Implementation

"People go on pilgrimages all over the world, from Mecca to the Camino de Santiago. The West Coast Trail has proven there is a demand for pilgrimages into the wilderness. The time is now to create the world's next great pilgrimage joining up the last of the ancient forests and rugged coastlines of the entire length of Vancouver Island." - Briony Penn on the VI Spine Trail

Concept:

To have a major economic and social impact, VI Spine must pass within a reasonable distance of a number of communities where accommodation, restaurants and re-supply facilities are located. In that planning process, land ownership and land jurisdiction has to be established, and easements negotiated where applicable. Consideration must be made of Parks policy, timber leases, regional and municipal regulation, and environmental impacts. These assessments are the first priority of the Vancouver Island Spine Trail Association (VISTA).

The Trans Canada Trail has agreed to VI Spine use of their route to Lake Cowichan. BC Parks has agreed to the traverse of Strathcona Park on existing trails.

The following organizations and communities have endorsed the VI Spine concept:

• Alpine Club of Canada, Vancouver Island Section
• Island Mountain Ramblers
• Alberni Valley Outdoor Club
• Kludahk Outdoors Club
• City of Courtenay
• Juan de Fuca; Parks and Recreation
• Federation of Mountain Clubs of BC
• City of Campbell River
• Comox Valley Regional District
• Outdoor Club of Victoria
• Capital Regional District Park Committee
• National Hiking Trail, via Hike BC
• Heathens Mountaineering Club (Campbell River)
• District of Port Hardy
• Alberni-Clayoquot Regional District
• Ditidaht First Nations
• Prairie Inn Harriers Running Club
• Town of Cumberland
• City of Port Alberni

Bridge over upper Nitnat River
Rick Eppler