West Coast Trail : 2007-08-16 : Prep/Planning

Trip Log Trip List Calendar

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Tip
Type Name Description Service Provider Cost Notes Actions
General Info Planning and Preparation Meetings and practice trips $0.00
  • April 26 mtg, 7PM, Rhonda's apartment (#204) or Marty's apartment (#114)
  • May 12 mtg, 7PM, Rhonda's (#204) or Marty's (#114)
  • June 16/17 Practice Trip #1 - Lake Minnewanka (or, other suggestions?)
  • July 14/15 Practice Trip #2 – Elk Lake per Ed’s suggestion
General Info West Coast Trail BC $0.00 To obtain access via the reservation system:
Reservations are taken March 1 to September 30 and may be made 7 days a week between 7:00 a.m. and 6:00 p.m. (PST/PDT). They cost $25.00 per hiker. Reservations are available only for the current year hiking season (May 1 to September 30) and can only be changed if spaces are available. Reservations are recommended but optional.

Hikers wanting to ensure a space within the quota system for the hiking season can now choose from a full month of possible starting dates for their hike. Now, beginning on the first day of each month, for three months out, they can request any start date. If someone calls in March, they now have the opportunity to book the start of their hike for any day during the month of May. Reservations for the entire month of June open on April 1st, for July on May 1st, and so on.

To make a reservation call the Super Natural British Columbia Reservation Service at:
Greater Vancouver: 1 (604) 435-5622
Within Canada & USA: 1-800-435-5622
Outside Canada & USA: 1 (250) 387-1642

The non-refundable reservation fee gives each hiker:
  1. a guaranteed start date for their hike
  2. a weather proof map of the trail
  3. a hiker preparation guide.
General Info General Tips Meeting/presentation from guide Rob $0.00 Tips from Rob:
  1. Gordon River Ferry – be ON TIME – 9AM
  2. Wet clothes and dry clothes
  3. Take only one pole (you need a free hand to grab trees and such)
  4. Make sure you get tide tables from Tofino (other ones aren't accurate for WCT)
  5. Thrasher Cove very small and crowded
  6. Bring about $100 cash
  7. De-package food to reduce garbage
  8. Segregate smelly stuff for night storage
  9. Pack food in center of pack to stay cool
  10. Bring earplugs for camping on first night
  11. Don’t bother with tent pegs or footprint
  12. Use the Tofino tide tables ONLY
  13. Line bags with garbage bags
  14. For flight travel, put your backpack in a duffel or hockey bag
  15. Give the duffel bag to WCT express on AM of 18th
  16. Make sure zip-off pantlegs go over the boots
  17. To convert mini-gaiters contact Neil at Alpine Threadworks at 282-7030
General Info Decisions Decisions to make $0.00 Questions:
  1. North to South or South to North?
    • South to North: Port Renfrew to Bamfield: Harder to Easier: School of thought - Get the hard stuff over with while you’re fresh
    • North to South: Bamfield to Port Renfrew: Easier to Harder: School of thought - Save the hard stuff for when you’re conditioned and are carrying less weight
    Our Choice: South to North – Port Renfrew to Bamfield
  2. Question 2: How Many Days?
    • Average is seven days
    • Five is also common
    • Shorter and longer are also possible
    Our Choice: SEVEN
General Info West Coast Trail Reservation Confirmation Your party of 6 is reserved to start the West Coast Trail at Port Renfrew on 2007-08-18. $0.00 Your confirmation number is 2135815-1.

Pre-Trip Planning: Visit the Pacific Rim National Park Reserve website for planning information and for the latest updates about storm damage along the West Coast Trail. http://www.pc.gc.ca/pn-np/bc/pacificrim/index_e.asp.

Trail Map: As part of your reservation, each hiker in your party will receive a Parks Canada West Coast Trail Map. Along with a watch and tide tables this waterproof map is critical to backpackers navigating the beaches, creeks and trail along the West Coast Trail. The map will be issued with your West Coast Trail Overnight Use Permit at the West Coast Trail Information Centre.

Orientation Session: All overnight users of the West Coast Trail participate in an orientation session prior to hiking. Orientation sessions are offered at 9:30 AM, 1:30 PM and 3:30 PM at the West Coast Trail Information Centre. Hikers may participate in orientation sessions as early as 3:30 PM the day before their hike starts. Hikers with reservations who will arrive after 1:00 PM on their reserved start date must contact the West Coast Trail Information Centre to prevent their reserved space from being given to hikers on standby.

Pachena Bay West Coast Trail Information Centre: 250-728-3234

Gordon River West Coast Trail Information Centre: 250-647-5434

Fees & Penalties: The reservation fee paid to Tourism BC is non-refundable. The overnight use fees are eligible for a refund through Tourism BC if cancellations are made more than 21 days in advance of the hike start date. Note: a cancellation fee of $6.42 per booking will apply.

FEES

A use fee is required of all overnight users of the WCT. Use fees help support the cost of operating the WCT (e.g. rescue services, information services, regular maintenance, construction of ladders, cable cars and bridges).

Ferry fees pay for passage across the Gordon River and Nitinat Narrows, a service provided by Quu’as West Coast Trail Society throughout the hiking season. All ferry fees are paid at the WCT information centre when you obtain your permit. Your proof of payment is your WCT Overnight Use Permit. Be prepared to show this to the ferry operators. Hikers without a valid permit will be denied passage.

A reservation fee is applicable when making a reservation through Super Natural BC (SNBC).

WCT FEES (as of January 2007)
Reservation Fee $24.75
WCT Overnight Use Fee $128.75
Ferry Fee Gordon River $15.00
Ferry Fee Nitinat Narrows $15.00
Travel Resource West Coast Trail Express $0.00
Service
Type Name Description Service Provider Cost Notes Actions
Other Pacific Rim National Park Reserve $0.00


Trip Log

Notes Actions
In 2007, Legendary Ed (at 85-years-old) was the oldest person to hike the West Coast Trail. Karen and I were honored to do it with him.

Not only did he do the trail, but it was the hardest year to do it in recent history. In spring 2007 they had a devastating storm that caused a LOT of damage to the trail. They didn't even know if they'd be able to open it that year, the damage was so extensive. But, they made a hasty, herculean effort and got the trail open, but it was HARD... harder than in "normal" years.


Photos

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