IF Four Seasons & IF Kitsilano – Juan De Fuca Trail
On Wednesday August 13th, 5 members & coaches from IF Four Seasons & IF Kitsilano took an early ferry to Vancouver Island. After lunch & a brief stop inside IF Victoria to say hi, the group was ready to start their trip.
The group parked at China Beach and began their 50km hike at 4:30pm. The first evening of hiking was eye-opening to say the least, but rewarding nonetheless. The standout of the first few km was Mystic Beach – with waterfalls pouring out onto the sand, and an enormous rope swing travelling over the waves and far out into the ocean. The first section was not easy, and at 9pm the group set up camp at Bear Beach – just 9km into the trail.
The team’s intention to cover 18km on day 2 proved to be slightly ambitious, as this section of the trail was labeled “Most Difficult” – and the label was correct. This leg was full of mud pits, endless steps, switchbacks, thin planks to cross, and grueling elevation. Knees were starting to swell, ankles were twisting, and the number of wasp bites per traveler was increasing exponentially (except Brian – who managed to go the entire trip without a single bite). As the sun was setting, the group decided to pop their tents and rest at Chin Beach for the night – just 21km into the 50km trail.
Day 3 was far more successful. Despite the sore muscles & achy joints, all 5 hikers performed phenomenally. Staying together (mostly to scare off resident black bears), each member & coach pushed themselves and they completed over 21km by sun down. Highlights of this day included a bear encounter, whale watching, views of sea lion, a breathtaking coastline, and a forest full of trees up to 10m in diameter. The group arrived at beautiful Payzant Creek and set up their camp –80% of the trail now complete.
On the final day, Bret, Brian, Camille, Mariel, & Dana hiked along the coast to Botanical Beach, and finished up with a well-deserved beer in Port Renfrew.
The Juan de Fuca Trail was more technical than the group had imagined it would be, but they were up to the challenge. The group walked off the trail covered in mud & smiles – thrilled with what they had just experienced.
IF Four Seasons & IF Kitsilano will be tackling Vancouver Island’s North Coast Trail next year in August. Are you up for the challenge?
