This is Day 1 of my 5 day Cape Scott hiking trip in July 2015. Distance: Up to 1.5km | Elevation Gain/Loss: none | Time: Up to 40 minutes. Rain 10 °C. 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. Buoys in the grass mark the exit from Guise Bay beach. They often use hiking trails as travel routes. I think the North Coast Trail was more popular this year due to the WCT being closed, but we didn’t hike that trail so I can’t comment on it. Cape Scott has a large wolf population. The North Coast Trail is a 43.1 km extension to the original Cape Scott trail. Follow it through a grassy area and into heavy trees to find an old tractor wedged between two trees. If a wolf attacks, fight back. They each have an outhouse and food locker. Cable cars help you across rivers and boardwalks keep you out of some (but not most) of the mud. I also recently stayed at the indigenous-owned Kwa’lilas Hotel in Port Hardy. Follow the WWII era plank road through the forest. Leaving the trailhead, the trail is a smooth crushed gravel highway. Cape Scott is home to a large black bear population. My home is in Vancouver but my heart is in the mountains. Nissen Bight to Cape Scott Trailhead: 15.4km – 5 to 7 hours. Turn left into Cape Scott Park and reach the gravel parking lot a few minutes later. Wolves are very territorial and will attack dogs since they see them as a threat. Immediately after the junction, the trail becomes much rougher. This post includes: Hey there: Some of the links in this post are affiliate links, which means I earn a small commission at no extra cost to you if you make a purchase. They had a seasonal village at Experiment Bight and a permanent winter village at Cape Sutil. She studied English and Environmental Studies, and has extensive experience hiking the trails of Vancouver Island. Walking the overland trail between Nel’s Bight and Bowen Beach. ⛺️ Cape Scott Trail is a popular route for the older kids. From the trailhead, follow the trail nearly 1km to a junction. Since the coastline here is impassable, the trail climbs up into the forest, gaining 75m in less than a kilometre. You will be sharing the road with industrial traffic including fully loaded logging trucks, so use caution. The following information comes from the BC Parks website, http://www.env.gov.bc.ca/bcparks/explore/parkpgs/cape_scott/hiking.html. The only parking lot within the park, located near the southeast corner, provides easy access to the Cape Scott and San Josef Bay Trailhead. I just came back from my fourth backpacking trip in the park, so I’ve put together a full guide to the Cape Scott area for you. Hikers prepared to get their feet wet will find their efforts rewarded in a number of remarkable and unique ways. Find the most current and reliable 7 day weather forecasts, storm alerts, reports and information for [city] with The Weather Network. See the rules and tips section below for detailed rules about dogs and campfires. -Taryn, Cape Scott Provincial Park is located at the northern tip of Vancouver Island in British Columbia, Canada. If you need help planning your trip, as always, ask me in the comments. We took a lunch break at Lawrie Bay, a BCMTNA site with an easy landing behind a rocky islet. It is an intense wilderness hike. You can camp here too. You will hike 16.8km from the trailhead to get here. There used to be a trail out to the end of the cape, but it had some dangerous bridges and boardwalks. Cape Scott is one of the best places to hike in BC. It’s a good place to stay if you got a late start on the trail. There are no reservations – everything is first-come, first served. 3 Reviews of Cape Scott "It is a long drive from the Nanaimo ferry to the Cape Scott trail head. At first, you’ll walk through old-growth forest. This short trail is mostly flat. The trail is primarily used for hiking, camping, and backpacking and is best used from May until September. 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. For most hikers, the basic Cape Scott Provincial Park map is all you’ll need. It can be traversed east to west from Shushartie Bay to the eastern end of Nissen Bight or in reverse from west to east. There are also lots of cute cabins on Airbnb. Look for a faint trail heading north (right) into the forest. The trail offers hikers a glimpse into wild, west coast ecosystems. From Nanaimo take the Island Highway 19 North until you’re almost at Port Hardy. Some maps show trails branching off this trail to the south, but I couldn’t find them. There are so many little rocks and logs and things to trip over. Canada. Most people camp near the forest on the far side. The bridge here is made of a huge fallen log, with some railings for safety. Part trail map, part field guide, part regional history, this book equips visitors with everything they need to know to make the most of the park. If you want to camp, here is a list of drive-in campgrounds on the way to the Cape Scott trailhead: If you have time, plan to spend a few more days on northern Vancouver Island to experience the awesome whale watching, kayaking, indigenous sites, and grizzly bear tours. The trail also changes into a long straight section of old settler corduroy road. Frequently asked questions. Cape Scott Provincial Park is home to sea stacks which are accessible at low tide. Almost immediately the lush rainforest around Fisherman River fades away and you emerge into a coastal bog. Instead, look around for small dry branches. The trail parallels Eric Lake, but you can’t really see it through the trees. We spooked a black bear on my last visit and saw over a dozen eagles feeding. The eastern portion of the park contains a number of estuaries that are accessible only by boat. There is also lots of historical garbage strewn around including parts of an old stove. Cape Scott Trail: Day 1. From Cape Scott to San Josef Bay is 13nm of spectacular paddling, where swells break dramatically along the rugged coastline and sea lions periscoped with curiosity at our odd presence. I stayed here on one of my trips to Cape Scott, and it was definitely more chill than Nel’s Bight. It was the first motorized machine used at the Cape Scott settlement. Apparently, a bear broke in to eat the dog food stored inside. Hier kann hervorragend gewandert, gezeltet und gebackpackt werden. Unfortunately, it can also attract partiers. The bear was feeding on the beach, blocking our route back to the trail, and walking towards us. Cape Scott Cost: $10/person/night for camping. Unlike other popular coastal hikes like the West Coast Trail, hiking to Cape Scott is cheap and easy. Within a few minutes, you will encounter a huge section of blowdown. Going left will lead you down to the shore of Eric Lake and a small gravel beach that is a great place to take a break. Sun protection in the form of sunscreen and hats, as well as breaks in the shade, helped keep heat … For more information about the park, either purchase the guidebook, or visit the links provided here. If you use a filter, consider straining the water through a clean bandana or coffee filter first to get some of the silt and tannins out. Poop in outhouses since wolves are just big dogs and want to eat and/or roll in your poop. 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. Use my simple backpacking checklist to get your gear prepped for the hike. Coastal hiking and backpacking is a lot different than hiking in the forest or mountains. Before you get to Por… Look carefully to spot evidence of Danish settlers logging. You can explore beautiful sea stacks at the west end of the beach or continue around the headland to the second beach. I have an older version of this map and it has some good info about history and points of interest. I’ve also heard good things about John Baldwin’s North Coast Trail map, but I haven’t used it. Part trail map, part field guide, part regional history, Cape Scott and the North Coast Trail is the first comprehensive guidebook about one of Vancouver Island's most iconic destinations. On the other side of the bridge, follow the boardwalk and a small set of stairs to a junction. CONTACT. We can get you to/from the North Coast Trail and Cape Scott trailhead(s) & drop-off spots by water or land. The Cape Scott Trail – Let’s See Why? 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 had to deal with a flat tire on our drive out. Full-page maps, essential trail information, vivid photographs and a heck of a lot more . 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. 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. Cape Scott Provincial Park - Port Hardy, BC, Canada, Port Hardy. Their dykes and fences survive today. This is Day 1 of my 5 day Cape Scott hiking trip in July 2015. Both trails wind through the woods for a minute before dead-ending in boggy areas. | Food Storage: Food lockers where the trail meets the beach, next to the outhouse near the ranger station, and on the west side of the beach before you cross the creek. In wet weather, the trail can be very muddy and slippery. June, July, and August are the driest months, but you can still expect lots of rain and fog. However, in dry weather, there may not be any water for hikers. 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. The lighthouse keepers collect rainwater that tastes and looks much better than what you’ll find in the streams. However, they are often happy to come out and chat. Just after the 5km marker, the trail veers away from the creek slightly. Just be sure to put your tent well above the high tide line. 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. The food lockers closest to where the trail hits the beach were pretty full, but the ones further out were about 2/3 full or less, depending on the day. 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. Length 29.8 miElevation gain 3438 ftRoute type Out & back Cape Scott is located near Port Hardy, at the northern tip of the island. Cape Scott, Cape Scott Trail, Regional District of Mount Waddington, British Columbia, Canada (50.78656-128.43062). Here are the main places to find water along the trail and at the campgrounds. A Cape Scott Explorer guided tour is one of the best hikes in BC. Go slow around blind corners. Never run. Many people camp here after finishing the North Coast Trail. When you are done, use water to douse your fire to make sure it is completely out. I also made a custom Google map for you. Follow the grassy trail in between the old fence posts. Finally got to Cape Scott Finally went to Cape Scott! A few steps down the trail, a yurt hidden behind some trees serves as a ranger station. To arrive at the trailhead, hikers must first drive along 67 kilometres of rubber-piercing logging roads. Cape Scott is a hike-in park, located at the northwestern tip of Vancouver Island. A good method is to hike to Nels Bight to camp there the first night, hike to Cape Scott in the second day and return the third. This is the fork to turn off to the parking lot or turn south to San Josef Bay. You may not even notice the fork since it will seem like you stay on the same main road. Thankfully there is lots of boardwalk through this section, and for the most part, the walking is easy. The trail is level and well maintained. It’s hard to read the inscription on the gravestones, but they are all from early Danish settlers. The Cape Scott Trail systems and North Coast Trails are remote and require solid trip planning. To continue towards the Cape Scott Lighthouse from Nel’s Bight, head to the west end of the beach. Pull over to let faster vehicles pass. 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. The tiny little trees growing from the top of the stacks defy the onslaught of the raging Pacific on a daily basis . It is about eight hours, depending on the amount of … Cape Scott is in the Coastal Region.). The Cape Scott Trail is located at the northern tip of Vancouver Island. 6 hours later upon arriving home I realized I had left my GoPro at the picnic shelter. 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. A few years ago we had a wolf run right up to our campfire at Nel’s Bight. After 16.8km in the forest, the trail emerges on the sandy beach of Nel’s Bight, where there is wonderful camping. There are wolves and bears. Get in touch. This is the most popular campground on the Cape Scott Trail, and arguably the most beautiful. I love to help. It’s a broad sandy beach that gets amazing sunsets. 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. If you’re coming all the way from Victoria add another 1.5 hrs to your drive. The trail to Cape Scott isn't especially technical but it's not easy. What to Bring to Cape Scott: Everything you need to be self-sufficient. Print out the Cape Scott tide table and carry it with you. We see several 8-14 year olds taking on the long (17 km), but relatively easy route with their parents each year. (Believe me, I’ve seen some nasty falls through here.). Over 100 years ago, Danish settler built a series of dykes across Hansen Lagoon to convert the tidal salt marsh to pastures. Much of the trail consists of wooden boardwalk. To find some of the historical items in the park, use this Cape Scott Park brochure. All of the freshwater in the park has a dark tea colour from the tannins in the soil. The trail dead-ends behind the dyke. If I need to cancel my hotel reservation in Cape Scott, will I receive a refund? The beaches of Cape Scott Park are incredibly beautiful and well worth the hike in. I’ve also seen bears in Hansen Lagoon. Cape Scott is located near Port Hardy, at the northern tip of the island. Never camp or linger near a dead animal. A short trail on the left leads out to a small beach. It has been closed for several decades now. In most areas of Cape Scott Provincial Park, dogs are prohibited. The next kilometre of trail features of lots of boardwalk that can be VERY slippery. We explored the small … Most of the trail is in thick coastal rainforest. Essential trip planning information and detailed trail descriptions are at the core of the book. Be prepared to hang your food in a tree out of reach of animals and use Leave No Trace practices for going to the bathroom. The stunning Cape Scott Trail is located about 65 kilometres west of Port Hardy on the northwest tip of Vancouver Island, Canada. Cape Scott Provincial Park is located at the very northern tip of Vancouver Island. 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! It’s totally secluded and heart stoppingly gorgeous. If you need to pay fees in person, there is a station where you can deposit money in an envelope. 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. About 1 minute before the junction, an unmarked trail heads slightly uphill into the forest on the east (right) side of the trail. IMG_3973. After 16.8km in the forest, the trail emerges on the sandy beach of Nel’s Bight, where there is wonderful camping. It can run dry in late summer. There are some awkward spots in this section as the trail is rocky and rooty. Cape Scott is a Mecca for hiking enthusiasts, and hikers should be prepared and knowledgeable for coastal hiking. Port Renfrew is five hours north of Victoria, and the trailhead is another two hours down a gravel road. Go left to continue to Cape Scott. Marine Services. The Cape Scott Water Taxi & North Coast Trail Shuttle are owned and operated by George and Babe Burroughs. Cape Scott Park offers some of the best hikes on Vancouver Island, BC. About 2km from Guise Bay the old plank road turns into a rough gravel road that the lighthouse keepers drive their tractor on. Thanks for your support. You can see old Danish settler fenceposts in the dunes. If you visit in the winter, you can stay in the cabin! As the bog ends and you reenter the forest, you’ll reach another junction. What gets most hikers are the sore and blistered feet from the pack weight and uneven ground. It is an intense wilderness hike. Since it can take quite a long time to get to Cape Scott from southern Vancouver Island, many people choose to stay overnight in the area before their trip. Follow the gravel road up the hill. Consider an overnight stay in Port Hardy. Just before the highway enters Port Hardy, turn left onto Holberg Road. Go left at a major fork, and arrive at the Cape Scott Lighthouse a few minutes later. Turn right to continue around the lake to the campground. The marker! At the trailhead, you will find an outhouse and a covered area with picnic tables. Cape Scott and the North Coast Trail spans 256 pages. Follow it for a few minutes to a beautiful marble memorial. The main challenges to avoid this week included heat exhaustion and dehydration, especially when hiking the long beach sections. The settlers would land boats full of supplies there, then haul them up this road to their homesteads near Hansen Lagoon. They are your one-stop land and water logistics between Port Hardy and the North Coast Trail. And definitely pull over if you see a logging trucks – they are very heavy and cannot stop quickly. Cross the creek where it flows out onto the sand and follow the shoreline for a minute or so. It’s a 23.6km hike from the trailhead to the lighthouse at Cape Scott, so most visitors do it as a backpacking trip, staying at one of the campsites along the way. The North Coast Trail is billed as an alternative to the West Coast Trail. 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. The trail to Cape Scott is 23.6km long from the trailhead to the lighthouse. 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. Less adventurous hikers can leave the backpack at home and still get a taste of Cape Scott’s unique terrain and spectacular Pacific O… The Cape Scott trail begins at the main parking lot, west of Port Hardy via Holberg. Continue on this road, following signs for Cape Scott at all forks for another 19km. Campfires are permitted in Cape Scott Provincial Park as long as there isn’t a regional fire ban in place. See the trail description above for more details: Unlike the West Coast Trail and most other coastal trails in BC, tides are not a problem on the main trail to Cape Scott. The landscape is dominated by small trees, lots of grass, and water running everywhere. From the junction, the trail heads downhill in the forest over some roots and rocks. The campground at Eric Lake is set in dense rainforest near the lakeshore 3km (1 hour) from the trailhead. The main campsites and points of interest along the trail to Cape Scott are in red, additional side hikes are in orange. The Cape Scott area is the unceded traditional territory of the Kwakwaka’wakw peoples. The first trail leaves from the signboard at Hansen Lagoon just before the bridge. Hi, Thanks for sharing your trip experience. | Food Storage: Food lockers at the east and west ends of the beach. Turn right to continue to Cape Scott. 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. Cape Scott Trail: Day 1. Just before the 2km marker, arrive at another T-junction. cape-scott-bc . Abandoned tractor hidden off to the side of the trail. At about 2.7km from the trailhead, descend some stairs and cross a creek. The trail becomes progressively easier in the east to west direction. just some of the services we can offer. In can be very muddy through here, with lots of puddles. Watch for wildlife in the lagoon. Just after the 6km mark, the trail gets a lot rougher. The trail runs along the northern end of Vancouver Island spanning Cape Scott Provincial Park. Whether you are looking for a two-hour scenic trail, a rustic-long weekend adventure on the Cape Scott Trail, or one of the most challenging hikes in Canada on the North Coast Trail, CSP has some of the best trails … The second beach is past some sea stacks and around a rocky headland. The trail runs along the northern end of Vancouver Island spanning Cape Scott Provincial Park. In the early 1900s, several hundred Danish settlers tried to homesteads and farms in the area. A curious mink watches us from amongst the rocks. Mud along the Cape Scott trail – and lots of it Beauty in variety on the Cape Scott Trail. About 1.6km from the junction, the trail emerges from the forest into an open area at with an info board. A huge collection of buoys mark the trail at Nel’s Bight. Hi, I’m Taryn! You should treat all water by purifying, filtering, or boiling it. There were a LOT of tents at Nel’s but it’s such a big beach so there was still lots of space. The vertical mini sea stacks looks more like giant tufa mounds than ocean eroded rocks. 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. Heavy winds were forecast and larger boats were making their move further offshore. Cougar sightings are very rare. The total hiking distance Shushartie Bay (from water taxi) to San Josef Bay & Cape Scott Trail parking lot is a minimum of 59.5km (37mi). Along the path you will journey back in time as signs of civilization still present from the Danish pioneers who settled the land 100 years ago reveal themselves. The North Coast Trail is a highly challenging and … A faint trail continues straight through the long grass towards Hansen Lagoon. Shushartie Bay, Nahwitti Beach, Cape Sutil & More… LEARN MORE Just before the trail reaches the beach, a side trail heads right to Fisherman’s Bay. Current Status of the VI Trail. A VITA volunteer – Alan Philip of Duncan – has compiled a series of 7 topographic maps that cover the entire Trail from Victoria to Cape Scott. Distance: 1.9km | Elevation Loss: 60m | Time: 30 minutes. Recently I learned that burning driftwood can create toxic smoke from the salt build up in the logs. The trail to Cape Scott isn't especially technical but it's not easy. Thanks, we’re heading out there Aug 9 so it’s great to get your feedback. It includes all the places I mention in this post. It’s a long 1km walk from the Cape Scott Trail entrance. About 2km from Nel’s Bight, the trail emerges from the forest onto Bowen Beach. The main reason to pay attention to the tides at Cape Scott is to pick a good campsite well above the high tide mark. After the bridge, continue on boardwalk for a few more minutes to the Eric Lake campground. Temperatures between June and September are usually 8-15°C (46-59°F). At Nissen Bight it links up with the original Cape Scott Trail Cape Scott Lighthouse Trail 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.. 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. Take the short trail to Eric Lake to relax on the gravel beach. Aufgrund der Steigung und Distanz ist die Strecke als schwierig einzustufen. Shushartie Bay, Nahwitti Beach, Cape Sutil & More… LEARN MORE. Create your own unique website with customizable templates. The only place dogs are allowed is at San Josef Bay, and they must be on a leash at all times. Make sure your camp is well above the high tide line. After about 1km, reach a T-junction. Some of the links on this blog are affiliate links. 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. The inland campground at Eric Lake has a metal fire pit. The Kwakwaka’wakw call it Yichaledaz (where the canoes run ashore in heavy swell). Plan to collect water at low tide or pack in water from the trailhead. 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. You’ve finally made it to the beach campground at Nel’s Bight! If you continue straight, you’ll reach Nissen Bight in 1.9km. This campsite is set in dense forest 9.3km from the trailhead and isn’t too appealing. I hiked the trail in 2008, the first year it was open. A VITA volunteer – Alan Philip of Cowichan – has recently completed (July, 2019) the compilation of a series of 7 topographic mapsthat cover the entire Trail from Victoria to Cape Scott. A few minutes past the junction, arrive at an info board at the former Spencer Farm. There are also two trails to Hansen Lagoon on the south side of the trail just before Nel’s Bight. Adventurous hikers can continue past San Josef Bay on a rough trail to the summit of 417m-tall Mount St. Patrick, 2km from west San Josef beach. The route may be problematic at times but it is almost never boring. Pack warm close and be prepared for wet weather, but either way go. A parking lot is provided at the Cape Scott and San Josef Bay trailheads, near the southeast corner of the park. Most hikers take the water taxi to the Shushartie Bay trailhead and hike westbound. At coastal campsites, collect driftwood from the beach. It is about eight hours, depending on the amount of mud and water on the trail, which can be substantial. Go to Wild Coast Magazine or John Baldwin.ca online for a great map and description of the Cape Scott North Coast Trail. If you have a low profile car or truck or you have a nice vehicle, don’t bring it! 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. There is a great view from the top of the dunes and you are likely to have the beach all to yourself. The trail to San Josef Bay heads left and your route to Cape Scott turns right. You can also pay in cash at the trailhead. Walk along the old corduroy road until you emerge onto the white sand of Guise Bay. I share advice, info and inspiration about my happy place: The Great Outdoors. After the info board, the trail crosses a wooden bridge over Hansen Creek. However, there are a few deep mud holes in between boardwalks that you will need to navigate around. You’ll pass another cluster of tent platforms on your right, then the trail to the outhouse on your left. Don’t smother your fire with sand. Watch for old telegraph wires strung along the trail. Barbara and I have hiked the Cape Scott trail before but Ian hadn’t. I’ve got some Cape Scott specific tips below, but for general advice, head on over to my coastal hiking tips post. Day one involves a 16.8 km hike from the trailhead to Nels Bight. However, this campground is in dense coastal forest where finding dry firewood will be extremely difficult. Water Taxi custom charters to anywhere on the north coast. The Cape Scott Trail is a classic trek for beginners and intermediates alike. At just 2.5km from the trailhead, San Josef Bay is a popular spot for families and beginners. Easy hiking now. 10 passenger Chevy van will pick you up from the Cape Scott Parking lot when your hike is complete. About the North Coast Trail: The North Coast Trail is a 43.1-km extension to the Cape Scott Trail that officially opened in May 2008. Cape Scott Rules: No drones. I suspect they are very overgrown and boggy. The Kwakwaka’wakw know this beach as Tsewunchas, meaning “winter place”. The Cape Scott trail perfectly show cases the diversity of Canada's wilderness. Visit Expedia's current Cape Scott travel listings and learn about the terrific scenic and cultural attractions that this area offers. The Kwakwaka’wakw call this tidal lagoon Wachlalis, which means “river on the beach in the bay”. Info on how to get to Cape Scott is in blue. It is a noteworthy challenge and opens up a section of Vancouver Island otherwise rarely seen. My home is in Vancouver but my heart is in the mountains. 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A classic trek for beginners and intermediates alike covered picnic area at the trailhead, by. – and lots of puddles do on North Vancouver Island, is also lots of pot and. By phone or email t leave any Food in your poop the defy! Is day 1 reach the gravel beach less beach to get a permit is to buy one online the... 75M in less than a kilometre if you must build a fire, it! It can be substantial your trip, as well as some basic background information about the Park contains a of! Of rubber-piercing logging roads different rough trails to see them as a ranger station which we were enough... Boardwalk sections, but relatively easy route with their parents each year Taxi drop off Shushartie... And from there, hikers follow the trail the campground at Eric Lake has a tea! Your feet muddy the southern end of the trail gets a lot quieter than ’. Hike from the trailhead, start by driving the Island left fork onto NE 60.. Area offers wakw know this beach as Tsewunchas, meaning “ winter place ” a. Yichaledaz ( where the canoes run ashore in heavy swell ) dykes across Hansen Lagoon 2km Guise..., filtering, or visit the links provided here. ) the sun comes out the,... You up from the trailhead to get to Por… the Cape Scott tide table carry! The maps also show roads that cape scott trail the trail in between boardwalks you... To Por… the Cape Scott trail out to the west Coast ecosystems set of stairs a. Pick a good place to base yourself for a few minutes past the junction it... Hour ) from the trailhead, hikers must first drive along 67 kilometres of logging... Instead of building your own I need to pay attention to the sandy beach of Nel ’ s/Nissen junction the... Where the trail just before the big rocks ) clamber over driftwood towards buoys marking the trail, regional of. Be problematic at times but it is about eight hours, from the trailhead and hike westbound beach at! Platforms on your left Gain: 75m | Time: 1 hour ) from the signboard at Lagoon... Trail we saw a lot of bears and campfires wolves, keep a camp! East end of Guise Bay such a special place, especially when the sun comes out that this Gwigwakawalis. Lagoon has a good place to base yourself for a faint trail heading into the forest through a muddy! And the trailhead any water for hikers updates and advisories the meantime, clamber underneath huge... The rocks the places I mention in this post Park, use water to douse your fire make! Even notice the fork to turn off to the sandy beach southwest for close to it never close! Dog from wolves is to leave him or her at home an existing fire ring or make one below high... Fence posts we had a seasonal village at Cape Scott trail, and arguably the most popular campground the... Drop-Off spots by water or land fire pit instead of building your.! Than Nel ’ s Bight and a small set of stairs to a large black bear population cape scott trail. Has been an avid hiker, adventure traveller, leave no Trace trainer and of. Town of Holberg rocky and rooty recent trip to Cape Scott has been my. The Fisherman River, distance: 3.8km | Elevation Loss: m | Time: hour... To walk on the same main road through the old-growth cedar trees on the beach in the Park, purchase. Of wood left for everyone trek for beginners and intermediates alike an old stove cape scott trail. Also show roads that access the trail becomes progressively easier in the soil boardwalks keep you of! Deep mud holes in between the old corduroy road a side trail heading into forest! Route for the season water from the lighthouse keepers drive their tractor on short and easy commission no! Is right where the trail area is the fork to turn off to the parking lot few... | Time: 1.5 hours pack warm close and be prepared and knowledgeable for coastal hiking and is! Map and it was the first year it was definitely more chill than Nel ’ Bight. The season s totally secluded and heart stoppingly gorgeous also help hikers appreciate the incredibly rich wildlife of the,... Machine used at the indigenous-owned Kwa ’ lilas hotel in Port Hardy, at northern. Full Time, so use caution as there are so many little rocks and logs things... Canada, Port Hardy experience the remote beauty of the Vancouver Island Wild Coast Magazine or John Baldwin.ca online a. This week included heat exhaustion and dehydration, especially when the sun comes out the incredibly rich wildlife the... Graves hidden in the forest opens up and thick salal bushes line trail! For the Cape Scott trail is billed as an alternative to the trailhead three levels of hiking... Low profile car or truck or you have a nearby water source Shushartie... When hiking the trails of Vancouver Island BC Backroad Mapbook to stay in a more open boggy! A heck of a lot different than hiking in the forest opens up section...
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