The Juan de Fuca Marine Trail traverses the forests and beaches of Vancouver Island’s southwestern coast. Its trail takes you through massive cedar groves, across rocky coastal areas, sandy beaches, and (almost inevitably) through sucking mud. Over three to five epic days, you’ll experience the rugged beauty of Vancouver Island.
With two forest sites and four beach sites, the JDF offers a unique backpacking opportunity to experience multiple aspects of BC’s landscape.
This multi-day trail is open all year, has multiple trailheads, and does not have a reservation system. Because of that, it provides ample flexibility for length, difficulty, and start dates.
The area known as Juan de Fuca Provincial Park is the traditional home of the Pacheedaht First Nation – part of the Nuu-chah-nulth people and culture on Vancouver Island’s west coast. Known as the “People of Seafoam,” the Pacheedaht people have always been closely tied to the land and sea, and remain so. We experience the beauty and richness of these lands and waters with respect and gratitude.
Did you miss out on booking the West Coast Trail?
Here’s why you should backpack the Juan de Fuca Trail instead.
Quick Facts
- Distance: 47 km
- Days: 3 – 5 days
- Open: All Year
- Trailheads: Botanical Beach, Parkinson Creek, Sombrio Beach, China Beach
- Best Time of Year: June to September
- Camping Fees: $10 per adult, $5 per youth
- No reservation system.
- Though you don’t need a reservation, you do need to register with BC Parks. Register here
Juan de Fuca Backcountry Campsites
- Payzant Creek
- Little Kuitshe Creek
- Sombrio Beach
- China Beach
- Bear Beach
- Mystic Beach
North to South, or South to North?
There is no obvious right, wrong, better, or worse way to hike the JDF. Both the northwestern half and the southeastern half can be very muddy. The southern part has more ups and downs, but the northern section is far from flat.
Getting There
Juan de Fuca Park is located on the west coast of southern Vancouver Island in British Columbia. China Beach, the southernmost access point, sits 36 km east of Port Renfrew and 35 km west of Sooke. Each trailhead is accessible from the West Coast Highway 14.
If you plan to take the ferry from the mainland to Vancouver Island, you should arrive at Swartz Bay (the closest port to Victoria). Then, take Highway 17 towards Victoria before heading west along the Juan de Fuca Highway/ Highway 14 W. The drive takes about 1.5 hours.
BC Ferries can get very busy in the summer. To avoid delays, we recommend making a reservation. Visit BC Ferries to make a reservation.
Juan de Fuca Trailheads and Parking
From North to South, the JDF trailheads are Botanical Beach, Parkinson Creek, Sombrio Beach, and China Beach. Parking is available at each. Overnight camping in your vehicle is allowed at China Beach, Parkinson Creek, and Sombrio Beach trailheads, and there is a camping fee.
This is a point-to-point hike, so it’s easiest with two vehicles and shuttle from one point to the other. Otherwise, you can utilize the West Coast Trail Express shuttle service.
How long does it take to complete the Juan de Fuca trail?
The JDF takes 3 – 5 days to complete. However, with four access points, it’s easy to shorten the length of your hike if you’re short on time. Giving yourself more time to complete the hike will allow you to take on each day at a more relaxed pace, enjoy the backcountry campsites, and wait out bad weather if it comes your way. Enjoy it!
Why don’t I need a reservation?
Securing a spot on the Juan de Fuca trail is straightforward and does not require queuing with thousands of other outdoorsy Canadians when National Park reservations open in January. Reservations are not required on the Juan de Fuca Trail. Every backcountry campsite operates on a first-come, first-served basis.
You still need to register and pay for your backcountry campsites. Here’s how you can do that:
- Go to the BC Parks Camping website, click on Backcountry, select Backcountry Registration, and then choose Juan de Fuca Park.
- Use a self-registration envelope and safely locate it at each trailhead (cash only).
Juan de Fuca Trail vs. West Coast Trail
Length & Duration
The JDF is 47 km compared to the WCT’s 75 km. This means it takes only 3 – 5 days to complete the JDF instead of 6 – 8 for the WCT. Both hikes have multiple access points. The WCT has three (start, mid-point, end), while the JDF has four, meaning you have more flexibility to adjust the length of your hike.
Difficulty
The Juan de Fuca and West Coast Trails are similar in difficulty. Some find the JDF easier because it’s shorter and less technical (there are no ladders on the JDF), while others struggle more due to the many ups and downs and often extreme mud. The JDF has a total cumulative elevation gain of 1,700 m over 47 km versus the WCT’s 1,600 m over 75 km.
Opening
The West Coast Trail is only open for overnight visitors from May 1 to September 30 (reservations open in January), but the JDF is open all year. However, some parking areas and front-country camping at China Beach are closed during the winter.
Terrain
Vancouver Island’s three main marine trails (WCT, JDF, and North Coast Trail) all have a reputation for being very, very muddy. This is something you’ll need to prepare for both mentally and in terms of gear- regardless of which trail you choose. Which is the muddiest? It depends on the weather and your luck.
The Juan de Fuca Trail can be muddier than the West Coast Trail since much of it is in the forest, particularly on the northern side.
Beaches
The WCT follows more beaches than the JDF, which is more forest-based. Both trails have low-tide beach crossings, so you should plan ahead and check the tide table for Port Renfrew in advance. Some sections of the JDF have beach and inland route options.
JDF’s beaches can be busier with non-hikers because they’re also accessible by car. The WCT is entirely remote, so the only people you’ll encounter are fellow hikers.
Cost
Lastly, the Juan de Fuca Trail is significantly cheaper than the WCT, making it a far more budget-friendly option. At $10 a night per adult, a three —to five-day trek costs between $30 and $50. Backcountry registrations can be made here.
In 2025, the WCT costs upwards of $325 for the trail permit, reservation fee, ferries, National Park entrance fee, and shuttle.
Learn more about Juan de Fuca Park.
About Aislin Fall
Aislin Fall is a writer, photographer, traveler, and an avid outdoorsperson. She grew up in BC’s coastal mountains and interior Cariboo region, camping in the forests and road tripping along the Pacific coast. As an adult, she fell in love with hiking, backpacking, and vanlife in the Canadian Rocky Mountains.
Her passion for mountains and the outdoors has taken her all over the world, including the Dolomites, Julian Alps, and the Southern Alps. Ever the storyteller, Aislin documents her globetrotting and summit chasing adventures (and, sometimes, misadventures).
