Highlights
- The best of both trails. This 65 km trip combines the stunning coastal sections of the North Coast Trail and Cape Scott Trail systems. Along the way, we visit additional beautiful beaches like Nels Bight, Experiment Bight, and Guise Bay. The popular day hike to the Cape Scott Lightstation is a must-do.
- Remote wilderness. Fewer people hike the North Coast Trail than the world-famous West Coast Trail. The rewards of this lesser-known trip are more feelings of solitude and abundant wildlife viewing opportunities.
- Wolves and whales. We’ve seen so many whales close to shore that we lost count. Grey wolves live here too; you will notice tracks on low tide mornings. Chances are good that you will see a wolf or a bear foraging on the beach.
- Old growth forest and upland bogs. There are some really big old trees in this park, including Sitka spruce and Western Red Cedar over 3 metres in diameter. Boardwalks protect the sensitive ecosystems that hikers encounter along the way.
- Stunning bights and beaches. The North Coast Trail has several magnificent bights (large curved beaches). They are reminiscent of Long Beach in Pacific Rim National Park Reserve. These sandy stretches make for glorious hiking and camping. The whales love to come in close on high tide.
- First Nations and Danish settlers. Cape Scott Provincial Park has a fascinating history. First Nations people have called this area home for thousands of years. More recently, Europeans attempted to settle in the area by farming the land. Poor weather and broken promises by the government to build a road made for a tough life. After two failed attempts, they left for good. Artifacts of that era are scattered throughout the park.
I hiked the North Coast Trail this June with Mike Blake from MBguiding, and it was phenomenal. Mike was incredibly informed and prepared—he provided detailed pre-trip info and a super helpful gear list.
He shared awesome stories along the way that made each stretch of the trail more fun and meaningful, and his upbeat vibe kept everyone energized—even when the trail got tough.
He captured amazing photos and videos, and provided very detailed post trip reports. His focus on safety was top-notch.
If you’re considering the NCT, I can’t recommend MBguiding enough. Mike made it an unforgettable adventure!
He shared awesome stories along the way that made each stretch of the trail more fun and meaningful, and his upbeat vibe kept everyone energized—even when the trail got tough.
He captured amazing photos and videos, and provided very detailed post trip reports. His focus on safety was top-notch.
If you’re considering the NCT, I can’t recommend MBguiding enough. Mike made it an unforgettable adventure!
Another great trip with Mike Blake @MBGuiding. Mike is so prepared and organized, he knows his local culture and history of the area, He knows all the secret ins and outs, He knows when you can or shouldn't go. Always learning from Mike. If you are thinking of joining Mike on a trip, just do it, you won't be disappointed. He helps you organize and plan for success, yet lets you be your self.
We spent 5 superb days on the North Coast Trail and in Cape Scott Provincial Park with our guide, Mike Blake. This was my third hike with Mike, and every time I have learned something new, to enhance my skills and the enjoyment of the experience. Apart from being a fun person to hike with, Mike is a superbly professional guide, with decades of experience. He knows the trails, and the hazards along the route. He also knows the best places to stop, rest, and enjoy the view, as well as the very best spots to camp. This year we enjoyed a special treat, as a magnificent wolf walked along the beach towards us, while we stood in silent awe.
As an experienced guide, Mike makes trip planning and preparation part of the experience, starting months before the trip. He can also make changes to the itinerary at very short notice when weather or trail conditions dictate. Last year, our departure to Nootka Island was delayed for 24 hr by a storm. While we sat and drank coffee, watching the waves outside, Mike made all the changes to the itinerary and found us all places to stay for an extra night before our rescheduled departure. I have confidence in Mike’s ability to deal with any untoward events such as injuries or broken equipment on the trail.
If you want to hike on Vancouver Island but you’re not sure you have the experience or skills to organize a trip, I can whole-heatedly recommend Mike Blake of MB Guiding!
As an experienced guide, Mike makes trip planning and preparation part of the experience, starting months before the trip. He can also make changes to the itinerary at very short notice when weather or trail conditions dictate. Last year, our departure to Nootka Island was delayed for 24 hr by a storm. While we sat and drank coffee, watching the waves outside, Mike made all the changes to the itinerary and found us all places to stay for an extra night before our rescheduled departure. I have confidence in Mike’s ability to deal with any untoward events such as injuries or broken equipment on the trail.
If you want to hike on Vancouver Island but you’re not sure you have the experience or skills to organize a trip, I can whole-heatedly recommend Mike Blake of MB Guiding!
Spent the most amazing week on the North Coast Trail with Mike from MB Guiding. I could not say more about this trip, we learned tons plus had so much fun!
Mikes knowledge of the area was huge not to mention all the plants and animals we got to see and learn about. From learning how to identify different animal tracks, to bird calls and different flowers.
Each evening we would participate in fire starting, tarp hanging, and food cacheing lessons as well as talking about the goals for the next day and what the weather, tides and distances were going to be on the map.
On top of all that Mike was always so encouraging, patient and organized which only made the trip more epic.
We had done one of Mike’s wilderness navigation courses before and knew how great that was and he just proved it even more. I would 1000% recommended MB Guiding every time.
Mikes knowledge of the area was huge not to mention all the plants and animals we got to see and learn about. From learning how to identify different animal tracks, to bird calls and different flowers.
Each evening we would participate in fire starting, tarp hanging, and food cacheing lessons as well as talking about the goals for the next day and what the weather, tides and distances were going to be on the map.
On top of all that Mike was always so encouraging, patient and organized which only made the trip more epic.
We had done one of Mike’s wilderness navigation courses before and knew how great that was and he just proved it even more. I would 1000% recommended MB Guiding every time.
