Joe Foy

Clayoquot Sound Trail Project

Two people carrying wood up a boardwalk. Text on the image says "Unceded Ahousaht & Tla-o-qui-aht Territories. Clayoquot Sound. September 25-28." End of image description.

 

Join us for a three-night trail project in the spectacular ancient forests of Clayoquot Sound, in Ahousaht and Tla-o-qui-aht territories, to maintain and improve trails in two iconic locations: the Wildside Trail on Flores Island and the Big Tree Trail on Meares Island.

We will be car camping at the Bella Pacifica campground in Tofino and making day trips by boat to maintain the trails on Meares Island and Flores Island. Work may include trimming undergrowth with hand tools, carrying materials and building or repairing boardwalks.

About the trails 

Wildside Trail, Flores Island: The Wildside Trail runs for 11 km along Flores Island in unceded Ahousaht territory. We will work on inland sections to help keep the trail clear and accessible. The terrain on this trail is mostly flat.

Big Tree Trail, Meares Island: We spend a day in Wah-nuh-jus–Hilthoois Tribal Park, also known as Meares Island, in unceded Tla-o-qui-aht territory. The Big Tree Trail is the centrepiece of the Tribal Park. We will maintain the trail while supporting the ongoing stewardship.

TRIP DATE: SEPTEMBER 25-28

Itinerary and packing

The exact times are subject to change, but volunteers will be 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 around 9 a.m.
  • Friday p.m.: Arrive in Tofino. We will head to the campground and set up camp and have free time. 
  • Saturday: Breakfast, drive to the dock and take the water taxi to Flores Island. Hike and trim and clear undergrowth from the trail, with frequent breaks and a lunch break. Return to our campsite before dinner time.
  • Sunday: Breakfast, drive to the dock and take the water taxi to Meares Island. Hike and trim and clear undergrowth from the trail (and possibly carry wood and repair boardwalks), with frequent breaks and a lunch break. Return to our campsite before dinner time.
  • Monday a.m.: Debrief and depart Tofino.
  • Monday p.m.: Return to Nanaimo, for a ferry to Vancouver. Return to Nanaimo for a ferry to Victoria. 

A complete list of the necessary gear can be found here.

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At the Wilderness Committee we value diversity, equity and inclusion. To ensure that these values are reflected in our trail program, we are prioritizing volunteers who apply from underrepresented groups. If you belong to any marginalized communities, including women, Indigenous persons, racialized communities and sexual or gender minority groups, we encourage you to self-identify:
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