Beautiful BC: Cross the Juan de Fuca Trail off your bucketlist

The Juan de Fuca Trail is one of the most popular hiking expeditions in BC.

At 47 km long it’s quite the adventure, but the high volume of traffic frequenting the trail makes it a safer trek than most—but that’s not to say it isn’t a challenge.

Would-be hikers are expected to have proper footwear, camping gear, and provisions for the three to five days they will be on the trail, and anyone looking to make this their first big hike may want to train on some shorter distances first.

Campsites can be found along the trail—many with oceanfront views—and they cost only $10 a night.

With a multitude of beaches to explore, forests to hike through, and beautiful—though often-times muddy—trails to follow, the Juan de Fuca Trail is a must-do on any adventurous Vancouverite’s bucketlist.

Always know before you go, and stay up to date with trail conditions by checking the official Juan de Fuca Provincial park website.

Make sure you read up on the dangers of hiking and what to pack before you head out, and have fun out there.

For your own safety, please make sure you are prepared before heading out on your next adventure. Information on how to prepare for your trip and stay safe while on your hike is available from North Shore Rescue and AdventureSmart.

One of my favorite places in Victoria so far 📷: @decroocqcity

A post shared by Vicki (@vickixchen) on Jul 28, 2017 at 10:02am PDT

Where is it?

The Juan de Fuca Trail extends 47 km along Vancouver islands southwest coast, from its eastern starting point at China Beach all the way to the Botanical Beach parking lot at Kilometre 47. Hikers can start at either trailhead, though most tend to begin the journey at China Beach.

Trailheads are also found at Sombrio Beach (Kilometre 29) and Parkinson Beach (Kilometre 37.6) for hikers looking for a shorter trip.

#juandefuca #vancouverisland #britishcolumbia #canada #pnw #sectionhike #hiking #backpacking #camping

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How do you get there?

Getting to the China Beach from Downtown Vancouver takes roughly 4.5 hours by car. You’ll take the ferry from Tsawwassen to Swartz Bay, drive into Victoria on Highway 17, then take the Juan de Fuca Highway along the coast to China Beach—just past Jordan River.

Make sure not to leave any valuables at the parking lot, though: Cars left there are frequently broken into.

Those going by public transit will need to take a shuttle service after arriving at either Nanaimo or Victoria, which can be reserved here and here.

Screenshot from Google Maps

What’s there?

Along the trail you’ll find gorgeous forests, campsites with a view of the Pacific Ocean, and other hikers making the same gruelling journey that you’ve somehow found yourself on. There are suspension bridges to cross, muddy trails to navigate, and a seemingly endless expanse of West Coast wildlife to take in.

The water was really cold but the picture made it worth it

A post shared by Sebastian Santana Ortiz (@sebastiansantanaortiz) on Aug 11, 2017 at 8:04am PDT

Pack it in, pack it out. Ya feel?

A post shared by Parker Irusta (@pi_tography) on Aug 9, 2017 at 1:29pm PDT

The people we met along our journey was truly amazing! The generosity, kindness, thoughtfulness from complete strangers was mind blowing……thinking our communities and entire societies would be much better off more like what we experienced with our groups we meet on our hike! Being in the middle of no where with nothing but a back pack full of survival gear was truly humbling! Be humble! #Juandafuca

A post shared by Vinny (@vinny2244) on Jul 28, 2017 at 7:47pm PDT

Morning hike out on the last day.

A post shared by Blake Allan (@6lake) on Jul 27, 2017 at 7:52pm PDT

A post shared by Linus Wärendh (@theoriginallinus) on Jul 25, 2017 at 11:25am PDT

one does not discover new lands without consenting to lose sight of the shore for a very long time // #justpassingthrough

A post shared by ↞ travel love photographer ↠ (@giannakeiko) on Jul 25, 2017 at 5:09pm PDT

A post shared by Marghe – Photography Lover (@marghebenty) on Aug 14, 2017 at 3:42pm PDT

The ocean is tubig. #filipinojokes • • • #portrait #fog #ocean #rock #trees #landscape #photography #exklusive_shot #canon #canon_photos #victoria #bc #explorebc #canada

A post shared by Ethan Esmane Photography (@ethanesmanephotography) on Aug 16, 2017 at 12:41pm PDT

Amongst the giants

A post shared by Stefan Amaral ↟ (@stefanamaral) on Aug 13, 2017 at 8:43pm PDT

Where is it?

How do you get there?

What’s there?

See also