Trail access and transport
We arrange transportation from Nanaimo and the access logistics through Nitinaht Narrows.
Dates and booking
Half West Coast Trail departures
All-in price per person
$2,161.92 CAD
Includes the booking fee and GST.
View full pricing and inclusions
Choose an available five-day Coastal Bliss Adventures departure below. Availability is updated from our departure feed; reservations are completed through the Coastal Bliss Checkfront account.
Coastal Bliss Adventures
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If the feed is unavailable or a date is not shown, contact our team to check availability. The booking widget opens the five-day Half West Coast Trail product, not the full nine-day trip.
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Why go guided?
More of the coast, less to organize
Preparation and support
Our guides help you prepare for backpacking, coastal weather, tide planning and camp life.
Coastal discoveries
Explore the north section of the historic West Coast Trail without committing to all 75 kilometres.
The experience
The northern West Coast Trail, at a different pace
Enter the trail at Nitinaht Narrows and travel north to Pachena Bay over five days. This roughly 33-kilometre journey follows coastal temperate rainforest, forest paths, beaches and sandstone shelves, with time for tide pools, sea views, waterfalls and interpretation.
It is shorter and generally less strenuous than the complete West Coast Trail, but it remains a real wilderness backpacking experience. Expect slippery surfaces, roots, mud and changeable conditions.
Published itinerary: about three and a half hiking days and one and a half travel days, with the first night in the Ditidaht area before entering the trail.
A closer look
Wild shoreline. Real backpacking.
Actual photographs from the West Coast Trail collection.
Your journey
Five-day sample itinerary
Adapted from the existing Coastal Bliss itinerary; conditions, tides, park requirements and group needs can change the schedule.
Day 1
Nanaimo to the Ditidaht area
Meet your guide in Nanaimo and drive to the Ditidaht First Nation community of Balaats'adt. Overnight at a local accommodation or campground, according to arrangements.
Day 2
Nitinaht Narrows to Barge Beach
Travel by water taxi to Nitinaht Narrows. Explore south toward Clo-oose before returning to the Narrows; optional seafood purchase at the Crab Shack. Cross and continue to Barge Beach.
Day 3
Barge Beach to Klanawa River
Hike north through the Tsuquadra and Tsusiat area, with time at Tsusiat Falls, before continuing to a coastal camp near Klanawa River.
Day 4
Klanawa River to Michigan Creek
Walk sections of beach, forest and sandstone shelf toward Tsocowis and Michigan Creek, with opportunities to learn about the Valencia disaster and the historical lifesaving trail.
Day 5
Michigan Creek to Pachena Bay; return to Nanaimo
Complete the northern trail section, potentially visiting Seal Rock, then return by vehicle to Nanaimo.
Price and inclusions
What your five-day tour includes
Published 2027 price: CAD $1,999 per person, plus a 3% booking fee and 5% GST. Check the final booking quotation for the total and any optional extras.
Included
Guide services, transportation from the Nanaimo pickup point, park and camping fees, most meals, shared tent accommodation and detailed preparation guidance, as described in the existing trip terms.
Not included or extra
Travel to Nanaimo, some travel-day meals and optional purchases, personal clothing and equipment, rental gear, possible single supplements and guide gratuities.
Before you book
Confirm the itinerary, current price, park-fee policies, single supplement, rental items and departure availability directly with Coastal Bliss.
Beyond the kilometres
Five days to reconnect with the coast.
This is a shorter adventure, but not a rushed one. Make time for quiet beaches, shared meals, meaningful stories and the small discoveries that stay with you.
See departure datesBefore you go
Be prepared for coastal backpacking
Fitness
The published rating is moderate compared with the full trail. You still carry a pack and travel over wet roots, rocks, mud and beaches; discuss any concerns with the team.
Personal equipment
Bring appropriate hiking boots, waterproof clothing, backpack, sleeping equipment and other personal items. Ask about rental options before departure.
Getting to Nanaimo
Arrive the day before the tour, allowing for ferry and flight connections. Pickup details are confirmed with your guide.
*Trail difficulty ratings are comparative, not a guarantee of easy terrain.
Common questions
Choosing the Half West Coast Trail
Where does it start?
At Nitinaht Narrows, reached from Nanaimo via the Ditidaht area and water taxi.
Does the trip include the whole trail?
No. It follows the northern portion, ending at Pachena Bay. For the complete route, see our nine-day West Coast Trail.
Is it suitable for first-time backpackers?
It may suit fit and prepared hikers who want a shorter backpacking expedition. Please discuss your experience before booking.
Can I see other short hikes?
Compare Mini West Coast Trail and the West Coast South trip guide.
Ready to explore?
Find your Half West Coast Trail departure
Review departure dates and live availability, or contact us if you have questions about this five-day trip.
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