West Coast Trail
The West Coast Trail passes through the traditional territory of the Pacheedaht, Ditidaht, Huu-ay-aht, and Nuu-chah-nulth peoples, who have inhabited the area for more than 4,000 years.
The current trail passes through numerous Indigenous reserves (Pacheedaht: Gordon River #2 & Cullite #3; Ditidaht: Carmanah #6, Claoose #4, Wyah #3 & Tsuquanah #2; Huu-ay-aht: Masit #13).
In the 1970s, a lack of regulation resulted in hikers trespassing on culturally important and environmentally sensitive First Nations archaeological sites, such as villages and refuges on Reserve lands.
In 1902, Bamfield became the North America terminus of the All Red Line's Pacific submarine cable, which spanned the globe linking the British Empire.
The trail often diverts inland to avoid dangerous surge channels and impassable headlands, where cliffs descend straight into the sea even at low tide.
The main designated campgrounds along the way feature bear boxes for safe storage of food, an outhouse, and a view of the Pacific Ocean and Olympic Peninsula when the sea fog is not present.
The trail is still extremely rugged and requires a high level of fitness, knowledge, and skill to complete, although in the last 10 to 15 years it has been upgraded to facilitate easier hiking and safety for those with less experience.
To cross the larger rivers and streams hikers must ride cable car suspensions, while smaller or slower waterways are bridged only by fallen logs or may even require wading.
Hiking the West Coast Trail is a major attraction for adventure seekers coming to British Columbia to experience the Pacific Northwest's scenery, wildlife, culture, and weather.
The distance of the trail, whilst officially listed at 75 km, has not been changed or updated by Parks Canada for many years after being re-routed numerous times.
[19][20][21][22] Wildlife that can be encountered include cougars, black bears, wolves, hummingbirds, orcas, gray whales, seals, sea lions, and eagles.
Hikers are told how to react to possible encounters with dangerous animals (cougars, bears, and wolves) at the mandatory orientation session prior to starting the trail.
The full extent of the damage was not initially known, but an estimated 3,000 trees had been downed, a bridge and cable car were destroyed, and a serious landslide at kilometre 12 (mile 7) was discovered.
After 24 years, the burger shack run by Peter and Monique Knighton (the anglicized form of Nytom) had become a recognized and welcome stop on the West Coast Trail.
Citing geotechnical concerns and unstable ground, the Canadian Coast Guard announced plans to move the light keepers off site by winter 2024 and the heritage buildings will continue under the care of Fisheries and Oceans Canada.
The light keeper union has raised concerns of a lack of consultation with key stakeholders including local First Nations and a petition[28] has been formed to delay the de-staffing until a firm plan for the future of the lighthouses can be established.
