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West Coast Trail checklist

The West Coast Trail on Vancouver Island is a spectacular 75km backpacking route along potentially hazardous terrain. It’s a wild trail that takes 5–7 days to hike and has nearly 70 ladders, 130 bridges and four cable cars. To enjoy it fully, do your research, check the forecast, take wet weather gear and be prepared for emergencies. For what to bring on the West Coast Trail, use the checklist below.

See West Coast Trail gear checklist pdf

Sleeping and shelter

Shared items for your hiking group:

Camp kitchen

Shared items for your hiking group:

Hiking gear

Shared items for your hiking group:

  • Hiking permit in a sealed plastic bag
  • Tide chart in a sealed plastic bag
  • West Coast Trail guidebook (Blisters and Bliss or Hiking the West Coast Vancouver Island)
  • Topographic West Coast Trail map (hikers with reservations will receive a map during their orientation)
  • Compass
  • GPS (optional)
  • Large sealed plastic bag to store guide, map, compass and GPS

Safety gear

Shared items for your hiking group:

Clothing

When it comes to materials, leave the cotton behind. Make sure your hiking shorts, long johns, pants, t-shirts, underwear and sports bra are made of quick-drying materials that wick moisture.

Personal items

Optional items: