WHERE: Hiking the West Coast Trail, Vancouver, B.C.

Ready for an adventure? The 47-mile backpacker West Coast Trail on Vancouver Island was constructed 100 years ago as an escape route for shipwreck survivors following a century of maritime disasters.

BY FOOT: It's a stunning coastal hike mostly at sea level through virgin spruce, cedar and hemlock forests, across cliff tops and over suspension bridges. The trail crosses empty beaches with tidal pools and continues up and down steep gullies and waterways.

If beach sections are impassable, an inland route is available; tide tables are issued with maps by Parks Canada staff to all hikers before starting the trek. Hikers must be fit: There are hundreds of rocky steps, streams to cross via slippery logs, and cliff-face rope ladders to master.

ON THE WAY: There are old growth trees, waterfalls, streams and — in places — knee-deep mud. Heavy fog and rains are probable (as is the odd bear encounter!). Campgrounds along the way have "Bear Boxes" for food, an outhouse and usually a stunning view of the Pacific Ocean and Olympic Peninsula.

IF YOU GO: The trail is open May through September. Permits are issued until June. Hikers can choose to begin the trail in Port Renfrew and travel north, or in Bamfield and travel south. The southern parts of the trail are more challenging than the flatter north trail.

All overnight hikers must obtain a permit from www.pc.gc.ca./pn-np/bc/pacificrim/index_e.asp. One-day permits also are available; the entire trail takes five to seven days to complete.

Canada's West Coast Trail — rated moderate to difficult — has been named "Best Hike in the World" by BestHike.com. The trail is part of the Pacific Rim National Park. www.westcoasttrailbc.com.

Resource: Lonely Planet