West Coast Trail

1. The West Coast
Trail
August 24th - August 31st, 2021
Welcome SAIT students!

2. Who am I?

3. The Plan
1. What is the WCT?
2. Preparation/Expectations
3. Terrain
4. Campsites
5. Food
6. Free time
7. Reflection
8. Questions/Comments

4. What is the West Coast Trail?
● 75 kilometers
● Beach + Forest Hiking
● Port Renfrew - Bamfield, Vancouver Island, British Columbia
● 6 - 8 days ( We took 7 )
● 70 Ladders, 130 bridges and 4 cable cars

6. Preparation
How Do I Register?
● Visit “Parks Canada” Website
(https://www.pc.gc.ca/en/index)
● In 2021, registration opened April
17th, @ 8am (be ready before)
● Waiting list, 2000 people ahead…

7. Preparation
What Supplies Do I Bring?
Clothes
● Lots of underwear + socks
● 3 or 4 shirts
● 2 Pants + 2 shorts (water resistant)
● Rain + down jacket
● Good quality hiking boots
● Gaiters
● Hiking Poles (Optional)
● Towel
Camping Gear
● Small Tent w/ rain cover
● Compactable sleeping mat/bag
● Headlamp + flashlight
● Rope
● Water filter
● Big water bottle
● Propane stove + extra canisters
● First Aid Kit
● Dry bags

8. How much does this cost?
Four Main Payments
1. 7 nights x 3 people - 600$ ( 200$ per person)
2. National Park Pass - 120$ ( 40$ per person)
3. Shuttle back to starting point - 270$ ( 90$ per person)
4. Boat rides x 2 - 180$ (60$ per person)
OVERALL - 390$ per person but… THIS IS ONLY FOR THE ACTUAL HIKE
Realistically, I spent about 800$ for the WHOLE 12 day excursion. This also include 3 days in
Ucluelet + Tofino beforehand and 2 days in Vancouver/Victoria and purchasing last minute
supplies for the trail.

9. EXPECTATIONS?
Positive:
● Excited to step into the unknown
● Looking forward to 0 cell service,
technology and not going through
the motions of what is expected in
society
● Eager to spend more time with close
friends
Negative:
● Concerned about food, preparation,
outdoor skills
● Concerned about weather
conditions
● Didn’t know what I was about to get
myself into
(before the trail)

10. LET THE TRAIL BEGIN....

11. TERRAIN
TWO MAJOR
TERRAINS
1. Walking along
the shoreline
2. Walking in the
rain forrest

12. Shoreline Walking
What to Expect
● Harder Terrain (Sand + Boulders)
● Be aware of the rising Tides (Explain this)
● Fascinating Aquatic creatures + geologic
structures
● Slippery, be very cautious

16. Rainforest Walking
What to Expect
● Lots of Diversity in environment
● Extremely well/poorly maintained…
● Wildlife
● VERY WET/MUDDY!!!
● Slippery
● Ladders, Bridges and Cable cars

17. VS.

20. REMINDER** 70 Ladders + 130 Bridges

21. CAMPSITES

22. What to Expect...
● All beautiful campsites…
10/10
● Plan out your route based on
time (14 campsites)
● Arrive early
● All on the beaches, next to
ocean
● Step out of your comfort
zone! Share stories with
people

23. 6:37pm 7:38pm

24. Vs. outside
the tent...

26. Food
What to expect....
● Always hungry...
● Conserve your food even if it’s
available
● Gained Appreciation for every meal
● Bring extra fuel canisters!
● CRAB SHACK!

27. What We Ate...
Breakfast Lunch Dinner Snacks
Day 1 N/A N/A Jambalaya Orzo N/A
Day 2 Oatmeal +
dehydrated fruit
Instant Noodles Dehydrated
Lasagna
Trail mix + granola
bar
Day 3 Oatmeal +
dehydrated fruit
Beef Jerky, Tortilla
w/nutella
Dehydrated
couscous
Trail mix + granola
bar
Day 4 Oatmeal +
dehydrated fruit
Instant Noodles Dehydrated
Lasagna
Trail mix + granola
bar
Day 5 Oatmeal +
dehydrated fruit
CRAB SHACK!!!! Pine nut lemon
Spaghetti
Trail mix + granola
bar
Day 6 Oatmeal +
dehydrated fruit
Instant Noodles Dehydrated
couscous
Trail mix + granola
bar
Day 7 Oatmeal +
dehydrated fruit
Beef Jerky, Tortilla
w/nutella
N/A Trail mix + granola
bar

28. The Crab Shack! (Day 5)

29. Free Time
What to Expect...
● Some of the best conversations of your
life
● Lots of time for self reflection
● Finding pleasure in simple things - swims,
food, books, exploring objects on the
beach
● You will be tired… but try to meet new
people!

31. Reflection time...
Major Takeaways...
● Life Changing
● 7 Days “Unplugged”
● Augmented Mental Clarity
● Appreciation for the strength + Diversity of life
● Appreciation for food
● Bonding with friends
● Responsibility to help maintain our earth to the best
of our abilities

32. What Went Well?
● Weather
● Supplies
● Time
● Safety
● Growth (confidence, appreciation,
gratitude, experience)
● Fun
What Could Have Gone Better?
● Earlier mornings
● Injuries
● more research for trails off the
main trail I.e. waterfalls
● more wildlife

33. Any Questions or Comments?