**The Juan de Fuca Trail: A Wilderness Hike of Bitter Beauty and Bitter Closure**
The Juan de Fuca Trail, a 47-kilometre wilderness hike on Vancouver Island, has left many hikers with a sour taste in their mouth. The trail, one of Canada’s most popular, has been closed for the summer due to damage caused by fall and winter storms. The closure, announced by the British Columbia government, has left many hikers disappointed and wondering when they will be able to experience the trail’s beauty. The Juan de Fuca Trail is a spectacular sight to behold, with views of the Pacific Ocean and the Olympic Mountains in Washington State. The trail snakes along the southwest coast of Vancouver Island, offering a unique and remote hiking experience. Hikers can access the trail from various points, including the southern end near Jordan River, the northern end at Port Renfrew, and along Highway 14, with trails leading to camping sites and day-use areas. The trail’s accessibility and beauty have made it a popular destination for hikers. While it draws about 40,000 registered users per year, the actual number is higher, since so many hike individual sections without completing the entire route. Its popularity is a testament to the trail’s unique charm, which sets it apart from the nearby and more challenging West Coast Trail. However, the trail’s popularity also comes with its drawbacks. The rugged terrain and unpredictable weather can make it difficult for hikers to navigate, and the trail’s condition can be affected by the elements. In this case, the damage caused by fall and winter storms has left the trail in a state of disrepair. The government’s decision to close the trail for the summer is a necessary measure to ensure the trail’s safety and longevity. The closure will allow crews to repair the damage and make necessary repairs to the trail’s bridges, boardwalks, shelters, and campsites. The phased reopening of the trail and backcountry campsites will ensure that hikers can continue to enjoy the trail’s beauty without compromising safety. But for many hikers, the closure is a loss. Calgary Academy teacher Jason Lindsay, who was planning to bring a group of 21 students and five adults to hike the trail, is disappointed. The students were looking forward to the trip as their capstone experience, and the closure will force them to find alternative hiking destinations. “It’s spectacular,” said Trish Fougner, a resident of Victoria who completed the Juan de Fuca Trail two years ago. “The views, and the scenery is so lush, and you are in such a remote area. There is lots of wildlife. We ran into a couple of bears.”
Fougner’s experience with the trail is a testament to its unique charm. The trail inspires a sense of camaraderie among hikers, who often meet up along the way. The rugged terrain and unpredictable weather also create a sense of adventure and excitement. Despite the closure, Fougner is not deterred. She plans to explore other trails on Vancouver Island and elsewhere in B.C., with an eye toward flatter terrain due to her “wonky” knees. Her love for hiking remains strong, and she is adapting to the new challenges and opportunities that come with it. **Trail Details**

**Accessibility and Popularity**

• The trail can be accessed from various points, including the southern end near Jordan River, the northern end at Port Renfrew, and along Highway 14, with trails leading to camping sites and day-use areas.
• The trail is popular among hikers, with about 40,000 registered users per year.
• The actual number of hikers is higher, since many hike individual sections without completing the entire route.

**Comparison to the West Coast Trail**
* The Juan de Fuca Trail is a shorter and less challenging trail compared to the West Coast Trail. * The West Coast Trail requires a reservation and cannot be completed in one day. * The Juan de Fuca Trail is more accessible and offers a unique experience for hikers.