Hikers evacuated from West Coast Trail as Parks Canada says parts are impassable

Dozens of hikers are evacuating Vancouver Island's West Coast Trail as heavy rainfall has rendered parts of the popular hiking route impassable. Parks Canada issued a hazardous conditions warning on Friday, advising against crossing creeks or rivers on foot due to the storm.

The visitor safety team is responding to a significant number of evacuation requests along the 75-km trail. Hikers have been arriving at establishments like the Crab Shack, a floating restaurant at the trail's midway point, drenched and cold.

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It feels like winter weather here and feels like October.

"It feels like winter weather here and feels like October," said Carl Edgar, co-owner of the Crab Shack. He noted that he has not seen conditions of this magnitude in July in years. "Everyone that arrived at our place was soaking wet right through, sleeping bag, spare clothes, everything," he added.

Parks Canada stated that anyone with a reservation until August 1 can receive a full refund.

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Everyone that arrived at our place was soaking wet right through, sleeping bag, spare clothes, everything