The beach is gorgeous. The black dot is a bear. Get in touch. Be prepared. It is mostly flat, but is often very muddy. I’ve also seen bears in Hansen Lagoon. Zoom in and click around to see everything. A parking lot at the Cape Scott and San Josef Bay trailhead near the southeast corner of the park is on Western Forest Products land and is provided by the company for the convenience of park users. Hopefully, this section of trail will be repaired or a bypass trail will be built soon. Exploring the old fields at Hansen Lagoon. A few years ago we had a wolf run right up to our campfire at Nel’s Bight. All of the freshwater in the park has a dark tea colour from the tannins in the soil. Look carefully to spot evidence of Danish settlers logging. If you are hiking Vancouver Island, find your bliss on a guided hiking adventure in Canada's premiere wilderness areas. 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. If you go past, We did the North Coast Trail reverse of most- start at Cape Scott Trail head and only went as far as Cape Sutil, leaving the last 16km overland mud stog off. We saw one bear but few insects, birds, and squirrels. Print out a copy of your permit or save a screenshot on your phone as the rangers will ask to see it. 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. Like Like. Just after the 6km mark, the trail gets a lot rougher. 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. It’s one of the steepest bits of trail on the entire hike. From there, you can continue onwards to the Cape. depending how fast you walk. Turn right to go to the Fisherman River campground and outhouse. Cape Scott is in the Coastal Region.). We noticed that you're using an outdated browser. At first, you’ll walk through old-growth forest. Never run. 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. 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. The Tripadvisor web site may not display properly. The settlers would land boats full of supplies there, then haul them up this road to their homesteads near Hansen Lagoon. The easiest way to get a permit is to buy one online via the Backcountry Permits section of BC Parks’ Discover Camping portal. The trail dead-ends behind the dyke. Cape Scott, like the rest of Vancouver Island, is also home to cougars. The parking lot was full and people were parking on the narrow road. Some sections of the trail have easy to navigate boardwalks and some areas are more difficult. The main reason to pay attention to the tides at Cape Scott is to pick a good campsite well above the high tide mark. We drove from Port Hardy to the trail head in about 1 hour, 30 minutes with a rental that you must be careful. / distance estimates seem to have been made either by straight line or by exuberant and extremely fit 25 year olds. Easy walk to the beach, about 45 min. Caution: some of the hiking. The terrain around Cape Scott is coastal bog, which means that freshwater can be hard to find, especially late in the summer and in periods of dry weather. 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 Kwakwaka’wakw call it Yichaledaz (where the canoes run ashore in heavy swell). Instead, look around for small dry branches. Distance: Up to 1.5km | Elevation Gain/Loss: none | Time: Up to 40 minutes. 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. After less than 600m, there’s a divide. 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 first beach is right where the trail hits the sand. The WWII-era plank road on the way to the Cape Scott Lighthouse. Turn right to continue towards Cape Scott. Look for a faint trail heading north (right) into the forest. Walk through the campground and cross a bridge. The minimum recommended one way hiking time is 5 days; although, it is more commonly completed in 6 to 8 days. Finally went to Cape Scott! Thanks, we’re heading out there Aug 9 so it’s great to get your feedback. A short trail on the left leads out to a small beach. You can also pay in cash at the trailhead. Soon, you’ll arrive at an info sign and dozens of fisherman’s buoys hanging in the trees. There’s a ranger on staff here in the summer, stationed in a cabin at the east end of the beach. They like to forage for food along the beaches and in the estuaries. Campsites: Unlimited space on the beach above the high tide line | Toilet: Outhouse on a spur trail to the left of the main trail | Water: Collect from the creek at the southeast end of the beach. Cape Scott Park & The North Coast Trail Parking Lot Ranger Yurt Ranger Station Boat Launch Campsite Cable Car Lighthouse San Josef Trail Cape Scott Trail North Coast Trail Park Boundary e CCaCapee Sutuil Caapeppee SScS otttt n R e i v e r WilWllialm LLakLakke BriBrnk Lakakke EriEr c Lake i t i r TRATRTRATRAILIILLLHELHHEHEADD a c Q u e e n C h a r CAPPE SCOOTT PARRK … After yelling didn’t work, we had to fire bangers to scare it off the beach as it was habituated to people and didn’t want to move. Campfires are permitted in Cape Scott Provincial Park as long as there isn’t a regional fire ban in place. You will hike 16.8km from the trailhead to get here. In the first minute, look for some huge old-growth cedar trees on the north (right) side of the trail. However, it can be a good place to stay if you need to break up the long hike to Nel’s Bight or Nissen Bight into two days. At high tide, there is a rough, scrambly, and dangerous overland trail that is not recommended. If you don’t have your own car, you can also book a spot on the North Coast Trail Shuttle. After 16.8km in the forest, the trail emerges on the sandy beach of Nel’s Bight, where there is wonderful camping. 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. be maybe 10 vehicles, wrong, at least 70 to 80! | Food Storage: Food locker near the outhouse. It heads slightly uphill and becomes very wet and slippery as you work you way over sections of old settlers corduroy road. The trail splits at 900 metres in. It’s a lot quieter than Nel’s Bight. Cape Scott Lighthouse Trail Heading north from the trailhead, it is 17 km to Nels Bight, where nearly 2 km of flat white sand and pounding surf awaits you. There are quite a few camping spots inside the treeline. Hiker pick-up at Shushartie Bay for transport back to Port Hardy is usually 0900h. Info on how to get to Cape Scott is in blue. 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. June, July, and August are the driest months, but you can still expect lots of rain and fog. The drive from Nanaimo to Cape Scott takes about 6 hours. the the picket camp at the entrance to the road. The total hiking distance is approximately 59.5km. From Victoria Public Market to the Parliament Buildings, make stops to sample craft beer, chocolate, cheese, tea, and other local treats. It’s a delicious way to combine sightseeing with Victoria’s most delicious flavors, with both morning and afternoon departures available. Looking across the dunes towards Experiment Bight. The beautiful white sand of Guise Bay is 20.7km from the trailhead. Don’t cut down live trees for firewood as they don’t burn well. Looking down at the lighthouse keeper’s house from the Lighthouse. At just 2.5km from the trailhead, San Josef Bay is a popular spot for families and beginners. We spooked a black bear on my last visit and saw over a dozen eagles feeding. more, Recommended experiences in and around Vancouver Island. I’ve also heard good things about John Baldwin’s North Coast Trail map, but I haven’t used it. See the rules and tips section below for detailed rules about dogs and campfires. The trail arrives at First Beach. You can also spot lots of other wildlife at Cape Scott. The rewards, however, are remarkable. 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 … Some maps show trails branching off this trail to the south, but I couldn’t find them. This is the fork to turn off to the parking lot or turn south to San Josef Bay. I stayed here on one of my trips to Cape Scott, and it was definitely more chill than Nel’s Bight. On the other side of the bridge is a junction. Go left at a major fork, and arrive at the Cape Scott Lighthouse a few minutes later. Cape Scott is located near Port Hardy, at the northern tip of the island. The Christensen grave just off the main trail near the Nel’s/Nissen junction, Distance: 3.7km | Elevation Loss: 60m | Time: 1.5 hours. If you need help planning your trip, as always, ask me in the comments. The landscape is dominated by small trees, lots of grass, and water running everywhere. The trail starts easy, flat and wide. 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 best water is at the lighthouse and the two keepers are super friendly. There are some awkward spots in this section as the trail is rocky and rooty. From the trailhead, follow the trail nearly 1km to a junction. At Nissen Bight, the trail connects with the older Cape Scott Trail to exit at San Josef Bay, making the entire hike 58 kilometres. On one trip we saw a car with part of its rear quarter panel ripped off. If a wolf attacks, fight back. It can continue to smoulder under the sand and can injure people. You’ll pass another cluster of tent platforms on your right, then the trail to the outhouse on your left. If you see a cougar, follow the same tips for wolves above. Hiking times are estimated for the average hiker in good physical condition in optimal weather conditions. Thanks for your support. Distance: 1.9km | Elevation Loss: 60m | Time: 30 minutes. San Josef Bay:Length 2.5 kilometres from the trailhead. Beautiful. In the early 1900s, several hundred Danish settlers tried to homesteads and farms in the area. Hike to Cape Scott from Nels takes about 2 hours and is a great hike and well worth it. The Kwakwaka’wakw call this area Gwigwakawalis, which means “whales on the beach”. Upgrading your browser will ensure the best possible experience on our web site: Things to do near Cape Scott Provincial Park, Commonly searched for in Vancouver Island. A few minutes past the junction, arrive at an info board at the former Spencer Farm. Logging road with lots of pot holes and big rocks to avoid. 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. Most people camp near the forest on the far side. Continue for another 16km to the small forestry town of Holberg. To get to the Cape Scott Trailhead, start by driving the Island Highway (Highway 19) north. The vegetation changes from lush old-growth forest to spindly trees in a more open and boggy forest. The last leg of the hike to reach Cape Scott Lighthouse starts at the west end of Nels Bight and is a 16 km (9.9 miles) return hike. There is a great view from the top of the dunes and you are likely to have the beach all to yourself. But first, there’s an essential pit stop to make. Random wilderness camping is allowed throughout the park. 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. just some of the services we can offer. If you’re hiking the North Coast Trail or want a more detailed map, pick up a copy of the North Coast Trail Waterproof Map (which includes the Cape Scott Trail). What to Bring to Cape Scott: Everything you need to be self-sufficient. A faint trail on the west (left) side of the trail leads to several graves hidden in the salal. A long line of tents along the beach at Nel’s Bight. The main campsites and points of interest along the trail to Cape Scott are in red, additional side hikes are in orange. Other pocket beaches on the trail can also be great campsites. The beach at Guise Bay. From the highway turnoff, follow Holberg Road for 29km passing Kains Lake and Nahwitti Lake on your right. Temperatures between June and September are usually 8-15°C (46-59°F). Follow the grassy trail in between the old fence posts. Step out of the trees on the sand. Within a few minutes, you will encounter a huge section of blowdown. This is the most popular campground on the Cape Scott Trail, and arguably the most beautiful. Buoys in the grass mark the exit from Guise Bay beach. Reply. Distance: 2.9km | Elevation Loss: m | Time: 1 hour. Just before the 2km marker, arrive at another T-junction. About 2km from Guise Bay the old plank road turns into a rough gravel road that the lighthouse keepers drive their tractor on. It’s gorgeous! It starts at the east end of Cape Scott Provincial park with a water taxi drop off at Shushartie Bay. If you continue straight, you’ll reach a viewpoint at the southern end of Eric Lake. | 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. Turn left and continue through the old-growth cedar forest. We were. What a journey to get there. The Cape Scott area is the unceded traditional territory of the Kwakwaka’wakw peoples. It has a diameter of over 7m. The second beach is past some sea stacks and around a rocky headland. If you are there at low tide you may be able to get to another beach and a fresh water source but I wasn't so lucky. Emerge on the beach at San Josef Bay. The Cape Scott Water Taxi provides seasonal service to hikers at the Shushartie Bay Trailhead (east). The logging road to the trail head is a bit rough to, but if taken slowly any car can do it. Cape Scott Provincial Park features some excellent examples of old-growth forest, including Sitka Spruce in excess of 3 meters in diameter, and Western Red Cedar of similar sizes. It is smaller than Nel’s Bight and sees far fewer visitors. Hiking to Cape Scott is straightforward, with signs at all junctions. Fantastic location for the landscape photographer. If you’re on a budget, the North Coast Trail Backpackers Hostel gets good reviews. It was a misty morning but quite often that was 'burned off' by mid day. Continue on this road, following signs for Cape Scott at all forks for another 19km. Around 60km east of town, the gnarly old forests, vast deserted beaches and surprisingly quirky history of the region’s rugged Cape Scott Provincial Park are today’s camera-luring focal points. There are also lots of wolves at Cape Scott. If you don’t want to hike the Cape Scott trail, but would like a excellent day adventure from the Port Hard area, this is a most. I share advice, info and inspiration about my happy place: The Great Outdoors. Go to Wild Coast Magazine or John Baldwin.ca online for a great map and description of the Cape Scott North Coast Trail. Cougar sightings are very rare. Plan to collect water at low tide or pack in water from the trailhead. I also recently stayed at the indigenous-owned Kwa’lilas Hotel in Port Hardy. Thanks for supporting my website. Cape Scott is a Mecca for hiking enthusiasts, and hikers should be prepared and knowledgeable for coastal hiking. Cape Scott Provincial Park is at the very northern tip of Vancouver Island. Just after the 5km marker, the trail veers away from the creek slightly. There may also be tide tables posted on the info boards at the trailhead and at Nel’s Bight. Cape Scott Park offers some of the best hikes on Vancouver Island, BC. The Cape Scott trail perfectly show cases the diversity of Canada's wilderness. It is a casual 45 minute walk over a wide gravel path to a most spectacular West Coast beach that feels all your own most days of the year (long weekends are busy, spring through fall). Just before the highway enters Port Hardy, turn left onto Holberg Road. We just did a day trip and it was worth it. 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. Huge twisted beautiful trees on your way. It's 2.5 km from parking lot to the first beach so you have to carry in everything with you, including water. I’m sure you’ll have a great hike. IMG_3973. It’s a remote but beautiful place: old-growth rainforest, coastal bog, gorgeous white sand beaches, and lots of historical sites. Suitable for most able-bodied people of all ages. (Although it’s definitely not pavement so use caution as there are some bumps and steeper bits). Distance: 6.3km | Elevation Gain/Loss: none | Time: 2 hours. Don’t leave any food in your car. One of those beautiful relatively untouched parts of the BC coast you should visit before too many people figure out how amazing this place is. From there, the trail follows the coast, sometimes through upland mud bogs, sometimes on rocky beaches. Cable cars help you across rivers and boardwalks keep you out of some (but not most) of the mud. Follow it for a few minutes to a beautiful marble memorial. See it before it burns down, eh? Finally went to Cape Scott! Turn right and head west across Guise Bay. However, the best way to protect your dog from wolves is to leave him or her at home. Walk along the old corduroy road until you emerge onto the white sand of Guise Bay. Print out the Cape Scott tide table and carry it with you. The maps also show roads that access the Trail (including gated roads) and campsites. Never camp or linger near a dead animal. The path back to the main trail is on the right side of the photo next to the yellow buoy and we couldn’t get past the bear! On the other side, it heads back into the forest through a particularly muddy patch. Immediately after the junction, the trail becomes much rougher. You should treat all water by purifying, filtering, or boiling it. Bring lots of water and wear a hat, it was hot out! The trail is level and well maintained. They all have a nearby water source except Shushartie Bay. To avoid attracting wolves, keep a clean camp, and always store your food properly. From the junction, the trail heads downhill in the forest over some roots and rocks. They often use hiking trails as travel routes. In 2008 the new North Coast Trail was opened along the northern coast of Vancouver Island, a total of 46 km from Port Hardy to the park. | Food Storage: Food lockers at both beaches. Pack warm close and be prepared for wet weather, but either way go. 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