Comparison

West Coast Trail vs MSAA

Price, ratings, monetisation and update history for both apps, side by side — with what reviewers say about each.

Head to head
About

West Coast Trail

This app provides essential planning tools for backpackers preparing for the West Coast Trail. It offers customizable trip details, tide calculations, an interactive map with points of interest, and daily summaries. An optional upgrade unlocks offline access, on-trail navigation, and weather forecasts.

Highlights
  • Customizable trip planning
  • Automatic tide calculations
  • Interactive trail map
  • Daily hike summaries
  • Campsite details and satellite images
  • Sunrise/sunset times
  • Offline map and navigation (PRO)
Features
Read full description

West Coast Trail is the essential guide for hikers planning to backpack the legendary West Coast Trail on Vancouver Island, BC. Plan every detail of your hike with all the essentials at your fingertips: • Customize your trip with unique dates, direction (north/south), and campsites. • Automatic tide calculations for tide-restricted beach sections using official Tofino charts, adjusted for Daylight Savings. • Interactive map with points of interest, trail highlights, shipwrecks, water sources, and ladder locations (with rung counts). • Daily summaries showing distances, ladders, and tides. • Campsite satellite images and detailed trail descriptions. • Sunrise and sunset times for your exact dates. • Save multiple trip plans or explore options for a YOYO hike. In-App Upgrade: PRO Pass The PRO Pass is a single-year, non-renewing purchase that unlocks all trail features: • Trail Access – use the app fully offline with no cell service; remains unlocked during your hiking dates. • On-Trail Map - full screen immersive map for navigation on the trail with GPS locate • Trail Weather – get precision forecasts for every major campsite. A PRO Pass is valid for the year shown (e.g. a “2026 PRO Pass” is valid through December 31, 2026). It’s not a subscription — it never auto-renews and doesn’t need to be cancelled. Note: The PRO Pass is not a trail permit. A Parks Canada West Coast Trail Backcountry Use Permit is still required to hike. Free Version The free version is fully functional for trip planning and ad-free, but it locks during your actual hiking dates. Upgrade to PRO to stay trail-ready and access all offline features. Terms & Conditions: https://www.westcoasttrail.app/terms

About

MSAA

Read full description

Download the MSAA app to easily book classes and manage your fitness experience - anytime, anywhere. Make a reservation, get added to a wait list, purchase class packages, check your profile and membership status, keep up to date with the latest products and services, and more – all from your device. Visit https://www.mountainskillsacademy.com/ to learn more.

Screenshots

West Coast Trail4 screens
MSAA4 screens

Verdict

The call

The clearest difference is in-app purchases: MSAA at none against West Coast Trail's 4. MSAA also leads on iOS requirement (13.5 vs 15.0). West Coast Trail's advantage is device support. On price there is nothing between them.

Scored on Price · Rating · Positive reviews · Number of ratings · Update frequency · Ads · In-app purchases · Monetization · Best chart rank · Devices · Requires iOS

CostPrice · In-app purchases · Ads · Monetization

Both are free to download. West Coast Trail sells 4 in-app purchases, starting at $19.99 per year. MSAA asks for nothing beyond the download.

Scorecard3 real differences · 7 level
West Coast Trail versus MSAA: the parameters behind the verdict, then further details
ParameterWest Coast TrailMSAA
PriceFreeFree
Rating4.9 (18 ratings) — better—
Positive reviews96.8% of reviews—
Number of ratings18 — better—
Update frequencyEvery 2 weeks—
AdsNo—
In-app purchasesYesNo — better
MonetizationFree with in-app purchases—
DevicesiPhone, iPad, iPod — better—
Requires iOS15.013.5 — better
Further details — not scored
Size147 MB14 MB
Age rating12+4+
DeveloperOrca Labs LLCWhistler Alpine Guides Bureau Ltd

Bugs and requests

West Coast Trail

Reported bugs

3 issues
  • Login screen freezes
  • Incompatible with older devices
  • Auto-renewal charged twice

Requested features

8 requests
  • Ability to print hard copies
  • Extend calendar window past Sept 30/Oct 1
  • More accurate inland route planning for Thrasher junction
  • Elevation gain (ascent) for beach and forest routes
  • Dark mode option
Show 3 more
  • Advanced analytics dashboard
  • Real-time GPS functionality
  • Live map view

MSAA

Not enough reviews yet to summarise bugs or requests.

In-app purchases

4 purchases

West Coast Trail

Subscriptions2
  • West Coast Trail PLUS$19.991 Year
  • West Coast Trail Pro$29.991 Year
One-time2
  • PRO Pass for 2027 Season$29.99
  • PRO Pass for 2026 Season$29.99
None

MSAA

No in-app purchases

Questions

Is West Coast Trail free?
West Coast Trail is free to download, with in-app purchases available.
Is MSAA free?
MSAA is free to download, with no in-app purchases.

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