Cape Scott and the North Coast Trail: Hiking Vancouver Island's Wildest Coast

by Maria I. Bremner

Overview

Part trail map, part field guide, part regional history, Cape Scott and the North Coast Trail is the first comprehensive guidebook about one of Vancouver Island's most iconic destinations. Each year, thousands of backpackers and nature lovers head to the northern limits of Vancouver Island, bound for the jewel of the region: Cape Scott Provincial Park and the recently completed North Coast Trail.

Cape Scott, 115 kilometres of wave- and weather-beaten coastline, encompasses every dramatic element of Pacific Northwest geography. Rocky headlands neighbour sandy beaches and protected coves; bogs house sensitive amphibians and plants; and inland, a dense network of towering conifers, ferns, salal and beds of moss define the rainforest. The North Coast Trail wends its way through this paradise, offering hikers a rugged trek to Cape Sutil, a place steeped in First Nations history, beautiful ocean views along the long sandy beach at Shuttleworth Bight and glimpses of one of the largest intact coastal wetlands in British Columbia, an upland bog housing sandhill cranes and a variety of endemic species.

Cape Scott and the North Coast Trail equips visitors with everything they need to know to make the most of the park. Illustrated with accurate maps and vivid photographs, and loaded with details about biology and human history, the guide is perfect for the day tripper, serious backpacker or anyone wanting to learn more about the culture and wildlife of the region.

For more information, please visit the Cape Scott and the North Coast Trail website: capescottandthenorthcoasttrail.com.

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9781550176919
Publisher:	Harbour Publishing Co. Ltd.
Publication date:	03/07/2015
Pages:	256
Product dimensions:	5.50(w) x 8.50(h) x 0.50(d)

About the Author

Maria Bremner has been an avid hiker, nature enthusiast and writer all her life. She studied English and Environmental Studies at the University of Victoria, and has extensive experience hiking the trails of Vancouver Island. Cape Scott has held a special place in her heart since her first visit in 1998. She lives in Victoria, BC.

Table of Contents

Introduction xi

About Cape Scott and the North Coast Trail 1

Regional Location 1

What to Expect 2

Topography, Terrain and Hiking Conditions 4

Climate 7

A Comparison of the North Coast and West Coast Trails 8

Who Should Hike It? 11

Planning Your Trip 12

When to Hike 12

Getting to the North Island 13

Travel Tips 15

Accommodation 16

Getting to the Trailheads 17

Wilderness and Camping Permits 20

Which Direction to Hike? 21

What to Pack 22

Getting Prepared: Top 10 Things to Do Before You Go 25

Coastal Camping and Hiking Tips 28

Communications and Evacuations 30

Dogs 31

Wildlife Safety 31

The Trail 39

1 Shushartie Bay to Skinner Creek 42

2 Skinner Creek to Nahwitti River and Cape Sutil 52

3 Cape Sutil to Irony Creek 63

4 Irony Creek to Laura Creek 72

5 Laura Creek to Nissen Bight 81

6 Nissen Bight to Nels Bight 90

7 Nels Bight to Cape Scott 99

8 Nels Bight to the San Josef/Cape Scott Trailhead 106

9 San Josef/Cape Scott Trailhead to San Josef Bay 113

10 San Josef Bay to Mount St. Patrick, Sea Otter Cove, and Lowrie Bay 116

Maps 119

Abbreviated Trail Descriptions (Travelling West to East) 131

Human History and Culture of the Cape Scott Area 140

First Peoples 142

Exploration, Trade and Colonization 148

Historical Places, Names and Points of Interest 166

Kwakwaka'wakw Tribes 175

Plants and Animals of the North Coast 177

Ecosystem 177

Vegetation 179

Wildlife 183

Regional Information 192

Other Provincial Parks 197

Outdoor Recreation: Top 10 North Island Activities 198

Cultural and Historical Attractions 202

Other Unique Points of Interest 204

A Few Great Food Stops on the North Island 206

Appendices 207

1 Leave No Trace: Seven Ways to Be a More Responsible Hiker 207

2 Service Providers and Other Useful Contacts 211

3 Suggested Itineraries 216

4 Trip Plan 220

5 OTM Coordinates 223

Acknowledgements 229

References 232

Recommended Reading 235

Index 236

Editorial Reviews

"To say a book is a perfect tool for planning a trip is a serious statement to make, but I feel that this book comes close. Weighing in at under a pound, the book makes a possible travel companion, and its rounded corners and plasticized paper cover give it durability. It contains detailed trip information including logistical information like traveling to and from the park, suggestions for the number of days you should spend, equipment lists, information about flora and fauna, and most importantly information regarding man's history in the park. The abundance of information is easy to read and well organized, and with more than 100 colour photographs and maps it's a feast for the eyes."
--Matthew Lettington, Cloudburst, Fall/Winter 2015

From the Publisher