Hike the west coast trail with playwest
Ready to embark on an epic adventure on the West Coast Trail? If you're looking for a challenge on one of Canada’s most iconic backpacking trails, this is it!
With its mix of lush rainforest, towering sea cliffs, roaring waterfalls, and windswept beaches, every step brings a new scene straight out of a dream. Our guided West Coast Trail expeditions offer safe, supported access to this remote and rugged terrain, including bucket-list stops like Tsusiat Falls, Carmanah Point, and historic shipwreck sites.
With ever-changing terrain that includes ladders, cable cars, boardwalks, and tide-dependent crossings, this trail is as physically demanding as it is wildly beautiful. It’s not just a hike, it’s a full-on adventure, a challenge to be met and remembered.
Join us for a journey where each campfire, crashing wave, and foggy forest feels like something out of another world.
What the Playwest Adventurers Say
Hiking reviews
Rated 5 stars on Google
Would highly recommend Playwest and Chris as the hiking guide. He is very passionate about our incredible wilderness and shares this and his great humour freely. This was our first 5-day back country experience and certainly will not be our last. Chris is all of this and a great mountain chef too! An experience we will never forget. Everyone should (Re)Connect with Playwest Mountain Experience!
Late this summer, a group of friends and I completed the West Coast Trail with Playwest Mountain Experience. Chris and his associate guide Taylor were instrumental in making a spectacular adventure even better. The WCT has an amazing variety of terrain and scenery, and with Playwest, we also learned more about the land, stayed safe on this very demanding trail, and had delicious meals and snacks for us throughout the seven day trek as well. If you want to experience the WCT, I can’t think of a better way to do so than with Playwest Mountain Experience!
John W
Google - 5 Stars
Things to know about
Hiking The West Coast TRail
The West Coast Trail is one of Canada's most iconic multi-day hikes, stretching 75 km along the wild, rugged coastline of Vancouver Island. This bucket-list adventure takes you through dense rainforest, across suspension bridges, up and down ladders, and along remote beaches, offering a challenging and unforgettable backcountry experience.
This is not your average hike. The West Coast Trail hike is physically demanding, with muddy trails, tide-dependent sections, river crossings, and steep ladders. Hikers should be in good physical condition and prepared for long days carrying a full pack. For the Playwest West Coast Trail hike, we'll set you up with a training plan to ensure you're prepared for the challenge.
Expect wet weather, even in summer. Rain can make trail conditions slippery and unpredictable. Waterproof gear, layered clothing, and dry bags are essential. We will ensure you've packed the right gear for hiking and can even provide rental hiking gear, if needed. Before your hike, we'll check tide charts and weather forecasts so we are well prepared.
The trail is managed by Parks Canada, and permits are required. The hiking season typically runs from May to September, and spots fill up quickly. Not to worry though, we've already got the permits covered! All you need to do is respect all park rules and follow Leave No Trace principles to protect these fragile coastline environments.
The trail is home to bears, cougars, and wolves, so storing food properly and following Leave No Trace principles is crucial. In our safety briefing, we will teach you how to carry and use bear spray, and during the hike we'll ensure food is stored properly.
Hikers need to be transported between trailheads, and access is limited. Playwest takes care of these logistics and the transport. All you need to do is show up on Day 0 ready for an adventure!
Want to go hiking somewhere else?
