UCLUELET, BC, March 29, 2010 – A new online reservation system for Pacific Rim National Park Reserve’s iconic West Coast Trail is making it easier for the public to plan their backcountry adventure on the trail. Beginning Thursday April 1st at 9 am, interested hikers can reserve a spot on the trail either by using the existing phone reservation system or the new online option, which offers service 7 days a week, 24 hours a day.
The move comes in response to feedback through Parks Canada-led surveys and focus groups where hikers expressed an interest in being able to book and review available trail dates online.
A quota and reservation system was implemented as a safety measure ensuring the sensitive coastal rainforest is not stressed by excessive use. During the trail’s peak season, from June 15th to Sept 15th, Parks Canada allows up to 60 overnight hikers to start the trail each day. From May 1st to June 14th and from September 16th to September 30th, the trail is open but the reservation system does not operate because numbers of hikers do not reach trail capacity. During those times, hikers can arrive at either trailhead and register.
The West Coast Trail is a challenging 75 kilometre backpacking route along sandstone cliffs, waterfalls, caves, sea arches, sea stacks and beaches that characterize the coastline of south-western Vancouver Island. Once a First Nations route for travel and trade, then later a lifesaving trail for shipwrecked sailors, it is now a popular destination for outdoor adventure.
Today, approximately 5,500 people hike the West Coast Trail every year and it is a significant contributor to the local economies of Port Renfrew, Bamfield, Sooke and Port Alberni.
The online booking system is available by following links at parkscanada.gc.ca/pacificrim. Reservations can also be placed through the phone reservation system which operates between 9am to 5pm PST from Monday through Saturday at 1-800-435-5622. Those making a reservation should be prepared to give preferred start dates, the number of people within a hiking group, and the preferred trailhead.
WSG (Fototrips) Posting news of interest from around the world relating to travel and photography.
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