Photography: Frits Meyst
Text: Jillian Macdonald

If your dream and inspiration is to backpack through pristine rainforests and hike spectacular sandy beaches in a remote wilderness setting where wildlife sightings from wolves to whales, are not uncommon, then you'll want to check out the Nootka Trail on the west coast of Vancouver Island. This natural 35 kilometre trail is somewhat comparable to the better known West Coast Trail on the island, but has surpassed it in many other ways. A reservation is not necessary, no long waiting lists, no park rangers. In fact there is usually no one around at all. On Nootka Island you are on your own.

Click on any of the pictures to get to all high resolution images with this feature story