<P> The trail itself winds through forests, bogs, slippery moss - covered ladders, climbing, repelling and beach treks . Hikers have a choice in parts of the trail to stay in the highlands, which is much boggier, or try to make progress on the beach, which is slow, but easier on the feet . The trail passes old growth trees, waterfalls, streams and thick patches of deep mud . Along the coast, the trail includes sand and pebble beaches, headlands, and exposed shelf and boulders at low tide . The trail often diverts inland to avoid dangerous surge channels and impassable headlands, where cliffs descend straight into the sea even at low tide . Portions of the beach sections can be made impassable by high tides . Tide tables and maps are issued by Parks Canada staff to all hikers prior to starting the trek . In some inland areas the trail consists of a boardwalk, which can be in disrepair and covered with moss and mud . </P> <P> The main designated campgrounds along the way feature bear boxes for safe storage of food, an outhouse, and a view of the Pacific Ocean and Olympic Peninsula when the sea fog is not present . This fog offers a unique perspective as the beach and sky are clear, while the view just off shore is blocked . There are also numerous smaller campsites along the trail, with varying amenities, which can offer a quieter experience away from the often crowded main campsites . As 30 people may start the trail from each direction each day, it is not unusual to find many groups of hikers spending the night at any given main campsite . </P> <P> The trail is still extremely rugged and requires a high level of fitness, knowledge, and skill to complete, although in the last 10 to 15 years it has been upgraded to facilitate easier hiking and safety for those with less experience . This has changed the nature and challenge of the trail somewhat but has made it easier for hikers to explore the coast . It has been recommended that hikers travel in groups as a measure of safety, but some also hike the trail solo . To cross the larger rivers and streams hikers must ride cable car suspensions, while smaller or slower waterways are bridged only by fallen logs or may even require wading . There are two waterways that require a boat to cross: the Gordon River, at the southern trailhead, and the Nitinat Narrows, near the midpoint of the trail . A ferry service is operated by the local First Nation . The trail includes some three dozen ladder structures, some of them 30 feet (9.1 m) high, that hikers must ascend or descend . Hikers usually take an average of 7 days to complete the trip, allowing visitors to stop at some point for a day, although it has been run in a single day . Approximately 6000 backpackers complete the trail every year, with 1--2% requiring emergency evacuation due to injury, illness, or hypothermia . </P> <P> There are two locations on the trail where food can be bought: 1) the ferry operator, Doug, at Nitinat Narrows at km 32 (mile 20) has fresh seafood, a choice between salmon and crabs, baked potatoes and corn; 2) Chez Monique's on the beach, just south of the Carmanah Lighthouse, sells a variety of burgers (beef, salmon, cod, halibut and egg + veggie). Both locations also sell soft drinks . Other than these two locations, hikers must be entirely self - sufficient and prepared for the back country conditions of the trail . Hiking the West Coast Trail is a major attraction for adventure seekers coming to British Columbia to experience the Pacific Northwest's scenery, wildlife, culture, and weather . The West Coast Trail remains one of the most famous trails in Canada . </P>

Where do you start the west coast trail