New trail creates an active community network between Secret Beach and Toquaht Marina and Campground, successfully connecting m̓aʔaquuʔa (Macoah) with nature-based and cultural tourism amenities.
Toquaht Nation will expand its trail network, building the Secret Beach Trail to connect with the Toquaht Trail. The project is a significant investment in the community’s future, promising to enhance the quality of life for residents, enrich the visitor experience, and uphold the Toquaht Nation’s commitment to sustainable and culturally integrated development.
Once complete, the trail network will connect all key community and tourism assets, thereby improving safety, accessibility, and economic opportunity for Macoah residents and Toquaht First Nation. The trail complements larger infrastructure improvement upgrades that are underway across the community for both tourism purposes and permanent residences.
The project is currently underway and targets an October 31, 2024, completion. For more information, read the project announcement.
The Trust has invested in rural trail projects before, including the Bamfield Huu-ay-aht Community Forest Trail and the Echo Bay Indigenous Interpretive Trail.
A key component within Toquaht Nation’s 2021-24 Strategic Plan, the Secret Beach Trail supports key priorities, including infrastructure development, economic diversification, and overall community wellbeing.
Economic Prosperity: Toquaht Marina and Campground remains poised to benefit from the growing tourism sector cross the Pacific Rim. By completing the Secret Beach trail project, Toquaht First Nation will connect its businesses in Macoah and at Secret Beach marina. This will support existing businesses, including the kayak rentals and campground, while also spurring potential new operations, including e-bike rentals, to grow the local economy. Future development plans include establishing a wellness centre, resort, and additional residential housing in the area.
Social Empowerment: Developing trails within the community creates employment opportunities for community members in m̓aʔaquuʔa (Macoah). The Toquaht First Nation will create employment for building and maintaining the trails, potentially using a similar model to the West Coast Trail Guardians program. During construction, the project will create four temporary jobs. Two part-time permanent jobs will be created for trail maintenance; however, as the trail further establishes local tourism opportunities, it’s anticipated that new jobs will also be created.
By connecting a safe trail network with supportive community programming, Toquaht aims to create opportunities for masčim (citizens) to connect with one another and with nature. The route will also serve as an accessible route for residents commuting between m̓aʔaquuʔa (Macoah) and employment opportunities at the Secret Beach campground and marina.
Cultural Vitality: Toquaht Nation looks to diversify and add to the tourism landscape by developing an asset that supports growing tourism interest in outdoor activities and Indigenous culture. Interpretive signs will be installed along the trail to provide historical and cultural learning opportunities.
The trail is also part of the proposed Telegraph Trail, which follows the historical telegraph line from Port Alberni to Ucluelet. This trail traverses Toquaht Territory. By re-establishing and modernizing this trail, Toquaht Nation can preserve and celebrate its heritage, while also providing additional recreational opportunities.
Jeff Bartlett
Communications and Impact Manager
Island Coastal Economic Trust
jeff@islandcoastaltrust.ca
250-871-7797
Noah Plonka
Business Manager
Toquaht First Nation
Businessmeanager@toquaht.ca
250-522-0201
Island Coastal Economic Trust approved funding for this project in May 2024 through the Capital and Innovation program.
We work in reciprocal relationships with coastal communities across the ancestral territories of the Kwak̓wala, Nuučaan̓uɫ, Éy7á7juuthem, Ligwilda'xw, Pəntl'áč, She shashishalhem, Sḵwx̱wú7mesh, Hul’q’umi’num’, diitiidʔaatx̣, SENĆOŦEN, Lekwungen, and T’Sou-ke speaking peoples.
