BC Parks is strongly recommending that DOGS not be brought to the island.  There was an attack recently in the Flores Island Prov. Park were a dog was killed.

Someone wrote about their concerns with regard to soil erosion and root damage on the Big Tree Trail 3km. Loop; unfortunately I somehow deleted that comment.  The person was advising not to hike beyond the boardwalk.  I should add that First Nations has been maintaining and upgrading the trail including the loop with funds from your trail access fee and hopefully their efforts will minimize the damage. 

 

Note to the concerned person who wrote the 'deleted comment':  Please post it again and I will keep it on my Blog. 

Sincerely,

Dennis Kay owner/operator Clayoquot Connections tours

 Tla-o-qui-aht First Nations is relocating the Lone Cone Trail drop-off location closer to Tofino.  That is expected to be ready by the Queen Victoria Day long weekend on May 18, when the new trail-head is open rates will be dropped be $5.

The Big Tree Trail board-walk is in need of some scheduled maintenance and requires some of it's boards to be replaced, so 'keep an eye out' where you walk.

 

The 5.5 m (17.5') dia Hanging Garden Tree at the end of the boardwalk maybe 2,000 years old and it's 'outter skin' is very fragile so please don't climb on her. 

 

Also we have had a some rain lately so its best to ware rain-boots if you plan to do the '3-Hour loop'.  When we have considerable amounts of rain, hikers should be discouraged from hiking the loop to prevent soil erosion and tree-root damage, thanks!

 

With regard to the Lone Cone Trail on Meares Island;  Be advised to bring your cell phone as it is always wise to have the ability to communication in case of emergencies particularly in the wilderness.  If you do not have a cell phone, we have a set of 2-way radios for your use and reception is excellent at the top of Lone Cone. 

 

Communication also allows you to 'adjust' your pick-up time, and we'll do our best to accommodate any changes.  With that in mind many hikers are amazed that it takes as long to descend the Mtn. as it took to go up, so please keep that in mind. 

 

Also bring a jacket to keep you warm on the boat trip and in case of fog which can occur at any time in the Summer.

Ahous Bay on the west side of Vargas Island has had a number marine mammal  sightings lately.  Often this year Gray whales, Humpback whales, and porpoises have been feeding in the bay,

 

When in Ahous bay please remember to use the aluminium food cache located at the beach trail-head of the 'Old Telegraph-line Trail' at the south end of the beach. Once wolves eat our food they are quickly habituated to human food and can become dangerously aggressive.  In the past wolves on Vargas Island have had to be shot by the park rangers as a result of being fed.  We have an info sheet from BC Parks with other tips on this matter.  Remember it is very important that wild animals (particularly mammals) have a 'healthy' fear of humans, it keeps both them and us safe.

 

I should also mention please don't eat mussels or clams this time of year as they can be contaminated with 'Paralytic Shellfish Poisoning' and KILL YOU!  They are usually OK to eat by November.