A destination for anglers, Vancouver Island’s Stamp River has major runs of steelhead, sockeye, Coho and Chinook salmon. Relatively undeveloped, public access to the river was limited to three kilometres of walking trail in the vicinity of Stamp Falls.
To complete this two-phase project, an additional four kilometres of trail was built to improve access to popular fishing holes below Stamp Falls and create a route from the park campsite to a swimming area. Additionally, two major bridges and several smaller stream crossings were built. Interpretive signage was installed on the river and at several other key sites throughout the Alberni Valley to educate about conservation and local species. Themes include: salmonid enhancement projects; the riparian ecosystem; traditional First Nations use of the fishery; and the present economic importance of the fishing industry. The interpretive signs are complemented by a map and brochure promoting “A Salmonid Tour of the Alberni Valley” that is available at key tourist destinations in the region.
The Stamp River Anglers Trail supports the Alberni Valley’s diversification efforts after the downturn of the forest industry. Outdoor recreation and adventure tourism enthusiasts now have easy access to a thriving fishing destination offering abundant natural beauty. The new trails attract visitors from around the world as well as those nearby. The Alberni Valley is a short three-hour drive from Victoria and within easy weekend distance of Vancouver. It is also well placed to offer new recreational opportunities for the growing population on the east coast of Vancouver Island.
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.
