Planning to YOYO the West Coast Trail  BestHike editor Rick McCharles.

After being closed for all of 2020, our #1 hike in the world opened to reservations on April 30, 2021 — for Canadians only.

The online reservations system worked well — but my credit card was twice declined for no reason. I repeated the process and was finally able to pay.

Since there is less demand this year than normal, I was able to book myself for:

June 10 starting SE from Bamfield.

June 15 starting NW from Port Renfrew.

I’ll make haste on the first 75 km (47 mi) hike.

Take it more leisurely on my YOYO return to Bamfield.

I’ve done the WCT four times in the past. It doesn’t intimidate me at all. I LOVE climbing ladders with a full pack.

Wish me luck!

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