Heavy rainfall triggers evacuations along Vancouver Island’s West Coast Trail

Hikers planning to tackle Vancouver Island’s West Coast Trail are being urged to delay their trips until later this week, after heavy rainfall made sections of the popular route impassable.

Parks Canada’s Visitor Safety team responded to a significant number of evacuation requests along the trail on Monday, July 27th, as creeks and rivers rose to dangerous levels.

“Recent heavy rainfall has made sections of the West Coast Trail impassable,” Parks Canada said in an update.

Crossing creeks or rivers on foot was not recommended under the conditions.

Parks Canada advised hikers with upcoming reservations to postpone their start dates until at least at least Thursday, July 30th.

Existing reservations will still be honoured for those who delay their trips.

Hikers with reservations between July 27th and August 1st can also cancel and receive a full refund, including applicable transaction fees.

Anyone choosing to continue was advised to be fully prepared and self-sufficient, with adequate food, supplies and rain gear.

The agency warned that hikers could be forced to wait several days for water levels to recede or self-evacuate through their original starting point or Nitinaht Lake.

The West Coast Trail stretches approximately 75 kilometres along the southwestern coast of Vancouver Island through Pacific Rim National Park Reserve. The multi-day backpacking route is known for its rugged terrain, ladders, cable cars and numerous creek and river crossings.

While Parks Canada’s Monday notice said more rain was expected through Wednesday, the latest forecast indicated conditions could begin improving sooner.

Environment Canada’s Tuesday morning forecast for Port Renfrew and Bamfield, near the southern and northern ends of the trail, called for showers to end Tuesday morning, followed by a 60% chance of showers or drizzle through the afternoon.

Winds were expected to reach 30 km/h with gusts up to 50 km/h before easing, with temperatures holding near 16°C.

Wednesday is expected to be mainly sunny before clouds increase later in the day, with a high of 17°C. Thursday is forecast to be cloudy, but another stretch of rain is expected to begin Thursday night and continue through Friday, followed by showers on Saturday.

Even after the rain stops, water levels along the trail could remain dangerously high for several days.

Hikers delaying their trips were encouraged to contact water taxi, shuttle and accommodation providers as soon as their plans changed.

Refund information is available through Parks Canada’s reservation line at 1-877-737-3783.