Embarking on a backpacking adventure is one of the most rewarding journeys an outdoor lover can take, but it is not without inherent risks. A very popular trail among seasoned backpackers is the West Coast Trail, located on the coastline of British Columbia’s Vancouver Island. Spanning nearly 50 miles, backpackers are treated to gorgeous vistas amid some very challenging terrain, which can include rain — and a lot of it. The trail is forged through a temperate rainforest, and the region sees more than 3 meters of rainfall per year. This alone can create a bundle of hazards, the greatest of which is unsure footing. Beginners that take on the West Coast Trail often find that they may have bitten off more than they can chew, so it is important to know your capability and limits before you land here. Warnings aside, however, the abundance of pristine, untouched nature that can be witnessed here is nothing short of awe-inspiring, and it is a grizzled soul whose life remains unchanged by this trek. Here’s a great video that shows you both the perils and rewards of the West Coast Trail, and how to prepare yourself for the adventure of a lifetime.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fhG5s-X5290&feature=related
Image via Paula Reedyk
