On the first weekend of June, we joined a wave of community spirit in celebration of Ocean Week, BC Trails Day, and World Ocean Day with two incredible back-to-back events. The Federation of Mountain Clubs of BC (FMCBC), in collaboration with Vancouver Island Trail Association (VITA), including several other local advocacy groups, community leaders, and outdoor educators, helped lead and support two days of nature-connected experiences on Vancouver Island. With stunning weather and even more stunning company, it was a joyful reminder of how trails and tides bring us together.
June 7: Community Connections at the Gorge Waterway
To celebrate Ocean Week and BC Trails Day, we were honoured to join the Gorge Waterway Action Society event at Esquimalt Gorge Park, hosted by a coalition of partners including the Stewardship Centre for BC, Greenspaces For All, Vancouver Island Trails Association, and Gorge Waterway Action Society. Songhees Elder, Florence Dick, formally opened the event and welcomed everyone with a heart-warming message. The park was buzzing with families, educators, and community organizations, all gathering to celebrate the link between accessible green spaces and healthy oceans.
FMCBC and VITA shared an outreach table to talk with visitors about our work in trail advocacy, stewardship, and non-motorized recreation. We also had the opportunity to lead a 45-minute guided nature walk and birdwatching tour, which wound through the shaded trails surrounding the Gorge Waterway. Participants were curious and engaged, spotting local birds and learning about the ecosystem restoration projects happening nearby.
We’re deeply grateful to the event hosts for inviting us to participate in this collaborative, educational, and fun-filled day. The turnout was fantastic, and the energy was high, especially under a shining sun and a clear blue sky.
June 8: Summit & Sea Celebration: From Hilltops to Kelp Forests
On Sunday, it was time for our own FMCBC-led event—the Summit and Sea Celebration—in honour of World Ocean Day. Designed as a two-part adventure, the event embodied the connection between BC’s trails and coastal ecosystems, offering participants the chance to both hike and paddle in one unforgettable day.
Part one began at Anderson Hill, the starting point of the Vancouver Island Trail, and an especially fitting place to begin a day devoted to connecting trails and ocean. Hikers gathered for a guided walk across three scenic summits—Anderson Hill, Walbran Summit, and Gonzales Observatory—led by Liz Bicknell, President of FMCBC and Vancouver Island Trail Association (VITA).
The hike offered sweeping views of the Juan de Fuca Strait, with the Olympic Mountains stunning horizon across the water. With two route options, a main summit route and an accessible alternate route, the event welcomed participants of all ages and mobility levels to take part in the adventure.
We were especially happy to offer two route options: a main summit route for those wanting a more vigorous hike, and an accessible alternate route for those preferring a gentler pace. The inclusive setup meant that folks of all ages and abilities could enjoy the day.
We arrived at Gonzales Beach around 11:30 AM, where participants relaxed and enjoyed a well-earned beachside lunch before part two of the day began.
Part two launched just down the beach at 12:30 PM—quite literally! The paddleboard portion of the event was led by marine biologist Gina Lemieux of Mer Tales Ocean Journeys and SUP instructor Brian Raymer of South Island SUP. Participants were fitted with gear, given a thoughtful safety and orientation talk, and then invited onto the water for a kelp float eco-tour like no other.
Floating gently among the bull kelp beds, we were invited to slow down, tune into our senses, and observe the incredible biodiversity right below and around us. Gina offered insight into the underwater ecosystem while Brian ensured that everyone, first-timers and seasoned paddlers alike, felt safe, confident, and connected.
For many, this was their first time on a paddleboard. For others, it was their first time really understanding the role that nearshore kelp forests play in climate resilience and habitat health. Everyone walked, or paddled, away with something special.
Reflections from the Weekend
This weekend was about more than recreation—it was about connection. Connection to land and water. Connection to community. Connection to the idea that we are all stewards of these shared spaces.
At both events, we heard how meaningful it was for participants to learn from local organizations, meet new people, and discover new perspectives on their environment. We also heard how many had never been on a guided nature walk or paddleboard tour before—and how powerful it was to feel welcomed into those experiences.
We want to especially thank:
- Jacqueline Rimmer, FMCBC’s Communications Manager, coordinated and developed both events in collaboration with our partners from concept to execution.
- Liz Bicknell for leading the hike and sharing her trail expertise and passion with the group.
- Gina Lemieux and Brian Raymer for their incredible on-water leadership and ocean knowledge.
- Our partners at the Stewardship Centre of BC (Greenspaces For All), Gorge Waterway Action Society, and Ocean Week Victoria for inspiring these events through their “Join the WAVE” workshop.
- All the volunteers and attendees who showed up with open hearts, sunhats, and water bottles in hand.
Looking Ahead
As we reflect on the success of these two events, we’re reminded that collaboration is at the heart of what makes FMCBC’s work so impactful. By bringing together organizations, educators, and communities, we’re able to expand access, deepen environmental understanding, and inspire stewardship from summit to sea.
We hope to offer more accessible, educational, and joy-filled experiences like these in the future, and we’d love to see you at the next one!
To learn more about our advocacy, partnerships, or upcoming events, email us or visit us here.
Photography by Jacqueline Rimmer, Marine Coursac, and Liz Bicknell.
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