North Coast Trail

As low as:

$1,910.00 / person

(at 4:1 ratio)
  • STRENUOUSNESS
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  • TECHNICAL DIFFICULTY
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About 


The rewards are great on the North Coast Trail. On this rugged 7-day trek, explore a beautifully remote stretch of Vancouver Island along a wilderness trail that teems with wildlife, and winds through old growth forest, bogs, beaches and bights. This incredible trail is the most demanding coastal hike on the island, and is best suited to adventurous hikers looking for a challenge. Cape Scott and the North Coast Trail are rich in First Nations and Danish Settler history and offer an unforgettable experience.

This trip is priced for 7 days, but this trip can be completed anywhere from 5-9 days depending on the route taken and general fitness level of the group. Contact us for pricing if you would prefer to do this in a shorter or longer time-frame. 

Included in the price:

  • 7 days of guided hiking
  • Hiking permit
  • Camping fees
  • Water taxi from Port Hardy to Shushartie Bay
  • Vehicle transfer from Cape Scott trail head back to Port Hardy

Not included in the price:

  • Transport to and from Port Hardy*
  • Clothing
  • Personal equipment (some items available as an “add on” when you book)
  • Food 

*We can arrange this 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 a water taxi from Port Hardy to start, and a shuttle at the end.  

  • Open year round, but permits required through main hiking season: May through September. 
  • There are 7 designated campsites which offer pit toilets, water access, bear caches and tent sites. 
  • The official trail runs 43 km, with options to add 16-20 km

Itinerary


We will take seven 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. Please contact us to discuss the itinerary, shuttles and updated pricing, as this is subject to change. 

  • Day 1: Meet in Port Hardy to take water taxi to trailhead at Shushartie Bay
  • Days 2 to 6: Complete the trail, stopping where and when it suits the group (and conditions at the time)
  • Day 7: Finish at Cape Scott Trailhead and take shuttle back to Port Hardy along logging roads.

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 7 days (including sections of mud, sand, boulders and rooted sections)
  • Have a basic understanding of your gear, and any limitations 
  • Are prepared to spend seven 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 which you will encounter on this trip could range from 5°C at night to the low 30s by day. The list below should work for these conditions.
 
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
  • 6 breakfasts, 7 lunches (ready to eat), 5 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) - $30.00
  • Cook Kit (includes pot, stove and fuel) - $35.00

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

There are currently no testimonials for this trip yet.