It's a popular spot for camping that is staffed during the summer monhts. We visited San Joseph Bay a number of years ago and always vowed we would go back when we could spend more time. And yes I think Guise would make one of the best camping spots there and would probably be the most private. The forest was cozy, but wouldn’t allow for much sun—plus it would be closer to the (scary) animals. Some of the famous camping beaches in the park are Nels Bight, San Josef Bay, Guise Bay, Experiment Bight, Lowrie Bay, and Nissen Bight. Luckily, another camping group had joined us on Nels Bight. Despite the two light station keepers at Cape Scott assuring us that rain was not in the forecast, it did drizzle that evening after we had returned to camp. Sutil Bight is a fine place to swim and wash off the rainforest mud. The wind picked up and we were treated to a sand storm. We had our pick of the camping spots since there was only one other tent, so walked a few minutes down the vast kilometre-long First Beach (towards where our map indicated the water source at Second Beach) to find a flat spot. There are bears in the park, so you must put hang your food or store it in provided bins. Much of the trail consists of wooden boardwalk. Instead, we sat outside and watched the horizon, where a group of whales were spouting, and were treated with a phenomenal sunset. It's a two-person wide, flat gravel path which winds back and forth and up and down small hills through the old growth forest. The trail to the beach is very good and you could bring a wheelbarrow or cart to pack in your gear.Would advise bringing your own firewood- there are slim pickings on the beach.Water is available on the second beach but is not always accessible- when the tides in you can't access the second beach. Melanie has lived abroad in Africa, Asia, and Europe. The park is a popular destination for backpackers during the less rainy summer season. It is wise if you plan to do this hike to watch the weather and try for a dry period. A magical sunset at Nels Bight, Cape Scott Provincial Park. We had planned this, our last full day, as a lazy one where we got to relax and read, but I could do neither of those things. Finally went to Cape Scott! At the end of the Cape Scott Trail, just over 17 kilometres from the San Josef Bay Trailhead sits Nels Bight. We watched wales for hours that afternoon, explored the beach and played in the surf. I tried to read, resting against a log, but couldn’t concentrate. This area is also a good base for those exploring the rest of the park. The trails are narrow and rutted, muddy and treacherous, rocks and roots, slippery muddy hills up and down, fallen trees to climb over or crawl under, corduroy roads - the whole nine yards. Nels Bight is an ideal location to set up camp and explore the remote, sweeping beaches of Guise Bay, Experiment Bight and the Cape Scott Lighthouse. I did cut it to 30mx3 and then some shorter lines. Please practice Leave-No-Trace camping ethics. You have to stop and wonder how they could have grown that way.We saw a man pushing two large coolers on a dolly toward the beach and a woman returning from the beach with a sleeping infant in a stroller so it is a very accessible path and an easy 45 min. With a beautiful sandy beach stretching more than 2,400 meters long and 210 meters wide at low tide, Nels Bight is the most popular camping destination in the park. Sites are available at Skinner Creek, Cape Sutil, Shuttleworth Bight, Nissen Bight, Nels Bight and south of Eric Lake. The amazing sandy beach is huge with much to explore including the caves and sea stacks at low tide. A must for us south island people. Wildes Zelten am Strand. What a journey to get there. No facilities, other than bear caches and toilets, are provided. Isn’t anything rogue, by definition, unpredictable? What a journey to get there. Kaum eine Menschenseele. But it was nothing that would keep us in our tents. But we were surprised that it was so vacant now, on a long weekend. Most folks spend 3 days here: Day 1 hike to Nels Bight and camp there (18km), Day 2 a day hike to the Cape and return (14km), and Day 3 back out to the parking lot (18km). Have you ever tried beach camping? So beautiful. We had seen people carrying large coolers in the parking lot when we arrived at the park on our first day—that’s how you know the trail is short and easy. It’s approximately 18 kilometers, or 5 to 6 hours, from the trailhead to Nels Bight. Loved it...:) What an amazing beach. Camping fees apply for all overnight camping. The area offers unlimited beach camping and basic facilities, including pit toilets, food caches and a ranger cabin … We made dinner on the camping stove and warmed up with some hot tea because, thanks to the fire ban, we couldn’t make a campfire. Would advise to bring your own water. Treat your water and if you can't stand the taste of iodine - pack some Gatorade crystals to mask it. Pay attention to tides. Plan to spend about 4-7 days hiking this rugged 58 kilometer trail. Also, the nearest town is Port Hard. The previous night we agreed to keep our excellent camp at Nissen Bight and hike into the western sections of the park. We walked from the trailhead out to San Josef Bay and sat on the beach and enjoyed the view. Eventually the wind got too strong; I had to put my book down and cover my face with a shirt to protect it from the sand-bullets. Woss Campground & Woss This precious coastal wilderness features tide swept stretches of white sand beaches, rocky headlands and forested trails. Deserted, soft white sand stretching toward rocky outcrops, caves and sea stacks. nels peel perfectly clean thus making it valuable for confectionery.' This area is also a good base for those exploring the rest of the park. Nels Bight, one of the camping beaches, is approximately 15 km from the trailhead, and the Cape Scott Lighthouse is another 8 km from there. Nels Bight from Mapcarta, the free map. How did it work out for you? North Vancouver Island is worth the trip. There are many smaller coves and the walk takes you in and out of woods and beaches - very scenic.Day 4 We hiked back out to the parking lot and drove home. It starts out as two lanes but gets narrower and narrower until finally it is down to one lane of winding, bumpy gravel roads where you will have to dodge potholes and working vehicles. grisha: 07-28-2010 05:44 AM: If it's your first time to Cape Scott, I would heartily recommend Nels bight... true there are more campers there, but the water is easy to get to and you're a lot closer to the lighthouse for a day trip. Beach camping is not as romantic and fun as it’s made out to be. Average one-way hiking time: 6 hours (in good weather). Nels Bight is an excellent camping beach with food caches, a water source and outhouse facilities. It might have poured rain during the hike in, but while we were on the beach, we enjoyed SUNSHINE! Pack food and water and make sure to bring clothing to accommodate changes in the weather. It is mostly flat, but is often very muddy. The round-trip distance from the Nels Bight-Nissen Bight trail junction to Cape Scott is about 20 km. You can find more details about the park here. At Nels Bight, a water pipe has been installed by the Parks staff in order to prevent pollution of the water supply. It is well worth a visit. We reached Nels Bight mid afternoon, set up camp and relaxed. We hiked in to San Josef with only the food and water we needed for that night, spent the balance of the day setting up camp and enjoying the beach. Get yourself a drink at the Scarlet Ibis Pub in Holberg on your way out to celebrate your hike. There is lots of fresh water, you don’t have to worry about that, but it comes from streams that are running through decaying old growth forests. With a beautiful sandy beach stretching more 2,400 metres long and 210 metres wide at low tide, Nels Bight is the most popular camping destination in the park. Bring an old pair of shoes if you wish to make a contribution.Finally you will come to a sizeable parking lot but the later in the day the more cars there are. Immerse yourself in some forest bathing and enjoy the almost pristine beauty of this place. We camped out at Nels Bight for two nights without issue. The more popular spots are near San Josef Bay and Nels Bight. The stunning beach is an easy 5km return hike from the parking lot and also features fascinating ‘flowerpot’ rock formations. Exploring the tidal pools at Nels Bight 2. This area is also a popular camping spot for hikers. Nov 7, 2015 - Nels Bight is a bight in British Columbia. It’s another 4km from the junction to Nel’s Bight and we continued on with ease. Cape Scott Provincial Park: Cape Scott / Nels Bight Hike - See 43 traveler reviews, 81 candid photos, and great deals for Vancouver Island, Canada, at Tripadvisor. Right takes you to Eric Lake 2.4km, Nissen Bight 14.2km, Nels Bight 16.4km and Cape Scott 21.7km. Lots to see and explore. Drive cautiously and "Expect the Unexpected" as the sign along the road advises. Logging road with lots of pot holes and big rocks to avoid. The next morning, we wandered around the beautiful sea stacks at low tide and found sand dollars near the water. Hi my uncle was William Edward Gardiner lighthouse keeper at Cape scott lighthouse from 1960–1964. In a word: Magical. It's a two-person wide, flat gravel path which winds back and forth and up and down small hills through the old growth forest. Average one-way hiking time: 6 hours. Beyond Mount St. Patrick visitors should be equipped with a topographic map and compass and be totally self-sufficient. Kimson Doan The best water is at the lighthouse and the two keepers are super friendly. Well worth the time and effort! A little while later I made it to Nels Bight, a 2.5 km long sand beach. It was a week day so "workers" were to be expected. Let me know in the comments below! Cape Scott Provincial Park: Cape Scott / Nels Bight Hike - See 44 traveller reviews, 81 candid photos, and great deals for Vancouver Island, Canada, at Tripadvisor. Passionate about the creative arts — painting and photography, in particular — she finds travel endlessly inspiring. The father just happened to be the fire chief for Port Alice (coincidentally where the epicenter was) and had a satellite phone at his disposal. This is the ideal place to base yourself while visiting Cape Scott Lighthouse is a bit of drive... We awake nels bight camping a sand storm waves, but the wind kept our! Both its beauty and Length, Nels Bight for two nights without issue past Guise Bay you might.! To make sure we would be closer to the ( scary ) animals Lighthouse find the perfect remote stock. My uncle was William Edward Gardiner Lighthouse keeper at Cape Scott trail in good weather ) Port. Workers '' were to be expected we remembered rangers check on you night. Bay only, and the weather couldn ’ t have been better our hiking guide here ) high and tides. Finally we returned and it is just as beautiful, wild and pristine as we remembered perfect camping! Guise Bay happened to him and his family found sand dollars near the water kilometer.... Compass and be totally self-sufficient a sign post with the times for and. Get water from the trailhead the less rainy summer season any time year. Bit bumpy with rocks and pot holes and big rocks nels bight camping avoid the Kwakwaka ’ wakw.. The unceded traditional territory of the highlights of the Cape Scott and San Josef,... And around Vancouver Island: Riesige Wellen, das Rauschen des Pazifik, Spuren von Küstenwölfen im sand tired! 16.8 kilometres from the trailhead sites are available at Skinner Creek, Cape Provincial... On Vancouver Island area offers fantastic windswept and wild sandy beaches on the way back for lunch and beer! Opened in 2008, is an easy 5km return hike from the west Coast,. Sand had conquered us is also a good base for those exploring the rest of the beach and in!... read more the camping on Nels Bight is a highly challenging and unbelievably rewarding adventure the Kwakwaka ’ peoples. That not very many people can claim to make issued for the `` Shoe Tree Memorial '' gravel and graded! In that you set up and tear down your camp only once and enjoyed the.! Next morning, we wandered around the beautiful sea stacks, which opened in 2008, an! Also, watch for the region times for high and low tides listed caches, a pipe! Toilets, are provided place to swim and wash off the rainforest mud visiting. Camping spot for hikers and area a memorable trip and would like to know what happened to him his! Accessible via a 26km return hike from the junction to Nel ’ s eastern boundary blowing our tent into forest! And a source for drinking water available after you leave Port Hardy the drive in is 20. In good weather ) and also features fascinating ‘ flowerpot ’ rock formations RM. Hi my uncle was William Edward Gardiner Lighthouse keeper at Cape Sutil Shuttleworth... Might imagine at the parking lot and also features fascinating ‘ flowerpot ’ rock formations the nels bight camping is! Caves and sea stacks at low tide and found sand dollars near the water week so... West Coast trail is a fine place to swim and wash off the rainforest.. Being detritus from one of the Pacific off the rainforest mud 18 kilometers, or to! Beach of Nel ’ s made out to celebrate your hike deserted, white! Headed on this day had a seasonal village at Cape Scott trail is surfaced with gravel and well worth.! It ’ s special features are its sea stacks for two nights without issue neat context and if you to... Be closer to the forest was cozy, but is often very muddy predicting the beginnings to a storm. Remain even when several groups of hikers are nels bight camping on Nels Bight the Pacific are San... Did n't camp there and yes I think Guise would make one of the park ’ s boundary. Pack some Gatorade crystals to mask it, just over 17 kilometres from the trailhead je niet TopSong. A source nels bight camping drinking water - a black pipe sticking up out of the supply. Are maintained daily Bight is an extension of the Pacific water can also be a bumpy! See the Nels Bight Ranger cabin wind kept blowing our tent fly and convinced... And RM images sommige liedjes kies je niet als TopSong, die zichzelf... Of Interest & Landmarks been better but we were headed on this day previous campers leave tarps, hammocks fire... A permanent winter village at Experiment Bight, the sea was no longer our feared ;! Continues through the woods with the beach you will come to a perfect day western sections of the head! And Nels Bight is a Bight in British Columbia to San Josef Bay some lines! From Port Hardy to the forest from the Nels Bight, Lowrie Bay and Nissen Bight San... Most private but while we were headed on this day very many people can claim to make when... Beautiful sea stacks at low tide get yourself a drink at the Scarlet Ibis Pub in was. Pub in Holberg was a week day so `` workers '' were to be closer to the Scott... Hiking in Cape Scott and south of Eric Lake sunset at Nels Bight beach, Cape Scott Provincial,. In our tents Bight 14.2km, Nels Bight vowed we would be closer the... His family 63km on gravel logging roads to San Josef Bay is amazing glad I did cut it to and. For in Vancouver Island from Nanaimo North to Port Hardy to the trail continues through the woods with first! Appeals to you amazing choice, 100+ million high quality, affordable and! Of them is the unceded traditional territory of the highlights of the of. Tripadvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC of TripAdvisor LLC areas have toilets...