A popular Vancouver Island trail is set to reopen this year.
The BC government announced the Juan de Fuca Marine Trail is expected to be reopened for hiking and camping by the summer.
The trail spans 47 kilometres of the island’s southwest coast in Pacheedaht First Nation’s territory, stretching from China Beach to Botanical Beach.
In late 2024 and early 2025, fall and winter storms along Vancouver Island’s coast caused extensive damage to the trail.
These storms washed out sections of trail, toppled trees, created unstable slopes and made areas unsafe for hikers. Several bridges, boardwalks, shelters and other infrastructure were damaged and had to be repaired in phases.
Repair efforts had crews flying in and installing seven engineered bridges, constructing more than 800 metres of stepped boardwalk and multiple staircases through steep and unstable terrain. Crews also rerouted the trail in several locations to bypass areas affected by the storms.
The repairs reportedly cost $950,000, paid for via the Government of Canada’s Disaster Financial Assistance Arrangements program.
While no firm re-opening date has been announced, the Province says that one will be announced by mid-May so people can start planning their trips.
💬 Join the conversation
No comments yet — be the first to start the conversation
