The Juan de Fuca trails have been declared off-limits by the Ministry of Environment and Parks for the upcoming summer.
“British Columbians take pride in the amazing natural beauty these lands provide, and one of the most beloved is the Juan de Fuca marine trails, which normally welcomes thousands of visitors to the southern Vancouver Island every year,” stated the ministry in an official statement. “Which is why it is with deep regret that we will have to keep the trail closed for the summer.”
According to the provincial department, winter storms washed out several sections of the 47-kilometre trail, resulting in toppled trees and unstable slopes. These hazards have made the trail impassable and unsafe for hikers in many areas.
There is also extensive damage to infrastructure, including bridges, boardwalks, shelters and campsites.
Major impacted crossings include the Circo Creek footbridge, Loss Creek, Sombrio Beach suspension bridge, Sombrio West trail and campsite, and Parkinson trailhead access. Bridges affected by structural damage include Pat Phillip Creek, Bent Creek, Fat Creek, and Ivanhoe Creek.
The Botanical Beach parking lot has been closed since April 15 to accommodate helicopter work required for trail and facility repairs. The ministry stated that all damaged areas “will take time to rebuild with the strongest safety measures in place to protect all who visit. "
A phased reopening will be developed based on the final assessments, available funding, and environmental impact. Engineer and geotechnical assessments were completed in March, and the ministry is awaiting the final reports, expected by the end of April, before proceeding with broader repair efforts.
Trail repairs, including replacing critical infrastructure, are underway between the Parkison Creek trailhead and Botanical Beach. Repair planning and coordination with contractors are also ongoing to tackle all affected areas.
The timeline and scope of repairs will depend on the engineering assessment results. Repair works cannot begin until funding and contracts are in place. The scale of the damage means repairs will take time and must be carefully managed to ensure public safety and to protect the environment.
“We understand people’s interest in seeing the trail reopen as soon as possible,” said the ministry.
An article from The Canadian Press estimated that about 40,000 visitors register per year, but the actual number is higher, as many hikers choose to explore individual sections rather than complete the 47-kilometre route.
However, the whole trail and affected campsites will remain closed to public access through the summer of 2025.
People on online platforms like Reddit and Facebook expressed their hope that the Juan de Fuca Marine Trail will reopen later in the summer despite its closure. Members of the r/IslandHikers group have also shared alternative hiking routes in the northern regions of Vancouver Island.
The Juan de Fuca closure includes five backcountry campgrounds and the main trail: Bear Beach, Chin Beach, West Sombrio Beach, Little Kuitsche Creek, and Payzant Creek.
Still, parts of the provincial park remain accessible. Mystic Beach and East Sombrio Beach are open for backcountry camping and day use. According to the ministry, Botanical Beach is also open for day use, and China Beach is scheduled to open on May 15.
The Juan de Fuca Trail lies within the traditional territory of the Pacheedaht First Nation, which has stewarded this coastal region for generations. BC Parks continues to work closely with the Pacheedaht on restoration efforts and other projects along the trail and throughout the Juan de Fuca region.
The waters of the Strait of Juan de Fuca form part of Pacheedaht's traditional territories. A proposed shipping route would pass through the southern portion of Pacheedaht territory in the Juan de Fuca Strait for over 62 kilometres, overlapping with the Swiftsure Bank closure area.
The Pacheedaht First Nation relies on marine access around the Swiftsure Bank for fishing, including salmon, halibut, lingcod, crab, marine plants, shellfish, and hunting species like deer near the shoreline.
Even with plans in action and the ministry staff working tirelessly on repairs, an estimated date for the trail's reopening has not been announced.
“While many people will understandably be disappointed by this temporary closure, it provides an opportunity to explore one of the hundreds of provincial parks and recreation sites across B.C. and take in more of our province’s natural beauty,” stated the Ministry of Environment and Parks.
For the latest updates and accurate information about the trail repairs and reopening timelines, visit the BC Parks website: https://bcparks.ca/juan-de-fuca-park/
