West Coast Trail Gear List
The West Coast Trail is wet, tidal and remote, and Parks Canada's page lists gear for all of that: a tent with a waterproof fly, a closed-cell foam pad, a stove, rope to hang food, tide charts and a satellite device because phones mostly do not work.
Shelter and sleeping
Tent with a waterproof fly
Parks Canada says one is absolutely necessary.
Closed-cell foam sleeping pad
On the page's gear list.
Sleeping bag
Parks Canada says synthetic fills are preferable, because down loses warmth when wet, and to pack the bag in a waterproof bag.
Food, stove and water
Lightweight stove and fuel
Listed as required. The page also says to use a stove and minimize fires.
Rope for hanging food
15 m of synthetic rope per group, for use when there is no metal locker or bear pole. Hang food at least 4 m up and 3 m from the trunk.
Water purification
Collect water upstream, then purify, boil or filter it. Carry a container and purification equipment.
No cans or glass bottles
Parks Canada says not to bring them.
Fires
Beach fires only
Small driftwood fires below the high tide line, none in the forest, and not between km 34 and 38. Check for fire bans first.
Tides, ladders and rivers
Tide charts and a wristwatch
Parks Canada says to follow the Tofino tide charts and the trail map to avoid being cut off. Tide tables are issued at pre-hike briefings.
Ladders
There are over 100 ladder systems and rungs may be missing. Keep three points of contact at all times.
Cable cars
Only two people and their gear per cable car or platform. Cable cars may be out of service.
River crossings
Do not cross above your knees. Undo your chest and hip straps, and wear running shoes or sandals for crossings only.
Safety and communication
Bear spray
Parks Canada strongly recommends at least one person per group carries it.
First aid kit
With personal medications and treatments for injuries.
Satellite messenger or VHF radio
The page says these are often the only devices that work. It says not to expect cell phone service.
Not allowed
Axes, firearms, bear bangers and pets.
Gear questions for the West Coast Trail
Do you need bear spray on the West Coast Trail?
Parks Canada strongly recommends at least one person per group carries bear spray.
Do you need a stove on the West Coast Trail?
Parks Canada lists a lightweight backpacking stove and fuel, and says to use a stove and minimize fires.
Can you light a campfire on the West Coast Trail?
Only small driftwood fires on beaches below the high tide line, never in the forest and not between km 34 and 38. Check for fire bans.
Is there cell service on the West Coast Trail?
Parks Canada says not to expect it. Satellite messengers, satellite phones and VHF radios are often the only devices that work.
Sources
Checked against the agency page above on October 30, 2026. This page names no products, and it lists what the agency says, in our words. Check the agency page for rules that changed since.
In an emergency in Canada, call 911.