The West Coast Trail is located on the southern west coast of Vancouver Island, BC Canada and stretches 77 kilometers from Port Renfrew on the south end to Bamfield on the north end. Over the years, the stretch of coastline encompassing the West Coast Trail has been many things to many people. The influence of the ocean on the human history has been dramatic. Native people, lighthouse keepters, shipwreck survivors, homesteaders, prospectors and missionaries all have traveled along these trails and beaches. The beauty of the craggy sea stacks; dramatic rocky headlands; wide, sandy beaches and lush rainforests all intertwined with a vibrant cultural history, are but a few special features on the West Coast Trail.
 |
The trail's origins date back to the late 1800's and the days of tall sailing ships and steamers. So many vessels were lost on the rocks and shoals of this rugged coast that it came to be known as "the Graveyard of the Pacific". In 1906, the wreck of the steamer "Valencia" with the loss of 133 lives prompted the construction of the Pachena Lighthouse and the "Dominion Life Saving Trail". The trail, boasting a telegraph-line and patrol cabins, allowed shipwreck victims and rescuers to travel through the almost impenetrable forests. Over the years, as navigation technology improved, the Life Saving Trail became obsolete and fell into disrepair.
|
In 1973, the trail was included in Pacific Rim National Park Reserve of Canada, beginning a new chapter in its history. Today, hikers come from all over the world to experience the beauty, history and First Nation's culture of the West Coast Trail. However, this rugged hike is not for everyone. You and your party's fitness, knowledge and skills must meet the challenges of the area.
The west coast's natural resources of enormous tall cedars, salmon,eulachon, cod, halibut, shelfish, seals, whales, berries, and forest life were essential to First Nation life as they are to us today. The land and its bounty fostered an environment that created a resourceful and artistic native culture where the land and marine resources were of special significance. Traveling the trail today one feels the embrace of mother nature's natural beauty.
More information about the history of the West Coast Trail . |
 |
|
