The West Coast Trail on Vancouver Island has been named one of the most picturesque hiking trails in the world, according to U.K.-based travel company Explore.
The iconic Vancouver Island trail was named the eighth-most photographed trail in the world, according to Explore.
It was ranked just below the Jordan River in Jordan, and just above the Laugavegur Trail in Iceland.
The title for most-photographed trail in the world went to the GR20 trail in Corsica, France, which spans a whopping 180 kilometres across the French countryside and takes hikers through snow-capped peaks, deep valleys and scenic forests.
The West Coast Trail stretches 75 kilometres along the coast of Vancouver Island, between Port Renfrew and Bamfield.
The multi-day hike generally takes six to eight days to complete, and it’s described as challenging.
“It is an experience that can bring even the most experienced hikers to their knees,” reads the Parks Canada website.
“Those who are well prepared physically, mentally, and equipment-wise, come away with tales of grit.”
The trail is located in the Pacific Rim National Park Reserve, and sees more than 7,500 hikers every year.
Backpackers must get a permit before embarking on the rugged trail.
“Hikers climb more than 100 ladders with a heavy pack, trudge through deep mud, wade through mountain-fed rivers in fast-flowing hip-deep waters, and push through whatever weather the wild West Coast delivers — often driving wind and rain,” reads the Parks Canada website.
The West Coast Trail was the only trail in Canada to make Explore’s list.
To create its ranking, Explore tour guides created a list of 500 popular trails across the world, and then cross-referenced stock image libraries to determine which trails had the most photos posted under the “walking trails” and “hiking trails” categories.
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