Overview
- Parks Canada says heavy rainfall has swollen creeks and rivers on the West Coast Trail and its Visitor Safety team is responding to a significant number of evacuation requests.
- The agency warns it is currently unsafe to cross creeks and rivers on foot and says more rain is expected through Wednesday, which could prolong hazardous conditions.
- Visitors are being asked to delay trips where possible and anyone with reservations from July 27 to Aug. 1 may cancel for a full refund.
- Parks Canada advises only fully prepared, self-sufficient hikers should attempt the route and warns some parties may need to wait several days for water levels to drop or arrange self-evacuation via trailheads or Nitinaht Lake.
- The West Coast Trail is a remote, 75-kilometre multi-day route with ladders, mud and limited water-taxi and shuttle exits, which complicates rescues and could leave hikers isolated until conditions improve.