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Veronika Stewart photos
Boardwalk through the Lagoon.
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Forest fungus.
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Metlakatla staff crossing the first suspension bridge.
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Metlakatla wilderness trail.
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Stewardship staff out on the trail.
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Suspension bridge to canyon viewing tower.
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View from beach.
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Wolf print in the sand.
Story an Photos by Veronika Stewart
Update: Please note that the Metlakatla Wilderness Trail has been closed and will remain closed for the 2019 season.”. This update can be found on the Metlakatla First Nation website http://www.metlakatla.ca/content/metlakatla-wilderness-trail-closed
As Highway 16 winds up, and where the ocean begins, you’ll find yourself in Coast Tsimshian territory. The rich history of the Coast Tsimshian First Nations people in the region is etched into the landscape of the Metlakatla Wilderness Trail. You can see it in the strips of cedar taken from massive cedar trees for weaving and other cultural uses, and in the shell middens visible along its path (a ‘midden’ is an archaeological term for any artefacts and ecofacts associated with past human occupation – ed.).
Open since 2012, it runs along the forested shoreline of the Tsimshian Peninsula, 7 km from the city of Prince Rupert and a 15 minute ferry-ride away. The first 5.5 km consists of a capped all-weather gravel surface and includes approximately 3 km of cedar boardwalk through a lagoon area which would otherwise be inaccessible. The trail offers three engineered suspension bridges and a forest canopy walkway to a tower viewpoint. The trail is about 20km long there and back – and takes about 8 hours total to walk. It is an easy hike, and accessible to all age groups.
The trail is located on reserve lands, and hikers walk through Metlakatla village on their way to the trail head. The name Metlakatla derives from the Tsimshian Maxłaxaała, which means “saltwater pass”. Metlakatla was the winter village site of the Coast Tsimshian for thousands of years. Prior to the development of the trail, animals and people alike used to travel along the shoreline – following food, or going to visit relatives in the neighbouring community of Lax Kw’alaams.
Wild animals frequent the trail. Deer, wolves, the occasional grizzly bear and other coastal fauna are frequently seen on and around the trail. In July and August, migrating humpback whales can sometimes be seen from the shoreline, and more than once the Metlakatla ferry drivers have stopped to let hikers check out killer whales in Prince Rupert harbour. For the birdwatcher, the trail is also located within an “Important Bird Area” from Big Bay south to Delusion Bay, as designated by BirdLife International, and is a recommended place to spot some unique feathered friends.
If you like beachcombing, there is also beach access at several points along the trail, though if you’re tempted to take a walk out along the sandbars, be aware of the tides! Even the locals have been known to underestimate how quickly the tides can come in. The trail is open from May to October – and despite the fact that this is largely a summer season opening, it’s smart to pack your rain gear. Though it should be noted that Metlakatla is often the envy of neighbouring rain capital Prince Rupert – because it is usually just slightly drier a little further from the mountains.
If you’re planning on visiting the wild Northwest Coast, you can’t miss this natural highlight. Whether you’re boarding he inside passage ferry, or just visiting Prince Rupert, the trail is a must see. Visitors must register in advance to ensure ferry service is available. For more information on the trail – check out www.metlakatlatrail.ca or call (250) 624-1822.
Veronika Stewart is the Communications Coordinator for the Metlakatla First Nation