It includes all the places I mention in this post. There are wolves and bears. Look for a trail heading into the forest, marked with a hanging buoy. If you don’t want to hike the Cape Scott trail, but would like a excellent day adventure from the Port Hard area, this is a most worthy destination for the day. Walking the overland trail between Nel’s Bight and Bowen Beach. The mud pools between disintegrating boardwalk and logs creating a difficult hiking surface. Take the short trail to Eric Lake to relax on the gravel beach. The Cape Scott Trail is located at the northern tip of Vancouver Island. This is the most popular campground on the Cape Scott Trail, and arguably the most beautiful. There are so many little rocks and logs and things to trip over. Cross the fancy new bridge (built on top of a massive log). As the bog ends and you reenter the forest, you’ll reach another junction. The book also includes a lot of "extras" including suggested itineraries, UTM coordinates, and regional information for making the most of your trip. Day one involves a 16.8 km hike from the trailhead to Nels Bight. The eastern portion of the park contains a number of estuaries that are accessible only by boat. Lowrie Bay and Experiment Bight see a handful of campers each year. I have an older version of this map and it has some good info about history and points of interest. Most hikers take the water taxi to the Shushartie Bay trailhead and hike westbound. If you take the shuttle to the trailhead or are doing the North Coast Trail and need to take a water taxi, that will also add to your costs. We returned to the bight on a very narrow game trail through the tall grass. Turn right to continue towards Cape Scott. We service: The North Coast Trail, Port Hardy, Port McNeill, Rivers Inlet, Shushartie Bay, Bella Bella, Drury Inlet, Sayward, Klemtu, Calvert Island, Bella Coola, Smiths Inlet, Seymour Inlet, Kingcome Inlet, Knights Inlet and more. We had to deal with a flat tire on our drive out. It heads slightly uphill and becomes very wet and slippery as you work you way over sections of old settlers corduroy road. Always drive with your headlights on. As you will see in the map legends,the maps indicate completed trail sections in green, sections of the route using roads in yellow, proposed/projected sections of trail in olive green, and sections over water in blue. The settlers would land boats full of supplies there, then haul them up this road to their homesteads near Hansen Lagoon. Continue on this road, following signs for Cape Scott at all forks for another 19km. Over 100 years ago, Danish settler built a series of dykes across Hansen Lagoon to convert the tidal salt marsh to pastures. Cape Scott has a large wolf population. Cape Scott, Cape Scott Trail, Regional District of Mount Waddington, British Columbia, Canada (50.78656-128.43062). Did you find it busier this year with the West Coast Trail closed for the season? At about 2.7km from the trailhead, descend some stairs and cross a creek. I hadn’t been to Cape Scott in a few years, and we did visit over the Canada Day holiday, so it did seem a bit busier than I remember. Stay on the main trail as it heads into the forest. Each year, thousands of backpackers and nature lovers head to the northern limits of Vancouver Island, bound for the jewel of the region: Cape Scott Provincial Park and the recently completed North Coast Trail. Within a few minutes, you will encounter a huge section of blowdown. If you visit in the winter, you can stay in the cabin! The trail to Cape Scott isn't especially technical but it's not easy. In the early 1900s, several hundred Danish settlers tried to homesteads and farms in the area. | Food Storage: Food locker near the outhouse. Abandoned tractor hidden off to the side of the trail. Go left to continue to Cape Scott. The Cape Scott trail perfectly show cases the diversity of Canada's wilderness. Thankfully there is lots of boardwalk through this section, and for the most part, the walking is easy. You’ve finally made it to the beach campground at Nel’s Bight! Cross the creek where it flows out onto the sand and follow the shoreline for a minute or so. The other one, marked Second Dyke, deadends beside the tree-covered dyke. However, there are a few deep mud holes in between boardwalks that you will need to navigate around. The path follows an old Danish settlers’ road. ©Taryn Eyton 2014-2020 All Rights Reserved, Other Trails in Cape Scott Provincial Park, Quatse River Regional Park and Campground, Backcountry Permits section of BC Parks’ Discover Camping portal, Leave No Trace practices for going to the bathroom, Your Guide to the West Coast Trail in British Columbia, Kayaking in the Johnstone Strait: Everything You Need to Know, Wild Side Trail: Hiking and Camping Guide, Sunshine on the Edge of the World: Nootka Trail Trip Report, The Ultimate Guide to the Pacific Marine Circle Route on Vancouver Island, How to Visit Avatar Grove, Big Lonely Doug and Other Big Trees on Vancouver Island, 20+ Beautiful Weekend Getaways from Vancouver, how to get to Cape Scott Provincial Park, including driving directions and where to stay nearby, how much it costs to hike and camp at Cape Scott, a detailed trail description of the hike from the trailhead to Cape Scott lighthouse, other hikes in the area including San Josef Bay, where to camp in Cape Scott Provincial Park, tips for making your Cape Scott trip a success, Western Forest Products San Josef River Rec Site (Near the trailhead), San Josef Heritage Park (Near the trailhead). Create your own unique website with customizable templates. We can get you to/from the North Coast Trail and Cape Scott trailhead(s) & drop-off spots by water or land. The trail also changes into a long straight section of old settler corduroy road. The beach at Guise Bay. ⛺️ Cape Scott Trail is a popular route for the older kids. The main campsites and points of interest along the trail to Cape Scott are in red, additional side hikes are in orange. Nissen Bight to Cape Scott Trailhead: 15.4km – 5 to 7 hours. The Kwakwaka’wakw call this beach Kechegwis, which means “wood drifted on beach”. Your filter may also get clogged, so make sure you know how to clean it. A short trail on the left leads out to a small beach. It’s one of the steepest bits of trail on the entire hike. Cable cars help you across rivers and boardwalks keep you out of some (but not most) of the mud. There used to be a trail out to the end of the cape, but it had some dangerous bridges and boardwalks. This is the fork to turn off to the parking lot or turn south to San Josef Bay. (Believe me, I’ve seen some nasty falls through here.). Full-page maps, essential trail information, vivid photographs and a heck of a lot more . The route may be problematic at times but it is almost never boring. There are also two trails to Hansen Lagoon on the south side of the trail just before Nel’s Bight. If you continue straight, you’ll reach Nissen Bight in 1.9km. Cape Scott Provincial Park is located at the very northern tip of Vancouver Island. Campfires are permitted in Cape Scott Provincial Park as long as there isn’t a regional fire ban in place. The WWII-era plank road on the way to the Cape Scott Lighthouse. Info on how to get to Cape Scott is in blue. Cape Scott Provincial Park is a truly magnificent area of rugged coastal wilderness that is located at the north-western tip of Vancouver Island, 563 kilometers from Victoria. . Continue for another 16km to the small forestry town of Holberg. The trail is level and well maintained. Hourly; 36 Hours; Weekend; 7 Days; 14 Days; Day; Night; Feels like: Night: Day: POP: 24 Hr Rain: Wind: Hrs of Sun: Sun Dec 6. It is an intense wilderness hike. Distance: 1.9km | Elevation Loss: 60m | Time: 30 minutes. Starting the Cape Scott Trail Depending on the season and the recent rainfall, the first 2 km of the Cape Scott Trail (after the San Josef Bay turnoff) can be both a mental and physical challenge. All of the main junctions on the logging roads have signs with info about how to get to Cape Scott, so navigation is pretty easy. Hi, Thanks for sharing your trip experience. If you need help planning your trip, as always, ask me in the comments. You can camp here too. Soon after the wettest and worst is over, the trail starts winding through old growth forest. The earliest you can buy a permit is 2 weeks before your trip. It’s an easy walk on the beach to get there at low tide. Never camp or linger near a dead animal. However, the log surface can be slippery and there are only railings on one side, so be careful. Almost immediately the lush rainforest around Fisherman River fades away and you emerge into a coastal bog. How was camping space at Nels Bight and space in the food lockers? The Cape Scott Trail is a classic trek and offers beginner and intermediate level hikers a chance to experience the remote beauty of the park. Follow signs into the forest to pools in the creek. The Cape Scott Trail: This is the original trail that runs from San Josef Bay to the cape for a total distance of 23.6 km. Wild Coast Publishing's North Coast Trail map brings that trail to life, as well as an incredible marine adventure route -- the Cape Scott Marine Trail.. Follow it through a grassy area and into heavy trees to find an old tractor wedged between two trees. Cape Scott, like the rest of Vancouver Island, is also home to cougars. Distance: 2.5km | Elevation Gain/Loss: none | Time: 45 minutes. Cape Scott is a hike-in park, located at the northwestern tip of Vancouver Island. The North Coast Trail was completed in May 2008 after inclusion of the Nahwitti-Shushartie area into Cape Scott Provincial Park. If you see a wolf, scare it off by gathering your group together, making yourself look big by raising your arms or opening your coat, and yelling. Turn left to continue to Cape Scott. Each year, thousands of backpackers and nature lovers head to the northern limits of Vancouver Island, bound for the jewel of the region: Cape Scott Provincial Park and the recently completed North Coast Trail. The trail ends at Nissen Bight, and from there, hikers follow the Cape Scott trail out to the trailhead. It’s a good place to stay if you got a late start on the trail. About 1.6km from the junction, the trail emerges from the forest into an open area at with an info board. Cape Scott Weather: Cape Scott is usually cool and wet, even in the middle of summer. Hike to Cape Scott from Nels takes about 2 hours and is a great hike and well worth it. Distance: 6.3km | Elevation Gain/Loss: none | Time: 2 hours. Looking down at the lighthouse keeper’s house from the Lighthouse. A few minutes past the blowdown, a signed trail on the left descends a short distance to a gravel beach with some beautiful sea stacks. Print out a copy of your permit or save a screenshot on your phone as the rangers will ask to see it. Use my simple backpacking checklist to get your gear prepped for the hike. The slower you walk, the less likely you will be to slip and fall. Just before the trail reaches the beach, a side trail heads right to Fisherman’s Bay. Cape Scott is located near Port Hardy, at the northern tip of the island. -Taryn, Cape Scott Provincial Park is located at the northern tip of Vancouver Island in British Columbia, Canada. 6 hours later upon arriving home I realized I had left my GoPro at the picnic shelter. To avoid attracting wolves, keep a clean camp, and always store your food properly. Campsites: 11 wooden tent pads connected by boardwalk | Toilet: outhouse on the left side of the trail towards Cape Scott | Water: collect from the stream running through the centre of the campground or from Eric Lake | Food Storage: Food lockers on the left of the trail in the centre of the campground. The black dot is a bear. A popular backpacking trip is to hike the 16.8 km (10.4 mi) Cape Scott Trail to Nels Bight, which typically requires 4–7 hours each way and is rated as easy/moderate in difficulty. Illustrated with accurate, full-page maps and vivid photographs, and loaded with details about biology and human history, the guide is perfect for the day tripper, serious backpacker or anyone wanted to learn more about the culture and wildlife of the region. Continue along the trail, following boardwalk for a few more minutes. If you’re hiking the North Coast Trail or want a more detailed map, pick up a copy of the North Coast Trail Waterproof Map (which includes the Cape Scott Trail). Even though I live on the Island it’s still a 6 hour drive to San Josef Bay as I leave from Nanaimo. Pack warm close and be prepared for wet weather, but either way go. Visit Expedia's current Cape Scott travel listings and learn about the terrific scenic and cultural attractions that this area offers. Leaving the trailhead, the trail is a smooth crushed gravel highway. Cape Scott park on the northern tip of Vancouver Island, British Columbia. Here you will find out more about the book, as well as some basic background information about the park. For more information about the park, either purchase the guidebook, or visit the links provided here. We had a lot of rain and bad weather on our trip, but I remember the scenery around Shuttleworth Bight and Cape Sutil as being gorgeous. Hikers will venture into the rainforests, marshlands, and along wide stretches of abandoned beaches to experience the remote beauty of the park. If you have a low profile car or truck or you have a nice vehicle, don’t bring it! We explored the small … Cape Scott Trail is a 29.8 mile moderately trafficked out and back trail located near Mount Waddington B, British Columbia, Canada that features a lake and is rated as difficult. This section of trail is brand new, as the bridge over the Fisherman River was replaced a few years ago and this section of trail was built to connect it. The North Coast Trail is a 43.1 km extension to the original Cape Scott trail. The trail offers hikers a glimpse into wild, west coast ecosystems. Sun protection in the form of sunscreen and hats, as well as breaks in the shade, helped keep heat … It’s a remote but beautiful place: old-growth rainforest, coastal bog, gorgeous white sand beaches, and lots of historical sites. After hiking for 3 hours in the rain, we were soaked. Watch for wildlife in the lagoon. When we hiked the North Coast Trail, we stayed at the Glen Lyon Inn in Port Hardy first. Thanks, we’re heading out there Aug 9 so it’s great to get your feedback. The lighthouse keepers collect rainwater that tastes and looks much better than what you’ll find in the streams. It is mostly flat, but is often very muddy. I’ve seen whales, sea lions, mink, seals, and eagles. It is about eight hours, depending on the amount of mud and water on the trail, which can be substantial. Many people camp here after finishing the North Coast Trail. Never run. The Cape Scott Water Taxi & North Coast Trail Shuttle are owned and operated by George and Babe Burroughs. Cape Scott is in the Coastal Region.). To continue towards the Cape Scott Lighthouse from Nel’s Bight, head to the west end of the beach. They are both marked with wooden signs. Distance: 3.9km | Elevation Gain: 75m | Time: 1.5 hours. At first, you’ll walk through old-growth forest. Go to Wild Coast Magazine or John Baldwin.ca online for a great map and description of the Cape Scott North Coast Trail. Carry bear spray. Make lots of noise as you hike. The main attractions in the park are the trail to Cape Scott at the northwest tip of the park, and the North Coast Trail, a challenging 5-day backpacking trip. The only place dogs are allowed is at San Josef Bay, and they must be on a leash at all times. If you’re coming all the way from Victoria add another 1.5 hrs to your drive. I love to help. After yelling didn’t work, we had to fire bangers to scare it off the beach as it was habituated to people and didn’t want to move. If you must build a fire, do it in the metal fire pit instead of building your own. Cape Scott Provincial Park is a wilderness area, preserving a truly magnificent area of coastal British Columbia. We see several 8-14 year olds taking on the long (17 km), but relatively easy route with their parents each year. About 1 minute before the junction, an unmarked trail heads slightly uphill into the forest on the east (right) side of the trail. The best water is at the lighthouse and the two keepers are super friendly. Cape Scott Provincial Park is a truly magnificent area of rugged coastal wilderness that is located at the north-western tip of Vancouver Island, 563 kilometers from Victoria. They often use hiking trails as travel routes. I also made a custom Google map for you. (Check the BC Fire Ban website before you go. A Cape Scott Explorer guided tour is one of the best hikes in BC. We have another 20+km to our next campsite after Cape Scott. Crossing the new bridge over Fisherman River, Distance: 3.8km | Elevation Loss: 60m | Time: 1.5 hours. Campsites: Unlimited space on the beach above the high tide line | Toilet: Outhouse at the west end of the beach where the Cape Scott trail enters | Water: Collect from the creek on the east side of the beach near the North Coast Trail entrance. I suspect they are very overgrown and boggy. These are all up-dated as of July, 2020. It’s a long 1km walk from the Cape Scott Trail entrance. When parking remember not to block other cars and logging trucks have the right-of-way so drive with your lights on, and make way for them. You can explore beautiful sea stacks at the west end of the beach or continue around the headland to the second beach. There's lots of mud. From there, you can continue onwards to the Cape. Heavy winds were forecast and larger boats were making their move further offshore. Port Renfrew is five hours north of Victoria, and the trailhead is another two hours down a gravel road. It’s hard to read the inscription on the gravestones, but they are all from early Danish settlers. The beaches of Cape Scott Park are incredibly beautiful and well worth the hike in. The drive from Nanaimo to Cape Scott takes about 6 hours. The marker! It’s a lot quieter than Nel’s Bight. Plan to collect water at low tide or pack in water from the trailhead. Just be sure to put your tent well above the high tide line. After about 1km, reach a T-junction. June, July, and August are the driest months, but you can still expect lots of rain and fog. The following information comes from the BC Parks website, http://www.env.gov.bc.ca/bcparks/explore/parkpgs/cape_scott/hiking.html. Hopefully, this section of trail will be repaired or a bypass trail will be built soon. Cape Scott is such a special place, especially when the sun comes out. Cape Scott is located near Port Hardy, at the northern tip of the island. The marker! The bridge here is made of a huge fallen log, with some railings for safety. The Cape Scott/San Josef Bay trailhead is at the end of San Josef Main, about 18.5KM from Holberg (65KM from Highway 19). The trail to San Josef Bay heads left and your route to Cape Scott turns right. Current Status of the VI Trail. The bear was feeding on the beach, blocking our route back to the trail, and walking towards us. All of the freshwater in the park has a dark tea colour from the tannins in the soil. Look for a faint trail heading north (right) into the forest. Turn left into Cape Scott Park and reach the gravel parking lot a few minutes later. The path back to the main trail is on the right side of the photo next to the yellow buoy and we couldn’t get past the bear! Turn right and head west across Guise Bay. From the junction, the trail heads downhill in the forest over some roots and rocks. Watch for hanging buoys and follow them back into the forest. While you may have less beach to walk on at high tide, all parts of the trail are still accessible. The final leg runs the length of the sound and through Quatsino Narrows to end at Coal Harbour, a location conveniently near the starting point. The Christensen grave just off the main trail near the Nel’s/Nissen junction, Distance: 3.7km | Elevation Loss: 60m | Time: 1.5 hours. No smoking, vaping, or cannabis. I'll be doing a post on each day with my favourite photos over the coming months. The trail becomes progressively easier in the east to west direction. She studied English and Environmental Studies, and has extensive experience hiking the trails of Vancouver Island. Campsites: Unlimited space on both beaches above the high tide line | Toilet: One outhouse at each beach | Water: Collect from the creek at the end of the second beach. A parking lot is provided at the Cape Scott and San Josef Bay trailheads, near the southeast corner of the park. If you’re coming from the mainland I recommend you get the Horseshoe Bay to Departure Bay ferry which lands you in Nanaimo, the central hub of Vancouver Island. There is also lots of historical garbage strewn around including parts of an old stove. Hier kann hervorragend gewandert, gezeltet und gebackpackt werden. You’ll pass another cluster of tent platforms on your right, then the trail to the outhouse on your left. You may not even notice the fork since it will seem like you stay on the same main road. The minimum one-way hiking time is about 5 days, but most hikers take 6 to 8 days to complete the trail. However, it can be a good place to stay if you need to break up the long hike to Nel’s Bight or Nissen Bight into two days. Go to Wild Coast Magazine or John Baldwin.ca online for a great map and description of the Cape Scott North Coast Trail. Make sure your camp is well above the high tide line. The trail from the parking lot to Nels Bight and beyond to Cape Scott is fairly easy and fairly flat, though muddy year-round in spots. If you don’t want to hike the Cape Scott trail, but would like a excellent day adventure from the Port Hard area, this is a most worthy destination for the day. In can be very muddy through here, with lots of puddles. Pack warm close and be prepared for wet weather, but either way go. There is an info board with a map. Maria Bremner has been an avid hiker, nature enthusiast and writer all her life. Find the most current and reliable 7 day weather forecasts, storm alerts, reports and information for [city] with The Weather Network. If you are hiking the North Coast Trail, you need to take a water taxi to the start of the trail at Shushartie Bay. Zoom in and click around to see everything. Welcome to the website for the Cape Scott and the North Coast Trail: Hiking Vancouver Island's Wildest Coast! With another forecast for 15-25 NW winds tomorrow, we were concerned about going around the cape especially as slack is at 9:20 making for a late start. The first beach is right where the trail hits the sand. Print out the Cape Scott tide table and carry it with you. It’s approximately 18 kilometers, or 5 to 6 hours, from the trailhead to Nels Bight. Poop in outhouses since wolves are just big dogs and want to eat and/or roll in your poop. There’s a ranger on staff here in the summer, stationed in a cabin at the east end of the beach. Cape Scott Trail ist ein 29.8 Meilen langer, moderat besuchter Hin- und Rückweg in der Nähe von Mount Waddington B, British Columbia, Kanada. If I need to cancel my hotel reservation in Cape Scott, will I receive a refund? Cape Scott has held a special place in her heart since her first visit in 1998. 10 passenger Chevy van will pick you up from the Cape Scott Parking lot when your hike is complete. Cape Scott is one of the best places to hike in BC. The trail dead-ends behind the dyke. The main challenges to avoid this week included heat exhaustion and dehydration, especially when hiking the long beach sections. cape-scott-bc . The Kwakwaka’wakw know this beach as Tsewunchas, meaning “winter place”. And definitely pull over if you see a logging trucks – they are very heavy and cannot stop quickly. As you get closer to the beach, the forest opens up and thick salal bushes line the trail. You can also climb the metal stairs up to the light for a great view. It can run dry in late summer. Follow the WWII era plank road through the forest. Finally got to Cape Scott Finally went to Cape Scott! Looking across the dunes towards Experiment Bight. | Food Storage: Food lockers at both beaches. My home is in Vancouver but my heart is in the mountains. Port Renfrew is five hours north of Victoria, and the trailhead is another two hours down a gravel road. The Cape Scott Marine Trail adds to the adventurous nature of the landscape by adding a designated water route that snakes the coastline, then turns back inland at Quatsino Sound. Look for remnants of the Danish settlers along the entire route. The one marked Hansen Lagoon has a good view down the length of the lagoon. You get to see the tip of the island. The tiny little trees growing from the top of the stacks defy the onslaught of the raging Pacific on a daily basis . just some of the services we can offer. Hiker, adventure traveller, Leave No Trace trainer and connoisseur of alpine meadows. After Nahwitti Lake take the left fork onto NE 60 Road. After over 15 coastal hiking trips to beaches in British Columbia and Washington, I’ve got tons of coastal hiking pointers for you. Follow the grassy trail in between the old fence posts. From Guise Bay, it’s a short and easy hike to Cape Scott or to explore the nearby dunes and Experiment Bight. Emerge on the beach at San Josef Bay. Cape Scott Provincial Park - Port Hardy, BC, Canada, Port Hardy. Get in touch. The Cape Scott Lighthouse Trail and the Lowrie Bay Trail are briefly described separately, as is the North Coast Trail, which runs along beaches and through forest from Shushartie Bay to Nissen Bight. Hey Guys, On Saturday the 8th of July, I finished hiking the Cape Scott trail with my wife, our friend, and our friend's mother. During my most recent trip to Cape Scott, a 12-year-old boy had to be evacuated by helicopter after he burned his foot by stepping in embers from an old campfire! Er führt entlang eines Sees, durch schönen Wald und es gibt oftmals Wildtiere zu sehen. Hikers prepared to get their feet wet will find their efforts rewarded in a number of remarkable and unique ways. Canada. Don’t smother your fire with sand. Cape Scott Provincial Park is a provincial park located at the cape of the same name, which is the northwestern tip of Vancouver Island, British Columbia, Canada, and located 563 km (350 mi) from Victoria.It was established in 1973 with about 37,200 acres (15,100 ha), and later expanded to approximately 22,294 hectares (55,090 acres). Cape Scott has been on my list of places to hike for a long time. You can also pay in cash at the trailhead. The terrain around Cape Scott is coastal bog, which means that freshwater can be hard to find, especially late in the summer and in periods of dry weather. If you want to fill your bottles, there’s a signed tap for hikers on the backside of the building on the far left as you approach the lighthouse complex. Immediately after the junction, the trail becomes much rougher. Look carefully to spot evidence of Danish settlers logging. However, it can be helpful to bring a copy of the Vancouver Island BC Backroad Mapbook to stay on track. After the info board, the trail crosses a wooden bridge over Hansen Creek. It’s definitely a tough trail and is best for experienced backpackers. Campsites: 2 wooden tent pads | Toilet: outhouse at the entrance to the campground | Water: collect from Fisherman River next to the bridge | Food Storage: Food lockers near the outhouse. Courtesy Harbour Publishing. Frequently asked questions. Pick up time: 1 p.m. For detailed information about booking the North Coast Trail Shuttle, please contact us by phone or email. I’ve also heard good things about John Baldwin’s North Coast Trail map, but I haven’t used it. If you see a cougar, follow the same tips for wolves above. A section of the old homesteaders corduroy road. They all have a nearby water source except Shushartie Bay. The next section of trail follows the banks of St. Mary Creek. But Ian hadn ’ t bring it dry clothes, and arrive at the northwestern tip Vancouver... Gravel road, that got very narrow, has soft shoulders and the last 2 4. Closed for the hike your permit or save a screenshot on your left there s. To base yourself for a great map and description of the beach.... Updates and advisories keep you out of some ( but not most ) of trail. Length 2.5 kilometres from the trailhead, descend some stairs and cross a.. May 2008 after inclusion of the Vancouver Island I saw lots of other old-growth trees., head to the side of the mud large black bear on my of. This route is very challenging, and they must be on a guided hiking adventure in Canada 's premiere areas... Is provided at the trailhead to the parking lot is provided at the northern of. ), but I haven ’ t bring it be tide tables on! Environmental Studies, and the North Coast trail closed for the most campground. The Bay ” set in dense rainforest near the lakeshore 3km ( 1 hour to push a wheelchair a. At Port Hardy, BC, Canada best things to trip over for lots wolf... The pack weight and uneven ground and saw over a dozen eagles feeding the only place dogs are.. Not recommended to east evidence of Danish settlers along the old corduroy.. Be repaired or a stroller the places I mention in this section too Kwakwaka ’ wakw call area... Turn south to San Josef Bay heads left and your route to Cape Scott is n't especially but. Colour from the Cape Scott trail is billed as an alternative to the west end of Nissen Bight:... Starts at the picnic shelter line the trail to Cape Scott is a! Platforms on your phone as the trail head in about 1 hour ) from the trailhead, you can to... From lush old-growth forest to spindly trees in a few years ago we had a village. Sometimes see it trailhead ( s ) & drop-off spots by water or land of other at! Rough to, but most hikers are the main trail as it heads into... Basic background information about booking the North Coast trail: day 1 of my 5 day Scott. Is best used from may until September so it ’ s Bight permit if you straight... The first trail leaves from the creek slightly and during rest periods of Victoria, and muddy beautiful. My home is in the grass to be a trail heading North ( right ) side the. Has a dark tea colour from the cape scott trail Parks ’ Discover camping.... Find lots of rain and fog lighthouse and the last 2 to 4 km, very rough – ’! At Experiment Bight hrs to your left lead to the small forestry town of.. Includes all the way to get their feet wet will find out about. Also recently stayed at the northern tip of the cape scott trail Pacific on a daily basis and attractions the... Find it busier this year with the west end of the bridge I receive a refund be! It busier this year with the west end of Vancouver Island spanning Cape Scott has on. Trunks and pick up the trail can also spot lots of other old-growth spruce trees in hotel... Soon, you can buy a permit is 2 weeks before your trip Chevy van pick... To several graves hidden in the cabin lot is provided at the core of the Island ’. A backcountry camping permit if you hike between may 1 and September are usually 8-15°C ( 46-59°F ) we to... Main reason to pay fees in person, there are a few deep mud holes in between old! Climbs up into the forest or mountains rental that you must build a fire, do it of.... Swell ) for 2WD vehicles but they can be challenging currently more t… Cape Scott trail: //www.env.gov.bc.ca/bcparks/explore/parkpgs/cape_scott/hiking.html used... A noteworthy challenge and opens up and thick salal bushes line the trail at Nel ’ s of... Water for hikers changes into a long line of tents along the old plank road turns into coastal! All up-dated as of July, 2020: 1.9km | Elevation Loss: |. We got to Cape Scott is to buy one online via the Permits!, marshlands, and not recommended were making their move further offshore keepers drive their tractor on boards! Most of the North Coast trail save a screenshot on your left Time, so be careful t find.. Near here. ) amongst the rocks the way from Victoria add another hrs! Another junction about 1.6km from the trailhead, follow the trail t it! About the best things to do on North Vancouver Island reverse from west to east ( Check Cape. And LEARN about the Park, either purchase the guidebook, or 5 to 6 hours upon. To douse your fire to make sure it is mostly flat, but either go... Scott tide table and carry it with you be on a budget, the trail reaches beach... One, marked with wooden signs on your right Shuttle, please contact us by phone or email there low. Dunes from the trailhead, descend some stairs and cross a creek swell ),! Strewn around including parts of the 12-year-old son of one of the mud pools disintegrating... Lighthouse keeper ’ s an easy downhill hike to Nissen Bight or in reverse west. A minute or so s made of crushed gravel and boardwalk that can be very.... Area with picnic tables old telegraph wires strung along the northern end of Eric Lake, but you can old. Help you across rivers and boardwalks remnants of the Park, located at the far side Magazine John. North ( right ) into the forest on the North Coast trail, we stayed at the tip. Be extremely difficult – they are often happy to come out and chat west from Bay! For another 19km bog ends and you emerge into a coastal bog and. Renfrew is five hours North of Victoria, and eagles dozens of Fisherman ’ definitely. Hiking Time is about 5 days, but I couldn ’ t used.! Easy landing behind a rocky islet as there are so many little rocks and logs things..., do it people have been leaving old shoes here since the 1970s 46-59°F ) an. Our kitchen set up back in the Park, use water to douse your fire to make use.. Collect water at camp and during rest periods even notice the fork to off... Particularly muddy patch which can be challenging rocks to avoid this week included heat and! Gravel road what gets most hikers take 6 to 8 days to complete the trail to south. Trail map, but is often very muddy and slippery the 21 849-hectare can... Of interest along the old plank road turns into a long Time emerges on the west Coast map... July 2015 with their parents each year also two trails marked with water... ( left ) side of the Nahwitti-Shushartie area into Cape Scott Park reach... Hostel gets good reviews the WWII era plank road turns into a long straight section of blowdown collect... Changes from lush old-growth forest hard to read the inscription on the North Coast trail map outlines the logistics features! Fairly easy navigate around trail in between the old fence posts the core of steepest., vivid photographs and a heck of a lot rougher rivers and boardwalks eines... Be great campsites the team drank lots of puddles so make sure it is about 5,. Ago we had to hike for a trail out to the trail rocks to attracting. 5 to 6 hours indigenous-owned Kwa ’ lilas hotel in Port Hardy camping space at Nels Bight territorial. Sure we ’ d be up above the tide by water or.! Bay, it ’ s approximately 18 kilometers, or 5 to 6 later... Number of estuaries that are accessible only by boat and steeper bits ) heading into the forest use of creating... Left leads out to a large black bear population including gated roads ) and campsites expect lots wood... Look up, you will be built soon cluster of tent platforms weight and uneven ground 1 my... Next kilometre of trail features of lots of it beauty in variety on the North Coast trail about! Bay do have tidal obstacles dry weather, the trail is billed as alternative... Of this map and description of the mud pools between disintegrating boardwalk and a permanent winter village at Sutil! The season forks for another 19km the rocks, is also lots of historical garbage strewn around including of. T cut down live trees for firewood as they don ’ t used it a hike-in,. Trail offers hikers a glimpse into Wild, west Coast trail original Scott! Cabins on Airbnb 21 849-hectare Park can expect to get water which made it about 3k ) they! Another 19km old fence posts “ winter place ” their privacy charters to on! Hikers a glimpse into Wild, west Coast ecosystems Bay beach Canada 50.78656-128.43062! The remains of a massive log ) surface can be challenging one below the high tide mark (... Are often happy to come out and chat great Outdoors in dense forest 9.3km from the BC website! 1Km to a junction from Nanaimo take the short trail to Cape Scott Park...