Getting to the West Coast Trail might sound complicated, but I was surprised by just how easy and well-organized the process turned out to be. From downtown Victoria, it felt like stepping into a well-oiled machine. Everything was on schedule, seamless, and even scenic.
Whether you’re starting at Gordon River or Pachena Bay, here’s how to get to the West Coast Trailhead from Victoria, BC.
How to Get to Gordon River or Pachena Bay
The West Coast Trail Express: The Easiest Option
If you’re looking for a reliable, straightforward way to reach either trailhead, the West Coast Trail Express is your best bet. This seasonal shuttle service runs from Victoria and other Vancouver Island locations directly to both Gordon River (the southern trailhead) and Pachena Bay (the northern trailhead). It also connects with ferry terminals and mid-trail access points like Nitinaht.
We pre-booked our ride from Victoria to Gordon River and were instructed to meet the bus at the Capital City Bus Station (721 Douglas St.). Right on time, a white coach pulled up and a handful of eager hikers with oversized backpacks formed a line near the back of the bus. The driver checked our names, confirmed our destination, and carefully loaded our gear through the back door.
The ride to Gordon River took about 2 to 2.5 hours, passing through quiet neighborhoods, forested stretches, and small coastal towns. It was a beautiful way to ease into trail mode.
If you’re planning to spend time exploring Victoria beforehand, this bus stop is only a short walk from many centrally located hotels. We’d taken advantage of that by booking a night in town. Victoria is so easy to enjoy without a car, as I share in my guide to staying in Victoria without one.
Trailhead Stop: Gordon River, and Beyond
Just before reaching Gordon River, the bus made a quick stop near Port Renfrew to pick up a few more hikers. Then, about 10–15 minutes later, we arrived at the Parks Canada office at Gordon River, where those of us starting the trail got off.
Some passengers continued north on the same bus to Pachena Bay, while a few were dropped midway at Nitinaht Narrows, a lesser-known option I’ll explain below. At the Parks office, we checked in and received our trail maps, tide tables, and a mandatory orientation. This was all extremely useful once on the trail.
Then, a Parks Canada ranger led us down to the short pontoon ferry ride that crosses the river to the start of the trail. From there, we stepped onto the rugged shoreline and immediately faced the first of more than 100 wooden ladders that awaited us.
Starting at Pachena Bay Instead
If you’re hiking north to south, you’ll need to begin at Pachena Bay, near Bamfield. The West Coast Trail Express offers service here as well, departing from Victoria making the long drive approximately 6.5 hours.
This is a longer and bumpier route, with parts of the road unpaved—something I noticed much more after the hike than I would have beforehand. On our return journey from Pachena Bay, we took this same bus route back to Victoria and, despite some dirt road jolts and a few odd stops (including two day-hikers picked up randomly near China Beach), it felt relaxing not to drive ourselves.
Along the way, we had a 20-minute break in Lake Cowichan. This was a good chance to stretch, use restrooms, and grab a snack.
What About Nitinaht Narrows?
Some hikers opt to start or finish their trek halfway through the trail, at Nitinaht Narrows. Though less common, this option shortens the hike for those limited on time and/or energy.
The West Coast Trail Express stops near Nitinaht Junction, from which hikers take a shorter shuttle to a ferry that delivers them to the trail. We passed this exact spot on our return trip, watching two passengers disembark and head off toward the ferry. It took them to the Crab Shack, a famous stop for fresh seafood and a great morale booster mid-WCT trek.
Can You Drive Yourself?
Yes, some hikers choose to rent a car and park it at one end of the trail. Many of those we met along the route had done exactly that. They parked at their ending trailhead, then taking the shuttle to their starting point. This strategy meant their car was waiting for them when they finished. This eliminated the need to match their pace to a shuttle schedule. If I lived on Vancouver Island, this is what I would have done.
Still, for us, traveling without a car turned out to be wonderfully stress-free. No rental costs, no parking permits, no unfamiliar island roads to navigate.
Booking Tips and Logistics
- Reserve early, especially for July and August hikes.
- Check West Coast Trail Express routes if you’re coming from the Nanaimo ferry or other locations.
- Plan your return trip Book both legs of your shuttle in advance.
- Trail orientation is mandatory and conducted by Parks Canada at both ends.
- Trail maps and tide charts are distributed at check-in. Keep them handy.
Getting to the West Coast Trailhead was Easier than we Thought
Before our hike, I expected the logistics to be complicated. But everything (shuttles, orientations, trail starts and stops) ran perfectly on time. The West Coast Trail is remote, but the systems in place to support hikers are efficient, clear, and easy to use. We even had the luxury of spending another day in Victoria at the end, dropping our mud-caked gear at the hotel and heading out for a well-earned meal. We felt like we deserved it after our tough but fun WCT adventure!
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