Tourism Enhancements Connect Secret Beach and Toquaht Marina and Campground
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.
Overview
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.
Strengthening Community Wellbeing:
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.
Media Contacts
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
Project Details
Project Impact
The Trust invests in projects using a Wellbeing Impact Framework that looks beyond traditional economic metrics. This approach evaluates how each investment strengthens economic prosperity, cultural vitality, climate resilience, and social empowerment. By focusing on outcomes that matter to people and place, the Trust works to spur new investments that create meaningful, lasting benefits across Vancouver Island and the coast.
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.
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.
Image Gallery
The Toquaht Marina initiated tourism development at Secret Beach. The project was completed in 2019, through an investment with Island Coastal Economic Trust. Photo courtesy of Toquaht Nation.