do before every hike.

Quick Facts

Location: The northernmost tip of Vancouver Island in British Columbia, Canada in Cape Scott Provincial Park.

Distance: Officially 43.1 km… but probably longer.

Difficulty: Very Challenging

Time: 5-6 days

Cost: About $320 per person. (See How Much Does the North Coast Trail Cost? below for a full breakdown).

Best Time to Go: June to September.

Trail Description

The NCT is a 43-kilometre-long coastal trail that runs across the northern tip of Vancouver Island in British Columbia, Canada, and connects with the Cape Scott Trail. It is a rugged backcountry trail that travels along beaches, through dense rainforest, and across muddy bogs. The trail is in a very remote area with frequent rainstorms and technical terrain, so hiking it can be very challenging. For a detailed description, see my North Coast Trail Section-by-Section Overview.

How Long is the North Coast Trail?

The official length of the North Coast Trail is 43.1 kilometres.

That is the distance from the Shushartie Bay trailhead to the east end of Nissen Bight where the NCT meets the Cape Scott Trail. However, my GPS recorded a total distance of about 48.6 km.

As well, the North Coast Trail ends at Nissen Bight, which is still deep in the backcountry. Most hikers opt to hike another 15.4 km out to the Cape Scott Trail parking lot, making their total hike about 58.5 km (or about 64 km unofficially). (It is also possible to get a water taxi and skip the hike out. See North Coast Trail Water Taxi and Shuttle below for more info.)

How Difficult is the North Coast Trail?

The NCT is one of the most challenging multi-day hikes in British Columbia. I think it’s the hardest trail I’ve done. The terrain is very technical, with lots of mud pits, roots, rocks, and rope-assisted climbs of slippery slopes. Although the distance and elevation gain each day are fairly short, I found the North Coast Trail so difficult because nearly every step requires focus to keep you from falling down.

The NCT can also be a mental challenge. Travel times on the trail are quite slow, often less than 2 kilometres per hour, and that can be demoralizing. As well, the fickle North Vancouver Island weather means that rain, fog, and cold temperatures are common.

Many people compare the North Coast Trail to the West Coast Trail. They are similar in that they both traverse the coast of Vancouver Island using a mix of beach and inland trails. However, I think the West Coast Trail (while still challenging) is easier than the NCT because the WCT has more infrastructure (boardwalks and ladders) and the beach walk sections are easier.

Best Time to Hike the North Coast Trail

The trail is open year-round. The best time of year to hike the trail is in June, July, and August since those months have less rain and are warmer with temperatures typically between 8-15°C (46-59°F). However, you should still prepare for rain and fog. I experienced lots of both when I hiked the North Coast Trail in August 2008 and August 2021.

READ NEXT: The Best Weather Apps for Hiking

If you want to do an out and back trip on the trail from the Cape Scott Parking lot or you can arrange your own boat, you can hike the trail year-round. However, the water taxi and shuttle only run from mid-April to the end of September, so you will encounter very few hikers on the NCT outside of those months.

The North Coast Trail is one of my picks for the best spring backpacking trips in British Columbia.

Join the Cape Scott Park Facebook group

How Long Does it Take to Hike the North Coast Trail?

Most hikers complete the NCT in six days. A typical North Coast Trail itinerary is:

Day 1 – Shushartie Bay to Skinner Creek: 8.1 km

Day 2 – Skinner Creek to Cape Sutil: 7.9 km

Day 3 – Cape Sutil to Irony Creek (Shuttleworth Bight): 7.8 km

Day 4 – Irony Creek (Shuttleworth Bight) to Laura Creek: 11.8 km

Day 5 – Laura Creek to Nissen Bight: 7.5 km

Day 6 – Nissen Bight to Cape Scott Trail Parking Lot: 15.4 km

However, you can shorten it to five days if you arrange a water taxi pick up at Fisherman’s Bay (near Nissen Bight). As well, many hikers tack on a trip to Cape Scott, which adds an extra day or two.

For a more detailed itinerary and other North Coast Trail itinerary options, see my North Coast Trail Itinerary and Section-by-Section Overview.

Which Direction to Hike the North Coast Trail?

Most hikers hike from east to west, starting at Shushartie Bay and finishing at Nissen Bight. The water taxi and shuttle schedules are lined up to work in that direction, with a morning drop-off at Shushartie and an afternoon pick-up at Cape Scott Trailhead parking lot. You can hike the other way, but logistics are more complicated.

North Coast Trail Reservations and Permits

Unlike popular hikes like the West Coast Trail or Berg Lake, you do NOT need to make reservations for the North Coast Trail. There is no limit to how many hikers can be on the trail. However, you do have to get a backcountry camping permit from BC Parks. Permits are $10/person/night and can be purchased up to 2 weeks before your trip.

BUT, due to the location of the trailheads, you will need to make reservations for the water taxi and/or shuttle bus. On popular dates, they sell out. And in the spring and fall, they may not have enough passengers to run. See the Water Taxi and Shuttle section below for more info.

READ NEXT: How to Make Backcountry Camping Reservations in BC

How Much Does the North Coast Trail Cost?

The short answer: About $320 per person.

The long answer: It depends.

Three things contribute to the cost of the NCT: water taxi fees, shuttle fees, and trail fees. Here is a breakdown of the typical costs for one person on a typical six-day/five-night trip.

• Trail fees: $10/person/night x 5 nights = $50
• Water taxi from Port Hardy to Shushartie Bay = $150
• Shuttle bus from Cape Scott Parking lot to Port Hardy = $120

If you can arrange your own transportation, you’ll only have to pay trail fees. And if you want the water taxi to drop you off or pick you up at Cape Sutil or Fisherman’s Bay, your water taxi fees will be more expensive.

Get My Book…

Backpacking on Vancouver Island

Discover Vancouver Island’s best day hikes and overnight trips

• 25 backpacking trips and 10 day hikes throughout Vancouver Island
• Info about permits, reservations and campground facilities
• Detailed maps and photos
• Advice for extending your trip
• Points of cultural and natural history

Get the book

How to Get to the North Coast Trail

Getting to Port Hardy

The North Coast Trail is located in Cape Scott Provincial Park at the very northern tip of Vancouver Island. The drive from Nanaimo to Port Hardy takes just over 4 hours via the Island Highway (Highway 19).

The North Coast Trail is also on my list backpacking trips in BC you can get to without a car. There is a shuttle van service from Campbell River to Port Hardy. You can also fly to Port Hardy from Vancouver with Pacific Coastal Airlines.

North Coast Trail Water Taxi

The North Coast Trail water taxi is operated by Cape Scott Water Taxi and leaves from the Port Hardy Marina (behind the Quarterdeck Inn) most mornings between mid-April and late September. It’s a comfortable boat with a heated cabin that seats 12 passengers. Backpacks ride in the cabin or on the deck under a tarp.

Tip: Secure your trekking poles to your pack, and put on your rain cover before you get on board. And don’t forget your camera. We spotted dozens of sea otters, a pod of porpoises, and some whales on our water taxi trip.

Advance bookings are essential as the boat can fill up during July and August or can be too empty to run at other times. Get in touch with Babe, who does bookings, to see if there is availability for your dates. If possible, be flexible so that you can be grouped together with another party.

Cape Scott Water Taxi offers secure parking at their office at the Port Hardy Marina. It costs $30 per week. They ask that you leave them your keys since they may have to double or triple park cars to fit everyone in. We met a couple on the trail who had a hiking boot fall apart on the first day. They radioed the water taxi operator, who had their car keys. The water taxi was able to retrieve a pair of trail runners from their car and deliver them to the hikers at Shushartie Bay later the same day since they had another boat going out!

Water Taxi To/From Shushartie Bay

Most hikers use the North Coast Trail water taxi to start the trail at Shushartie Bay. The trip from Port Hardy takes about an hour. The ride costs $150 per person and the boat will only run if there are at least 4 passengers. Most days the water taxi leaves at 7 am, but there are also additional trips at 9 am (or even later) if there is enough demand.

There is no dock at Shushartie Bay. Instead, the boat captain noses into a large rock next to deep water. Hikers scramble off the front of the boat onto the rocks, which are covered in barnacles and seaweed. It’s a slippery start to the trail!

Note: There are old logging roads that reach the Shushartie River estuary at the back of Shushartie Bay. However, they are badly overgrown and there is no trail through the sensitive estuary ecosystem, so you can only reach the trailhead by boat.

Water Taxi To/From Cape Sutil

Some hikers choose to bypass the tough first two days of the trail by starting or finishing at Cape Sutil. The water taxi from Cape Sutil to Port Hardy takes about 90 minutes and costs $160 per person. There is a 5 passenger minimum for the trip, but they will often tack on a Cape Sutil trip off with a Shushartie or Fisherman’s Bay one.

The boat drops off passengers on the rocks at a small cove just north of the main camping beach at Cape Sutil. A short, rough trail over a headland leads to the North Coast Trail. In calm weather, they will drop you off on the rocks and in rougher weather, they will use a small dingy to transfer you from the water taxi to shore.

Note: The water taxi can only land at Cape Sutil at high tide so pick-up and drop-off times may be limited.

Water Taxi To/From Fisherman Bay

You can skip the walk out to the Cape Scott Trailhead by scheduling a water taxi pickup or drop off at Fisherman Bay. It is a small cove just west of Nissen Bight. In the Danish settler days, it was their main port. To get there, follow the trail south from Nissen Bight for a few minutes, then take the right fork to head to the small gravel beach.

The trip from Fisherman Bay to Port Hardy takes about 2 hours and costs $200 per person. There is a 6 person minimum for the trip. Since Fisherman Bay is a steep gravel beach, landing here is a challenge. The water taxi captain will run the boat into the beach, then use the engine to hold it there while a deckhand lowers a ladder off the bow. Hikers scramble up the ladder onto the boat. This method only works in calm water – in rough water they may have to use a small dingy to transfer passengers to the boat.

Note: The water taxi can only land at Fisherman Bay at high tide so pick up and drop off times may be limited.

North Coast Trail Shuttle Bus

Most hikers choose to end their journey with a trip on the North Coast Trail shuttle bus, operated by Cape Scott Water Taxi. The shuttle van seats 10 passengers and requires a minimum of three people to run. The shuttle bus picks up hikers from the Cape Scott Trailhead parking lot daily at 1 pm. The ride back to Port Hardy takes about two hours.

Driving to the Cape Scott Trailhead

If you want to hike the trail as an out-and-back trip (known as a yo-yo) or you have arranged other trip logistics on your own, you can drive yourself to the Cape Scott Trailhead. It’s a two-hour drive from Port Hardy on gravel logging roads. They are usually fine for 2WD vehicles, but they can be dusty, bumpy, and muddy. Bring a spare tire and be prepared to share the road with fast-moving, heavily-loaded logging trucks. See my guide to Cape Scott for full driving directions.

Where to Stay Near the North Coast Trail

Since most hikers start the trail with a water taxi in the morning, it makes sense to stay overnight in Port Hardy. The closes hotels to the dock are the Glen Lyon Inn and the Quarterdeck Inn. I’ve stayed at both and they both have great water views. I’ve also stayed at the indigenous-owned Kwa’lilas Hotel a few minutes away. It’s gorgeous! If you’re on a budget, the North Coast Trail Backpackers Hostel gets good reviews. Be sure to book in advance as hotels are often full in the summer on days when the BC Ferry to Prince Rupert is in port.

Tip: If you have time, plan to spend a few more days on northern Vancouver Island to experience the awesome whale watching, kayaking, indigenous sites, and grizzly bear tours. Read my post about the best things to do on North Vancouver Island.

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North Coast Trail Maps and Books

There is a basic map of the North Coast Trail on the BC Parks website, but it doesn’t provide enough detail for navigation or trip planning.

I’ve also made a a custom Google Map for you. It has all the campsites and key points like trailheads, water taxi, and shuttle bus pick up spots.

For travel on the trail, you’ll need a paper map and/or a GPS. There are two maps of the North Coast Trail available: John Baldwin’s North Coast Trail Topographic Map and The North Coast Trail Map from Wildcoast Magazine.

I have both maps. They are both printed on waterproof, tearproof paper. I like the Wildcoast map much more, as it has a lot more information including a day-by-day description with key landmarks and hazards. The John Baldwin map is mostly just a topographic map with a few symbols overlaid on it. You can buy both maps online or at the Cape Scott Water Taxi office.

On my trip, I also used the Gaia GPS app. It was really helpful for tracking our progress, especially during the long inland sections that seemed to go by really slowly. (Psst! Want to save 20% off a premium Gaia annual membership, which includes the maps I used on my trip? Use this link.)

If you’re interested in the history of the Cape Scott area or want more info about the natural history of the area, pick up a copy of Cape Scot and the North Coast Trail: Hiking Vancouver Island’s Wildest Coast by Maria I. Bremner. It’s a great book full of lots of fun details and great photos.

My book, Backpacking on Vancouver Island also has chapters bout the North Coast Trail and Cape Scott.

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Backpacking on Vancouver Island

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What to Pack for the North Coast Trail

You will need to be totally self-sufficient on the North Coast Trail and carry in everything you will need for your trip – right down to the toilet paper! The last place to buy supplies is in Port Hardy. It has a grocery store and the hardware store sells a small selection of outdoor gear.

To avoid carrying a stupidly heavy pack, choose lightweight hiking gear rather than heavy conventional camping gear. The lighter you can get your pack, the happier you will be. In general, aim for a pack weight that is 1/3 to 1/4 of your body weight or less. The weather on the coast is also often very wet so be sure to pack accordingly. You may also want a pair of sturdy work gloves to use on the ropes and cable cars.

For lots more information, check out my West Coast Trail packing list, since the gear list is identical to what you’ll need to pack for the North Coast Trail. It’s a complete guide to everything you need to bring including specific gear recommendations from my hikes.

Camping on the North Coast Trail

There are six official campgrounds on the North Coast Trail, and then three more along the Cape Scott Trail in between the end of the North Coast Trail and the Cape Scott Trailhead parking lot. They all have:

• a pit toilet
• access to fresh drinking water from a nearby creek
• metal food storage lockers
• cleared campsites in the forest AND/OR campsites on the beach sand (Be sure to pitch your tent WELL above the high tide line.)

All campsites are first-come, first-served. At busy times of the year, some of the campgrounds can get full. See my Section-by-Section Overview for full details on each campground.

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Drinking-Water Sources on the North Coast Trail

The terrain on the North Coast Trail is coastal bog, which means that freshwater can be hard to find, especially late in the summer and during periods of dry weather. All of the freshwater has a dark tea colour from the tannins in the soil. You should treat all water by purifying, filtering, or boiling it. If you use a filter, consider straining the water through a clean bandana or coffee filter first to get some of the silt and tannins out. Your filter may also get clogged, so make sure you know how to clean it.

Here are the main places to find water along the trail and at the campgrounds. See the section-by-section trail description for more details:

• Skinner Creek
• Nahwitti River (but go upstream and avoid high tide so you don’t collect saltwater)
• Tripod Beach
• Cape Sutil
• Irony Creek (Shuttleworth Bight)
• Laura Creek
• Dakota Creek
• Nissen Bight (west side)
• Fisherman River
• Eric Lake

Tides on the North Coast Trail

You will need to bring a tide table and pay attention to the tides on the North Coast Trail. Use the Cape Scott tide table available from Fisheries and Oceans Canada. Make sure you print out the predicted tide height for each hour of the day. It’s much more helpful than just using the daily highs and lows.

There are a few tidal obstacles on the North Coast Trail where the beach is impassable at high tides. Most have rough inland bypass trails, but a few do not. The main tidal obstacles are located just west of Skinner Creek and at Tripod Beach. For full details, see my section-by-section North Coast Trail overview.

You will also want to refer to tide tables when you camp on the beach to ensure that you pitch your tent well above the high tide line.

How to Stay Safe on the North Coast Trail

The North Coast Trail tackles some pretty rugged terrain. And the trail is in a remote area where getting help is difficult. Make sure you are physically and mentally prepared. Take a first aid kit.

There is no cell service so consider bringing a satellite messenger or marine radio. I brought my Garmin inReach Mini on my 2021 North Coast Trail hike. Thankfully we didn’t need it, but we did assist a pair of hikers who were unprepared for the difficulty of the terrain. We helped them call a water taxi at Cape Sutil as they were too tired to complete the remainder of the trail without further aggravating a leg injury.

Leave a trip plan at home with a friend or family member. That way someone knows where you are going and when you expect to be back.

Most injuries on the trail happen when the weather is bad or hikers are tired. (Or both!) Be prepared to turn back or stop and make camp if the weather gets too bad or you are having difficulty with the hike. If you keep pushing forward, you may just make your situation worse by injuring yourself.

Take extra time on ropes, bridges, and cable cars. Watch your step on the boardwalks or any wooden structure – they can be REALLY slippery.

Be careful crossing streams. Make sure they aren’t flooding and if possible, cross at low tide. Speaking of tides, always keep your tide table handy and consult it along with your map whenever you choose a beach route. Only take the official marked beach routes – other routes have dangerous cliffs and surge channels.

Wildlife

The North Coast Trail is a remote wilderness area so it’s home to lots of wildlife. You might encounter a black bear, wolf, or cougar. I’ve hiked the trail twice and both times we have seen quite a few bears and some wolf tracks. In 2021 we counted 39 piles of fresh bear scat between Shuttleworth Bight and Laura Creek and saw three bears near Laura Creek. The area seems to be a hot spot for bear activity.

To minimize the risk of a negative encounter, hike in groups, make lots of noise, and carry bear spray just in case. At campgrounds, store your food and toiletries in the bear bins and camp well away from your cooking area. Do not camp near animal carcasses. (On my first North Coast Trail trip in 2008 we woke up one morning to find a bear eating a seal carcass on the beach near our tent! It had washed up overnight.) If you want more info, I’ve got lots more bear safety tips for hikers and backpackers.

There is also lots of marine life just offshore along the North Coast Trail. Last time I hiked the trail we spotted grey whales and sea otters feeding near Nahwitti River. There are also lots of curious seals surfacing along the beaches. You can also spy on sea lion colonies on rocky islets in a few places. Bring a pair of binoculars to get a better look. My husband brought a compact GoSky Titan monocular that he found on Amazon. It’s pretty light and not too expensive, but it still has 12×50 magnification.

Trail Rules

Dogs: BC Parks doesn’t allow dogs on the North Coast Trail. The area has a large wolf population. Wolves are very territorial and will attack dogs since they see them as a threat.

Beachcombing: You aren’t allowed to take home anything natural from the trail. That includes shells, rocks, sand, wood, etc. However, you are encouraged to take home anything man-made, such as fishing floats. (I have one hanging in my home office!)

Smoking, vaping, and cannabis: Smoking tobacco and cannabis, using e-cigarettes, and vaping are not permitted on the North Coast Trail or in any BC Park.

Drones: Drones are not allowed on the North Coast Trail or in any BC Parks without a specific permit, issued only to licenced drone pilots.

Campfires: Campfires are allowed on the North Coast Trail as long as there is no fire ban for that part of Vancouver Island. (Check the BC Fire Ban website before you go. Cape Scott is in the Coastal Region.)

Build your campfire in an existing fire ring or make one below the high tide line. Make a small fire and don’t burn big logs so that there is lots of wood left for everyone. Recently I learned that burning driftwood can create toxic smoke from the salt build-up in the logs. So you may want to skip the campfire entirely.

When you are done, use water to douse your fire to make sure it is completely out. Don’t smother your fire with sand. It can continue to smoulder under the sand and can injure people. During my 2020 trip to Cape Scott, a 12-year-old boy had to be evacuated by helicopter after he burned his foot by stepping in embers from an old campfire!

Coastal Hiking Tips

Coastal hiking and backpacking are a lot different than hiking in the forest or mountains. Head on over to my coastal hiking tips post. After over 15 coastal hiking trips to beaches in British Columbia and Washington, I’ve got tons of coastal hiking pointers for you… including how to cope with the EPIC MUD!

Indigenous Context

Indigenous people have lived on northern Vancouver Island along the present-day North Coast Trail since time immemorial. The area is in the traditional territory of the Kwakwa̱ka̱ʼwakw people. They had village sites at the head of Shushartie Bay (Khatis), at Cape Sutil (Nahwitti), and on Shuttleworth Bight (Go’saa), as well as other cultural sites including burial grounds, shell middens, pictographs, and fish traps.

In the early 1800s, European fur traders began visiting the area to collect sea otter pelts. The indigenous locals were exposed to smallpox and tuberculosis, which devastated their populations. The fur trade also disrupted their culture and caused inter-tribal conflict.

Relations between Europeans and indigenous people were somewhat cooperative until 1850 when the British shelled the village of Nahwitti and burned it to the ground after the residents were accused of harbouring escaped fugitives. The survivors moved to Bull Harbour on nearby Hope Island where there is still a small settlement today.

For more information about the indigenous context of northern Vancouver Island, be sure to visit the U’mista Cultural Centre in Alert Bay, which is one of my recommendations for the best things to do on North Vancouver Island. You can also find info in Maria I. Bremner’s excellent book, Cape Scott and the North Coast Trail.

Trail History

Following the fur trade era in the late 1800s, Danish settlers began colonizing the Cape Scott and North Coast Trail areas. They cleared brush and built farms, stores, and schools as well as trails linking their settlements together. Today, you can visit the remains of these sites on the Cape Scott Trail.

Despite their best efforts, the Danish settlement was not successful, mostly due to the lack of a road. In 1910 new settlers from elsewhere in Canada made a second settlement attempt urged on by a government scheme that gave vacant land to settlers at a discounted rate. Many began farming in the Cape Scott area and along the Stranby River on the present-day North Coast Trail. This settlement was also unsuccessful and by the 1920s, most had left the area.

The Cape Scott area became a provincial park in 1973. In 1995 the North Coast Trail area was added to the park. Planning for the North Coast Trail began in the early 2000s as a way to diversify the North Vancouver Island economy and branch out into eco-tourism.

The North Coast Trail officially opened in spring 2008. I was one of the first 100 people to travel the length of the route when I hiked it for the first time in August 2008. In some places, the route follows original settlers’ trails, and in others trail crews forged new paths through the forest and bogs.

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The North Coast Trail is a unique challenge and a gorgeous place, especially in good weather. This post and its companion, the section-by-section overview of the North Coast Trail should give you all the info you need to have a safe and fun hike. If you have questions about the North Coast Trail, ask them in the comments. I’d love to help!

READ NEXT:

• North Coast Trail Itinerary and Section-By-Section Overview
• Cape Scott Trail Guide: Hiking and Camping on Northern Vancouver Island
• Coastal Hiking Tips: Advice for Beach Backpacking
• North Coast Trail Packing List: Everything You Need to Bring
• How to Go Backpacking in BC Without Reservations
• How to Make Backcountry Camping Reservations in BC

MORE VANCOUVER ISLAND POSTS:

• Things to do on North Vancouver Island
• Your Guide to the West Coast Trail in British Columbia
• Kayaking in the Johnstone Strait: Everything You Need to Know
• How to Visit Avatar Grove, Big Lonely Doug, and Other Big Trees on Vancouver Island
• Your Guide to the West Coast Trail in British Columbia
• Juan De Fuca Trail Guide: Backpacking on Vancouver Island
• Tatchu Trail Guide: Vancouver Island Coastal Backpacking
• 30 Best Backpacking Trips in BC
• 25 Spring Backpacking Trips in British Columbia

BC Backpacking in Your Inbox!

Sign up to receive a bi-monthly newsletter from Taryn at Dawn Outdoors stuffed with the latest on backpacking in BC including:

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• seasonal trip recommendations,
  
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• backpacking news,
• and lots more!

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The post North Coast Trail: Backpacking on Vancouver Island appeared first on Dawn Outdoors.