News Release
For Immediate Release
01 February 2024
The Maritime Museum of BC is preparing for a new exhibit called “No Walk in the Woods: The History of the West Coast Trail”. This exhibit will be open to the public 11 April 2024 and run for the duration of the summer.
The 75 kilometer stretch of coastline from Bamfield to Port Renfrew has evolved from a narrow telegraph track carved into the woods to one of the most popular hiking destinations in less than a century. The goal of this exhibit is to trace the story of the trail, from its earliest days to its modern usage featuring the stories of the people and communities who stood out at each step along the way.
What is the Museum Looking For?
We are seeking stories from people who have hiked the West Coast Trail. We are looking for a variety of experiences so having completed the entire trail is not a requirement. The story could be anything from how you prepared to an individual moment of hardship or success along the way. The story does not need to be recent, if you hiked the trail may years ago, we would also like to hear from you. In addition, we are seeking photographs from the hike and any gear that you may have held onto.
Due to a limit in display space, all stories submitted may not appear in the exhibit. Stories may be lightly edited for grammar and style, and should be no longer than 500 words.
Stories can be shared in any of the following ways, at the discretion of those sharing them:
- A written story that will be presented as text
- Photograph-based stories with added captions to contextualize them as needed
- Object-based stories with personal objects (clothing, boots, backpack, etc.) loaned to the Museum for the exhibit
- Short quotes that speak to your experience
- Any combination of the above
How to Share Your Story
Contact Maritime Museum of BC staff. Please be in touch with Heather Feeney, Collections and Exhibits Manager, to discuss this further. You can email her at archives@mmbc.bc.ca
Deadline for sharing your story: February 29, 2024
Deadline for expressing intent of loaning personal objects or photographs: February 29, 2024
— 30 —
For further information, please contact:
Heather Feeney, Collections and Exhibits Manager
Maritime Museum of BC
250-900-8951
archives@mmbc.bc.ca
