Why Canada's West Coast Trail?

The West Coast Trail, located on British Columbia's Vancouver Island, is a trail steeped in history. Running 47 miles, it offers a unique blend of forested trails and beach tramping that is enjoyed by an estimated 6,000 visitors per year. Despite this high level of traffic, the trail still manages to provide a rugged, isolated experience.

Additionally, this'll be my first international hike. This is significant for many reasons, but especially because I have something big in mind for 2014 or 2015 and I'd like to gain some prior knowledge in backpacking internationally - even if the experience does come from a country as accessible as Canada.

Perhaps the only drawback to this trip will be the exclusion of my faithful companion, Ramius. The trail is not pet friendly and, as such, dogs are not permitted on the trail. Thus, he'll have to be satisfied at being along for our second attempts at the Colorado Trail and Long Trail - activities that are sure to make up for his absence.

The most comparable hike I've done - tramping along Lake Michigan's coast