About Us

At the Vancouver Island Trail Association, diversity, equity, and inclusion are at our core. We celebrate multiple approaches and points of view as we build a culture where differences are valued.

Our commitment to these values is unwavering because trails by their very nature promote social, racial, gender, and economic equity. We believe everything is connected, so users who hike, bike or run the Trail will be immersed in an ecosystem where the land, air, water and communities are woven together. 

Vancouver Island Trail has been the dream of many and has become a reality due to the dedication and hard work of volunteers, Board Members and partners from government, private sector and Indigenous Peoples. The development, maintenance and management of the Trail is managed by the Vancouver Island Trail Association (VITA) and runs lean with no paid employees.

Endless adventure awaits, so enjoy the trip.

See VITA’s Vision and Mission Statement

The Founding of Vancouver Island Trail Us

A continuous trail from Victoria to Cape Scott was first conceived by Gil Parker, after he had hiked the Pacific Crest Trail, completing it in 2005 at age 68. In his earlier years, Gil was more of a mountain climber than a hiker, ascending mountains not only closer to home in B.C. but also around the world including in Patagonia, the Caucasus and the volcanoes of the Kamchatka Peninsula. 

When not climbing he was an engineer building bridges. Later in his career he was a pioneer in the solar energy business in BC, then operated a company trading in the USSR during Gorbachev’s glasnost. He was instrumental in the founding of one of the first Rotary clubs in the Soviet Union. 

He authored four books covering both mountain climbing and his experiences in the USSR and Russia. He has been recognized as an Honorary Citizen of Victoria and as an Honorary Member of the Alpine Club of Canada.

Vancouver Island Trail AGM

https://vancouverislandtrail.ca/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/VITAAnnualGeneralMeeting2024Agenda-1.pdf