At Canoo, we love hearing stories of how newcomers to Canada embrace the vast beauty and diversity of this incredible country. Today, we’re excited to share the journey of Nitai and Michael, a couple from Toronto, who recently embarked on a life-changing adventure: hiking the legendary West Coast Trail on Vancouver Island.

Meet Nitai and Michael

Michael, 39, is a scientist at a medical device company with a passion for yoga, swimming, chess, and tango. Nitai, 38, works as a patient education specialist at a hospital in Toronto, where he creates educational videos for patients and their families. He enjoys running, movies, music, and board games. Both Michael and Nitai love taking advantage of everything the city has to offer, and they spend as much time as possible outdoors, especially with their adventurous rescue dog, Momo.

A Dream Come True

“For us, the West Coast Trail was a long-standing bucket list item, even before we moved to Canada seven years ago,” says Nitai. As avid outdoors enthusiasts, the couple was drawn to the trail’s reputation as one of the most challenging and rewarding hikes in the world. Originally built as a rescue route for shipwreck survivors, the West Coast Trail offers a unique combination of dense, lush rainforest and breathtaking Pacific coastline.

“The trail is not for the faint of heart,” Nitai explains. “It’s a seven-day, backcountry hike with everything from slippery boardwalks and knee-deep mud pools to boulder-strewn beaches and tide-dependent pathways. Because it is a rainforest, all the wooden parts are in varying degrees of decomposition. The trail is maintained on a rolling basis, but you can never be too sure the bridge you are walking on will not collapse. With the humidity and organic material making everything slippery, and the knee-deep mud pools, the rainforest parts of the trail could easily pass as an obstacle course. The shoreline parts are only slightly easier, alternating jumps between boulders or grinding your knees while walking on the sand—all this while carrying a heavy backpack with your camping gear, food, and garbage for the week. But for the well-prepared hiker, the rewards far outweigh the challenges.”

Embracing the Challenge

The couple took on the classic south-to-north route, starting at Gordon River and ending at Pachena Bay. Along the way, they encountered everything from hand-pulled cable cars to massive rock arches, and even a curious bear foraging on the beach. “Each day presented a new set of challenges, but also incredible beauty,” Nitai recalls. “From the different shades of green in the rainforest to the endless sightings of grey whales off the coast, every moment was awe-inspiring.”

Despite the physical demands of the trail, Nitai and Michael found joy in the journey. “We adopted the ‘on to the next puzzle!’ approach from a fellow hiker, which helped us stay positive even when things got tough,” says Michael. They also formed lasting connections with fellow hikers, sharing stories and experiences around the campfire each night.

How Canoo Made It Possible

Nitai and Michael were able to embark on this unforgettable journey thanks in part to Canoo’s partnership with Parks Canada. “With a Canoo membership, we were able to access the national park for free, which eased some of our financial concerns,” Nitai says. While there are still fees for reservations, ferries, and trail maintenance, having the park entry fee waived made a significant difference.

For those inspired by their story, Michael offers some practical advice: “Make sure to book your spot as early as the reservation opens in mid-January each year. Spots fill up quickly, and you don’t want to miss out on this once-in-a-lifetime experience.”

Start Your Own Adventure with Canoo

Nitai and Michael’s story is just one example of how Canoo can help you explore the best of Canada. With free entry to over 2000 partner experiences, exclusive deals, and VIP access to some of the hottest events, Canoo is your perfect companion as you make Canada your new home.

Ready to start your own adventure? Download Canoo today and discover all the incredible experiences waiting for you across the country.