Backpack - Vancouver Island/North Coast Trail

This is challenging coastal backpack trip.    The first third of the trip is known to be particularly difficult with ups and downs and roots and roots and mud and mud.  Many trail reports talk of going at 1 MPH or less on the overland section on Day 1.  Our trip will be in the middle of the dry season (less mud) and our group of an above average conditioning so, I think it will be fine, but nevertheless, a slow slog on Day 1 and still challenging on Day 2.  The trip gets easier as it progresses.  At six nights, participants need both experience and pack space for seven days of gear and food.  There are food storage boxes at some of the campsite, but apparently not all.  You will need a Ursack, bear canister or rope to hang your food at some camps.

Here is the Gaia route for you to consider:  https://www.gaiagps.com/public/uxJOZHa20pLd4Ui6tF2e6VNi/

This is a Special Leader's Permission trip--which means I will be be taking applications for those interested and those responding to the questions and concerns below.  From those qualifying, I will select the best compatible  group for the trip.  The group is limited to five total to allow us to take two cars and do the shuttle from Port Hardy with five in a car.  To be considered, please address all of the questions or concerns listed:

1) This is a strenuous trip with travel over roots, mud, ropes to assist steep sections and cobbles and boulders on the beach.  The elevation isn't great but the tread is difficult.  What experience do you have that demonstrates you can do a difficult trip with difficult tread?  Please list.

2)  This is a six-night, seven day trip.  What experience do you have that demonstrates that you have the experience to pack for and successfully complete this trip?  Please list.

3)  Participants need to be in top conditioning to succeed on this trip.  What have you been doing this winter/spring and what type of activities will you be doing before this trip that demonstrate you will be in great condition prior to this trip?

4)  Do you have experience with coastal backpacking?  Please list location and dates.

5)  Have you backpacked with this leader before?  Yes or No?  If no, could you provide a name of a Mountaineer Backpack Leader that I might contact about your past trips.

6) Do you have a Passport or other ID to travel to Canada? Please specify and note the expiration date.  Are you comfortable with potential border hassles when returning to the USA?

7)  Do you understand that the boat shuttle will be about $150 CAD and the park fees are about $60 CAD?  and the ferry to Nanaimo and the gas/car experience for the trip will also be substantial?  Yes or No?

8) Did you read the "Meeting Time and Place" section of the posting and understand the multi-day logistics involved in getting to this destination and back home?  Yes or No?

9) Are you applying to do the juxtaposed companion trip to Strathcona Provincial Park (see that posting).

I will begin taking permission request Monday 4/21 and respond to those applying  no later than May 5th

Trip will start at 6:30 AM at the Port Hardy boat dock on 7/30.  However, it will take two days to get to the boat launch for those driving.  A car shuttle will need to be arranged to get a car to the ending point at Cape Scott TH the day before we take the boat.  This shuttle is a 40+ mile each way  gravel road from Port Hardy.  I am anticipating two nights car camping on the Island before the backpack trip begins.  First taking the Tsawwassen Ferry to Nanaimo, driving a lot and spending the first night at primitive Anutz Lake Campsite. We will visit amazing Little Huson Caves on the second day before we head out to Port Hardy and then do the shuttle set-up.  We will camp close to Port Hardy the second night, location TBD.  The boat shuttle last year was $150 CAD per person and backpack campsites in Cape Scott PP were $10 CAD per person per night.  It may be a  bit more this year.  I will check.

On the way back after the trip we will spend the night at Elk Falls Provincial Park--a popular, full service park with showers and great short hikes.  Folks can either continue the next day on on a three-night backpack trip in the alpine mountains of Strathcona P.P (trip is not yet posted) or head to the Nanaimo Ferry to Tsawwassen and then home.  More details will emerge as the trip gets closer.

For folks that don't want to drive, there is airline service from Vancouver to Port Hardy.  The flight is a little over an hour.