Support a New Back-Country Trail!

SNSC member Andrew Pape-Salmon is part of an initiative to create an awesome new back-country opportunity. They are proposing a trail that stretches the length of Vancouver Island (VI)–from Cape Scott in the north all the way down to Victoria in the south–called the VI Spine.

Relay–you can support this initiative by joining in the relay to increase community support for the development of the VI Spine Trail. Visit their website to learn more about the relay VI Spine Relay or contact Andrew Pape-Salmon by email andrewpapesalmon@shaw.ca or telephone 250-592-7017.

Route–the VI Trail route is an inland route that passes near many communities, yet retains its wilderness character, following historic routes and completed trails where they exist.

Approximately 700km long, the VI Spine is an adventure opportunity that will provide a recreational route for residents and tourists through the beautiful back country of Vancouver Island. Primarily a hiking trail (but permitting non-motorized, multi-use where appropriate) the route traces mountain ridges, through forests and past lakes, similar to many successful long-distance routes in North America.

The VI Spine trail will encourage local economies, both in the building of the trail and in the maintenance of the route. Local hiking clubs will be encouraged to monitor the trail, and businesses to provide services to travellers in their region.

Hike BC--the project is being developed by the Vancouver Island Spine Trail Association, VISTA, a part of “Hike BC,” the BC wing of the National Hiking Trail. The NHT, over the past 30 years has incorporated such significant trails as the East Coast Trail in Newfoundland, the Bruce Trail in Ontario and the Alexander MacKenzie route, the Nuxalk/Carrier “Grease Trail” from Bella Coola to Quesnel.