Both trailheads are extremely accessible. Although at the Port Renfrew end you need to catch the ferry across the river to the trailhead.

We hiked south to north choosing to tackle the most difficult part of the trail first with loaded packs. After the orientation, waiting for the ferry, and waiting for the crowds at the ladders (because everyone starts at the same time and only two people are allowed on a ladder at a time), you actually get off to a pretty slow start on day one.

The first (or last) 11 k from the Bamfield end is a cakewalk. Wide open and flat.