Bamfield Huu-ay-aht Community Forest Society address need for accessible outdoor recreation to support eco-tourism development and conservation.
Anacla, Huu-ay-aht Territory, Bamfield, 13 March 2025: Bamfield Huu-ay-aht Community Forest Society is embracing eco-tourism growth with the Bamfield Majestic Old Growth Trail, a project designed to connect visitors to nature while fostering local economic and cultural development. The project will establish an accessible pathway to ancient forests through a project investment with Island Coastal Economic Trust.
The Bamfield Majestic Old Growth Trail will begin with phase one, this summer, by establishing a 1.85 km trail that leads to a significant old-growth area. The trail is divided into two sections. The first 1.0km will be a wide, accessible path made with compacted gravel that invites users with mobility concerns. The remaining 0.85km will be a narrower nature trail suitable for most hikers.
The initiative is designed to harness the economic potential from the recent surge in local tourism throughout 2024. Following a recent infrastructure upgrade that chip-sealed the road linking Bamfield and Port Alberni, the community welcomed 20,000 more vehicles than in 2023. By providing a compelling new attraction, the trail will encourage longer stays and support local businesses, including lodges, restaurants, rentals and guiding services.
By establishing this trail, the Society successfully protects more old growth forest from logging and enhances recreational opportunities for residents and visitors alike, encouraging deeper connections to nature and culture. It supports top priorities identified in the 2018 Community Survey, which included protecting old growth forest and establishing recreational trails. It also reflects the values of the Huu-ay-aht First Nations, supporting cultural education and traditional practices through interpretive signage.
The project will be underway soon and targets a July 31, 2025, completion date. To learn more about this exciting initiative and its benefits, follow Bamfield Huu-ay-aht Community Forest Society on Facebook.
Island Coastal Economic Trust is investing in the Bamfield Majestic Old Growth trail project through the Capital and Innovation Program. The Trust will contribute $50,000 towards a total project investment of $125,000. The Trust is making this investment with focus on Cultural and Nature-based Tourism.
Quotes About the Project
“Two existing trails in the BHCF, the Boomer and East-West Trails, were built to contour around the natural shape of the forest floor, meaning they are not accessible to all hikers of different ability. By creating a more level and even-terrain opening section, our new Majestic Old Growth Trail will allow everyone to enjoy forest “bathing” surrounded by an old growth forest.” – Clay Steell, President, Bamfield Huu-ay-aht Community Forest Society
“I am so grateful to the Island Coastal Trust Economic Trust and the Bamfield Huu-ay-aht Community Forest Society for building this trail that will give more people the opportunity to visit and explore our world-famous old growth forests. Helping to make the natural environment more accessible helps connect people with nature and brings enormous physical and mental health benefits. ” – Hon Josie Osborne, MLA, Mid Island-Pacific Rim
“Working in partnership with Bamfield Huu-ay-aht Community Forest Society on this nature-based tourism infrastructure project creates positive impacts by protecting stands of ancient forest while building a tourism asset that will attract and keep visitors in Bamfield longer, growing the local economy.” Brodie Guy, CEO, Island Coastal Economic Trust
Media Contacts
Jeff Bartlett
Communications and Impact Manager
Island Coastal Economic Trust
jeff@islandcoastaltrust.ca
250-871-7797
Stefan Ochman
Vice President
Bamfield Huu-ay-aht Community Forest Society
stefano@pachena.ca
1-250-728-3677
