North Coast Trail
The North Coast Trail lies wholly within Cape Scott Provincial Park and links the most northerly section of the VIT to its objective at Cape Scott.
The following text is copied from the BC Parks website, which provides more detail on the Trail and trail conditions.
“The North Coast Trail is a 43.1 km extension to the original Cape Scott trail. The total hiking distance is approximately 59.5 km. The minimum recommended one way hiking time is 5 days; although, it is more commonly completed in 6 to 8 days. Hiking times are estimated for the average hiker in good physical condition in optimal weather conditions.
This is a very challenging route and is not recommended for inexperienced hikers. Many sections require hikers to climb over or along fallen trees, to cross through deep mud, and to use fixed ropes to climb up and over steep sections. It is not recommended for those with a fear of heights.
The trail is in a wilderness area with minimal supplies or equipment of any kind. It is not regularly patrolled, so hikers should be completely self sufficient. It is strongly recommended that all hikers carry a satellite phone or VHF radio in case of emergency. Cell phones do not work in the park, and assistance may be days away in case of an accident.
The trail runs along the northern coast of Vancouver Island spanning Cape Scott Provincial Park. It can be traversed east to west from Shushartie Bay to the eastern end of Nissen Bight or in reverse from west to east. The trail becomes progressively easier eastwards. Access to the Shushartie Bay trailhead is by boat or float plane only. There are currently no docking facilities. One water taxi service runs from Port Hardy during the summer season. Access to the western portion of the trail is from the San Josef parking lot at the Cape Scott trailhead. Shuttle service to this parking lot can also be arranged in Port Hardy.
The trail offers visitors a glimpse into wild, west coast ecosystems. The rugged trail passes through old and second growth Sitka spruce, hemlock and cedar forests, upland bogs, riparian areas, across sand, gravel and cobble beaches, and past sea stacks, rocky headlands, and tidal pools. The park is home to bald eagles, black bears, cougars, wolves, river and sea otters, mink, and an array of marine mammals. Cape Scott Provincial Park is rich with First Nations history. Many signs of their historic presence are evident in the park. Please respect all cultural sites and leave them in an undisturbed state. Do not touch or remove any cultural items.”
Campsites, spaced about a day’s hike apart (or less), are located at Shushartie Bay, Skinner Creek, Nahwitti River, Cape Sutil, Shuttleworth Bight, Laura Creek, Nissen Bight, Nels Bight, Experiment Bight, Guise Bay and at Eric Lake. Many of these sites are on beautiful white-sand beaches and located near sources of water.
From Cape Scott, you will have to hike out to the Cape Scott Trail trailhead on the San Josef River and arrange ground transport through Holberg back to Port Hardy. Click here for shuttle service information.
For background and history on the hardy settlers that attempted to farm in the Cape Scott area, be sure to read The Cape Scott Story by Lester Peterson and/or take a look at Cape Scott – Part 1: Danish Settlement – I Wonder and Wander
If you choose to hike to Holberg (or have a ‘ride’ from friends or relatives), be sure to stop by Ronning’s Garden to see its amazing collection of non-native trees and plants. The Scarlet Ibis pub in Holberg provides both refreshments and pub meals as well as showers and has ‘adventure huts’ available to rent – go to Scarlet Ibis Pub | Holberg, BC.