West Coast Trail Gets A Bum Rap

Because it is stunningly beautiful, wild in that exhilarating way that sets the soul aflame. You may curse every step, but you'll never forget it. Which brings us to the question of why more people don't embark on the journey. The West Coast Trail used to be quite busy. In fact, in 1992 Parks Canada felt compelled to introduce a daily quota system, capping access at about 8,000 hikers a year. But in recent years the numbers have tailed off. "We've basically plateaued around 5,000 people annually," says Pacific Rim National Park's Bill Fox. Some of the drop can be attributed to tourism trends, to the decline in the number of foreign travellers who make up a significant portion of hikers. There is also the not-insignificant question of cost: A trail-use permit is $128.75 per person, plus $15 for each of two ferry crossings, and that's on top of the $24.75 reservation fee. It's a lot cheaper to hike the adjoining 47-kilometre Juan de Fuca Marine Trail, where It costs just $5 a night to stay in one of the wilderness campsites. But the West Coast Trail is also a victim of its own reputation. People think the reservations are all snapped up at the beginning of the summer, when the truth is that even in peak season hikers can usually get on without booking. "It's very unlikely that anybody would be delayed," says Fox. The bottom line: It's one of the world's great wilderness experiences, it's right on your doorstep and, if you're up to the physical challenge, it's accessible. Go get your own hair-raising story. But bring extra toilet paper. http://www.canada.com/victoriatimescolonist/news/story.html?id=84b7ebac-1499-43ed-b757-6f647562540d

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