West Coast Trail
Iconic…Breathtaking
Adventure awaits Summer 2025
Ready to embark on an epic adventure on the West Coast Trail? If you're looking for a challenge on one of Canada’s most iconic backpacking trails, this is it! The West Coast Trail, stretching along the wild shores of the Pacific Ocean and the stunning Juan de Fuca Strait, offers an unforgettable experience for hikers. With its breathtaking coastal beauty, rich history, and thrilling obstacles, this trail invites adventurers to explore Canada's rugged wilderness. Steeped in stories of resilience and survival, the West Coast Trail is the ultimate journey for those ready to embrace nature’s pure, untamed challenge. Are you ready to take it on?
Why Playwest?
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OUR GUIDES
Our guides are certified to the highest standards by the Association of Canadian Mountain Guides, ensuring a safe, enriching, and unforgettable adventure. With years of experience, our expert guides are dedicated to making your mountain experience exceptional!
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THE FOOD
All on-trail meals are included in your adventure, with all preparation and planning handled for you. Our team accommodates most dietary preferences, and our skilled guides take care of all the cooking, so you can simply enjoy the experience!
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WE HAVE THE GEAR
No tent or sleeping bag? Playwest has you covered with a full rental fleet! Whether you need a single item or a complete gear package, we provide everything you need for a seamless adventure. Let us take care of the details, so you can focus on the journey
The devil’s in the details
Playwest takes care of all necessary permits, so you can focus on your adventure! We work directly with Parks Canada behind the scenes, ensuring every detail is handled and all requirements are met for a smooth, worry-free experience.
Permits
At Playwest, we prioritize intimate experiences on the trail, allowing us to connect with our guests on a personal level. Large groups can hinder these connections, which is why we maintain a maximum of 8 guests per trip, accompanied by 2 expert guides. This perfect ratio ensures that every participant receives personalized attention and support, making your hiking adventure truly memorable!
Small groups
Transportation
Getting to and from the trailheads on the West Coast Trail (WCT) can be a challenge, with options like car drops, group shuttles, and hitchhiking. But you don’t have to worry about any of that! Playwest offers private charter transportation in both directions, ensuring a hassle-free experience as you embark on your adventure. Enjoy the journey without the stress—let us handle your transportation needs!
The West Coast Trail (WCT) is an incredible adventure, and Playwest is here to set you up for success! Our comprehensive pre-trip training program, detailed gear list, and scheduled Zoom calls with your guides—three months and two weeks before your trek—ensure you’re fully prepared. Trust Playwest to support you every step of the way on your WCT journey!
Pre-Trip Support
“This was my first guided journey and after this experience I would definitely consider doing more in the future. I 100% recommend giving Playwest Mountain Experiences a try!”
Brian Moir
“As each day passes, I fall more in love with being a part of this journey. Every step of it is unique. Beach, boulders and sea shelves, tidal pools, and more forest trekking, over an almost boreal type bog.”
Elly Jones
“The food the Playwest guides prepared was excellent! The Playwest Teams knowledge and organization of the hike contributed significantly to an amazing adventure.”
David Beckman
DAY ZERO:
VICTORIA - PORT RENFREW
Meet at the Days Inn Harbour Front @ 10:30. Depart for Port Renfrew, WCT safety briefing, gear audit, check into hotel, dinner at Port Renfrew Pub.
DAY ONE:
GORDON RIVER - THRASHERS COVE
On the ferry at 08:30, we are welcomed on the trail with our first ladder. Although the distance is short, this day is challenging. We take it slow to our first beach camp! 6km hiked
DAY TWO:
THRASHERS - CAMPERS BAY
As wit everyday, an early start, greeted with a hot beverage. We depart at 08:00am. With good tides & weather-Owens Pt. Or the lush forest awaits. 8km hiked
DAY THREE:
It’s ladder day! A few more kms and definitely some “ups & downs”. We also get to cross the impressive Logan Cr. bridge. Lunch at Cullite creek and upland bogs with sprinkled with beatiful wildflowers! 9km hiked
CAMPERS BAY - WALBRAN CREEK
DAY FOUR:
WALBRAN - CRIBS CREEK
One of our favourite days! Shelving rock, tide pools and wildlife viewing opportunities most of the day. Bald Eagles, whales, herons, otters, seals, sea lions…this day can have it all! 11km hiked
DAY FIVE:
CRIBS - TSUSIAT FALLS
Did someone say fresh crab for lunch? Yep its Crabshack Day on the WCT. While this is definitely the longest and most challenging day we are greeted with the incredible Tsusiat Falls. What a day! 17km hiked
DAY SIX:
TSUSIAT FALLS - MICHIGAN BEACH
After a big Day 5, the trail eases and the views are breathtaking. High above the pacific we pass by Valencia Bluffs, a significant piece of the trails history. Lunch at Tscowis Falls and on to Michigan Beach, a favourite and last night on trail. 13km hiked
DAY SEVEN:
MICHIGAN BEACH - PACHENA BAY
Only 12km to go! An incredible achievement is only 4 hours away. We travelled on much easier trail today looking forward to Sea Lion Rock and of course a burger and a beer at the Market in Bamfield…Congratulations!!! You did it!!! 12km hiked
Inclusions & Rate
Pre Trip Planning & Organization
Pre Trip Zoom meeting to review all the details as a group
Professional Association of Canadian Mountain Guides guide/s
1 night in West Coast Trail Lodge, Port Renfrew (based on dbl occupancy)
All on trail meals (cooked and prepared by the guides)
Transportation to and from Victoria
Parks permits & fees
Ferry fees
2025 Dates:
JUNE 12-19th, 2025
AUG. 31-SEP. 7th, 2025
$2349
Plus taxes & applicable fees