West Coast Trail: 2014 Hiker Preparation Guide
Contents
1. 5 7 days in the back country rugged uneven ground it takes approximately 2 days to travel the southern 22km of the trail between Gordon River and Walbran Creek slippery conditions on muddy trails wooden surfaces boulders and rocky shorelines wading rivers climbing ladders using cable cars following an irregular trail negotiating steep slopes and earth slumps damaged structures trail maintenance is ongoing a temperate rainforest climate Rainfall averages 330 cm 130 in per year with heavy rainfall possible at any time and frequent in May and J une Floodwaters can delay hikers for days Fog is common especially in J uly and August The average summer temperature is 14 Celsius 57 F Incidents of hypothermia and physical injury increase significantly during prolonged wet periods accidents and injuries it may take more than 24 hours for help to arrive The West Coast Trail is for hikers who are experienced in overnight backpacking experienced group leaders cannot compensate for inexperienced hikers able to hike long distances through rough terrain with a full backpack recurring knee back or ankle injuries are often aggravated on the trail prepared to have a wilderness experience able to wait if conditions warrant delays over twelve years of age Parks Canada will not issue a permit to children under 6 Pets and firearms are not permitted on the trail West Coast Trail Preparat2. Camp on the beach above the high tide line to reduce the impact and soil compaction in vegetated areas Ensure all washing bodies clothes and dishes is carried out in the ocean or at the mouth of rivers Dispose of any dirty water at least 30 metres from drinking water sources Use only biodegradable soap Your actions can kill wildlife and endanger hikers Use metal food lockers to store wildlife attractants if they are available and if they are not available hang your food garbage and toiletries out of reach of animals and away from tents Pacific Rim National Park Reserve of Canada West Coast Trail Preparation Guide 2014 10 A SAFE AND ENJ OYABLE TRIP Travel in the back country requires special attention to safety Hazards are numerous Eighty to 100 seriously injured hikers are evacuated from the WCT every season Approximately 200 hikers per year sustain minor injuries and manage to limp off the trail A considerable number of injuries on the WCT involve unprepared and inexperienced hikers Be prepared to hike all members of your party should be prepared to be carrying a heavy backpack for 5 7 days Ensure that your party takes time to enjoy your experience Many accidents and injuries occur when hikers are rushing not paying attention to terrain tired or hiking too late in the day Respect the capabilities of the slowest group member Take adequate rest breaks and keep the group together Never split up th
3. 6578 or 1 877 332 5333 Nitinat Village Motel or Campground 1 250 745 3844 Ditidaht First Nation Comfort Camping 250 7710 HIKE 4453 info westcoasttrail com www westcoasttrail com Nuu chah nulth First Nations 1 877 677 1131 or 250 724 5757 Tribal Council www nuuchahnulth org Report Marine Pollution 1 800 889 8852 Tide Tables Tofino www waterlevels gc ca Tofino Air 1 888 436 7776 or 604 740 8889 www tofinoair ca Between Vancouver Bamfield Tofino Victoria Clipper 1 800 888 2535 or 250 382 8100 Passenger Ferry www victoriaclipper com Seattle to Victoria Weather Forecasts VHF Channel 21 B Continuous automated forecast 250 726 3415 www weather gc ca West Coast Trail Express Bus 1 888 999 2288 or 250 477 8700 www trailbus com Victoria Nanaimo Bamfield Nitinat Village Port Renfrew Pacific Rim National Park Reserve of Canada West Coast Trail Preparation Guide 2014 15 SOUTHERN VANCOUVER ISLAND AND THE WEST COAST TRAIL UNIT OF PACIFIC RIM NATIONAL PARK RESERVE OF CANADA This map is not intended for hiking purposes Horseshoe Bay ios ae a _ Vancouver i Port Alberni i Nanaimo S 1 F d Ucluelet k wn peas oe ae n gaan a aad Lake Cowichan z A A Nitinat Village e Broken Group Bamfield Trailhead G 43 islands a Pachena Bay p Mesachie Ce gate Trailhead TAR i o m Lake West Coast Trail dins 4 Legend ils ae a Information Centre Po
4. ca pacificrim NEW FOR 2014 Phone 250 745 3999 Ditidaht First Nation Visitor Centre info westcoasttrail com Nitinat Village www westcoasttrail com OTHER HIKER SERVICES subject to change Alberni Valley Chamber of Commerce 2933 Port Alberni Hwy Port Alberni BC V9Y 8P2 290 724 6535 avcoc alberni net www avcoc com Bamfield Chamber of Commerce 250 728 3006 info bamfieldchamber com www bamfieldchamber com BC Ferries 1 888 223 3779 or 250 386 3431 international BCF on cell www bcferries com Vancouver Victoria Nanaimo Butch J ack Hiker Ferry Service 250 647 5517 ButchO23 telus net Gordon River Trailhead Fisheries and Oceans Canada Port Alberni Office Pacific Region 290 720 4440 Fishing and Paralytic Shellfish Poisoning Information 24 hour line sub area 23 8 604 666 2828 or 1 866 431 3474 www dfo mpo gc ca Pacific Rim National Park Reserve of Canada West Coast Trail Preparation Guide 2014 14 OTHER HIKER SERVICES subject to change Lady Rose Marine Services 1 800 663 7192 or 250 723 8313 April 1 Sept 30 Passenger Ferry www ladyrosemarine com Port Alberni to Bamfield passenger ferry Nitinat Lake Water Taxi 250 745 3509 across Nitinat Narrows and to Nitinat Village Hikers who are accessing the trail through Nitinat Vil lage or lake must check in at the Ditidaht First Nation Information Office to participate in an orientation and obtain their permit Juan de Fuca Water Taxi 1 888 755
5. foreign sailing ships started lighthouses and Victoria to arrive off this coast over 200 years ago As the years passed and the number of ships sailing the J uan de Fuca Strait increased so too Per by the Insular Mountain Range of did the number of shipwrecks and drownings hud Ben bes Pecs Canada While the lights and lines helped they were not enough to stop the number of shipwrecks from growing In 1906 when the steamship Valencia went down with the horrific loss of more than 125 lives the public outcry prompted the Canadian government into further action Pachena Lighthouse was constructed in 1907 lifesaving stations were established at Cloo ose and Bamfield the telegraph route was upgraded to become a life saving trail complete with six Shelters stocked with provisions for both Shipwreck victims and their rescuers As navigation technology improved many of these measures became obsolete and were abandoned In 1970 Pacific Rim National Park Reserve was established and in 1973 the lifesaving trail was included in the national park as a recreational hiking trail beginning a new chapter in its history Today backpackers know the trail as the West Coast Trail and come to see the beauty experience the challenges and walk the path of those that came before them However this rugged hike is not for everyone Pacific Rim National Park Reserve of Canada All hikers in your group must be prepared for
6. on the other side Hold the rope so that the car stays flush with the platform and carefully unload Do not bounce or sway the car Never bring it on or tie it to the platform Hikers must wade across some creeks and rivers Be prepared to wait for flood waters to subside this may take one or more days Wait for safe water levels and low tides undo your pack hip belt if you fall you can slip out of your pack more easily and wear running shoes or sandals Avoid crossing surge channels High tides can make beach walking very difficult and sometimes impossible Carefully follow both the tide tables Tofino and WCT map to avoid being trapped or cut off Watch also for large ocean waves and swells Consider the overnight high tide when pitching your tent on the beach Tsunamis dangerous as they are they do not happen very often If the ground shakes under your feet or you see the waterline quickly recede from the shore a tsunami may be coming Move to higher ground Follow tsunami evacuation routes Drinking water is available from most rivers and creeks Collect water upstream then purify boil or filter it From May to October the WCT is closed to harvesting and consumption of all bivalve shellfish clams mussels amp oysters due to reg ular occurrences of Paralytic Shellfish Poisoning PSP PSP can result in serious illness or death West Coast Trail Preparation Guide 2014 11 HOW TO CONTACT HELP IN AN EM
7. ERGENCY Hikers should be aware that help can be obtained by contacting lighthouse keepers First Nation trail guardians ferry operators or Parks Canada staff Some cell phones work at some locations along the trail and beaches Check with your carrier to see if you have coverage in this area VHF radios do work Devices such as SPOT InReach and satellite phones are often the only devices that will work on the WCT Be familiar with your device and understand between the SOS Emergency and messaging function Your hike is not the place to learn how to use your device Have pre entered messages and let your contact person know how to contact Parks Canada Emergency Response in case of an emergency Each hiking party is responsible for assisting injured members of their party If you are injured but can hike and don t need medical attention try to get off the trail at the nearest exit with assistance of your party or other hikers you should not continue hiking in the hope that your condition will improve and cannot hike to the nearest exit or you need medical attention follow the instructions in the West Coast Trail Safety Information sheet that is issued to all parties with the park permit Parks Canada staff are responsible for patrolling the WCT and assisting injured hikers The majority of evacuations are done by park public safety specialists by boat though a serious or complex evacuation may require assist
8. Pacific Rim National Park Reserve parkscanada gc ca PACIFIC RIM NATIONAL PARK RESERVE WEST COAST TRAIL 2014 HIKER PREPARATION GUIDE As one of 44 national parks and national park reserves across the country Pacific Rim National Park Reserve protects for all time a significant example of Canada s natural and cultural heritage to encourage public understanding appreciation and enjoyment for present and future generations Vancouver Island and facing the open along the coast In time the coastline became acific Ocean Pacific Rim National Park known as the Graveyard of the Pacific Reserve PRNPR represents and protects both the near shore waters and the coastal lowland To aid sailors navigating the shoals currents forests of Canada s west coast PRNPR is thick fogs and winter storms of the west coast the composed of three units Long Beach the Broken government of Canada established the Cape Beale Lighthouse in 1873 and the Carmanah Lighthouse Group Islands and the West Coast Trail WCT tis Saleh Fag e e e aa The 75 kilometre 47 mile WCT is part of the was operational a telegraph line had been strung ancient paths and paddling routes used for trade through the trails and traditional territories of and travel by First Nations Huu ay aht Ditidaht the Huu ay aht Ditidaht and Pacheedaht First and Pacheedaht villages and camps were well Nations to establish communications between the established before the
9. ance from other agencies Parks Canada staff will evacuate injured hikers to the nearest exit point ambulance or medical facility This is not necessarily the most convenient location for the injured hiker Pacific Rim National Park Reserve of Canada Minor complaints such as blisters sore feet fatigue and lack of food do not warrant evacuation LIVING WITH WILDLIFE Black bears wolves and cougars use the beaches and trails All wild animals are potentially dangerous To avoid a dangerous encounter with wildlife stay alert and keep these points in mind Keep food and garbage inaccessible to wildlife they are attractants Keep children close to you If you encounter a predator face the animal and retreat slowly giving them an avenue of escape do not run or play dead In the unlikely event of an attack try to appear big and aggressive shout wave a stick or throw rocks Knowledge alertness and a clean campsite can help avoid a dangerous encounter Never approach a predator Always give them an avenue of escape If you encounter a predator do not run it may trigger an attack Follow the recommendations in You are in Black Bear Country and You are in Wolf and Cougar Country Read the West Coast Trail bulletin and talk to the Parks Canada staff at the WCT Information Centres if you have questions West Coast Trail Preparation Guide 2014 12 EQUIPMENT To enjoy your WCT experience you must be com
10. ation Guide 2014 FEES All WCT Fees are per person An overnight use fee is required of all Fees incurred may vary depending overnight users of the WCT These fees on your travel route help support the cost of operating the WCT Reservation Fee e g rescue services information services construction of ladders cable cars boardwalks WCT Overnight Use Fee and bridges Ferry fees pay for passage across the Gordon River Ferry Fee Gordon River and Nitinat Narrows a service provided by the Ditidaht and Pacheedaht First Nations throughout the hiking season If entering or exiting the trail from the Nitinat Narrows the Nitinat Water Taxi fee is 62 50 per person one way for the service up the lake Hikers who are planning to exit the Nitinat Village Nitinat Ferry Fee Nitinat Narrows Water Taxi Fee trail at Nitinat can pay this fee at the Pachena Narrows one way Gordon River and Ditidaht First Nation Visitor Centre Your proof of payment for the Nitinat Hikers who are accessing the trail from Nitinat Water Taxi is your park permit Be prepared to Village are not required to pay the 16 00 Nitinat show this to the ferry operators Narrows Ferry Fee they can request drop off at either the north or south side of the Narrows A reservation fee is applicable when making a reservation through the Parks Canada Reservation Service Example of Fees A reserved A hiker hiker going going between between Pachena Bay Nit
11. e group During wet rainy weather occurrences of physical injury and hypothermia increase significantly Hypothermia is the lowering of the core body temperature if not stopped symptoms can progress from slurred speech and lack of co ordination to uncontrolled shivering to loss of consciousness and finally heart failure Ensure your party is warm dry and well fed Assume all walking surfaces are slippery at all times especially during damp or rainy periods Slippery conditions on muddy trails wooden surfaces boulders and rocky Shorelines are a major hazard Hiking too fast fatigue poor light conditions improperly balanced or heavy packs and inadequate footwear all contribute to injuries and accidents Bridges and Ladders Special care should be taken on any built structure No more than two persons should be on a ladder or bridge at one time Large groups should allow extra time to progress past ladder sections Pacific Rim National Park Reserve of Canada Cable Cars Keep your fingers hands and hair away from the pulleys Only two people and their gear per cable car Platforms can be very slippery use caution To enter use the rope to pull the car towards you Hold the car steady while you load your gear then carefully enter and stay seated When crossing the river let the rope go and gravity will move the car down the rope to the middle of the river You must then pull the rope hand over hand to reach the platform
12. fortable use quality lightweight equipment Your pack should weigh a maximum of 1 4 women to 1 3 men of your body weight Reassess the content of your pack if it is heavier than this Sturdy boots High quality hiking boots with good ankle and arch support are required Soft rubber soles provide better traction on slippery surfaces than hard soles Do not break in new boots on this hike Sandals or running shoes are good for wearing around camp and for river crossings Rainwear and warm clothing Bringa durable waterproof jacket and pants under layers that keep you warm when wet and are quick to dry as well as a warm hat and gloves Lightweight backpacking stove and fuel High energy lightweight quick cooking food Backpacks require a padded hip belt and Should be lined with plastic bags A tent with a waterproof fly is absolutely necessary Sleeping bag Synthetic fills are preferable as down bags lose warmth when wet Pack sleeping bags in waterproof bags and carry them inside the backpack Closed cell foam sleeping pad The latest edition of the Pacific Rim National Park Reserve West Coast Trail Map tide tables Tofino and a watch for use with tide tables First aid kit that includes treatments for blisters and insect stings 15 meters 50 ft of synthetic rope per group to hang food use as clothes line etc Cell phones Pacific Rim National Park Reserve of Canada e Also consider e aneme
13. inat and Gordon Village and River Gordon River a a Fyren s0 Water Taxi Fee Nitinat Village Nitinat Narrows one way TOTAL 184 00 206 00 Pacific Rim National Park Reserve of Canada West Coast Trail Preparation Guide 2014 e All fees are listed per person and in Canadian funds e Hikers making a reservation through the Parks Canada Reservation System pay the applicable fees at the time of their reservation e Pachena Bay and Gordon River standby hikers pay the applicable fees at the WCT Information Centre where cash traveller s cheques VISA MasterCard American Express debit cards and American currency are accepted e Hikers entering at Nitinat pay the applicable fees at the Ditidaht First Nation Visitor Centre where cash VISA MasterCard and debit cards are accepted e Visit our website or contact the national park for an up to date fee schedule prior to your departure Fees may change at any time New for 2014 Fees for Day Hikers Effective 2014 a park entry fee applies to day hikers those accessing and leaving the WCT from the same entrance on the same day The current rate structure for the park entry fee can be found at the Parks Canada website refer to the contact information section on page 13 CANCELLATION POLICY e Reservation Fee non refundable e Ferry Fees refunds for unused ferry services are available at the WCT Information Centres and Ditidaht First Nation Visitor Cen
14. ion Guide 2014 PLANNING YOUR TRIP The WCT is open from May 1st to September 30th Prolonged periods of heavy rain strong winds high tides large waves and short days necessitate closing the trail from October 1st to April 30th Maximum group size is 10 The only exceptions are school groups starting the trail between May ist 20th and September 19th to 25th Up to 18 hikers may be in these school groups Access and exit points Pachena Bay north Gordon River south and Nitinat mid point Access or exit at any other point is not permitted unless an evacuation is required Reference map located on page 15 Anyone interested in travelling the Nitinat Triangle or Cape Beale Headlands is required to contact the WCT Information Centre for information and permits Ditidaht First Nation s Tenting The Ditidaht First Nation are offering a luxury tenting opportunity at Tsuquadra on their traditional lands at IR2 These 4 person tents are complete with a wood burning stove wood floors cots and an outdoor deck Pacific Rim National Park Reserve of Canada WCT RESERVATION SERVICE amp PERMITS All people using the WCT unit require a park permit Day users require a Park Entry Pass day users are persons entering and exiting from the trail on the same day at the same location Overnight Users require a WCT Overnight Use Permit Permits and passes are issued at the Parks Canada WCT Information Centres Gord
15. led trips between Nitinat Narrows on the West Coast Trail and Nitinat Village e 8 30 am departure from the Nitinat Village Dock to Nitinat Narrows on the West Coast Trail e 5 30 pm departure from Nitinat Narrows on the West Coast Trail to Nitinat Village Dock West Coast Trail Preparation Guide 2014 Nitinat Village is a small remote community an overnight stay may be required There are overnight accommodation options at the Nitinat Motel or campground To Gordon River WCT Information Centre 5 km north of Port Renfrew e Drive from Victoria via Highway 14 2 hrs e Bus from Victoria 2 hrs with West Coast Trail Express Between Port Renfrew Nitinat Village and Bamfield by road e Bus 3 hrs with West Coast Trail Express Between Port Renfrew and Bamfield by water e Boat 3 5 hrs with J uan de Fuca Water Taxi MAKE A TRIP PLAN Before you leave for the trail write a trip plan leave it with a responsible person e g friend or family member Detail where you are going with whom when you plan to return and what to do if you do not return as planned A park permit does not fulfil this role Pacific Rim National Park Reserve of Canada AT THE ACCESS POINTS There are some basic tourism services at or near all access points These include accommodations campgrounds phones fuel some groceries and food services Nitinat does not offer fuel services and there are no banking services in the
16. n as early as 3 30 pm the day before their hike starts We strongly recommend hikers start the trail a minimum of 5 hours before sunset to ensure a camping area is reached before nightfall Hiking from Gordon River to Camper Bay in one day is not advisable Plan to camp at Thrasher Cove Statistics show that most accidents occur later in the day in this area If your party will arrive after 1 00 pm on the reserved start date you must contact the WCT Information Centre at your access point to prevent your reserved spaces from being given to hikers on stand by Orientations at Nitinat Village Hikers must call in advance maximum 1 week and minimum 24 hours of their planned arrival to pre arrange an orientation session and departure date time At the end of your hike register your party off the WCT Return one copy of the park permit to a WCT Information Centre or the Ditidaht First Nation Visitor Centre Permits can be placed in the marked drop box if the WCT Information centre or the Ditidaht First Nation Visitor Centre are closed Pacific Rim National Park Reserve of Canada 8 PROTECTING PRESENTING AND PRESERVING Parks Canada is responsible for ensuring the sustainability and integrity of the natural and cultural resources in its care Everyone can help to protect the ecological integrity and cultural heritage of the West Coast Trail Working with others we strive to provide Canadians and international visitors with
17. on River and Pachena Bay and at the Ditidaht First Nation Visitor Centre Nitinat Village In the shoulder season May Ist J une 14th and Sept 16th 30th Parks Canada does not restrict the number of hikers that can access the trail Upon completion of the orientation process all hikers can begin the trail During peak season J une 15th to Sept 15th to avoid overcrowding and reduce environmental damage Parks Canada limits the number of overnight hikers to 68 per day 30 from Pachena Bay 30 from the Gordon River and new for 2014 8 from Nitinat Village Pachena Bay Gordon River entries Hikers can access the trail by either making a reservation or registering on the standby list Per day fifty 50 spaces are available to hikers with reservations and ten 10 spaces are available for standby hikers Unused reservation spaces are made available to standby hikers For 2014 reservations can be made as of March 24th for any date during the reservable period June 15th to Sept 15th Standby List Hikers can register on the standby list when they arrive at either the Pachena Bay or Gordon River WCT Information Centre Wait times have on occasion reached two days West Coast Trail Preparation Guide 2014 4 Reservations for Gordon River and Pachena Bay entries are available online and through the Parks Canada Call Centre up to 2 days prior to departure _ Reservation Service Online Call Centre Reservation Se
18. rgency signalling device e cash for unexpected emergencies up 10 100 per person is recommended e water container water purification equipment e toilet paper e zip lock type plastic bags for keeping permits and other small items dry e lighter or waterproof matches e fire starter e garbage bags to pack out all your refuse e gaiters e sunscreen e lip screen e sunglasses e hand sanitizer e toiletries e flashlight e weather radio e repair kits for equipment e lightweight shoes for camp and river crossings e cooking and eating utensils e hiking staff or collapsible poles Do not bring an axe firearms or pets West Coast Trail Preparation Guide 2014 13 West Coast Trail Reservation Services 1 877 737 3783 toll free Canada and the US 519 826 5391 outside the toll free area reservation parkscanada gc ca Pachena Bay Bamfield Open daily 9 00 a m to 5 00 p m May 1 to Oct 5 West Coast Trail Information Centre Phone 250 647 5434 Gordon River Port Renfrew Open daily 9 00 a m to 5 00 p m May 1 to Oct 5 Pacific Rim National Park Reserve 2040 Pacific Rim Highway Administration Office P O Box 280 Ucluelet BC VOR 3A0 290 726 3500 year round Pacific Rim National Park Reserve 1 877 852 3100 24 hours toll free Resource Conservation amp Park Warden Office Park Information Centre Ucluelet 2791 Pacific Rim Highway 250 726 4212 Open daily May mid October pacrim info pe gc ca www pe ge
19. rt Renfrew EJ Trailhead Airport Highway Back Road Ferry Crossing West Coast Trail Pacific Rim National Park Reserve REFERENCES Available from the WCT Information Centre e The Pacific Rim National Park Reserve West Coast Trail Map Parks Canada 2012 e Canadian Tide and Current Tables Barkley Sound and Discovery Passage to Dixon Entrance Volume 6 Canadian Hydrographic Service Tofino Tide Table Pacific Rim National Park Reserve of Canada West Coast Trail Preparation Guide 2014
20. rvice is available 24 hours a day 8 a m 6 p m PST March 24th September 13th 2014 7 days a week Contact reservation parkscanada gc ca 1 877 737 3783 Canada amp USA 519 826 5391 International When making a reservation have the NEW FOR 2014 Nitinat Entries following ready Hikers wishing to access the trail at Nitinat mid point will go through the permitting orientation and payment process at the Ditidaht First Nation Visitor Centre in Nitinat Village Hikers must call to schedule their orientation process in advance e means of payment Visa MasterCard or as this office is only open by request Requests American Express can be made as much as one week in advance but no less than 24 hours in advance of the planned arrival time Eight overnight hike spaces are allotted to Nitinat per day and are available on a e an email address to send confirmation and first booked first served basis orientation information to e preferred start dates first choice and alternate dates e the number of hikers in your group e the access point you plan to start from Pachena Bay or Gordon River and kNote Nitinat Village entries are not reservable through the Parks Canada reservation service To make arrangements for access via Nitinat contact the Ditidaht First Nation Visitor Centre Refer to the contact information section on page 13 Pacific Rim National Park Reserve of Canada West Coast Trail Prepar
21. the opportunity to learn about Canada s heritage The entire national park falls within the traditional territory of the Nuu chah nulth people who have inhabited Vancouver Island s west coast for countless generations The Nuu chah nulth comprises many individual nations The West Coast Trail lies within the traditional territory of the Huu ay aht Ditidaht and Pacheedaht First Nations Parks Canada the Huu ay aht Ditidaht and Pacheedaht First Nations work collaboratively to ensure protection preservation and presentation of these lands We need your help Respectful behaviour from all hikers will lead to a safe and rewarding experience and contribute to a healthy functioning ecosystem West Coast Trail Preparation Guide 2014 9 BACK COUNTRY ETIQUETTE LOW Items should be a minimum of 4 metres 10 feet IMPACT CAMPING off the ground 3 metres 8 feet from the trunk of the tree and 3 metres down from the limb It is an offence under the Canada National Parks Act to collect remove Pack it in pack it out There are no garbage destroy or deface any natural or cultural cans on the WCT everything you pack in you must heritage resource within national park pack out including orange peels feminine hygiene boundaries This includes defacing artifacts products tarps ropes and wet clothes Before cutting trees for firewood or makeshift shelters arriving at the trail minimize packaging to reduce and collecting or remo
22. tre e WCT Overnight Use Fee cancellations made 21 days or more before the hike start date are eligible for refund A cancellation fee of 11 00 web or 13 50 voice per booking applies Pacific Rim National Park Reserve of Canada TRANSPORTATION TO AND FROM THE WEST COAST TRAIL Parks Canada provides this listing for the convenience of hikers Itis not intended as a testimonial for the services Hikers make their own arrangements for transportation services Refer to the map and telephone numbers provided on pages 11 13 Reservations are recommended Vehicles can be left at a number of locations near the access points Ask for details at the WCT Information Centres or the Ditidaht First Nation Visitor Centre To Pachena Bay WCT Information Centre 5 km south of Bamfield e Drive on gravel logging roads from Port Alberni 2 hrs or Duncan 3 hrs e Bus from Victoria 5 5 hrs Nanaimo 3 5 hrs with the West Coast Trail Express e Ferry from Port Alberni passengers only no vehicles 4 5 hrs with Lady Rose Marine Services To Ditidaht First Nation Visitor Centre in Nitinat Village 80 kms southeast of Port Alberni e Drive on gravel logging roads from Port Alberni 2 hrs or Duncan 2 5 hrs e See the Ditidaht First Nation website for detailed directions to Nitinat Village refer to the contact information section on page 13 Between Nitinat Village and Nitinat Narrows The Nitinat Water Taxi makes schedu
23. villages of Bamfield Port Renfrew and Nitinat Orientation Session All overnight users of the West Coast Trail participate in an orientation session and obtain a park permit The purpose of the orientation process is to e reduce the number of hiker injuries by providing information about safety issues e reduce environmental impacts by providing back country etiquette information e provide information about current issues and trail conditions e provide a brief history of the West Coast Trail and its place in Canada s history e issue park permits and collect fees If you have a Pachena Bay or Gordon River WCT reservation bring your reservation confirmation information to the orientation Hikers with reservations will be issued a waterproof Pacific Rim National Park Reserve West Coast Trail Map when they register on the trail Hikers who have not made a reservation can purchase the map during their orientation process for 8 50 Orientations at Gordon River Pachena Bay e Orientations are offered at 9 30 am 1 00 pm and 3 30 pm at the Gordon River WCT Information Centre and 9 30 am 12 30 pm and 3 00 pm at the Pachena Bay WCT Information Centre e Reservations are not necessary for the orientation process at the Gordon River or Pachena Bay trailheads West Coast Trail Preparation Guide 2014 The orientation process takes about 11 2 hours Hikers may register and participate in an orientation sessio
24. ving marine life shellfish garbage and weight fossils artifacts plants etc Leave Pacific Rim National Park Reserve in as good or better condition than you found it Fishing is permitted on the WCT Carry the appropriate licenses Non Tidal Angling License and Tidal Waters Sports Fishing License and Use a stove and minimize fires Donotrely follow the regulations and closures on fires for cooking staying warm or drying out Small driftwood fires are permitted below the high tide line on beaches fires are not permitted in the forest Use only driftwood no thicker than your wrist do not cut vegetation trees or other plants and keep fires away from beach logs Make sure fires have burned out or are extinguished with Respect other visitors and protect the water and dismantled No trace of the fire should quality of their experience be left First Nation reserves and treaty settlement lands located along the WCT are private property The First Nations welcome you and ask that you stay on the main trail and obey all signs Patrol cabins are not for hikers Support safe water use outhouses Outhouses are available at all designated camping areas If you are stuck between outhouses diga hole 20 centimetres 7 inch deep at least 30 metres three bus lengths away from water sources and well off the trail Bury the human waste Dispose of toilet paper in outhouses or pack it out Pack out all feminine hygiene products
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