Trail access and transport
We arrange transportation from Nanaimo and the access logistics through Nitinaht Narrows.
Dates and booking
Half West Coast Trail departures
All-in price per person $2,161.92 CAD
Includes the booking fee and GST.
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Choose an available five-day Coastal Bliss Adventures departure below. Availability is updated from our departure feed; reservations are completed through the Coastal Bliss Checkfront account.
Coastal Bliss Adventures
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Why go guided?
More of the coast, less to organize
Preparation and support
Our guides help you prepare for backpacking, coastal weather, tide planning and camp life.
Coastal discoveries
Explore the north section of the historic West Coast Trail without committing to all 75 kilometres.
The experience
The northern West Coast Trail, at a different pace
Enter the trail at Nitinaht Narrows and travel north to Pachena Bay over five days. This roughly 33-kilometre journey follows coastal temperate rainforest, forest paths, beaches and sandstone shelves, with time for tide pools, sea views, waterfalls and interpretation.
It is shorter and generally less strenuous than the complete West Coast Trail, but it remains a real wilderness backpacking experience. Expect slippery surfaces, roots, mud and changeable conditions.
Published itinerary: about three and a half hiking days and one and a half travel days, with the first night in the Ditidaht area before entering the trail.
A closer look
Wild shoreline. Real backpacking.
Actual photographs from the West Coast Trail collection.
Your journey
Detailed trip itinerary
These itineraries follow the current Coastal Bliss Adventures trip documents. Weather, tide windows, access, group needs and safety requirements may lead to changes in the actual route or daily schedule.
Half West Coast Trail
Day 1
Travel Day: Pick up Departure Bay 08:15-08:30; downtown Nanaimo 0845 – 0900, Duke Point 09:30-09:55 (Your guide will confirm times the day prior to tour).We drive to our headquarters to do pack checks before leaving for Nitinaht. Once we arrive at the Ditidaht village of Balaats'adt, we will set up at the Nitinaht Motel there for the first night.
Day 2
(8 km, 6.5 without a backpack, 1.5 with) Up and away early to catch the early water taxi to Nitinaht Narrows. From the Narrows, do a short hike south to Clo-oose and back before lunch. We can provide lunch, but most people opt for the fresh seasfood at the Crab Shack (bring cash for this). After lunch, and chatting, we cross the Narrows and go to Barge Beach for the night.
Day 3
To Klanawa River (6 – 8 hrs, about 8 km) Rise by 6:00 pack up and enjoy breakfast. After breakfast, we pack up and move on to Tsuquadra for a stop. Tsuqadra is the place where the Ditidaht Trail Guardians stay, and is the location of a previous warrior village. From there, we move on to pass Tsusiaht Point, stop for lunch at Tsusiat Falls, and then carry on to the Klanawa River for the night, looking out over the open Pacific.
Day 4
To Michigan Creek We get up early again (the best time to travel is early morning). From Klanawa, we move out onto beach and sandstone shelf, heading toward Tsocowis and the waterfall there. On the way, we will stop and read about the Valencia disaster that sparked the creation of the West Coast Lifesaving Road. We end up at Michigan Creek for the night, often by early or mid-afternoon. We may have lunch at Tsocowis or at Michigan Creek. This is a great place to see whales if they are in the area.
Day 5
To the Pachena Bay trailhead, with a potential stop at Sea Lion Rock, and return to Nanaimo (4 to 5 hrs)
Price and inclusions
What your five-day tour includes
Published 2027 price: CAD $1,999 per person, plus a 3% booking fee and 5% GST. Check the final booking quotation for the total and any optional extras.
Included
Guide services, transportation from the Nanaimo pickup point, park and camping fees, most meals, shared tent accommodation and detailed preparation guidance, as described in the existing trip terms.
Not included or extra
Travel to Nanaimo, some travel-day meals and optional purchases, personal clothing and equipment, rental gear, possible single supplements and guide gratuities.
Before you book
Confirm the itinerary, current price, park-fee policies, single supplement, rental items and departure availability directly with Coastal Bliss.
Beyond the kilometres
Five days to reconnect with the coast.
This is a shorter adventure, but not a rushed one. Make time for quiet beaches, shared meals, meaningful stories and the small discoveries that stay with you.
See departure datesBefore you go
Be prepared for coastal backpacking
Fitness
The published rating is moderate compared with the full trail. You still carry a pack and travel over wet roots, rocks, mud and beaches; discuss any concerns with the team.
Personal equipment
Bring appropriate hiking boots, waterproof clothing, backpack, sleeping equipment and other personal items. Ask about rental options before departure.
Getting to Nanaimo
Arrive the day before the tour, allowing for ferry and flight connections. Pickup details are confirmed with your guide.
*Trail difficulty ratings are comparative, not a guarantee of easy terrain.
Know before you go
Trail Rating & Physical Demands
DE33ade — Moderate
Technical Difficulty: D / E
The northern route includes coastal forest, roots, mud, beaches and slippery rock. Shorter distance does not eliminate technical sections.
Strenuousness: 3 / 3
A shorter backpacking route than the full trail, but guests still carry overnight equipment and must be prepared for sustained hiking on uneven ground.
Environmental Factors: a, d, e
Rain, wet footing, tides and coastal weather may affect walking conditions and daily route choices.
This rating describes the demands of the trail, including its most difficult conditions. Guests should prepare for the more demanding sections, not only a typical hiking day.
Common questions
Choosing the Half West Coast Trail
Where does it start?
At Nitinaht Narrows, reached from Nanaimo via the Ditidaht area and water taxi.
Does the trip include the whole trail?
No. It follows the northern portion, ending at Pachena Bay. For the complete route, see our nine-day West Coast Trail.
Is it suitable for first-time backpackers?
It may suit fit and prepared hikers who want a shorter backpacking expedition. Please discuss your experience before booking.
Can I see other short hikes?
Compare Mini West Coast Trail and the West Coast South trip guide.
Ready to explore?
Find your Half West Coast Trail departure
Review departure dates and live availability, or contact us if you have questions about this five-day trip.
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