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Vanislander / Activities / Hiking / Cape Scott Trail

Cape Scott Trail

Nestled at the rugged northwestern tip of Vancouver Island, British Columbia, Cape Scott Provincial Park is a premier destination for hiking and wilderness exploration. Renowned for its iconic Cape Scott Trail, a 23.6 km one-way trek to the historic Cape Scott Lighthouse, this hike-in park offers a 48.8-km out-and-back journey or up to 59.5 km with side trails, weaving through exceptionally muddy, slippery, and rooty paths. From the stunning San Josef Bay, with its sea stacks and sandy beaches, to the challenging North Coast Nahwitti Trail stretching 47 km to Shushartie Bay, Cape Scott Provincial Park boasts nearly 100 kilometers of hiking trails for adventurers. Steeped in history, the park was home to First Nations peoples, followed by Danish settlers in the late 19th century, whose dikes and relics remain, and a World War II radar station. Cape Scott camping at sites like San Josef Bay, Eric Lake, and Nels Bight requires a $5 daily fee and preparation with gear like waterproof boots, rain gear, trekking poles, tide tables, and bear spray for wildlife such as bears and cougars. Nearby, Raft Cove Provincial Park, Cape Palmerston Recreation Area, and Ronning Gardens enhance the adventure. Whether you’re navigating the Cape Scott trail map, planning a Cape Scott Trail itinerary, or seeking the best hiking in Cape Scott Provincial Park, this Pacific Northwest gem promises an unforgettable experience.

Getting to Cape Scott Provincial Park from Victoria

From Victoria to Cape Scott Provincial Park
If you’re starting in Victoria, located at the southern end of Vancouver Island, your journey begins by heading north on Highway 1 toward Nanaimo. Once in Nanaimo, you’ll transition onto Highway 19, which runs along the eastern side of the island all the way to Port Hardy, the nearest town to Cape Scott Provincial Park. This drive covers approximately 470 kilometers and takes about 5.5 to 6 hours, depending on traffic and road conditions. Highway 19 is a well-paved route, but it has limited passing lanes, so be prepared for potential delays behind slower vehicles. Upon arriving in Port Hardy, you’re not quite at the park yet. From here, take Holberg Road west for about 60 kilometers to reach the park’s trailhead parking lot. This gravel road is generally well-maintained but can be rough, with potholes and washboard sections, especially after rain. The drive typically takes 1.5 to 2 hours, and caution is advised due to shared use with logging trucks. In total, expect the trip from Victoria to the trailhead to take around 7 to 8 hours. Given the distance, you might consider breaking the journey with an overnight stop in Port Hardy.
 From Nanaimo to Cape Scott Provincial Park
Starting from Nanaimo, the route is shorter and more straightforward. Head north on Highway 19 directly to Port Hardy, a distance of about 390 kilometers that takes approximately 4.5 to 5 hours to drive. Like the Victoria route, Highway 19 is your main artery, offering scenic views but occasional traffic slowdowns due to its single-lane stretches in some areas. Once you reach Port Hardy, follow the same final leg as above: take Holberg Road west for 60 kilometers to the trailhead. This gravel stretch adds another 1.5 to 2 hours to your trip, bringing the total travel time from Nanaimo to around 6 to 7 hours. Ensure your vehicle is prepared for gravel travel—a spare tire is a must, as flats are not uncommon on this type of road.
Arriving at the Trailhead and Starting Your Hike
When you arrive at Cape Scott Provincial Park, you’ll park at the large gravel parking lot at the end of Holberg Road, approximately 60 kilometers west of Port Hardy. This lot is spacious but can get busy during peak hiking season, and there have been reports of vandalism, so secure your vehicle and avoid leaving valuables visible. The trailhead is well-marked with signs pointing to various trails, making it easy to begin your hike. Information boards at the parking area provide updates on trail conditions and tide schedules, which are critical for coastal routes. You have several hiking options depending on your time and energy.

Before hiking, prepare for the park’s challenging conditions. Trails are often muddy and root-filled, especially after rain, so waterproof boots and trekking poles are recommended. Check tide tables for coastal sections to avoid being caught by rising waters, and bring bear spray due to the presence of wildlife like bears and wolves. Camping spots have basic amenities like pit toilets and food caches—use these to keep your food secure.

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Trail History of Cape Scott Provincial Park

Hiking Cape Scott Provincial Park immerses you in a landscape steeped in history. Before European settlers arrived, First Nations peoples like the Quatsino and Tlatlasikwala thrived here, leaving traces like shell middens at Experiment Bight and Guise Bay. The nearby Scott Islands housed the Yutlinuk, a group decimated by disease post-contacta somber backdrop to your Cape Scott Trail journey. European exploration began in 1786 when British ships Captain Cook and Experiment, captained by Henry Lowrie and John Guise, charted the area. The cape honors David Scott, a Bombay merchant who funded the voyage, while bays like Guise Bay and Experiment Bight nod to the explorers. In 1871, British Columbia’s confederation opened Crown land, sparking settlement. By 1896, Danish pioneers, led by Rasmus Hansen, established a community near Hansen Lagoon, building dikes in 1899 and 1905—still visible today along the Cape Scott Trail map. Harsh weather and isolation forced many out by 1907, leaving behind fence posts, old roads, and a schoolhouse. A second wave of settlers arrived in 1910, including Henry Ohlsen, who ran a store at San Josef Bay until 1944 despite battling tuberculosis. World War II brought a radar station near the cape, abandoned post-war, while Alfred Spencer farmed until 1956—his house site remains near Guise Bay. Established as a park in 1973 and expanded in 1995 with the Nahwitti-Shushartie Corridor, Cape Scott Provincial Park now spans 22,228 hectares, offering a historical tapestry for those Hiking Cape Scott Park.

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Permits and Fees

Cape Scott camping: $5 per person per day, payable at trailhead vaults.
Free hiking in Cape Scott Provincial Park: No fees for day trips.

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Cultural and Natural Significance

Hiking Cape Scott Provincial Park reveals First Nations middens, Danish dikes, and settler relics alongside old-growth forests and Pacific flyway birdlife—perfect for Cape Scott Provincial Park birdwatching.

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Suggested Cape Scott Trail Itineraries

Day Hike: 5 km round trip to San Josef Bay, perfect for a quick taste of Hiking Cape Scott Park.
Weekend Trip: 15 km round trip to Nels Bight for Cape Scott camping and lighthouse exploration.
Multi-Day Adventure: 3-4 days, 59.5 km total, hitting all key spots on the Cape Scott Trail map.
:Must-See Highlights
• San Josef Bay: Sea stacks and historical charm.
• Hansen Lagoon: Settler dikes and birdwatching.
• Cape Scott Lighthouse: A scenic reward.

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Safety and Preparation Tips

Muddy Trails: The Cape Scott Trail is exceptionally muddy, slippery, and rooty, wear proper boots.
Tides: Use Zone 15 tide tables to avoid coastal traps.
Wildlife: Bears and cougars roam; store food in caches.
Weather: Pack for wet Cape Scott weather.

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Expanding with the North Coast Nahwitti Trail

The 1995 Nahwitti-Shushartie Corridor added the 47 km North Coast Nahwitti Trail, linking Cape Scott to Shushartie Bay via suspension bridges. Accessible by water taxi from Port Hardy, it’s a rugged extension of the best hiking in Cape Scott Provincial Park.

Nearby Areas of Interest:
Raft Cove Provincial Park: 1.5 km to a surf-friendly beach with settler relics.
Cape Palmerston: Easy beach access, 5-minute walk.
Ronning Gardens: 0.5 km to exotic trees planted by Bernt Ronning.

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Vancouver Island Activities

Camping in Quatse River Campground

Camping in Quatse River Campground

Nestled in old-growth forests, Quatse River Campground offers peaceful camping next to the bank of Quatse River. This campground provides you with privacy and peace away from the busy urban life comprising a green and treed atmosphere. Also, admirers of nature can enjoy a diversity of flora and fauna while drowning in other adventures.

Camping in Fillongley Provincial Park Campground

Camping in Fillongley Provincial Park Campground

If you got a few days free and you plan to spend it on Vancouver Island, pay a visit to Fillongely Provincial Park to experience every possible way of camping. Nestled amongst lush green deciduous trees, visitors would enjoy excellent hiking trails with picturesque sights. This quiet, clean, and grassy park provides you with exciting activities and a gorgeous ocean and forest view.

Ogden Point Diving

Ogden Point Diving

Change your life from ordinary to extraordinary, and experience diving in an ideal place. Ogden Point Diving zone has excellent diving opportunities for every skill level, and it is a fantastic place for wildlife admirers to come. Also, to capture every moment you spend in this splendid place, bring your cameras.

Nanaimo Yacht Club Whale Watching

Nanaimo Yacht Club Whale Watching

For those marine life lovers, Nanaimo Yacht Club Whale Watching is a great opportunity. Participants can ride boats and surf the surrounding waters with the chance to explore the area and observe whales living near Nanaimo due to the high population of orcas and whales around there.

Dolphin Beach Diving

Dolphin Beach Diving

Nanaimo is saturated with diving zones, but to name a decent one, Dolphin Beach is a location that allows everyone to explore marine life and enjoy diving. Both armature and advanced divers can have the chance to dive in these waters along with a glorious environment enclosing the zone, which would fascinate your eyes.

Mount Cain Snowmobiling

Mount Cain Snowmobiling

Mount Cain is one of the pioneer points for snowmobiling in Vancouver Island for modern snowmobile engines. The good news is that snowmobiling in Mount Cain full of endless excitement, and you can enjoy the rare beauty of its nature while surfing the snow.

Camping in Ford's Cove Marina

Camping in Ford's Cove Marina

Looking for a place on Hornby Island to stay the night while enjoying yourselves? You would better stop by camping in Ford's Cove Marina and camp with your RV or tent. This campground has cute oceanic views and glorious sunsets with gorgeous mountains. The Ford's Cove Marina Campground sites are charming, well-maintained, and spacious, with a pleasant grassy and treed atmosphere and beautiful scenery.

Lake Helen Mackenzie and Battleship Lake Loop Hike

Lake Helen Mackenzie and Battleship Lake Loop Hike

Experienced and beginner hikers will be surprised hiking Lake Helen Mackenzie and Battleship Lake Loop with its stunning atmosphere in an alpine area and fantastic scenery. This trail includes well-kept facilities and a campground that make it suitable for all family members. Have a nice day-hike not to miss the attractions to see.

Camping in Pachena Bay Campground

Camping in Pachena Bay Campground

Make the best of your journey on Vancouver Island by camping in one of the possibly best campgrounds on the southwest of Vancouver Island. Pachena Bay Campground offers a quiet private campsite for those who want to get away from the bustle in towns. Not to mention the beautiful, clean, and sandy beach in which you are provided with every possible fun opportunity.

Camping in Newcastle Island Marine Provincial Park Campground

Camping in Newcastle Island Marine Provincial Park Campground

Nothing can feed your spirit like a clean, relaxing vacation. To do so, you have fantastic chances to camp in Newcastle Island Marine Provincial Park Campground and let your lungs to be flourished by the fresh air you let in. These oceanside campgrounds have a lot to offer: ample amenities, various wildlife and astonishing scenery. Camping at this campsite is something that happens once in a lifetime.

Detailed Cape Scott Trail Descriptions

Hiking Cape Scott Provincial Park means navigating a diverse and rugged landscape. The Cape Scott Trail, a 23.6 km journey from the trailhead to the Cape Scott Lighthouse, is the park’s backbone, with side trails pushing the total hiking distance to approximately 59.5 km. Known for being exceptionally muddy, slippery, and rooty, this 48.8-km out-and-back trail (round trip from trailhead to lighthouse) tests even seasoned hikers.

Section

Distance

Time

Difficulty

Features

Trailhead to San Josef Bay

2.5 km

45 min

1 BI (Easy)

Wheelchair-accessible, sea stacks, sandy beach

Trailhead to Eric Lake

3 km

1 hr

2 D (Moderate)

Old-growth forest, tent platforms, lake camping

Eric Lake to Fisherman River

6.3 km

2 hrs

2 D (Moderate)

Telegraph lines, settler remnants, small campsite

Fisherman River to Nels Bight

7.5 km

3 hrs

1 B II (Easy-Moderate)

Expansive beach, camping, historical grave

Nels Bight to Cape Scott Lighthouse

6.1 km

2 hrs

2 B (Moderate)

Coastal views, historic plank roads, lighthouse

• Description: Starting at the trailhead parking lot, this 2.5 km segment takes about an hour to hike and is the park’s most accessible trail, rated 1 BI (easy) with wheelchair-friendly gravel paths. Hiking Cape Scott Park begins here, leading to San Josef Bay’s sandy beaches, sea stacks, and sea caves—natural sculptures carved by the Pacific.
Highlights:
• Historical Note: Henry Ohlsen’s store once stood near the first beach, a hub for settlers until 1944. A white picket fence near the trailhead hints at past habitation. Natural Features: Two beaches (the second tide-dependent), sea stacks, and caves make this a gem for free hiking .
• Camping: San Josef Bay camping offers tent sites, pit toilets, grey water pits, and food caches on the first beach; the second beach has additional sites but requires low tide access. Tips: A perfect day hike or overnight stop on your Cape Scott Trail itinerary.

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Camping Sites on the Cape Scott Trail

The Cape Scott Trail boasts five designated camping sites, each with unique features and amenities. Below is an in-depth look, enhanced with a summary table.

San Josef Bay

Location: 2.5 km from the trailhead
Amenities: Tent sites, pit toilets, food caches
 Details:
This family-friendly spot offers two beaches—the first easily accessible, the second tide-dependent (low tide only). Historical highlights include Henry Ohlsen’s store site and sea stacks perfect for exploration. Cape Scott camping here is ideal for a quick overnight trip.
 Tips: Monitor tides to avoid flooded sites; bring water or treat from streams.

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Location: 3 km from the trailhead
Amenities: Tent platforms, water source (treat required), food caches, communal fire rings, pit toilets
Details: Nestled in old-growth forest, this site’s tent platforms combat the muddy terrain. It’s a serene stop for hikers starting late or seeking a shorter first day on the Cape Scott Trail.
 Tips: Use fire rings responsibly; collect firewood sustainably.

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Nissen Bight

Location: 5.7 km from Fisherman River junction
Amenities: Sand camping, creek water (east end, treat required), pit toilets, food caches
Details: This secluded beach offers sand camping and tidal point exploration. It’s quieter than Nels Bight, perfect for solitude seekers.
Tips: Explore the point at low tide; relish the privacy.

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Nels Bight

Location: 7.5 km from Fisherman River junction
 Amenities:
Beach camping, stream water (west end, treat required), pit toilets, food caches, ranger cabin nearby Details: A 2 km beach makes this a popular base for Cape Scott Trail explorers. A historical grave marker and
 expansive views add depth. Beware buried fire sites.
 Tips: Ideal for lighthouse day trips; watch for hidden embers.

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Guise Bay

Location: Accessible via Nels Bight or Experiment Bight
Amenities: Beach camping, small stream (east end, treat required), pit toilets, food caches
Details: Less crowded, with WWII plank roads and N.P. Jensen’s driftwood fence, this site blends history and beauty.
 Tips: Enjoy the solitude; explore historical features.

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Potential Camping at Other Locations

Beyond designated sites, Cape Scott camping enthusiasts might consider informal spots, adhering to Leave No Trace principles and park rules:
• Hansen Lagoon: 5.4 km from Fisherman River, features Danish dikes and grassy fields. No facilities, but informal camping may work for the adventurous.
• Cape Scott Lighthouse: 6.1 km from Nels Bight, offers coastal views and plank roads. Camping isn’t designated, but proximity to Nels Bight provides options.

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Camping in Nearby Areas

Extend your Cape Scott Trail itinerary with these nearby gems:
Raft Cove Provincial Park: Accessed via Ronning Mainline, it offers protected campsites near Macjack River, pit toilets, and a food cache. Surfing and settler relics enhance the rugged 1.5 km beach trail.
Cape Palmerston Recreation Area: A 5-minute walk from parking, this pebble beach has limited camping and pit toilets, with rocky headlands and an emergency cabin.

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What you Can Expect to See Near

Tahsis

Tahsis

Tahsis is an accessway to many hiking trails. This village municipality is situated at the top of the steep-sided Tahsis Inlet and is surrounded by breathtaking wilderness and abundant wildlife. Some of the best water activities like ocean kayaking, surfing, windsurfing, recreational fishing or sport fishing, scuba diving, and kiteboarding are popular.

Sutton Range

Sutton Range

The Sutton Range is a group of mountains and a subrange of the Vancouver Island Ranges that form the greater Insular Mountains. The amazing rock formation and alpine scale make the mountains within the range perfect for climbing. While you're atop Sutton Peak, Victoria Peak, Warden Peak, and mainland coast mountains are within your sight.

Sophia Range

Sophia Range

The Sophia Range is a low small group of mountains on Nootka Island. Visiting the range would be fascinating overlooking inlets. The spectacular sights of the hills wrapped in trees ornamented with beautiful wildlife and birds are amazing while ascending. The range and the nearby park are a wealth of outdoor activities as paddling, fishing, and wildlife viewing.

Artlish Caves

Artlish Caves

As it is said, "A river cuts through rock, not because of its power, but because of its persistence." Did you know it takes a long process for a cave to be created? Artlish Caves is no exception. It is the largest active river cave in Canada, and the running water is why these series of caves were carved out from the ground, which is still happening. While you are inside the caves, sharpen your eyes to find bats, spiders, and other creatures in the darkness.

Coral Cave

Coral Cave

If you desire to search for hidden parts of nature to discover exciting facts, Coral Cave is a suitable option. Before stepping into it, you need to have caving skills. The beauty of the cave is doubled by the stunning rainforest that surrounded the entrance. While you are inside, you may see the flooded parts of the cave. Let's get into it to find more and realize the time effect for thousands or millions of years.

Thanksgiving Cave

Thanksgiving Cave

Devote more time, get a challenging goal for yourself, and pack your equipment. It is time to face the longest and deepest cave on Vancouver Island, Thanksgiving Cave. Caving inside this mostly tight and beautiful cave is not a beginner's suitable exploration, but for an expert caver, the adventurers' rush worth any trouble. If you are a beginner, don't worry. Tahsis is the caving capital of Canada, so you have different chances nearby.

Upana Caves

Upana Caves

Going deep into the forest is worthy enough to visit the stunning Upana Caves. Listen to the sound of a river passing by and detect several entrances with the famous one behind the spectacular Upana Caves Waterfall. Inside entrances, you may find birds' nests. Watch the evidence of years of existence by holes like the one in cheese. The stunning galleries and passages you'll explore while going down would be incredible.

Genevieve Range

Genevieve Range

The Genevieve Range offers a fascinating tour within Nootka Island with spectacular sights for mountaineers. The range's area is a remote paradise for those seeking peace and seclusion. While ascending peaks, the range allows breath-taking sights of the ocean, enormous trees below your feet covering hills along with lakes and creeks dotted the area and plenty of wildlife.

Haihte Range

Haihte Range

The Haihte Range overlooking Tahsis and Zeballos is home to some of the largest remaining glaciers on Vancouver Island. It experiences many cloudy days due to being close to the coast. The high terrain, including long aesthetic lines, is perfect for skiing at the lower glacier shelves, and visitors would enjoy excellent alpine climbing at jagged spires along the main ridge.

Best Time to Visit for Hiking Cape Scott Provincial Park

This table provides a guide for hikers planning a trip to Cape Scott Provincial Park. The trail is officially open from May to September, which is considered the best time for hiking, though it can be accessed year-round. Weather conditions vary from wet and cool in the shoulder seasons (May and September) to warmer and drier in peak months (July and August). Trail accessibility is generally good during the open season, though closures of some sections or campsites may occur due to weather or maintenance. Key considerations include preparing for muddy and slippery trails, especially in wetter months, and anticipating higher crowds and permit demand during the peak season. Whether you prefer solitude or optimal weather, this guide will help ensure your Hiking Cape Scott Provincial Park experience is memorable and well-planned.

Month

Weather Conditions

Trail Accessibility

Considerations

May

Cooler temperatures with increased rainfall.

Trail open; some sections may be closed due to weather or maintenance.

Less crowded; prepare for wet and muddy conditions.

June

Mild temperatures; moderate rainfall.

Trail open; most campsites operational.

Increasing number of hikers; moderate weather.

July

Warmer temperatures; drier conditions.

Trail open; all campsites operational.

Peak season; higher demand for permits.

August

Warm temperatures; drier conditions.

Trail open; all campsites operational.

Peak season; higher demand for permits.

September

Cooling temperatures; increased rainfall.

Trail open; some campsites may be closed.

Less crowded; prepare for variable weather.

Frequently Asked Questions About Cape Scott Trail

A Cape Scott Trail map is available online through BC Parks or at the trailhead. The Cape Scott Provincial Park map outlines the 23.6 km one-way trail, including camping spots and side trails like Hansen Lagoon. For offline use, download the Cape Scott Trail map PDF, as cell service is unreliable in this remote area.

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Alireza Moghimehfar

2025 April 26

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