Guidelines

How long does it take to hike to Cape Scott?

How long does it take to hike to Cape Scott?

8.5 hours
Cape Scott: Length 23.6 km from the trailhead. Average one-way hiking time: 8.5 hours.

How difficult is the Cape Scott Trail?

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. The trail is primarily used for hiking, camping, and backpacking and is best used from May until September.

How do you get to Cape Scott from Vancouver Island?

If you are coming from mainland British Columbia, take the Horseshoe Bay to Departure Bay (Vancouver to Nanaimo) ferry. Then, drive up the beautiful, meandering island highway (Highway 19) for about 4 hours. The turn off for Cape Scott Park is just before you reach Port Hardy.

How do you get to Cape Scott?

How to get to Cape Scott Provincial Park and the North Coast Trail

  1. Fly or drive to Port Hardy.
  2. Arrange a shuttle or drive to Cape Scott Provincial Park.
  3. Book a water taxi for the North Coast Trail.

Is Cape Scott trail open?

Cape Scott Park is open year-round (check website for updates on trail conditions in case areas are closed for safety reasons), however fees are only collected from May 1 to September 30 when backcountry services are provided.

Do you have to book the North Coast Trail?

no reservations are needed to hike the North Coast Trail. But you must book both van shuttle (San Josef) and/or water taxi (Shushartie) in advance. You can prepay your $10/night/hiker to North Coast Trail Shuttle, as well.

How long does it take to drive from Port Hardy to Cape Scott?

approximately 2 hours
The drive from Port Hardy to Holberg, and ultimately the parking lot of Cape Scott Provincial Park, is well marked. Just follow the signs. Traveling on logging roads is a slow go, so expect the drive to take approximately 2 hours from Port Hardy.

How bad is Cape Scott road?

The shoulders are very steep and soft and there is not enough room to move to the side of the road. With the recent wet weather San Josef Main is rough and muddy. Travel is slow going and there are some large potholes. The road to Raft Cove and Cape Palmerston is very rough and getting grown in.

Where is Cape Scott BC?

Vancouver Island
Cape Scott Provincial Park is a truly magnificent area of rugged coastal wilderness that is located at the northwestern tip of Vancouver Island, 563 kilometres from Victoria.

How do I book the North Coast Trail?

no reservations are needed to hike the North Coast Trail. But you must book both van shuttle (San Josef) and/or water taxi (Shushartie) in advance. To get a good price you need a number of hikers taking that transport at the same time. North Coast Trail Shuttle rents VHF marine radios too ($50+tax).

What should I pack for the West Coast trail?

What to Pack:

  • 75 – 80 L backpack.
  • Warm sleeping bag and thin liner (ideally silk or other breathable fabric – optional)
  • Water resistant and windproof jacket (with hood) and pants.
  • Fleece jacket and pants.
  • Shirt with long sleeves / T-shirt.
  • Hiking pants / shorts.
  • Poly-propylene underwear.
  • 2 – 3 pairs of hiking socks.

How do I get to Mystic Beach from Vancouver Island?

To get to Mystic Beach, drive to the China Beach user trail parking lot; don’t confuse it with the China beach campground entrance, which is 400m to the south (or closer to Victoria). There are 2 parking lots. The Mystic Beach one is immediately to the right after you turn off the highway.

Where is Cape Scott Park on Vancouver Island?

Cape Scott is a hike-in park, located at the northwestern tip of Vancouver Island. The only parking lot within the park, located near the southeast corner, provides easy access to the Cape Scott and San Josef Bay Trailhead.

How long is the Cape Scott Trail in Vancouver Island?

The Vancouver Island Backroads Mapbook describes the Cape Scott Trail as “ a difficult 23.6km one-way hike through the heart of Cape Scott Provincial Park….muddy, rocky and rooty, there are few places on the Island as remote – or as wet – as this. ” Believe me, this is all true.

What to do in Cape Scott Provincial Park?

Today, people come to Cape Scott Provincial Park for its unparalleled hiking and camping opportunities. The park is home to more than 115 kilometres of beautiful ocean frontage, including about 30 kilometres of remote beaches. This is a hike-in park, and there is only one parking lot available.

How long is the drive to Cape Scott?

The distance by car from Holberg to the Park is about 16 km. Established in 1973 and named after the site of a lighthouse that has guided mariners since 1960, Cape Scott Provincial Park is characterized by more than 115 kilometres of scenic ocean frontage including about 30 kilometres of spectacular remote beaches.