Juan de Fuca Marine Trail

The Juan de Fuca Marine Trail is a coastal path stretching roughly 47 kilometers along Vancouver Island's southwestern shore, linking China Beach with Botanical Beach through varied terrain. The route passes through temperate rainforest, open coastline, rocky outcrops, sand beaches, and tidal pools that define the landscape.

The path originated as a rescue route in an area known as the Pacific Graveyard due to frequent shipwrecks. It was later developed into a hiking trail and is now managed by Parks Canada.

Marine research at Botanical Beach began in 1901 when the University of Minnesota established the first Pacific Northwest marine research station in this location.

The trail allows day hikes and multi-day backpacking trips without advance reservations. Pay attention to tide schedules, as some sections become impassable at high tide.

Multiple tide pools and rocky plateaus along the trail host a diverse marine ecosystem visible at low tide. These shallow water pockets reveal starfish, sea anemones, and other invertebrates normally hidden underwater.