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British Columbia’s new coastal hike at the north end of Vancouver Island, the North Coast Trail, is an addition to the wild beauty of Cape Scott Provincial Park. Cape Scott ends up being a second treat at the end, with its long, expansive sand beaches and flatter terrain. The new North Coast Trail is also a treat, and every avid hiker needs to know why. The Trail is New This trail was finished and opened in 2008, so it is barely known. There is something to be said about being one of only a few people to have done something, and now is still the chance to say that about the North Coast Trail. There are no Crowds Because it is new and relatively unknown, this trail is only travelled by a few hundred people a year. Since they do not all come at once, there are no crowds! This is one of the places to go that lets you still be relatively alone in the wilderness. Reflections of the old West Coast Trail With less people, there is less wear and less trail development to protect from erosion. This means ropes instead of ladders, or just scrambling over and around things instead of boardwalk through. This is a fairly rough and challenging trail, but that makes it even more beautiful. This trail has been described as being what the West Coast Trail was like about 25 to 30 years ago. Unique Ecosystems Along the Trail The north coast is very diverse, with a multitude of micro-ecosystems. From pockets of sitka spruce, to pockets of cedar, to small upland bog plains, to pocket beaches, the trail takes every hiker through this multitude of unique experiences. These ecosystems help create the feel that makes this trail unique and different from all the other coastal hikes. Wildlife Diversity and Experience The animals are wild. Wolves, bears, eagles, and even the ravens are shy in these parts. The populations of ravens and eagles are staggering, with many campsites hosting an eagle aerie above. Wolf tracks are a common sight, if the wolves are not. Whales swim offshore and can be seen on calmer days, along with otter, seals, and sea lions. Since the crowds are few, the wildlife viewing is awesome. The Wild Beauty of the Northern Coast The northern coast gets hammered by winter storms, leaving the remnants of the dynamism in the land and the vegetation. Any weather offshore also makes its way to shore as the swell pumps tall surf waves onto the beaches. Everything here is wild. The Gem at the End After travelling the rough coastal trail, it is a treat to walk the flatter areas of Cape Scott, meandering along the trails exploring the remnants of settlement activity as it is reclaimed by the ever-present wildness of the area. Wandering out to the cape itself leads to the Cape Scott Light Station. The light keepers are friendly and gregarious, and well worth a visit. Ending the trip along the North Coast Trail leaves a bit of sadness, but also the anticipation of returning to civilization to tell everyone of this incredible place. From its light station to its trailhead at Shushartie Bay, accessible only by boat, this trail is unique. After a visit, it calls back, asking for more time wandering along its shores and through its boggy plains. Anyone inclined toward the wild side of life will want to explore this new trail. Gary Ward has been leading trips and teaching in wilderness areas for 20 years. Having traveled from desert to sea, he spends most of his time now in coastal areas, exploring the boundary between land and sea, land and sky, and sea and sky, looking for the best BC hiking trips. He can be found leading tours on the North Coast Trail, teaching, and writing for his business, Coastal Bliss Adventures.
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