Ferries and campsite are booked, Pachena Bay here we come! Just a shame we have to wait until September. However, planning (majorly) ahead is key when you live in one of the most beautiful places on earth…ferry reservations and campgrounds fill up FAST at the first sign of summer. Mind you we are planning a Labour day long weekend trip but we were still a little surprised to see multiple ferries already full more than four months in advance! Again, a tribute to British Columbia and it being a world class destination. Pachena Bay has beaches on par with Tofino’s and is also the head of the world-famous West Coast Trail – a 75km long, rugged coast-line trail established by the First Nations. If you don’t know about the WCT, it is worth a little research. An icon of British Columbia, in my opinion.
We did a Pachena Bay camping trip two years ago and absolutely fell in love with the campground and surroundings. To reach Pachena is a bit of adventure in itself as you venture down 83km of gravel logging road before finding the turn off for the campsite (watch for logging trucks!). We believe this is one reason why the campground didn’t seem too busy, not an easy road in for smaller cars. Joe’s truck handled it great of course and this year will be even better since he has “squishier” suspension. Perfect!
We also did a bit of the West Coast Trail. I mean, we were right there. We did a day hike and did the first 10km of the trail, ending at the Lighthouse for those who have been, before doubling back for a solid 20km. Safe to say we slept very well that night, after a few cold ones too.
I think I will be ok with leaving the casual day hike out this year. I’ll be manning the campfire if you need me.
We have a great group of friends going this year – a few the same, a few different – and we all can’t wait! Since September is a bit of a stretch away, we will of course be planning other trips in between. Squamish Valley, Duffy Lake, the Interior, up Indian Arm…so many choices! Frankly, I’ll go anywhere the sun is. Rain rain go away!
Until next time!
WestCoastWanderin' 
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