Project Investment:

• Island Coastal Economic Trust: $385,122
• District of Tofino: $122,842
• Strategic Priorities Fund: $2,276,726
• BC Bike Funding: $1,000,000
• Total Budget: $3,784,690

Project Highlight:

By introducing the cycling tourism market into the region, the project is estimated to generate 25 permanent and 30 temporary jobs. 

The Pacific Rim National Parks attracts close to a million visitors annually, with the District of Tofino serving as a popular jumping-off point to explore the park. In 2017, A federal investment in the ʔapsčiik t’ašii Trail established a cycling path through the National Park but stopped short of connecting to Tofino’s existing multi-use path by 2.8km. The remaining highway has little to no shoulder, and a high number of obstacles inhibiting visitors from safely venturing to the park without a vehicle.

The ʔapsčiik t̓ašii Connector Trail extends Tofino’s multi-use path to the Parks Canada Trail, providing a safe, barrier-free trail to access the Pacific Rim National Park by foot or on bicycle. The project includes the construction of a 3-metre-wide, separated asphalt pathway with culverted creek crossings, retaining walls and a pedestrian bridge. The connector also links over 40 kilometres of uninterrupted pathways for visitors to explore the Pacific Rim National Park in an entirely new way.

As a result of the new infrastructure, Tofino can market a new recreational amenity in the region and attract new markets in cycling and sustainable tourism. Anticipated outcomes include increased length of stay and return visits; increased visitor spending; and diversification and development of new businesses such as shuttle services, bike shops and other services catering to trail users. The project will also enhance integration with the Tla-o-qui-aht communities of Esowista and Ty-Histanis — creating opportunities for collaboration in cycling and cultural tourism while improving access to basic services and employment in Tofino.