Ancient rainforests, blue alpine lakes, wildflower meadows, meandering streams, cascading waterfalls, secluded beaches and views that will take your breath away...these
are the rewards that await hikers in this pristine wilderness. Literally every community and provincial park in the region has a network of hiking and walking trails. For more information, maps and suggestions on shorter hikes and walks, check with Visitor Info
Centers in the areas you are visiting
If hiking is the focus of your holiday, here
are a few of the longer and more challenging
treks that draw hikers from around the world...
The West Coast Trail — Part of the Pacific Rim National Park Reserve of Canada, this 75-km hike along the southwest coast of Vancouver Island takes a minimum of five days to complete and requires preparation for total self-sufficiency. Challenges to hikers along this slippery, irregular trail include steep slopes, ladders, cable cars and deep gullies bridged with fallen logs. The scenery, however, makes it all worth while: old-growth rainforest, spectacular beaches, surge channels, abundant marine life, cliffs, sea stacks and the alt powerful Pacific Ocean. With a limited number of first come, first serve spots available daily, advance reservations are recommended.
Cape Scott Trail — One of several trails in Cape Scott Provincial Park. this 27-km overnight hiking route is located on the northern tip of Vancouver Island. The trail features extraordinary views of the rugged coastline, sparkling beaches, dense forest and abandoned Danish settlements and farms.
The Nootka Trail — Located on Nootka Island, this rugged, 35-km trek leads through pristine forest, along rocky shorelines and past ancient First Nations sites. Accessible from Gold River by float plane, boat or the MV Uchuck Ill, a passenger and freight vessel, this trail takes about three days to complete because extra time must be allowed for tides.
The Juan de Fuca Marine Trail — West of Victoria and Sooke, along the West Coast Road (Hwy. 14), this 47-km trail is divided into four individually accessible sections, allowing hikers the option of day hikes or overnight hikes of up to four days. The trail stretches along the coastline and features awe inspiring ocean views and ample wildlife watching opportunities.
Ahousaht Wildstde Heritage Trail—This full day, guided adventure begins in TofinO with a 30 minute water taxi ride to Flores island. The Nuu-chah-nulth community of Ahousaht IS the starting point of this 11 km hike along white sand beaches and through the forests of Flores Island.
Strathcona Provincial Park — At 250,445 hectares, Strathcona Provincial Park is huge and boasts an excellent network of hiking trails for all experience levels. Located in the Comox Valley and close to Campbell River, this park is one of our most popular recreation areas.
The Cowichan River Footpath — A beautiful trail along one of Vancouver Island’s most picturesque rivers (the Cowichan is a designated provincial heritage river), the Cowichan River Footpath stretches 20 km from just west of Duncan to Skutz Falls.
Mount Arrowsmith — Just west of Coombs/ Errington in Oceanside, the Mount Arrowsmith area offers several moderate to difficult hiking trails, including a five-hour hike from the Cameron Lake picnic site. Mount Arrowsrnith Regional Park is accessible from Hwy. 4. The area between Mount Arrowsmith and the shores of Oceanside has been designated a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve.
The Log Train Trail — Once a rail bed for logging trains, this 20-km hiking and cycling trail begins at the Visitor Info Centre in Port Alberni and meanders through the forests of the Alberni Valley to the McLean Mill National Historic Site. This historic mill can also be reached by an equally impressive restored steam train.
Wild Pacific Trail — This spectacularly scenic trail in Ucluelet has two sections: an easy 2.5 km section that includes Amphitrite Point and Lighthouse, and a more difficult section that traces the shoreline for almost five km. |
Plan a Trip 
