West Coast Trail
~3 days · 28.6 mi · moderate · Point-to-point
Quick facts
What the West Coast Trail is known for
The West Coast Trail is a rugged coastal backpacking route along the southwest edge of Vancouver Island in British Columbia, running an official 75 km between Pachena Bay and Gordon River (Ridgefold's mapped geometry covers 46.1 km) within Pacific Rim National Park Reserve. Originally built as a life-saving trail for shipwreck survivors along this stretch of the "Graveyard of the Pacific," it threads beaches, tidal shelves, temperate rainforest, and a long series of ladders, cable cars, and boat crossings. It is a demanding point-to-point trail and one of the best-known backpacking routes in Canada.
Elevation profile
Elevation ranges from 39 ft to 558 ft over 28.6 mi. Measured from OSM geometry (approximate).
- Uphill 5.0 mi · 18%
- Downhill 2.6 mi · 9%
- Flat 20.8 mi · 73%
Ridgefold breaks every route into uphill, downhill, and flat — see the full per-day breakdown in the app.
How hard is the West Coast Trail?
On the Ridgefold Difficulty Index, the West Coast Trail scores 16/100, a relative rating across the 569 trails we've mapped, blending distance, elevation gain, and steepness. It is a comparison within our set, not an official rating.
Best season & permits
Season: The trail operates seasonally, roughly May through September, and is closed in the off-season when storms and washouts make the coast hazardous.
Permits: A paid Parks Canada reservation is required, along with an overnight use permit and a mandatory orientation before starting; ferry crossings on the route also carry fees.
Official trail & permit info
Always confirm current conditions, closures, and permit rules with the managing authority before your trip.
Frequently asked questions
How many days does the West Coast Trail take?
Most backpackers hike the West Coast Trail in about 3 days (2 nights out) over its 28.6 miles, though pace varies with fitness and conditions.
How much elevation gain is on the West Coast Trail?
The West Coast Trail climbs roughly 3,136 ft total — about 110 ft per mile, topping out near 627 ft.
When is the best time to hike the West Coast Trail?
The trail operates seasonally, roughly May through September, and is closed in the off-season when storms and washouts make the coast hazardous.
Do you need a permit for the West Coast Trail?
A paid Parks Canada reservation is required, along with an overnight use permit and a mandatory orientation before starting; ferry crossings on the route also carry fees.
Related trails
Sources & attribution
Route geometry and stats derived from OpenStreetMap (© OpenStreetMap contributors, ODbL) — source relation. Stats are approximate and may differ from official surveys; permit rules and conditions change — verify with the managing authority before your trip. Last reviewed July 2026.