Updated-North Coast Trail Temporarily Closed
May 8, 2025 –
Update 13/06/25: The trail advisory for the North Coast Trail has been removed from the Cape Scott Provincial Park website. The trail is now fully OPEN.
Update 23/05/25: The North Coast Trail has partially reopened between Cape Sutil and Nissen Bight. The section between Cape Sutil and Shushartie Bay remains closed but at least one report online states that crews are aiming to have the trail reopened by June 1 (unverified).
BC Parks has announced that the North Coast Trail will be closed temporarily from Shushartie Bay to Nissen Bight. Due to winter storm damage, the trail is unsafe for public use. The trail runs 43 km along Vancouver Island’s rugged northern coastline and is considered one of the province’s toughest backpacking routes.
Last month, the Juan de Fuca Trail was also closed for the season due to storm damage. The loss of two popular coastal backpacking routes comes as a blow in what is anticipated to be a busy tourist season. No timeline has been given for the North Coast Trail’s reopening, however BC Parks has stated that they are assessing and repairing the damage.
For your safety, please respect all closures. For information and updates, see Cape Scott Provincial Park Advisories.
Cory is an outdoor writer and adventurer from British Columbia. She has worked as a kayak guide and wildlife rehabber, experiences that deepened her love for wild places and the creatures that call them home. Whether she’s hiking remote trails, paddling along the coast, or setting out on her next backcountry trip, she finds inspiration in nature’s untamed beauty. Through her writing, she shares stories of adventure, resilience, and the deep connection between people and the wilderness.
