This was our five-day, four-night backpacking trip on the West Coast Trail in British Columbia, Canada from June 21–25, 2025. Erica first came across the trail on YouTube, and after doing a little research we decided it was a trip we had to do. Our oldest son, Garrett, joined us as we hiked from Gordon River to Pachena Bay along the rugged coastline of Vancouver Island.

The southern section of the trail turned out to be much more physically demanding than I had anticipated, with endless ladders, deep mud, roots, boulder fields, and constant elevation changes. Fortunately, we had outstanding weather for the entire trip, allowing us to enjoy the incredible beaches, old-growth rainforest, sea caves at Owen Point, waterfalls, wildlife, and some memorable stops at Nytom Burgers and the Crab Shack.

At the end of the video, I also cover many of the animals we encountered along the trail and some of the logistics we learned while planning and hiking the West Coast Trail.

00:00 Introduction
00:37 Day 1 – Gordon River to Thrasher Cove
03:25 Day 2 – Thrasher Cove to Cullite Cove
10:38 Day 3 – Cullite Cove to Cribs Creek
17:12 Day 4 – Cribs Creek to Klanawa River
22:54 Day 5 – Klanawa River to Pachena Bay
27:34 Wildlife
31:02 Trip Logistics & Tips


West Coast Trail, Vancouver Island, British Columbia, Canada, Gordon River, Thrasher Cove, Cullite Cove, Owen Point, Nitinaht Narrows, Tsusiat Falls, Klanawa River, Pachena Bay, backpacking