The trail from Nissen Bight to the parking lot and San Joseph Bay is the central path through the park. The trail passes by Fisherman River Campsite and Eric Lake Campsite. Fisherman River Campsite is peaceful; however, there are plenty of mosquitos at Eric Lake. Reference: Cape Scott and the North Coast Trail by Maria U. Bremner (2015) Nissen Bight to San Joseph Bay There were many seagulls gathered on the beach in the morning. For those travelling from west to east, this s

For many people, Nissen Bight is the dividing line between the NCT and Cape Scott Trails in the Park. With the arrival of day five, Nissen Bight signalled the end of our hike on the NCT. From Nissen Bight, we hiked to San Joseph Bay for our final night in the park. Reference: Cape Scott and the North Coast Trail by Maria U. Bremner (2015) Laura Creek to Nissen Bight On the way to retrieve our food from the locker, we encountered a black bear feeding on sand flies in the kel

Along the beaches of this area, Black and tan volcanic rocks speak to the ancient history of this area. You'll see sea stacks and fascinating rock formations. You'll likely see eagles, many different sea birds, and bear. Reference: Cape Scott and the North Coast Trail by Maria U. Bremner (2015) Irony Creek to Laura Creek With the low tide, we enjoyed walking along the expansive sandy beach. Most of the route follows the shoreline; however, there are a few ventures inland. Alo

Cape Scott Provincial Park is wild; however, it is not untouched. First Nations have inhabited that Cape Scott Region for millennia. Their culture and spiritual ties to this land are maintained to this day. Alongside human history and culture, the beaches of Cape Scott serve to remind hikers of our global relatedness. While you'll see spectacular vistas, you'll encounter many plastic items scattered on the beaches. Reference: Cape Scott and the North Coast Trail by Maria U. B

Cape Scott Provincial Park is remote and wild. Having hiked the West Coast Trail in the late 90s, the North Coast Trail feels like stepping back in time. There are still opportunities to find your group alone on a spectacular beach. For long stretches of the hike, you won't see anyone else. Reference: Cape Scott and the North Coast Trail by Maria U. Bremner (2015) Skinner Creek to Cape Sutil After a restful sleep and breakfast, we hiked along the beach toward the next inland

The North Coast Trail (NCT) is a 43km challenging trail in Cape Scott Provincial Park located on northern end of Vancouver Island. Most people combine the NCT with the Cape Scott Trail to end their hike in San Joseph Bay (i.e., 58km total) On average, people hike the trail in approximately six to eight days. The trail traverses inland through coastal forest and along expansive shorelines. The route includes plenty of inland bog, rope climbs, rocky beaches, and sandy beaches.