^{Photo Credit: Hike Bike Travel}

The Juan de Fuca Trail is one of those hikes that doesn’t always get the spotlight, but it’s a gem. It runs about 29 miles (47 km) along the coast of Vancouver Island, and it’s wild.

You’re hiking through thick rainforest, scrambling up muddy hills, crossing suspension bridges, and popping out onto these beaches where you can sometimes spot whales cruising by offshore.

Most people take three to five days to do the whole thing, camping at spots like Mystic Beach or Sombrio Beach.

Sombrio’s popular with surfers and has this cool little hidden waterfall you can walk into. Just make sure to check the tide tables, because some parts of the trail are only safe to hike at low tide.

It’s a bit of a workout with lots of ups and downs, and if it’s rained recently, it gets seriously muddy. But if you're into coastal hikes and want something a little off the radar, this one’s worth it.

No big permit system either, just pay for camping. The best time to go is late spring through early fall. It’s got that wild, West Coast vibe, minus the big crowds.

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