Preparing to Hike the West Coast Trail is no joke. You have to determine your route plan, book your permits, plan your arrival and departure logistics and organize equipment, clothing and food.
In this post, we include must read resources, downloadable planning worksheet, and tips that helped us.
This is a mutliday backcountry expedition in a remote location. Detailed planning and adequate physical training will help ensure you have a great trip!
Preparing to Hike the West Coast Trail – A Template
Using a Route Plan ensures you do not miss any important aspects of your trip planning. You can click here -> Route Plan document <- to check out the process I go through for every multiday backcountry adventure.
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How Much Time does Planning Take?
You should allow 2+ months for planning and training before a expedition like this. We planned this over 4 months. Here’s a run down on our timeline;
January – We have our Discovery Pass and trail permits booked. Dates confirmed.
January to April – We have been out hiking, skiing or snowshoeing with our packs half loaded, and we are both working out weekly (running, cycling, weight lifting, and yoga). WCT – here we come!
March & April – Gear is being checked, repaired and organized. Checklist used to ensure we do not forget anything.
April-May – Menu plan was developed and food was collected. We booked out return bus tickets and planned our trailhead logistics.
Support from Parks Canada is Minimal
Parks Canada provides you with the basic resources to do this trip. It is up to you as the hiker to do your research, plan, train and come into this expedition prepared. The reality of six to eight days in the woods is that it’s hard and uncomfortable. I wouldn’t recommend you do this expedition until you have 2-3 over night trips under your belt.
About 1 month before our hike, Parks Canada emailed me with the following;
Despite a significant investment of time and resources each year into maintaining the 75-km trail, it continues to be an extremely rustic and challenging hike. There were several major storms this winter that will likely cause some re-routes. It is possible some camping areas will need to be temporarily closed due to log piles. All of this will be communicated once we have done a thorough inspection of the trail. Among the hundreds of ladders, bridges and metres of boardwalk, you are also sure to encounter some rotting wood and aging infrastructure.
Dave Tovell – Parks Canada
We are writing to offer a reality check just in case you have underestimated this incredible adventure. The West Coast Trail is a gruelling hike. You will need to thoroughly prepare yourself both physically, mentally and through proper gear selection to lower your chances of becoming injured or ill during your trip. Injuries and illnesses are a common theme along the West Coast Trail, from minor cuts, blisters and bruises to the 1% of West Coast Trail hikers who sustain more severe injuries or illnesses and require emergency evacuation.
Dave Tovell – Parks Canada
Resources
He goes on to outline some things you can do to get ready for your hike (below) and this is all accounted for in our Route Plan below.
- Review the attached West Coast Trail: 2019 Hiker Preparation Guide in detail and use our Route Plan Template below to get ready.
- Continue to practice hiking long distances (aim for 8-12 km) with a backpack and ensure the hiking boots you are wearing are comfortable.
- Review all of the gear you plan to bring considering its usefulness, weight and your familiarity with it. Packing Guide from Parks Canada only provides a very basic outline. Our Route Planning Template also includes a detailed packing list!
Want to know how our trip went?
Do you have questions about expedition planning?
Once you have downloaded the doc, hit reply on that email and ask Katie your questions.
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