Multi-use Trail Project - Pacific Rim National Park Reserve

Pacific Rim National Park Reserve

Backed by the Vancouver Island Mountain Range and facing the open Pacific Ocean, Pacific Rim National Park Reserve protects and presents the rich natural and cultural heritage of Canada's West Coast. The cool and wet maritime climate produces an abundance of life in the water and on land. Lush coastal temperate rainforest gives way to bountiful and diverse intertidal and subtidal areas. These natural wonders are interwoven with the long and dynamic history of the Nuu-chah-nulth First Nations, and European explorers and settlers.

Multi-use Trail Project

The new multi-use trail, located in the traditional territories of the Tla-o-qui-aht First Nation and Yuułuʔiłʔatḥ, will extend approximately 25 km from the southern to the northern boundary of the Long Beach Unit of Pacific Rim National Park Reserve. In many places, the trail will run near or parallel to Highway 4, but with a forested buffer between trail users and vehicles where possible, to ensure visitor safety and to provide a more natural experience. A short loop will connect the K^wisitis Visitor Centre and Wickaninnish Beach to Highway 4.

The trail will be open year-round, allowing visitors to experience the park in all seasons, while providing opportunities for them to walk or cycle and explore the natural and cultural wonders of Pacific Rim National Park Reserve. It also fulfills a long-time request from local communities and visitors to the area.

Before the trail was designed and construction started, a Detailed Impact Analysis was prepared. This document comprises a number of environmental, archaeological and visitor safety assessments, and is the baseline document informing this project. As work on the multi-use trail progresses, Parks Canada is taking a responsive approach to constructing it by adapting trail alignment, design, and construction activities to each unique area of the park reserve where the trail will pass. For example, modifying and refining the trail route and design to protect ephemeral ponds and amphibian habitat, incorporating data from a Traditional Use Study and advice from local First Nations, and re-routing to avoid newly discovered archaeological sites.

Parks Canada and Indigenous Partnership

Parks Canada is committed to a network of national heritage places that celebrates the contributions of Indigenous Peoples, their histories and cultures, as well as the special relationship Indigenous Peoples have with the lands and waters. Parks Canada works collaboratively with the Tla-o-qui-aht First Nation and Yuułuʔiłʔatḥ on many aspects of Pacific Rim National Park Reserve and, as the trail project proceeds, is working with each Nation's Council, and an Elders Group established for guidance on the multi-use trail.

During this project, Parks Canada is working in partnership with the Nations on the planning, development and construction of the multi-use trail. Parks Canada is working with the Nations’ Councils, and an Elders Group established to provide guidance on the trail, to identify potential short and long term economic benefits for both Nations, and is actively exploring opportunities for involvement from the local Indigenous communities during this next phase of work. The support and involvement of the Tla-o-qui-aht First Nation and Yuułuʔiłʔatḥ is integral to the success of the project, and their contributions will ensure the trail presents a full cultural experience for all visitors to Pacific Rim National Park Reserve.
           

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