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Wildside Trail
Park: Flores Island Provincial Park
11.0 km one way.
Terrain: Rough
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Approximate Elevations (in meters) |
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| Start | End | Minimum | Maximum | Gain |
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| 0 | 0 | 0 | 50 | 50 |
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Cow Bay Trailhead: Take a water taxi from Tofino.
(A $0 parking fee is charged.)
Facilities available at the trailhead include:
Ahousaht Village Trailhead: On Flores Island, a 30 minute boat trip from Tofino.
(A $0 parking fee is charged.)
Facilities available at the trailhead include:
Uses
| Backpack | Moderate. | 6 hours one way. | |
| Dayhike | 3 boot (moderate to strenuous). | 5 hours one way. | |
Description
This trail, a combination of boardwalk, beach and rough forest sections, leads from the native village of Ahousaht on Flores Island and follows the shoreline to Cow Bay, a gray whale feeding ground. It then continues another 4km up to the summit of Mt Flores (902m) which provides breaktaking views of the surrounding area. The trail has similarities to both the West Coast Trail and Cape Scott but with fewer people. It is possible to be dropped off on the rocks at Cow Bay. While this allows you to hike the trail one way it doesn't prepare you for the difficulties of the trail. Don't overrate your ability or the time it takes to complete the journey, especially in poor conditions.
There is a sign nailed high to a tree approximately 90 minutes from the Ahousaht end of the trail, this does not mark the trail, continue on the beach to the trail.
This trail is quite rugged and can be very wet after rains. When I hiked the trail after a night of heavy rain in May 2000 there were innumerable sections with standing water over the top of my boots. Some of these sections continued for distances approaching, if not exceeding 50 meters in length. I wouldn't recommend this trail during wet seasons or if the forecast calls for rain.
In my opinion this trail requires major work to avoid serious potential hazards to the hiker and the environment. Many sections of boardwalk should be added and other improvements such as better signage. If you decide to go despite this I highly recommend Seaside Adventures for the travel arrangements.
Features
This trail features beaches, forests, marine mammals (Grey whale at Cow Bay), mountains, rivers and views.
Hazards
- boardwalk (can be very slippery in wet conditions)
- some streams are crossed on footlogs
Much of the west coast of Vancouver Island was been closed to shell fish harvesting late in September 2000 with the closure expected to last at least until the end of October. The levels of toxin (red tide) are extremely high. Consumption of infected shell fish can result in paralysis and death.
Comments
Steve and Anna did this trip with Alison when she was 4 and reported it to be excellent.
Water is difficult to obtain along the trail if you go towards the end of the summer or during a prolonged dry spell. Steve was able to find a trickle at about 8km in (August or Sept).
The following trails can be accessed from this trail:
For additional information see:
Service-providers
View trail condition reports for this trail.