The project responds to both the community’s priority to protect old-growth forests and develop trail infrastructure, along with the increased visitor demand for nature-based tourism opportunities with an accessible trail design.
The Bamfield Huu-ay-aht Community Forest Society will lead a two-phase trail initiative to directly address the need for accessible outdoor recreation and support eco-tourism development, while also expanding its conservation network.
Phase one begins this year, focused on developing a 1.85km trail that leads to a significant old-growth area. The first 1.0km will be designed as a wide, accessible path on with compacted gravel, while the remining 0.85km will connect to an existing road via a narrower natural trail.
The project is supported through the Island Coastal Economic Trust’s Capital and Innovation Program with its focus on Cultural and Nature Based Tourism.
Bamfield residents identified old-growth forest protection and recreational trail development as top priorities through a 2018 Community Survey. The support for this initiative continues today, with local businesses including accommodation and tourism providers, and the Huu-ay-aht First Nation endorsing the project.
The Bamfield Huu-ay-aht Community Forest Society has also successfully managed similar projects, with a history of developing popular trail networks in the area. Once complete, the trail is expected to strengthen community wellbeing in a meaningful way.
Economic Prosperity: After the road from Port Alberni to Bamfield was chip-sealed, the community experienced rapid visitor growth through 2024. More than 20,000 additional vehicles arrived compared to 2023. This growing popularity supports the expectation that an old-growth trail will provide a unique amenity for visitors to keep them in the community longer. The project is expected to not only draw visitors interested in the experience, but to also increase bookings with local lodges, rentals and guiding services.
Social Empowerment: The project focuses on social empowerment in two unique ways:
Climate Resiliency: The objective of the Bamfield Huu-ay-aht Forest Society Board is for at least 60% of the community forest to be set aside in the conservation network. The construction of the Majestic Old Growth Trail will increase the area of the conservation network already in place, where no harvest or salvage is allowed. This will allow for trees to continue to grow undisturbed, mitigating climate change and maintaining the area’s resistance to wildfires.
Sustainable construction practices, such as salvaging downed trees, will further reduces the environmental footprint.
Cultural Vitality: Better access to ancient old growth forests will allow for increased teaching and learning opportunities, fostering ecological connections. The trail will support cultural education through interpretive signage that highlights the cultural significance of the forest, leading to learning opportunities for all age groups.
The trail also provides unique foraging opportunities for both Bamfield and Anacla residents, and Bamfield Fungus Festival attendees to harvest berries, plants and mushrooms.
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
Island Coastal Economic Trust approved funding for this project in November 2024 through the Capital and Innovation program.
As we work toward inclusive and resilient economic futures, we do so with a deep appreciation for the histories, contributions, and rights of the Kwak̓wala/Bakwam’kala, Nuučaa̓nuɫ, Éy7á7juuthem, Ligwilda'xw, Pəntl'áč, She shashishalhem, Hul’q’umi’num’, diitiidʔaatx̣, SENĆOŦEN, Skwxwú7mesh, Lekwungen, and T’Sou-ke speaking peoples.
