By Day 5, I had blisters on top of blisters. We West Coast Trail-ed in August and it was incredible; we had the most incredible trip. It was great to get the tougher stuff done first, so that we could really kick back and enjoy … Hiking The West Coast Trail 5 days, 4 nights and 77kms of difficult terrain… through the trees, dodging roots, slugging through the mud, up and down ladders, across cable cars, through the difficult sand and over the rocks… the West Coast Trail certainly challenged me. West Coast Trail is … The Ditidaht Nation welcomes you to the Nitinaht Region, an area that encompasses the jeweled expanse of Nitinat Lake, the surrounding verdant forests, and the heart of the West Coast Trail. The Crab Shack is a great location, perfect for my husband, myself and two girls. In fact, we hardly needed the shell crackers to tear the poor creatures apart. Highly recommended. We nursed our blisters and bruises as a young woman pulled our lunch from the … North Coast Trail – Cape Scott Provincial Park. The West Coast Trail is a world-famous backpacking expedition along Vancouver Island’s coastline. Joanie's Blue Crab Cafe, Ochopee: See 503 unbiased reviews of Joanie's Blue Crab Cafe, rated 4 of 5 on Tripadvisor and ranked #1 of 4 restaurants in Ochopee. As ship traffic increased in the late 1800s, so did the number of shipwrecks off the treacherous west coast of Vancouver Island. We did an 8-day, south to north route, just the two of us (husband and I). The Crab Shack is a family business of the Ditidaht, one of three First Nations that partner with Parks Canada to operate and maintain the West Coast Trail. The crab shack is at Nitinat Narrows (32.5 km), and the hamburger shack at Carmanah Lighthouse (44 km) (Nitinat Crabshack takes only cash, while the burger joint near Carmanah Lighthouse takes debit/credit, so plan accordingly). That means it is fully exposed to all the storms that roll in off the Pacific Ocean. Even on days without rain, it can be quite overcast, or really foggy.

Vancouver Island Hiking Guide . Take into consideration that this entire trail is a 6-7 backpacking trip. We came to the West Coast for a family wedding. The West Country Trail is a backcountry backpacking trail that is difficult and challenging. Plan for a 7 day hike and you won't be disappointed (or surprised). Watching some guy prepare fresh crab on the West Coast Trail. BBQ salmon on the West Coast Trail is one of the best things that has ever happened. One moment you travel across a bluff of windswept pines, the ocean crashing at your feet. The flip side about these two food shacks, they are the only places to get anything at all. The 10 kilometre trail is rough and winding, a challenging 6 hour trip even for experienced hikers.

Tourist traffic is ramping up on the West Coast Trail, and the creation of a third entrance to the historic hiking path has provided a welcome economic boost for Ditidaht First Nation. Our journey on the West Coast Trail Continues!