Build boardwalks on the famous Big Tree Trail, and help improve access to old-growth forests!
Tofino is a small but mighty tourism destination in the heart of unceded Tla-o-qui-aht Territory on the west coast of Vancouver Island. Nestled behind the peninsula that Tofino sits on is Wah-nuh-jus–Hilthoois Tribal Park, also known as Meares Island, home to vibrant old-growth forests stewarded by the Tla-o-qui-aht since time immemorial.
For years, teams of Wilderness Committee volunteers have worked with members of the Tla-o-qui-aht Tribal Parks Guardian Program to build and maintain the boardwalk and trails system on Meares Island. Just minutes by boat from the Tofino waterfront, the Big Tree Trail is the centrepiece of Wah-nuh-jus–Hilthoois Tribal Park, and provides access into the iconic old-growth rainforest of Clayoquot Sound to tens of thousands of visitors every year.
We will camp at a public campground in Tofino, with water taxi transportation to and from the Big Tree Trail each day. The work may entail trimming undergrowth with hand tools, carrying wood and building boardwalks.
TRIP DATE: August 22-25
ITINERARY & PACKING
The exact times are subject to change but will involve a mid-day rendezvous in Port Alberni, with volunteers coming in carpools from Victoria, Vancouver and other areas. The Wilderness Committee will organize carpooling and cover costs for all transportation. Volunteers will be required to bring their own food and gear (we can help arrange rentals if needed). See the gear list below and contact us if you help with meal planning.
- Friday (a.m.): Leave Victoria, Vancouver and other locations between 6 and 8 a.m., to meet in Port Alberni by about noon.
- Friday (p.m.): We will arrive in Tofino between 2 and 3 p.m., depending on road and traffic conditions. We will head to the campground and set up camp and have dinner.
- Saturday: We will wake up and have breakfast, drive to the dock and take the water taxi to Meares between 8 and 9 a.m. We will hike, carry wood, build boardwalks and trim and clear undergrowth from the trail, with frequent breaks and a lunch break, and return to our campsite by dinner time.
- Sunday: We will wake up and have breakfast, drive to the dock and take the water taxi to Meares between 8 and 9 a.m. We will hike, carry wood, build boardwalks and trim and clear undergrowth from the trail, with frequent breaks and a lunch break, and return to our campsite by dinner time.
- Monday: We will wake up, pack up, debrief and then drive home. We will depart Tofino between 10 and 11 a.m., returning to Nanaimo (for ferry to Vancouver) around 1 to 2 p.m. and Victoria between 3 and 4 p.m.