Complete Hiking Guide to Cape Scott Provincial Park

Best Coastal Hike in British Columbia: Cape Scott

Nestled at the remote northwestern tip of Vancouver Island, Cape Scott Provincial Park is a bucket-list-worthy destination for adventurers seeking coastal beauty, backcountry solitude, and a touch of history. This guide covers everything you need to know before you hit the trail—from terrain and camping tips to must-see highlights and the rich cultural backdrop of the region. Whether you're planning a solo backpacking trip or heading out with friends, this is your complete resource for exploring Cape Scott.

Trail Overview

• Distance: 23.6 km one-way (47.2 km return)
• Trail Type: Out and back, with side trip options
• Difficulty: Moderate (long distance, muddy and slippery sections)
• Time Required: 3–5 days
• Season: Best hiked from late spring to early fall
• Camping: First-come, first-served ($10/night/person)

Getting There

Reaching Cape Scott is an adventure in itself. The trailhead is approximately two hours by car from Port Hardy, with most of the journey on a well-maintained but occasionally rough industrial gravel road. While it was passable by 2WD low-clearance vehicles during the 2025 season, road conditions can deteriorate quickly. Bring a spare tire, know how to change it, and check current trail and road conditions on AllTrails or local Facebook hiking groups.

Alternative Transport: The Cape Scott Water Taxi Van Shuttle is a reliable option, especially during summer weekends when the trailhead parking lot fills up fast. Book ahead via phone or email.

Section-by-Section Trail Guide

1. Trailhead to Eric Lake (3 km | ~1 hour)

The trail begins with wide, flat paths and boardwalks, offering easy hiking for the first few kilometers. At the junction, go right for Cape Scott or left for San Josef Bay. Eric Lake Campground has 11 tent pads, a bear cache, outhouse, and water access—perfect for late starters or beginner backpackers.

2. Eric Lake to Fisherman River (6.3 km | ~2 hours)

Things get more rugged with muddy, root-filled forest trails, mixed with intermittent boardwalks. Fisherman River Campground includes two tent pads, an outhouse, and a bear cache. Water is available, but the access trail is steep and overgrown.

3. Fisherman River to Nels Bight (7.5 km | ~3 hours)

Welcome to the boardwalk marathon—stretch after stretch through coastal bogs. On the way, you’ll pass historic sites like the grave of William Christiansen (a child who died in 1906), Spencer Farm with an abandoned tractor, and the Hansen Lagoon, once the heart of the Danish settlement.

Eventually, you’ll reach Nels Bight, a stunning beachside campground and one of the most popular spots in the park. Facilities include multiple outhouses, bear caches, a ranger cabin, and a water source at the far end of the beach (via a tidal stream and signed path).

Bear cache and outhouse spots are scattered:

• Near the trail entrance
• Mid-beach (cache only)
• Far end near the watering hole

Day Hike to Cape Scott Lighthouse (6.8 km one-way from Nels Bight | ~2 hours)

Continue from Nels Bight toward Experiment Bight, a peaceful, undeveloped beach, then pass through light forest to reach Guy’s Bay—another beach with camping, bear cache, outhouse, and seasonal creek.

From Guy’s Bay, you’ll re-enter the forest and pass a side trail to sea stacks (10 minutes each way), before arriving at the Cape Scott Lighthouse. Here you’ll find picnic tables, fresh drinking water, and sweeping ocean views from the lighthouse tower. Don’t forget to sign the guestbook!

Optional Side Trip: San Josef Bay

On your final day or as an alternate route, consider heading to San Josef Bay—a shorter, easier trail with epic beaches, sea stacks, and tide pools. It’s a great option for your last night if you want a short hike out the next morning.

Suggested Itinerary (4 Days)

Day 1: Trailhead to Nels Bight (16.8 km | 6–6.5 hrs)
Day 2: Day hike to Cape Scott Lighthouse and back (13.6 km roundtrip | ~4 hrs + break)
Day 3: Hike to San Josef Bay for a relaxed final night
Day 4: Short hike from San Josef Bay to the trailhead and drive out

Historical and Cultural Highlights

Cape Scott has a rich, layered history. This land is the traditional territory of the Kwakwaka’wakw Peoples, who lived here sustainably for thousands of years. Colonization, disease, and the fur trade nearly wiped out their communities and natural resources, including sea otters.

In the late 1800s, the area became home to a Danish colony led by fisherman Rasmus Hansen. Despite hard work and attempts to farm the land (like building dikes at Hansen Lagoon), the settlement struggled with isolation and harsh weather. Some remnants—like fence posts, tractors, and old telegraph poles—still dot the trail today.

A second wave of settlers arrived in the 1910s, and at one point the population exceeded 600. Schools, dances, and fairs brought life to the remote community, but by 1917, most had left. Today, nature is reclaiming what’s left.

Tips for Hikers

• Footwear: Waterproof hiking boots are a must. Trails can be muddy and boardwalks slippery.
• Gaiters: Great for keeping your legs dry in boggy sections.
• Hiking Poles: Optional, but very useful for slippery or uneven terrain.
• Bear Safety: Carry bear spray and know how to use it. Store all food in provided bear caches.
• Water: Filter all water from lakes or streams. Tap water is available at the lighthouse.
• Navigation: The trail is well-marked, and the BC Parks map is very reliable. Download it offline.

Why Cape Scott Will Stay With You

Cape Scott isn’t the hardest hike on Vancouver Island, but it’s long, remote, and rewarding. Whether you’re drawn by the rugged coastlines, the peaceful beaches, or the stories of settlers past, this trail leaves a lasting impression. It's a place where solitude meets history, and where the waves, wind, and forest remind you that nature is still in charge.

If you’re up for a challenge and ready to disconnect for a few days, Cape Scott Provincial Park offers one of Vancouver Island’s most unforgettable backpacking experiences. And who knows—you might come back with more than just great photos. You might come back with a story of your own.