Cape Scott and the North Coast Trail

Book excerpt: Part trail map, part field guide, part regional history, Cape Scott and the North Coast Trail is the first comprehensive guidebook about one of Vancouver Island’s most iconic destinations. Each year, thousands of backpackers and nature lovers head to the northern limits of Vancouver Island, bound for the jewel of the region: Cape Scott Provincial Park and the recently completed North Coast Trail. Cape Scott, 115 kilometres of wave- and weather-beaten coastline, encompasses every dramatic element of Pacific Northwest geography. Rocky headlands neighbour sandy beaches and protected coves; bogs house sensitive amphibians and plants; and inland, a dense network of towering conifers, ferns, salal and beds of moss define the rainforest. The North Coast Trail wends its way through this paradise, offering hikers a rugged trek to Cape Sutil, a place steeped in First Nations history, beautiful ocean views along the long sandy beach at Shuttleworth Bight and glimpses of one of the largest intact coastal wetlands in British Columbia, an upland bog housing sandhill cranes and a variety of endemic species. Cape Scott and the North Coast Trail equips visitors with everything they need to know to make the most of the park. Illustrated with accurate maps and vivid photographs, and loaded with details about biology and human history, the guide is perfect for the day tripper, serious backpacker or anyone wanting to learn more about the culture and wildlife of the region.