Parks Canada is urging visitors to the West Coast Trail, a popular hiking destination, to postpone non-essential travel to the area as the Mount Underwood wildfire on Vancouver Island continues to grow close by.
The wildfire, burning south of Port Alberni, B.C., is currently 21.56 square kilometres (2,156 hectares) in size and burning out of control. Evacuation orders and alerts have been issued for a number of properties within the Regional District of Alberni-Clayoquot, the Cowichan Valley Regional District and the Tseshaht First Nation.
In a statement, the agency said it is not accepting new reservations for the trail at this time. Anyone with reservations for Aug. 13 to Sept. 12 is eligible for a full refund, excluding the reservation fee.
Parks Canada said anyone already on the trail should complete their hike as planned; however, they may be asked to exit the trail at Nitinat Narrows if conditions change.
Non-residents are being asked to stay away from Bamfield, a main access point for the trail.
A fire ban — including beach fires — is in effect for the Pacific Rim National Park, including the West Coast Trail.
Bamfield and Balaats’adt (Nitinaht Village) are currently without power and have limited water and waste management. B.C. Hydro said it could be days, possibly more than a week, before power is restored.
Parks Canada is asking hikers to leave these communities immediately upon finishing their hike to prioritize essential services for residents.
The West Coast Trail is considered an iconic multi-day backpacking trail, along 75 kilometres of paths and paddling routes that were once used for trade by local First Nations. Parks Canada says more than 7,500 visitors hike the trail each year.
