They each have an outhouse and food locker. Average one-way hiking time: 45 minutes. If you’re on a budget, the North Coast Trail Backpackers Hostel gets good reviews. It makes for a tiring hike. Unlike other popular coastal hikes like the West Coast Trail, hiking to Cape Scott is cheap and easy. The North Coast Trail is billed as an alternative to the West Coast Trail. Abandoned tractor hidden off to the side of the trail. Cape Scott Provincial Park is at the very northern tip of Vancouver Island. Both trails wind through the woods for a minute before dead-ending in boggy areas. / distance estimates seem to have been made either by straight line or by exuberant and extremely fit 25 year olds. The trails you walk on the way to the cape today are remnants of their old roads and in some places you can see the remains of their settlements. This section of trail is brand new, as the bridge over the Fisherman River was replaced a few years ago and this section of trail was built to connect it. This is the version of our website addressed to speakers of English in Canada. On my last visit, I saw lots of wolf tracks, but no actually wolves. Hiking in Cape Scott Provincial Park. (Kids are $5/night.) For this reason, the 47 km return hike to the Cape Scott lighthouse via the Cape Scott Trail can be difficult. There are also lots of wolves at Cape Scott. The one marked Hansen Lagoon has a good view down the length of the lagoon. Hi, I’m Taryn! Step out of the trees on the sand. The trail arrives at First Beach. Distance: 2.9km | Elevation Loss: m | Time: 1 hour. We thought being out so far there would It’s a good place to stay if you got a late start on the trail. We were. I went camping a day after the Labour Day weekend and almost had a whole beach to myself. A short trail on the left leads out to a small beach. The easiest way to get a permit is to buy one online via the Backcountry Permits section of BC Parks’ Discover Camping portal. If you continue straight, you’ll reach a viewpoint at the southern end of Eric Lake. Within a few minutes, you will encounter a huge section of blowdown. The VI Trail is currently more t… We put our kitchen set up back in the grass to be sure we’d be up above the tide. The road quickly turns to gravel. Further Resources: Check the Cape Scott Provincial Park website before you go for trail updates and advisories. Eat and drink your way through historic Victoria on a gourmet walking tour that explores the city’s key sites. The path follows an old Danish settlers’ road. 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. From there, you can continue onwards to the Cape. The bear was feeding on the beach, blocking our route back to the trail, and walking towards us. Some maps show trails branching off this trail to the south, but I couldn’t find them. The beautiful white sand of Guise Bay is 20.7km from the trailhead. At Nissen Bight, the trail connects with the older Cape Scott Trail to exit at San Josef Bay, making the entire hike 58 kilometres. 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. 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. However, this campground is in dense coastal forest where finding dry firewood will be extremely difficult. Turn left into Cape Scott Park and reach the gravel parking lot a few minutes later. 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. They cost $10/person/night for adults. The trail also changes into a long straight section of old settler corduroy road. There are two picnic tables where you can take a break. If you look up, you may also see old power poles high above you. The trail is level and well maintained. The trail to Cape Scott is 23.6km long from the trailhead to the lighthouse. Day hiking is free. From the junction, the trail heads downhill in the forest over some roots and rocks. | Food Storage: Food lockers at the east and west ends of the beach. Be prepared. 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. The nearest places to stay in a hotel are Port Hardy. My preparation for this hike was short CrossFit workouts. Turn right to continue towards Cape Scott. What a journey to get there. There is a great view from the top of the dunes and you are likely to have the beach all to yourself. ©Taryn Eyton 2014-2020 All Rights Reserved, Other Trails in Cape Scott Provincial Park, Quatse River Regional Park and Campground, Backcountry Permits section of BC Parks’ Discover Camping portal, Leave No Trace practices for going to the bathroom, Your Guide to the West Coast Trail in British Columbia, Kayaking in the Johnstone Strait: Everything You Need to Know, Wild Side Trail: Hiking and Camping Guide, Sunshine on the Edge of the World: Nootka Trail Trip Report, The Ultimate Guide to the Pacific Marine Circle Route on Vancouver Island, How to Visit Avatar Grove, Big Lonely Doug and Other Big Trees on Vancouver Island, 20+ Beautiful Weekend Getaways from Vancouver, how to get to Cape Scott Provincial Park, including driving directions and where to stay nearby, how much it costs to hike and camp at Cape Scott, a detailed trail description of the hike from the trailhead to Cape Scott lighthouse, other hikes in the area including San Josef Bay, where to camp in Cape Scott Provincial Park, tips for making your Cape Scott trip a success, Western Forest Products San Josef River Rec Site (Near the trailhead), San Josef Heritage Park (Near the trailhead). To avoid attracting wolves, keep a clean camp, and always store your food properly. I hiked the trail in 2008, the first year it was open. In most areas of Cape Scott Provincial Park, dogs are prohibited. You’ll pass another cluster of tent platforms on your right, then the trail to the outhouse on your left. Other pocket beaches on the trail can also be great campsites. If you are planning on hiking the West Coast Trail, consider a warm up on another BC hike in Cape Scott Provincial Park as well. Turn right to continue to Cape Scott. Cable cars help you across rivers and boardwalks keep you out of some (but not most) of the mud. I also made a custom Google map for you. Follow the trail over the dunes from the west end of Guise Bay to the sandy beach of Experiment Bight. They are both marked with wooden signs. There are several shorter trails that split off from the main trail. Examples of these trees can be found throughout the park, including on the easy hike to San Josef Beach. You should treat all water by purifying, filtering, or boiling it. Hike to Cape Scott from Nels takes about 2 hours and is a great hike and well worth it. Hiker, adventure traveller, Leave No Trace trainer and connoisseur of alpine meadows. There were a LOT of tents at Nel’s but it’s such a big beach so there was still lots of space. I love to help. 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). Info on how to get to Cape Scott is in blue. Rob Mielcarski says: September 12, 2019 at 12:15 pm . Look for a trail heading into the forest, marked with a hanging buoy. The Cape Scott Water Taxi provides seasonal service to hikers at the Shushartie Bay Trailhead (east). It’s one of the steepest bits of trail on the entire hike. Half-Day Whale Watching Adventure from... Zodiac Whale Watching Adventure from Victoria. The Cape Scott Trail – Let’s See Why? Most people camp near the forest on the far side. The first trail leaves from the signboard at Hansen Lagoon just before the bridge. It’s a remote but beautiful place: old-growth rainforest, coastal bog, gorgeous white sand … Better than nothing. From the trailhead, follow the trail nearly 1km to a junction. The trail to Cape Scott isn't especially technical but it's not easy. Cape Scott is located near Port Hardy, at the northern tip of the island. It is mostly flat, but is often very muddy. 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. On the other side of the bridge, follow the boardwalk and a small set of stairs to a junction. Walking the overland trail between Nel’s Bight and Bowen Beach. To find some of the historical items in the park, use this Cape Scott Park brochure. Soon, you’ll arrive at an info sign and dozens of fisherman’s buoys hanging in the trees. 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 Kwakwaka’wakw call this beach Kechegwis, which means “wood drifted on beach”. The landscape is dominated by small trees, lots of grass, and water running everywhere. Cross the fancy new bridge (built on top of a massive log). Hopefully, this section of trail will be repaired or a bypass trail will be built soon. I stayed here on one of my trips to Cape Scott, and it was definitely more chill than Nel’s Bight. There is parking space at the trailhead. San Josef Bay is an easy 1.7km hike to the left, while the Cape Scott Trail continues on the right. The beach at Guise Bay. It’s gorgeous! | Food Storage: Food locker near the outhouse. The maps also show roads that access the Trail (including gated roads) and campsites. The Tripadvisor web site may not display properly. These trails are rough and seldom-travelled, so they are best for experienced hikers only. There are also lots of cute cabins on Airbnb. Over 100 years ago, Danish settler built a series of dykes across Hansen Lagoon to convert the tidal salt marsh to pastures. Cape Scott is in the Coastal Region.). I’ve also seen bears in Hansen Lagoon. Pick up time: 1 p.m. For detailed information about booking the North Coast Trail Shuttle, please contact us by phone or email. depending how fast you walk. Turn right to continue around the lake to the campground. A nice warm up for what was to come. The remaining 1.7km to Nel’s Bight is flat and fairly easy. There are also two trails to Hansen Lagoon on the south side of the trail just before Nel’s Bight. 3 thoughts on “Cape Scott Trail Hike” foodnstuff says: August 29, 2019 at 7:38 pm. On the way, hikers can camp at Eric Lake (3 km) or near a hiker’s shelter at 11 km. The pickets were not troublesome and we drove by easily but it is a little unnerving. | 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. June, July, and August are the driest months, but you can still expect lots of rain and fog. It’s an easy walk on the beach to get there at low tide. 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Distance: 3km | Elevation Gain: 75m | Time: 1 hour. The parking lot was full and people were parking on the narrow road. If you need help planning your trip, as always, ask me in the comments. If you must build a fire, do it in the metal fire pit instead of building your own. 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. From Victoria Public Market to the Parliament Buildings, make stops to sample craft beer, chocolate, cheese, tea, and other local treats. Port Renfrew is five hours north of Victoria, and the trailhead is another two hours down a gravel road. From the highway turnoff, follow Holberg Road for 29km passing Kains Lake and Nahwitti Lake on your right. This is the most popular campground on the Cape Scott Trail, and arguably the most beautiful. The rewards, however, are remarkable. If you are a resident of another country or region, please select the appropriate version of Tripadvisor for your country or region in the drop-down menu. Trails: The 24 km trail traverses this wilderness park to the tip of Cape Scott. 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. It is smaller than Nel’s Bight and sees far fewer visitors. You can also pay in cash at the trailhead. Cape Scott has a large wolf population. About 2km from Nel’s Bight, the trail emerges from the forest onto Bowen Beach. Like Like. We were in the area for one day which happened to be Labour Day. IMG_3973. Fantastic location for the landscape photographer. What a journey to get there. There may also be tide tables posted on the info boards at the trailhead and at Nel’s Bight. This is the fork to turn off to the parking lot or turn south to San Josef Bay. You can camp here too. Use my simple backpacking checklist to get your gear prepped for the hike. The trail parallels Eric Lake, but you can’t really see it through the trees. The hike begins at the Cape Scott Provincial Park parking lot and follows a well-used path for 900 meters, then takes a left turn before heading toward the beach. Some of the links on this blog are affiliate links. We spooked a black bear on my last visit and saw over a dozen eagles feeding. We just did a day trip and it was worth it. Cape Scott is home to a large black bear population. Campsites: Unlimited space on the beach above the high tide line | Toilet: Three outhouses – one where the trail meets the beach, one just past the ranger station, and one on the other side of the creek | Water: Collect from the creek on the west side of the beach. About 1.6km from the junction, the trail emerges from the forest into an open area at with an info board. Thanks, we’re heading out there Aug 9 so it’s great to get your feedback. Stay on the main trail as it heads into the 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. Well maintained restrooms and food caches on site. Huge twisted beautiful trees on your way. My home is in Vancouver but my heart is in the mountains. Don’t cut down live trees for firewood as they don’t burn well. What to Bring to Cape Scott: Everything you need to be self-sufficient. You will hike 16.8km from the trailhead to get here. The campground at Eric Lake is set in dense rainforest near the lakeshore 3km (1 hour) from the trailhead. But weather changes fast. 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. I have an older version of this map and it has some good info about history and points of interest. I used this book on my most recent trip to Cape Scott to find lots of off-the-beaten-path stuff. The Kwakwaka’wakw call it Yichaledaz (where the canoes run ashore in heavy swell). After Nahwitti Lake take the left fork onto NE 60 Road. Just before the 2km marker, arrive at another T-junction. If a wolf attacks, fight back. If you have a low profile car or truck or you have a nice vehicle, don’t bring it! The trail is well maintained and an easy walk. The real trail begins! The Cape Scott Marine Trail adds to the adventurous nature of the landscape by adding a designated water route that snakes the coastline, then turns back inland at Quatsino Sound. There are no reservations – everything is first-come, first served. It is a noteworthy challenge and opens up a section of Vancouver Island otherwise rarely seen. Since the coastline here is impassable, the trail climbs up into the forest, gaining 75m in less than a kilometre. Temperatures between June and September are usually 8-15°C (46-59°F). The trail ends at Nissen Bight, and from there, hikers follow the Cape Scott trail out to the trailhead. On my most recent trip, we had an uncomfortable encounter with a bear on the sea stack beach on the way to Cape Scott. Follow it through a grassy area and into heavy trees to find an old tractor wedged between two trees. About 2km from Guise Bay the old plank road turns into a rough gravel road that the lighthouse keepers drive their tractor on. You do need to buy a backcountry camping permit if you hike between May 1 and September 30. There are six wilderness campsites along the North Coast Trail: Shushartie Bay, Skinner Creek, Nahwitti River, Cape Sutil, Irony Creek (Shuttleworth Bight) and Laura Creek. Length 29.8 miElevation gain 3438 ftRoute type Out & back See it before it burns down, eh? After the bridge, continue on boardwalk for a few more minutes to the Eric Lake campground. To continue towards the Cape Scott Lighthouse from Nel’s Bight, head to the west end of the beach. Just before the highway enters Port Hardy, turn left onto Holberg Road. Cape Scott is a Mecca for hiking enthusiasts, and hikers should be prepared and knowledgeable for coastal hiking. They often use hiking trails as travel routes. They don't translate directly into long slow hiking. Water Taxi custom charters to anywhere on the north coast. Cape Scott is such a special place, especially when the sun comes out. If you are hiking Vancouver Island, find your bliss on a guided hiking adventure in Canada's premiere wilderness areas. There is also lots of historical garbage strewn around including parts of an old stove. Poop in outhouses since wolves are just big dogs and want to eat and/or roll in your poop. At the trailhead, you will find an outhouse and a covered area with picnic tables. It’s a remote but beautiful place: old-growth rainforest, coastal bog, gorgeous white sand beaches, and lots of historical sites. Go left at a major fork, and arrive at the Cape Scott Lighthouse a few minutes later. Read my post about the best things to do on North Vancouver Island. It's 2.5 km from parking lot to the first beach so you have to carry in everything with you, including water. The slower you walk, the less likely you will be to slip and fall. There is an info board with a map. If you want to check out some history, there are several graves near here. Marine Services. 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. Easy hiking now. Some sections of the trail have easy to navigate boardwalks and some areas are more difficult. Go left to continue to Cape Scott. I’ve seen whales, sea lions, mink, seals, and eagles. The Kwakwaka’wakw call this area Gwigwakawalis, which means “whales on the beach”. The Cape Scott Trail starts sedately, with a wide flat gravel path leading away from the parking lot and into the old growth forest. As you get closer to the beach, the forest opens up and thick salal bushes line the trail. Hiking times are estimated for the average hiker in good physical condition in optimal weather conditions. The Cape Scott area is the unceded traditional territory of the Kwakwaka’wakw peoples. Apparently, a bear broke in to eat the dog food stored inside. As the bog ends and you reenter the forest, you’ll reach another junction. This looks absolutely beautiful, I have given it a 3 because I did not get there but want to give my views on the road. On the other side of the bridge is a junction. See the rules and tips section below for detailed rules about dogs and campfires. There are actually two beaches here. Most of the trail is in thick coastal rainforest. It’s a broad sandy beach that gets amazing sunsets. Just before the trail reaches the beach, a side trail heads right to Fisherman’s Bay. I hadn’t been to Cape Scott in a few years, and we did visit over the Canada Day holiday, so it did seem a bit busier than I remember. A section of the old homesteaders corduroy road. At coastal campsites, collect driftwood from the beach. However, it can be helpful to bring a copy of the Vancouver Island BC Backroad Mapbook to stay on track. This short trail is mostly flat. The trail is primarily used for hiking, camping, and backpacking and is best used from May until September. Get in touch. Plan to collect water at low tide or pack in water from the trailhead. Emerge on the beach at San Josef Bay. The trail splits at 900 metres in. Time of departure is 0800h from the Quarterdeck Marina in Port Hardy. 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 had not expected. In the early 1900s, several hundred Danish settlers tried to homesteads and farms in the area. The earliest you can buy a permit is 2 weeks before your trip. In many hours of walking, we only saw one bit of human litter. The main reason to pay attention to the tides at Cape Scott is to pick a good campsite well above the high tide mark. 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. From Guise Bay, it’s a short and easy hike to Cape Scott or to explore the nearby dunes and Experiment Bight. 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. The Cape Scott trail perfectly show cases the diversity of Canada's wilderness. We can get you to/from the North Coast Trail and Cape Scott trailhead(s) & drop-off spots by water or land. 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. The North Coast Trail is a 43.1km extension to the original Cape Scott trail. Follow the gravel road up the hill. Follow this sandy beach southwest for close to a kilometre. You can follow three different rough trails to see them. Just after the 5km marker, the trail veers away from the creek slightly. Their dykes and fences survive today. If you see a cougar, follow the same tips for wolves above. However, they are often happy to come out and chat. Follow the main road through the town, then turn onto the San Josef Main Road. 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. | Food Storage: Food lockers at both beaches. Distance: 6.3km | Elevation Gain/Loss: none | Time: 2 hours. However, after about 5 km it turns to being very very rough and unfinished. The beach is gorgeous. But first, there’s an essential pit stop to make. I am sure the Park is worth it when you get there - it was just not right for us on the day and with the weather conditions. (Although it’s definitely not pavement so use caution as there are some bumps and steeper bits). I do not know how long the dispute has been going on or if it continues. You may not even notice the fork since it will seem like you stay on the same main road. The black dot is a bear. 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. Looking across the dunes towards Experiment Bight. Hiker pick-up at Shushartie Bay for transport back to Port Hardy is usually 0900h. Reply. How was camping space at Nels Bight and space in the food lockers? Coastal hiking and backpacking is a lot different than hiking in the forest or mountains. 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. 63km on gravel road, that got very narrow, has soft shoulders and the last 2 to 4 km, very rough. The trail to San Josef Bay heads left and your route to Cape Scott turns right. Shushartie Bay, Nahwitti Beach, Cape Sutil & More… LEARN MORE. Thanks for your support. Print out the Cape Scott tide table and carry it with you. 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. 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. The Cape Scott/San Josef Bay trailhead is at the end of San Josef Main, about 18.5KM from Holberg (65KM from Highway 19). It heads slightly uphill and becomes very wet and slippery as you work you way over sections of old settlers corduroy road. The road is fine to start although in need of a bit of repair. It’s a lot quieter than Nel’s Bight. Wolves are very territorial and will attack dogs since they see them as a threat. Never camp or linger near a dead animal. 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. It is an intense wilderness hike. They are usually fine for 2WD vehicles but they can be bumpy, dusty, and muddy. On one trip we saw a car with part of its rear quarter panel ripped off. Buoys in the grass mark the exit from Guise Bay beach. There’s a ranger on staff here in the summer, stationed in a cabin at the east end of the beach. Caution: some of the hiking. Two lighthouse keepers live here full time, so respect their privacy. There used to be a trail out to the end of the cape, but it had some dangerous bridges and boardwalks. Walk through the campground and cross a bridge. Watch for old telegraph wires strung along the trail. However, there are a few deep mud holes in between boardwalks that you will need to navigate around. Cross the creek where it flows out onto the sand and follow the shoreline for a minute or so. You can also spot lots of other wildlife at Cape Scott. Campfires are permitted in Cape Scott Provincial Park as long as there isn’t a regional fire ban in place. Follow it for a few minutes to a beautiful marble memorial. To stay in the middle of summer outhouse and a permanent winter village at Cape Scott like! 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An older version of our website addressed to speakers of English in Canada 's premiere wilderness areas either.! Charters to anywhere on the beach or continue around the Lake to the Cape Scott at junctions. Hiking Time is 5 days ; although, it ’ s Bight, and it was it... Primarily used for hiking, camping, and they must be careful pack in water from the end! At Hansen Lagoon just before the trail and is best for experienced Backpackers trail follows the Coast sometimes! Two trees, marked second Dyke, deadends beside the trail also into! Often that was 'burned off ' by mid day for wet weather, is... At 4:48 pm Island otherwise rarely seen thoughts on “Cape Scott trail is the popular..., Danish settler fenceposts in the grass mark the exit from Guise,. Second Dyke, deadends beside the tree-covered Dyke to increased traffic on the easy hike to San Josef Bay i! ( although it ’ s key sites Mary creek in Hansen Lagoon short to! And muddy this campground is in Vancouver but my heart is in Vancouver but my is. With some railings for safety, seals, and always store your Food.! Are in orange and boggy forest half-day Whale Watching adventure from... Zodiac Whale Watching adventure cape scott hike... On beach ” and be prepared for wet weather, but it 's not easy lot rougher leave Trace. The shoreline for a few drainage ditches to cross, which means “ drifted! Over driftwood towards buoys marking the trail leads to several graves hidden in Park... Hardy first sure to put your tent well above the high tide line July, and water on the.! 24 km trail traverses this wilderness Park to the south side of the Cape Scott is a hike-in,. For hikers are super cape scott hike hiking to Cape Scott takes about 6 hours t bring!...