Trailbuilding

An aerial shot of people working on a wooden trail in the middle of the forest. Text on the image says "2026 Trail Season."

This summer, we’re leading you into some of the most spectacular old-growth forests on Vancouver Island. You’ll work with other volunteers, participate in trips of varying difficulty levels, and learn about local ecosystems and the people working to preserve them.

Sign up for our 2026 Trail Season in British Columbia!

Led by experienced wilderness leaders, these Vancouver Island trips offer a unique opportunity to hike and build trails within old-growth forests, with all transportation costs covered. Participants are expected bring three things: an enthusiasm for the outdoors, necessary gear (discounted rentals are provided) and their own food.

Because spots fill quickly and cancellations hinder vital volunteer efforts, please only register if you are fully committed to attending the scheduled trip. We hope to see you on the trails this year!


For any questions about our 2026 trail trip season, please contact our Senior Organizer & Field Program Lead Em Hoffpauir at em@wildernesscommittee.org.


Koksilah River Grove Day Hike, Cowichan Tribes Territory

These day hikes offer shorter, accessible trips into an old-growth forest, making them ideal for those who want to experience these ecosystems while learning about their importance.

Logistics
  • Difficulty: Easy
  • Dates:
    • May 9 (day trip)
    • August 29 (day trip)
  • Time: 2.5-3 hours (hiking time) with 2.5 hour drive to and from Victoria
  • Access: Carpooling to and from Victoria
  • Hiking: Guided hike into the ancient Douglas-fir forest with a snack break along the river
Other notes

This is best suited for those living on southern Vancouver Island. If you’re coming from further away, please arrange accommodation for the night before.

Find more information about our day trip to our day trip to Koksilah here.

REGISTER

Wildside Trail, Flores Island, unceded Ahousaht territory 

If you're up for some spectacular ancient forest and coastal views alongside some long hikes and gratifying work, take a three-night trip to Flores Island in Clayoquot Sound.

Logistics
  • Difficulty: High
  • Dates: June 26-29 (4 days, 3 nights)
  • Access:
    • Boat drop-off to Ahousaht village on Flores Island
    • Five-minute walk to community hall with gear, food and tools
  • Stay:
    • Indoors at the Ahousaht village community hall (bring sleeping mats and bags)
    • The hall has bathrooms (no shower) and a full kitchen
  • Hiking: 
    • Maintain the Wildside Trail, trimming undergrowth to keep it clear
    • 11 km on at least two days with day packs, water and light hand tools
Other notes

Find more information about our multi-day trip to our day trip to Flores Island here.

[Registration Button here Kelvin]

Central Walbran Valley (Kaxi:ks), unceded Pacheedaht territory

The Walbran Valley, or Kaxi:ks [pronounced ka-hecks] contains some of the best old-growth rainforest in the country. The Wilderness Committee helps upgrade and maintain trail systems, some of which date back to the early 90s.

Logistics
  • Difficulty: Medium
  • Dates: September 25-27 (3 days, 2 nights)
  • Access: Carpool from Victoria
  • Stay: Car camping with tents
  • Hiking:
    • Moderate distances with light hand tools to trim undergrowth
    • Building boardwalks as part of trail maintenance
    • For those who are able, lifting and carrying heavy loads of wood
Other Notes

We will be working with a small crew of our allies from Friends of Carmanah-Walbran to maintain existing trails.

More information about our multi-day trip to the Walbran Valley can be found here.

REGISTER

All trips take place on the territories of the Ahousaht, Pacheedaht and Cowichan peoples, and the Wilderness Committee recognizes the sovereignty of these Indigenous Nations. Participants are expected to carry themselves with respect and compassion.