Juan de Fuca Trail

As low as:

$1,125.00 / person

(at 6:1 ratio)
  • STRENUOUSNESS
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  • TECHNICAL DIFFICULTY
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About


Stunning scenery, roaring surf and abundant wildlife are all features of the Juan de Fuca Trail, which runs 42 km along the southwest coast of Vancouver Island. This spectacular yet accessible coastal hike offers a wonderful wilderness experience for those looking to become better acquainted with Vancouver Island’s rugged coastline.

Please note that this trip is priced as a five-day adventure. Fit parties may choose to do it in four days. Please contact us for the price of a four-day trip.

Included in the price:

  • 5 days of guided hiking
  • Camping fees

Not included in the price:

  • Transport to the trailhead and from the end point*
  • Personal equipment (camp kit and cook kit available for rent)
  • Food

*we can arrange the shuttle with participants' vehicles or organize a commercial service for an additional fee

Questions? Check out our FAQ page for details about our booking and cancellation policy, and other commonly asked questions or send us an email. 

Location


This trip is a point-to-point thru hike and requires either a shuttle or drop a car at the Botanical Beach Trailhead. 

The West Coast Trail Express shuttle stops in Victoria, Sooke, China Beach, Sombrio Beach, Parkinson Creek, Port Renfrew, and connects to Nanaimo. Depending on the distance between stops, shuttles can be between $50-$140 per person depending on the distance between stops. Please get in touch if you would like us to organize a shuttle for you and we will incorporate it into the price of the trip. 

Itinerary


We will take five days to walk the trail to ensure a leisurely pace and lots of time to explore and relax. Exact camping locations are left flexible for the guide and the group to decide what conditions (weather and group) dictate are the best places to stop each day.

  • Day 1: Meet at the Southwest Juan de Fuca Trail Trailhead (China Beach)
  • Days 2 to 4: Complete the trail, stopping where and when it suits the group (and conditions at the time)
  • Day 5: Finish at the Northwest Juan de Fuca Trail Trailhead (Botanical Beach)

Exact meeting and logistical details will be provided in a pre-trip email sent one-week prior to your trip. 

Questions? Check out our FAQ page for details, or send us an email. 


Requirements


To ensure the safety and enjoyment of participants, we ask that participants who join this trip meet the following requirements: 

  • Ability to carry 15-20kg of weight over uneven terrain for 4-5 hours over 5 days (including sections of mud, sand, boulders and rooted sections)
  • Have a basic understanding of your gear, and any limitations 
  • Are prepared to spend five days outside in variable conditions (please see gear list)

Preparation


Regular hikes on uneven terrain with a load on will get you in shape for this trip. The terrain encountered on this trip will include sand, pebble beaches, as well as muddy and rooted sections.

Questions? Check out our FAQ page, or send us an email. If you do not feel you meet these requirements, feel free to reach out – we are happy to set up private trips whenever possible.

Gear List 


Temperatures on this trip could range from 5°C at night to low 30°C (+) during the day. Ensure all clothing and equipment are in good repair, and fitted properly to you. The list below should work for these conditions.
 
Clothing:
 
  • Long underwear (top and bottom), poly-pro, wool or silk
  • Mid-weight jacket, wool, fleece, synthetic or down
  • Rain gear (jacket and pants)
  • Toque, wool or fleece
  • T-shirt or long-sleeved shirt (white or other light colour - cotton can be helpful for wicking on hot days)
  • Lightweight hiking pants, nylon or similar
  • Hiking shorts (if prefered for river crossings)
  • Gloves

 
Footwear:
 
  • Hiking boots (suitable for carrying a 30 lb. load over rough terrain)
  • 2 x pairs of socks, wool or synthetic blend
  • 2 x pairs of liner socks, poly-pro or silk (optional)
  • Gaiters that fit your boots (optional - for mud)
  • Lightweight sandals (optional for river crossing and around camp)

Sleeping:
 
  • Sleeping bag (warm to -5°C)
  • Therm-a-rest or other sleeping pad (available for rent)
  • 3-season tent (available for rent)
 
Cooking:
 
  • Small cooking pot (available for rent)
  • Fuel canister (available for rent)
  • Stove (available for rent)
  • Lighter
  • 4 breakfasts, 5 lunches (ready to eat), 4 dinners, various snacks.  For tasty, nutritous and locally pre-made dinners check out https://wildedgeketo.com/
  • Eating vessel and utensils

Other:
 
  • Sun hat
  • Sunglasses with 100% UV block
  • Sunscreen, SPF lip balm
  • Toothbrush and a small container of toothpaste
  • 2 x 1 liter water bottles (or a 2L bladder)
  • Water purification system
  • Pocket knife
  • Head-lamp with spare batteries
  • Small first aid kit (optional)
  • Hiking poles (optional but recommended)
  • Camera (optional)
  • Hand sanitizer
  • 50L+ backpack with waist belt (or something large enough to carry the contents of this list)

Group gear

Your guide will bring any group gear, including communication and emergency equipment. You are only required to bring the items on this list. 

Rentals


The following items are available for rent as an “Add On” when you book (or upon request). These are available on a first come, first serve basis:
 
  • Camp Kit (includes tent and sleeping mat) - $45.00
  • Cook Kit (includes pot, stove and fuel) - $60.00

If you require other from the personal gear list, you can check out Sports Rent based out of Victoria. 
Questions? Send us an email or read our blog for advice on choosing appropriate gear.

Testimonials

Our trip on the Juan the Fuca was amazing. Our guide was excellent and a great cook. Wonderful! Angela O. , UK
Thanks for the wonderful experience! We had a great guide with Derek, and he gave helpful hints when needed. And to me it was an extra bonus that he cooked for us! Simone O., UK