On Vancouver Island North, trails penetrate deep into the landscape, offering easy access to remote forests, beaches, streams and lakes. Walk among giants on pathways made spongy from decades of coniferous needles falling. Inhale the freshest ocean air, rich with sea-spray, along pristine shoreline.
The west coast has spectacular options for all levels of hiking ability. Follow forested trails to the open Pacific Ocean where your footprints could quite likely be the only ones in the sand. Two of these west coast day-hiking highlights are Raft Cove and San Josef Bay.
Many seaside communities are lined with wheelchair-accessible seawalls, boardwalks and pathways, perfect for family outings and sunset strolls. Excursion options abound close to towns and further afield. These hikes can vary from an hour or two up to a full day. Multi-day epic adventures like the Cape Scott Trail and the North Coast Trail are on the list for trekkers looking to get remote and experience the ruggedly beautiful outer reaches.
Check in at local Visitor Centres for details on hiking options closest to their communities and destinations beyond.
Proper planning will help you enjoy the rewards of your journey. Check out our Trail Guide or Recreational Map for more information.Â
Plan your trip
If you plan on exploring some of the more remote areas of the region, make sure you are prepared:
- If you are traveling on a logging road, expect to be sharing these roads with industrial vehicles and be sure you know how to travel safely
- Understand the cellular service limitations in remote areas
- Familiarize yourself with camping ethics for the front and backcountry before you go
Seawall
Harbourfront boardwalk and walkway
Seawalk
Wheelchair accessible pathway along the community coastline of Neroutsos Inlet
8 km return trip, out and back trail
2.7 km out and back interpretive trail
A series of ancient Quatsino karst and limestone formations, all features located approximately 15 km’s from Port Alice including Devil’s Bath, and the Eternal Fountain
2.5 km loop
Stroll this long stretch of beach, enjoy the wide, sandy expanse that is uncovered at low tide
Out and back, allow minimum 8 hours for the complete round trip
1.3 km interpretive loop
Paved pathway along the waterfront with views of Hardy Bay
Schoolhouse Creek Trail
1.6 km loop
Cluxewe Salt Marsh Trail
3 km out and back to the beach
Lady Ellen Point Trail
2 km
Harbour Seawall
Oceanfront walkway with views of Broughton Strait
3.2 km one way, allow 3 hours for a return trip.
Pulteney Point Lighthouse
2.5 km return trip
Blinkhorn Trail
7.7-km out-and-back located in Telegraph Cove
Learn More
15 km one way, plenty of camping options
5 km round trip, out and back
15 km one way, plenty of camping options
58 km one way, start at the Cape Scott Trailhead or Shushartie Bay
4 km round trip, out and back, beachfront camping available
Less than 1 km to the beach, beachfront camping available
A network of trails and limestone formations
Seawall
Harbourfront boardwalk and walkway
Seawalk
Wheelchair accessible pathway along the community coastline of Neroutsos Inlet
8 km return trip, out and back trail
2.7 km out and back interpretive trail
A series of ancient Quatsino karst and limestone formations, all features located approximately 15 km’s from Port Alice including Devil’s Bath, and the Eternal Fountain
2.5 km loop
Stroll this long stretch of beach, enjoy the wide, sandy expanse that is uncovered at low tide
Out and back, allow minimum 8 hours for the complete round trip
1.3 km interpretive loop
Paved pathway along the waterfront with views of Hardy Bay
Schoolhouse Creek Trail
1.6 km loop
Cluxewe Salt Marsh Trail
3 km out and back to the beach
Lady Ellen Point Trail
2 km
Harbour Seawall
Oceanfront walkway with views of Broughton Strait
3.2 km one way, allow 3 hours for a return trip.
Pulteney Point Lighthouse
2.5 km return trip
Blinkhorn Trail
7.7-km out-and-back located in Telegraph Cove
Learn More
15 km one way, plenty of camping options
5 km round trip, out and back
15 km one way, plenty of camping options
58 km one way, start at the Cape Scott Trailhead or Shushartie Bay
4 km round trip, out and back, beachfront camping available
Less than 1 km to the beach, beachfront camping available
A network of trails and limestone formations