West Coast Trail
West Coast Trail Reservation Day
Parks Canada opens West Coast Trail reservations on a single Reservation Day each January, when thousands of hikers try to book at the same time and popular dates can sell out within minutes.
Usually around January 20
The exact date is announced in early January.
Get ready for Reservation Day
A little preparation goes a long way. Here’s how to set yourself up for success.
1
Before Reservation Day
Do a few things ahead of time so you’re ready to go.
Set up your Parks Canada account early.
Complete your profile (name, address, etc.) so checkout is fast and stress-free.
Have multiple date options prepared.
Agree with your group on a few possible start dates and whether you’re willing to hike northbound or southbound. This lets you react quickly.
Get familiar with the booking system.
Read Parks Canada’s reservation instructions, then explore the trailheads, Calendar View and List View before opening day.
Have a backup device ready.
A second logged-in phone, tablet or computer gives you another way in if something goes wrong.
2
When reservations open
Be ready to move quickly.
Be logged in and ready at 8:00 AM.
Have the reservation page open and be ready to click the moment the clock hits 8:00 AM PST.
Use Calendar View.
It’s the quickest way to see availability for both trailheads and find nearby open dates.
Remember: you’re booking a start date.
You don’t reserve individual campsites along the trail.
Move quickly — but don’t panic.
Once you enter the system, you typically have 30 minutes to complete your checkout.
Didn’t get the dates you wanted?
Spots open up throughout the season. Here are two good options:
Try starting at Nitinaht.
The mid-point entry never fills up. You can hike north to Pachena Lighthouse, then reverse and continue south to Gordon River for the full WCT experience. It’s a fantastic — but longer — option.
Watch for cancellations.
Spots open up regularly, especially once the hiking season begins. Use Open Permit Search to quickly check for newly available dates.
PRO TIP
Plan around Owen Point tides
Owen Point is one of the trail’s highlights — but only passable at low tide. Some days are red no-go days when tides make it too dangerous, so pick a start date that gets you there on a safe day.
Northbound
from Gordon River
Predictable
You’ll almost always reach Owen Point the day after your start (after a night at Thrasher Cove). Pick a start date where the next day is green.
Southbound
from Pachena Bay
Stay Flexible
You may be ahead of or behind schedule by Owen Point. Choose a start date with green buffer days around your planned Owen Point day — West Coast Trail can map your itinerary and work it out.
Example calendar — West Coast Trail shows the latest dates for your group’s speed and direction.
Plan your West Coast Trail trip
Build your itinerary, explore the trail, and plan around tides.