Trail Amenities

Except when near one of the Island communities or in a Provincial Park, the VI Trail has very few amenities. Hikers must be completely independent and self-sufficient. Information is available below for two of the critical needs of hikers – water sources and camping locations.

The locations of water sources was compiled in September 2022 following a long summer drought period and should therefore be reliable. Major sources are identified by an upper case ‘W’; minor sources by a lower case ‘w’ (many thanks to hikers, Tania & Oliver Roenitz). Individual sources for two trail sections that have numerous, small tarns and ponds scattered throughout a subalpine landscape are not mapped/located – this includes the crest of the Beauforts and Strathcona Provincial Park.

You can also download waypoints suitable for overnighting. There are very few established, formal campsites (Provincial Park, First Nations, municipal or commercial) . Most of the identified locations are informal without any actual amenities/conveniences, that is they are little more than a flat area for a small backpacking tent with water nearby. They are merely places where hikers have bivouacked in the past.

Fires must not be ignited anywhere along the VI Trail. Be sure to follow “No Trace Camping” guidelines. There are no facilities for waste of any kind. Bury your toilet waste well away from water sources. And whatever you pack in – pack it out!