Hikers tackling the popular Juan de Fuca Marine Trail will see a series of improvements along the 47-kilometre system this spring, including raised tent platforms at five backcountry campsites, new boardwalks and bridges.
Ten wooden tent platforms have been added to each of the campgrounds at Mystic Beach, Bear Beach, China Beach, Little Kuitshe Creek and Payzant Creek, and two additional food caches have been installed at each campground.
The Ministry of Environment said the platforms are designed to provide a more comfortable camping experience during bad weather and protect sensitive habitat.
Other infrastructure improvements include 600 metres of boardwalk, 20 new staircases and 19 new footbridges between the Little Kuitshe Creek Campground and Parkinson Creek trailhead.
At Kuitshe Creek, a new engineered bridge was installed and a damaged engineered bridge was replaced at Hoard Creek.
A portion of the trail between Little Kuitshe Creek campground and the Parkinson Creek trailhead is currently closed to finish upgrades, but will reopen on May 17.
The cost of the upgrades is $905,000 and marks the largest single investment in improvements to the Juan de Fuca Marine Trail in recent years, according to the ministry. About $2.1 million has been invested in new bridges, boardwalks, stairs and food caches at multiple locations along the trail over the past four years.
B.C. Parks says the Juan de Fuca Marine Trail is mainly designed for strenuous day or multi-day hiking, with campsites located in isolated areas. The trail traverses a rugged environment that is often subject to wet and extreme weather conditions.
Before heading out, hikers are advised to check for advisories and be prepared for uneven ground and slippery conditions on muddy trails, wooden surfaces, boulders and rocky shorelines.
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