Picture a trail that takes you from busy city streets to quiet wilderness, all on one island. That’s what the Vancouver Island Trail (VIT) offers – a huge 800 km journey from Victoria in the south to Cape Scott in the north. This long trail isn’t just about walking far. It’s a chance to see many different landscapes, plants, and animals and learn about local cultures.
Trail Stops: How to Enjoy Online Casinos on the Go
While exploring the diverse landscapes of the Vancouver Island Trail, it’s important to take breaks and recharge. During these rest periods, many hikers enjoy unwinding with a bit of online entertainment. Playing online casino games can be a fun and relaxing way to spend your downtime on the trail. With a reliable internet connection and a smartphone or tablet, you can easily access your favourite casino games wherever you are. To make the most of your online casino experience, it’s helpful to know where to find the best online venues. This way, you can enjoy high-quality gaming options no matter where your adventure takes you.
Whether you prefer a quick game during a short rest or a longer session in the evening, having the right online platforms can make all the difference. Plus, playing responsibly ensures that your gaming remains a pleasurable activity without detracting from your hiking adventure. It’s also a great way to stay entertained during any unexpected weather delays or when you simply need a break from the physical exertion of hiking. By choosing reputable and reliable online casinos, you can enjoy a seamless gaming experience that complements your journey. Now, let’s dive into the incredible journey that the Vancouver Island Trail offers and discover the wonders that await along its path.
Overview of the Vancouver Island Trail
The VIT is a massive 800 km long trail that runs from the bottom to the top of Vancouver Island. It’s not like a regular hiking path you might find in a park. Instead, it changes a lot as you go along, keeping things interesting.
One day, you might be walking on a sandy beach, listening to waves. The next day, you could be in a thick forest with huge trees all around you. As you keep going, you’ll see lakes that look like mirrors on calm days and climb up steep, rocky mountains. It’s like nature decided to show off all its best parts in one long trail.
But the VIT isn’t just about pretty views. It’s also a path through land that’s been home to Indigenous Peoples for thousands of years. As you walk, you’re stepping through history and learning about different cultures.
VIT Trail Sections
The Vancouver Island Trail is divided into seven distinct sections, each offering unique experiences:
Section 1: Anderson Hill (Victoria) to Lake Cowichan
- Length: 106 km
- Elevation: Sea level to 460 meters
- Total Ascent/Descent: 1,850 / 1,730 meters
- Trail Proportion: 95% trail and 5% road
- Status: Open
- Trail Standard: High standard, paved or gravel, 2-4 meters wide
- Difficulty: Easy, with all watercourses bridged
- Facilities: Comprehensive in Victoria, informal campsites, water sources at Goldstream and Koksilah Rivers, Glenora Trails Head Park, and Cowichan riverside trails
This section starts in the largely undisturbed Garry Oak meadow of Anderson Hill Park, then follows a mix of urban roads and trails through several Capital Region communities to the Humpback Reservoir. From Humpback to the CRD/CVRD boundary, the VIT follows the Sooke Hills Wilderness Trail through managed forest lands. It then continues through the Cowichan Valley Trail to Lake Cowichan town, with significant sections of forest within Cowichan River Provincial Park and farmlands near Glenora. Highlights include Anderson Hill Park, Victoria’s Inner Harbor, Goldstream Bridge, the Kinsol Trestle, Marie Canyon, and Skutz Falls.
Section 2: Lake Cowichan to Port Alberni
- Length: 116 km
- Elevation: Sea-level to 455 meters
- Total Ascent/Descent: 4,090 / 4,180 meters
- Trail Proportion: 64% trail and 36% road
- Status: Open
- Trail Standard: Single-track, well-defined, gravel and forest floor tread
- Difficulty: Easy to moderate with several steep sections and river fords
- Facilities: One commercial campsite, informal sites, readily available water sources
From Lake Cowichan, the trail follows paved highways and gravel logging roads through Youbou, past Kissinger Lake campsite, and into the Nitinat River valley. Hikers will encounter single-track trails and logging roads, crossing the Nitinat River and passing by Tuck, Francis, and Darlington Lakes before reaching Alberni Inlet. Highlights include Cowichan Lake, the Nitinat River, Emerald Pool, Francis Lake, Parsons Creek Bridge, and Alberni Inlet.
Section 3: Port Alberni to Cumberland
- Length: 89 km
- Elevation: 90 to 1,540 meters
- Total Ascent/Descent: 5,290 / 5,220 meters
- Trail Proportion: 87% trail and 13% road
- Status: Not officially open
- Trail Standard: Well-defined single-track, some sections require route finding
- Difficulty: Physically demanding with steep climbs and descents
- Facilities: No formal campsites, informal bivouac sites near water sources
Starting in Port Alberni, the trail includes the Log Train Trail before climbing steeply into the Beaufort Range. The route follows the crest through subalpine forests and parklands, offering expansive views and challenging terrain. Hikers will pass numerous lakes and tarns before descending into Cumberland. Highlights include subalpine parkland vegetation, heather meadows, expansive views, and the historic Cumberland.
Section 4: Cumberland to Strathcona Dam
- Length: 109 km
- Elevation: 160 to 1,800 meters
- Total Ascent/Descent: 4,950 / 4,890 meters
- Trail Proportion: 80% trail and 20% road
- Status: Not officially open
- Trail Standard: Well-defined single-track, some sections require route finding
- Difficulty: Steep, mountainous terrain with some rough trails
- Facilities: Designated campsites in Strathcona Park, informal bivouac sites
This section includes high-elevation trails through Strathcona Park and rugged routes along Jutland and Mt. Adrian ridges. It combines park trails, forested areas, and logging roads, offering scenic views of mountains, lakes, and wetlands. Highlights include Albert Edward, Gem Lake, Mt. Jutland, and the expansive views from Lupin Ridge over Upper Quinsam Lake.
Section 5: Strathcona Dam to Woss
- Length: 115 km
- Elevation: 170 to 1,060 meters
- Total Ascent/Descent: 3,650 / 3,700 meters
- Trail Proportion: 43% trail and 57% road
- Status: Not officially open beyond Kokummi Pass
- Trail Standard: Single-track trails, logging roads
- Difficulty: Easy grades with some rough sections
- Facilities: Informal campsites, water sources readily available
This section traverses lowland and valley trails through managed forests, including old-growth areas along the White River and in Schoen Lake Provincial Park. Hikers will pass through wetlands and fen areas with frequent wildlife sightings. The final approach to Woss follows the old Englewood logging railway grade. Highlights include old-growth forests, open fen wetlands, and the chance to see Roosevelt elk.
Section 6: Woss to Port McNeill
- Length: 75 km
- Elevation: 30 to 250 meters
- Total Ascent/Descent: 1,030 / 1,120 meters
- Trail Proportion: 7% trail, 93% road and rail grade
- Status: Not officially open
- Trail Standard: Gravel rail grade, single-track trails, logging roads
- Difficulty: Gentle grades
- Facilities: Informal campsites, limited water sources
Most of this section follows the abandoned Englewood logging railway grade through the Nimpkish Valley. Hikers will encounter old-growth forests and several high-trestle bridges. The final stretch includes various logging roads, and mountain bike trails leading into Port McNeill. Highlights include high trestles along the rail grade and the north Nimpkish Lake beach.
Section 7: Port McNeill to Cape Scott
- Length: 137 km
- Elevation: 0 to 300 meters
- Total Ascent/Descent: 1,990 / 2,060 meters
- Trail Proportion: 56% trail, 18% road, and 26% water
- Status: Not officially open
- Trail Standard: Beach, rough single-track trails, inactive logging roads
- Difficulty: Flat to undulating terrain, challenging North Coast Trail
- Facilities: Campsites at Cluxewe Resort, Port Hardy services, North Coast Trail campgrounds
This coastal section features a mix of beach hiking and forest trails, including the rugged North Coast Trail within Cape Scott Provincial Park. Hikers can take a water taxi or follow logging roads to Shushartie Bay, then traverse challenging terrain with spectacular beach sections and historic sites like the Cape Scott Lighthouse. Highlights include the Cluxewe estuary, Suquash coal mine ruins, beautiful sand beaches on the NCT, Guise Bay beach, and the Cape Scott lighthouse.
Activities on the VIT
Hiking
Hiking is the main thing to do on the VIT. The trail changes a lot as you go along. Some parts are nice and smooth, while others are rough and hard to follow. This means you can do different types of hikes:
- Thru-hiking: This means hiking the whole 800 km in one trip. It usually takes 1-2 months and is a big challenge!
- Section hiking: You can choose one or more of the seven sections to hike. This is good if you don’t have time for the whole trail.
- Day hikes: Many parts of the trail are perfect for short walks that only take a day.
Remember, some parts of the trail are only for people who know a lot about hiking in wild places. Always check what the trail is like before you go.
Biking and Horse Riding
While the VIT is mostly for hiking, you can do other things on some parts:
- Biking: You can only bike on Section 1 and a bit of Section 2 up to Kissinger Lake. If you like mountain biking, there are also good trails near Cumberland and Port McNeill.
- Horse riding: This is mostly only allowed on the Cowichan Valley Trail from Goldstream Heights Road to Lake Cowichan.
Trail Running and Winter Sports
If you like more exciting activities, the VIT has options:
- Trail running: Many parts of the trail are good for running if you’re fit and careful.
- Snowshoeing and skiing: In winter, the higher parts of the trail can be great for snow activities. But be careful and check conditions first!
Trail Conditions and Safety
The VIT is always changing. Weather, seasons, and people all affect the trail. Here are some important things to know:
- The trail isn’t the same all the way along. Some parts are smooth and easy, like in cities. Other parts are rough and hard to follow in the wilderness.
- Volunteers do most of the work to keep the trail in good shape. This means you might find fallen trees or overgrown parts sometimes.
- Some areas might be closed or have detours. Always check the latest news about the trail before you go.
Safety Tips
Hiking the VIT isn’t like walking in a city park. Here’s what you need to stay safe:
- Know how to use a map and compass. Carry these, plus a GPS if you can.
- Be ready to look after yourself. Many parts of the trail are far from towns, so there’s no help nearby.
- Be prepared for wildlife. There are bears and cougars on Vancouver Island.
- Carry a personal locator beacon or satellite phone for emergencies. Cell phones often don’t work on the trail.
Weather and Terrain
The weather on Vancouver Island can change quickly, and the trail can be tough:
- Expect rain, even in summer. Always carry rain gear.
- Higher parts of the trail might have snow even in July.
- Some creeks and rivers don’t have bridges. You might need to walk through water when it’s low.
How to Get Involved
Volunteer Work
The VIT needs volunteers to keep it going. Here’s how you can help:
- Trail work: This includes clearing fallen trees, cutting back bushes, or even helping build bridges.
- Office work: You could help with marketing, planning events, or applying for grants.
Your time and skills can really help keep the VIT open for everyone to enjoy.
Working Together
The VIT is a team effort involving:
- Indigenous communities who have lived on the land for thousands of years
- Government groups who help manage the land
- Private companies who own some of the land the trail passes through
- Outdoor lovers like you who use and care for the trail
By getting involved, you’re joining a big group of people who all want to make the VIT better.
Maps and Navigation
Interactive Maps
The VIT website has maps you can use to:
- Look at each section of the trail
- See satellite pictures and details about the land
- Find interesting places along the trail
These maps are really helpful for planning your VIT trip.
Planning Maps and GPS Maps
For more detailed planning:
- You can download maps for all seven sections of the trail
- There are also special maps you can use on your smartphone or tablet that show where you are on the trail
Always carry paper maps too. Phones and GPS can break or run out of battery, but a paper map always works!
Amenities and Resources
The VIT is a wilderness trail, so amenities are scarce:
- Water sources are marked on maps, but always treat water before drinking.
- Most camping spots are informal clearings. Practice Leave No Trace principles.
- Some designated camping areas exist, such as Kissinger Lake Campground. This scenic spot offers a chance to rest by a peaceful lake.
- Campfires are not allowed anywhere along the trail.
Registration and Donations
You can help the VIT by:
- Telling the trail managers about your hike: This helps them know how many people use the trail and how to make it better.
- Giving money: Your donations help fix and improve the trail for future hikers.
Vision, Mission, and Values
The Vancouver Island Trail Association (VITA) runs the VIT project. Their big goal is: “To have a hiking trail that connects communities on Vancouver Island from Victoria to Cape Scott.” They work to plan, build, and take care of the trail, working with Indigenous Peoples and other groups.
VITA believes in:
- Respecting all trail users and partners
- Working together with different groups
- Making sure everyone feels welcome on the trail
- Taking care of nature
VIT: Main Points to Remember
The Vancouver Island Trail is more than just a long hiking path. It’s an 800 km journey through many different landscapes and cultural areas. From city walks to wild adventures, the VIT has something for everyone who loves the outdoors.
Remember, hiking the VIT needs careful planning and respect for nature. But if you prepare well and have the right attitude, it will be an amazing experience.
Why not try hiking a part of the VIT? Or if you’re feeling brave, start planning to hike the whole thing. The Vancouver Island Trail is waiting for you, ready to show you amazing views and take you on great adventures through some of Canada’s most beautiful places.