TAKE A HIKE: Wildside

Tofino → Ahousaht → Cow Bay Beach

It's back!

After two incredible years, we're bringing back our annual Take a Hike overnight on the Wild Side Trail.

Join us for a two-day, one-night coastal hiking adventure on Flores Island. We'll meet in Tofino before taking a boat to Ahousaht, where we'll begin our hike through rainforest and along remote beaches to Cow Bay Beach, camping by the ocean for the night.

Designed for women and non-binary folks who want to experience an overnight hike on the West Coast, this trip is all about slowing down, enjoying the journey, and sharing the experience with a great group of people.

No overnight hiking experience required.

Wildside

About the Wild Side Trail

The Wild Side Trail is located within the ʕaḥuusʔatḥ haḥuułii, the traditional territory of the Ahousaht First Nation on the western side of Flores Island.

For generations, this route has been used by the Ahousaht people for travel, ceremony, gathering medicines and seasonal foods, and harvesting materials for cultural practices. Along the trail, interpretive signs share stories, place names, and teachings that reflect the deep cultural significance of this landscape.

As we move through this place together, we encourage everyone to take the time to read these stories, learn from the land, and hike with respect for the people who have cared for it since time immemorial.

Information on the trip

Details

Dates: August 8th–9th, 2026

Distance: 22 km total (11 km each day)

Difficulty: Beginner-friendly

Group Size: 14 participants (guides included)

Start: Tofino (boat departure)

Destination: Cow Bay Beach, Wild Side Trail, Flores Island

Finish: Return to Tofino by boat

Cost: $350

What to expect

Round-trip boat transportation from Tofino to Ahousaht
A guided overnight hike along the Wild Side Trail
Beachfront camping at Cow Bay Beach
Shared camp meals and time to relax by the ocean
A supportive, fun, beginner-friendly group experience
Shared tent option
Pre-trip packing resources and support
Plenty of opportunities to swim, explore, and enjoy the coastline
An exclusive 15% discount with Alberni Gear Rentals for any additional gear you need (conveniently located in Port Alberni on your way to Tofino).

Take home:

A pair of KEEN hiking shoes (participants can pick what they want from the KEEN site)
MEC Stainless Steel Mug
A custom Natural Freedom Nalgene

AND Pick from camping gear from MEC

MEC Vista 65L Backpack
OR MEC Centaurus Sleeping Bag 0C

What's NOT included:

You'll be responsible for:

Transportation to and from Tofino
Breakfast, lunch and dinner (for dinner please pack a dehydrated meal)
Snacks for on trail and at camp
Personal clothing and toiletries
Sleeping bag and sleeping pad (unless otherwise arranged)
Tent if you wish to sleep alone

A complete packing list will be sent before the trip, and we're happy to help if you're unsure about gear or whether your gear is suitable.

Itinerary:

Day 1: August 8th

We'll meet in Tofino in the morning to check everyone's packs, answer any last-minute questions, and get ready for the trip.
After a 30-minute boat ride to Ahousaht, we'll walk through the village to the trailhead and begin our hike to Cow Bay Beach. We'll move at island pace, stopping as needed and taking a break for lunch along the way.
Once at camp, we'll set up, enjoy some free time to swim or relax, then gather for dinner. Please bring a dehydrated meal—we'll have camp stoves available to use. We'll end the day with some time together before settling in for the night.

Day 2: August 9th

We'll enjoy a slow morning with breakfast, time for a swim and a few camp crafts before packing up and hiking back to Ahousaht. After walking through the village, we'll catch the boat back to Tofino, arriving in the late afternoon.

Next Steps: (registration opens to public Friday July 17th at 12pm)

Fill out the registration form.
We'll email you a payment link for your $350 ticket.
Once we've received your form and payment, your spot is officially secured!

This trip is open to women and non-binary folks, and space is limited.

We can't wait to share this adventure with you!

About our guide

Guided by Bryanna Bradley.

Bryanna Bradley is a photographer, thru-hiker, and cold-water surf photographer who loves sharing the outdoors with others. She's back to lead our third annual Wild Side overnight after guiding the last two years.

Bryanna was featured in Let Me Chase This Dream, a documentary following her recovery from a traumatic brain injury and her journey to complete the Continental Divide Trail. Whether she's behind the camera or on the trail, she loves helping people build confidence outside and experience the places that inspire her most.

P.S. If you want to make Bryanna's day, bring her a GF Oreo.

Frequently Asked Questions

Please reach us at bynaturalfreedom@gmail.com if you cannot find an answer to your question.

Do I need backpacking experience?

No! This trip is designed to be beginner-friendly. We'll support you throughout the weekend.

Do I need my own gear?

Yes, however we have some amazing gifts you will be able to take home. We'll send a packing list before the trip so you know exactly what to bring. You'll also receive an exclusive 15% discount at Alberni Outpost Gear Rentals, conveniently located in Port Alberni on your way to Tofino. It's a great option if you need to rent any extra gear before the trip.

Is food included?

We'll provide granola bars and a few trail snacks throughout the weekend, but you'll be responsible for bringing your own meals. We recommend packing easy-to-cook camp meals, including a dehydrated dinner for Saturday night. We'll have camp stoves available for everyone to use.

How difficult is the hike?

The Wild Side Trail is approximately 11 km each way with very little elevation gain. Expect muddy sections, roots, boardwalks, and beach walking. Learn more here: https://mhssahousaht.ca/wildside-trail/

How do I get there?

Participants are responsible for getting themselves to Tofino. From there, round-trip boat transportation between Tofino and Ahousaht is included.

Can I come by myself?

Absolutely. Many participants come on their own, and it's one of the best ways to meet new people.

What if I've never camped before?

That's okay! We'll help with camp setup, answer questions, and support you throughout the weekend.

Can I swim?

Yes! there will be plenty of opportunities to swim at Cow Bay Beach, so don't forget your swimsuit.

Will there be bathrooms?

Yes. There are washroom facilities at the campground, and we'll go over Leave No Trace practices before the trip.

What happens if it rains?

This trip runs rain or shine. The West Coast is unpredictable, so we'll send a recommended packing list to help you stay warm and dry. But let's manifest some sunshine!

What's Included?

Round-trip boat transportation between Tofino and Ahousaht
Guided overnight hiking experience
Camping and hiking gear provided by MEC
MEC stainless steal mug
Shared tent option (if needed)
Granola bars and trail snacks
A pair of KEEN hiking shoes to keep
A custom Natural Freedom Nalgene
15% off rentals at Alberni Adventure Gear Rentals for any additional gear you may need

What isn't included?

You'll need to bring:

Transportation to and from Tofino
Your own meals for the weekend (including a dehydrated dinner for Saturday night)
Clothing suitable for West Coast weather
Personal toiletries and medications
Any personal hiking or camping gear not provided
FUN energy

A detailed packing list will be sent before the trip.

Is this a no-drop trip?

We'll move at island pace and stay together as a group, taking breaks whenever we need to. This is a no-drop hike designed for everyone to enjoy the experience.

How many people are on the trip?

We keep the group small with just 14 total (guides included), creating a supportive, welcoming environment where everyone gets to know each other.

I still have questions!

We'd love to chat. Reach out to Dominique@bynaturalfreedom.com and we'll help you decide if this trip is the right fit.