Cape Scott Provincial Park

Completed the North Coast Trail last week from Shushartie bay including a little detour to Nels for a night. We had done the Cape Scott lighthouse trail a couple years ago and loved the area. The trail is extremely muddy and water levels are very high this year due to unusually wet summer on the island, but I believe it is still worth the trip for the beaches and scenery. Just expect what is normally "a fast moving highway" of a trail to be a bit slower. Nothing gaiters and a good pair of hikers can't handle, just come prepared and you will enjoy the hike just as much.

Joy found after two hours of rough road and one hour of easy hike. Well worth the trip! .

I had high expectations going in, and they were exceeded. Staggering natural beauty everywhere. Take note of the tide times before you go as you'll only be able to get to/from second beach at low tide.

After a long drive on gravel roads through Holberg and past Ronning’s Garden - site of an early settler’s garden- you get to the Cape Scott trail head. Here is a tip: it is possible to get to San Josef Bay on a day trip if you plan carefully. - Plan for about two and a half hours one way on gravel roads in a normal sedan car. - About 25-35km/h for a normal sedan car as there are pot holes and ridged roadway. It was all I could do, but trucks could reach the posted 50km/h limit. - It would be easy to get a flat and there is no cell service after the first 10km or so from Port Hardy except for around the community of Holberg (3G service). - Start early so you have plenty of time This is a great jumping off point for a substantial hike into the park or for a much simpler day trip or overnight camping experience out in San Josef Bay. (If you want a simple overnight camping experience listening to the Pacific surf then head out to San Josef Bay. ) The trail is short and well maintained and quite flat. It takes you through the old community of San Josef and out to the spectacular beach where there are pit toilets and bear caches for food. So This is a relatively straightforward way to have a true west coast camping experience or a great day out to a beautiful beach. As always leave only footprints, pack out all your garbage and watch out for bears.y

San Joseph, not Cape Scott. Beach is beautiful. Ocean is beautiful. What more can I say?