Cape Scott Park 

The Challenge?

Maintain and operate Cape Scott Park and the North Coast Trail, one of the most remote Provincial Parks in British Columbia.

The Crux?

Remote access, wild and unpredictable weather conditions, a multi-year time horizon and plenty of wildlife to keep the job interesting. 

Cape Scott Provincial Park encompasses 115 kilometres of coastal frontage, with 30 kilometres of pocket beaches and 22, 294 hectares of land. Maintaining over 80 kilometres of trails, two yurts, one ranger cabin, fourteen campgrounds, sixteen outhouses and day use facilities with challenging logistics and remote access requires careful planning. Delivering top tier visitor service requires assembling and training an enthusiastic, keen and knowledgeable seasonal crew that thrives in backcountry work environments.

As the Park Operators for 15 years, we have upgraded many sections of trail. We have completed multiple construction projects to repair and replace facilities battered by the weather and environment. We have cleared land, poured foundation and assembled seasonal yurt facilities for staff. We've designed and installed two cable car crossings on the Strandby and Nahwitti Rivers on the North Coast Trail. We've upgraded and installed several water crossing bridges spanning up to seven metres in length and built to blend in with the surrounding native environment.   

Each pre-season begins with an in depth site assessment to evaluate trails and facilities for visitor safety and condition. Park Supervisors compile this information along with the corresponding GPS coordinates of those areas requiring repair with an iPad while onsite. Once back at the Port McNeill office, they can create a yearly work plan and break these out into month long schedules. Procurement of tools, supplies and materials takes place well before the season begins.

At the start of the operational season, all materials and crews must be helicoptered in and dropped at GPS waypoints to prepare for infrastructure upgrades and maintenance. Since operating Cape Scott Park we have partnered with several not for profits in the area and taken a proactive approach to public relations with our community. We operate the park's social media accounts (Facebook and Instagram), a dedicated Cape Scott website and liaise with local tourism boards to encourage responsible park use and highlight unique adventures that are accessible to people of all abilities!

Location:
Cape Scott Provincial Park, Vancouver Island

Date:
2005 to present (with operations permit to 2024)

Client:
BC Parks

Scope:
• Park Operations