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 Regional Discussion
 British Columbia - Vancouver Island
 Port Renfrew
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lbursey
Starting Member


nash creek, nb
Canada

6 Posts

 Posted - 08/18/2008 :  7:55 PM  Show Profile  Reply to this posting
This is my first post. My son and I are doing the WCT in a few weeks.
Any suggestions for lodging and vechicle parking.Can we purchase fuel canisters in Port Renfrew .

Thanks

LongShadow
Founder

Big pack hiker who sleeps with bears in tent and falls on slippery logs

Langley, BC
Canada

7647 Posts

 Posted - 08/18/2008 :  8:26 PM  Show Profile  Reply with Quote
There is parking close to the TH. We stayed at a native property and our car appeared in good order when we returned. For the fuel, I presume this is because you cannot take it on the plane. You coming in to YVR? I would recommend hitting a Canadian Tire when you land before you head to PR. Have you figured out the logistics for getting back to your vehicle after the hike?

lbursey
Starting Member


nash creek, nb
Canada

6 Posts

 Posted - 08/18/2008 :  9:11 PM  Show Profile  Reply with Quote
Right we're flying in to Yvr. Read on one of the forums there is a Bus from Bamfield to Port Renfrew . Wondering if we need reservation.
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darrenbell
Advanced Member


Penhold, Alberta
Canada

2012 Posts

 Posted - 08/18/2008 :  9:44 PM  Show Profile  Reply with Quote
I gather by your last post that you haven't done a lot of research into the logistics of doing the WCT. I would suggest using the search function on CT and type in WCT. You will be inundated with a ton of info regarding places to stay, transportation from/to trail heads etc...

Also, look up Parks Canada's web page on this trail as there is some info there that will help you plan and enjoy your hike much more. Have a good trip.

lbursey
Starting Member


nash creek, nb
Canada

6 Posts

 Posted - 08/19/2008 :  12:56 AM  Show Profile  Reply with Quote
Thanks guys, appreciate the info. I have 2 wks to check CT. Our plan is to leave Victoria by rental and arrive in Port Renfrew in time for the afternoon orentation,and get on the trail 9 am the next day.
My son did hiking in Jasper and Mount Robson area over the years.As for myself I'm 57 years old and never did any hiking.I,ve been packing 50lbs 6km a day for the last 3 wks. I should be ok for the long trek. Its kind of a let down that the tides are not in our favour. { Sept 8-14 }

sasquatch
Starting Member


white rock, BC
30 Posts

 Posted - 08/19/2008 :  07:13 AM  Show Profile  Reply with Quote
I know you can take the WCT shuttle bus from Nanaimo, so I would assume you can take it from the Swartz Bay ferry terminal as well. It makes it far more convienient, and that way you dont have to worry about parking a vehicle anywhere, and no rentals.

Edited by - sasquatch on 08/19/2008 07:16 AM
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darrenbell
Advanced Member


Penhold, Alberta
Canada

2012 Posts

 Posted - 08/19/2008 :  08:00 AM  Show Profile  Reply with Quote
Don't "assume" anything, just take a minute and check this link.

http://www.trailbus.com/

LongShadow
Founder

Big pack hiker who sleeps with bears in tent and falls on slippery logs

Langley, BC
Canada

7647 Posts

 Posted - 08/19/2008 :  08:47 AM  Show Profile  Reply with Quote
quote:
Originally posted by lbursey

Right we're flying in to Yvr. Read on one of the forums there is a Bus from Bamfield to Port Renfrew . Wondering if we need reservation.



You'll need reservations for sure. Make it absolutely clear as to which day they have you booked as well. They screwed us a few years back and we ended up having to take alternate transport.

lbursey
Starting Member


nash creek, nb
Canada

6 Posts

 Posted - 08/19/2008 :  9:05 PM  Show Profile  Reply with Quote
Just made reservations and will be emailing in a few days to make sure we're booked

Loial
Starting Member



15 Posts

 Posted - 08/20/2008 :  10:09 AM  Show Profile  Reply with Quote
quote:
Originally posted by lbursey
Its kind of a let down that the tides are not in our favour. { Sept 8-14 }



Hey, I'm doing the WCT on exactly the same dates are you guys. I originally wanted to start in Port Renfrew, but the tides made me change my mind. On the 14th the tides are much better, and I plan to go to Owen Point on that day. Maybe you should consider starting in Bamfield.

Fiona_McQ
Starting Member


Vancouver, BC
Canada

19 Posts

 Posted - 08/20/2008 :  10:33 AM  Show Profile  Reply with Quote
My boyfriend and I are starting the west coast trail this coming sunday, and left making reservations at a hotel too late - everyting is booked. I was thinking we may just sleep in the truck that night. I hear that there are secured parking areas in Port Renfrew for when you are on the trail - anyone know the names of these, if you have to reserve?

fernwoodguy
Junior Member


Victoria, BC
Canada

185 Posts

 Posted - 08/20/2008 :  12:45 PM  Show Profile  Reply with Quote
Not sure of the name, but just up the road from the WCT office outside of Port Renfrew is a parking lot for $5/day. The WCT people will be able to tell you where it is. It's within walking distance. I've parked there a couple times when I'm canoeing in the area. Can't reserve, first come first serve, but there's lots of room.

Edited by - fernwoodguy on 08/20/2008 12:46 PM
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shaggy
Senior Member

Cycling guru, Wig wearing, James Bond wannabe, answers to the call of "Eurobabe"

Langley
Canada

1231 Posts

 Posted - 08/20/2008 :  12:51 PM  Show Profile  Reply with Quote
Make sure you have cash for the parking.
You probably still have to pay on arrival too.
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darrenbell
Advanced Member


Penhold, Alberta
Canada

2012 Posts

 Posted - 08/20/2008 :  12:52 PM  Show Profile  Reply with Quote
quote:
Originally posted by Fiona_McQ

My boyfriend and I are starting the west coast trail this coming sunday, and left making reservations at a hotel too late - everyting is booked. I was thinking we may just sleep in the truck that night.



There is the native run campground along the beach and in the forest right behind the trail office at Port Renfrew, so no need to sleep in the truck just pitch your tent.

lbursey
Starting Member


nash creek, nb
Canada

6 Posts

 Posted - 08/25/2008 :  6:19 PM  Show Profile  Reply with Quote
quote:
Originally posted by LongShadow

quote:
Originally posted by lbursey

Right we're flying in to Yvr. Read on one of the forums there is a Bus from Bamfield to Port Renfrew . Wondering if we need reservation.



You'll need reservations for sure. Make it absolutely clear as to which day they have you booked as well. They screwed us a few years back and we ended up having to take alternate transport.




Things are falling into place nicely. Bus from Bamfield to PR and motel in PR is booked and confirmed.Plan to take the 3:30 orentation on the 7th and on the trail 9:00 AM on the 8th.

lbursey
Starting Member


nash creek, nb
Canada

6 Posts

 Posted - 10/13/2008 :  06:10 AM  Show Profile  Reply with Quote
Hi Folks
I'll give a brief story on my son and I trip on the WCT.As mentioned previously our plan was to get orentation on Sunday afternoon Sept 7 and on the trail Monday morning at 8:30.
It didn't quite work out that way.Arrived at Victoria on Sunday morning at 10:30 by Air Canada, my son who came in earlier was waiting with a rental to go to Port Renfrew.Went to pick up my luggage and guess what! no Backpack.Checked with the luggage claim and he was of no help what so ever. My Son then took over, and spent 2 Hrs on the phone with Air Canada. Four flights later and at 5 oclock my Backpack arrived from Vancouver.
We took monday morning orentation and got on the trail at 11:00.
After 1hr on the trail I realized I WAS NOT IN SHAPE ,it was hell guys.My Son relieved me off 10 lbs and coaxed me along for the next hour until I started feeling better. Well anyway it took us 4hrs to get to Thrasher under ideal weather conditions. I wanted to climb down the ladders and stay the nite but my Son reminded me that we have to climb back up the next morning.[the tides was not in our favor]After a break we decided to go for Camper knowing it will probally be Dark when we get there. We arrived in Camper at 7:30.
I was very sore the next day and limped along to the next camp site slowly. From day 3 on I was in better shape and cruised along to the end.The 6 days were all sunshine no rain at all.
The only damaged we recieved on the trail was loss of a large Toenail due to jamming it between a rock and a tree root.
My advise to anyone doing the trail, as "darrenbell" said Don't assume anything take a minute a read this link.

Thanks
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