With surroundings of ocean, islands and mountains, it goes without saying walking is one of the great, civilized pleasures of the Telegraph Cove region. For a rewarding, offbeat walk, drive to Port McNeill 30 minutes away and hop the ferry for the 25-minute ride to Malcolm Island.
Malcolm Island Malcolm Island walks have a charm all their own. They're quiet, no denying it. Town walks are easy. They involve few hills, no mountains to climb and no rivers to ford. They're about walking. Not hiking, not jogging, not running, not huffing, not puffing, not keeling over, walking. And they're about the natural beauty and history of an unusual destination.
Finnish Legacy Finnish settlers arrived on this island in 1902 in search of Utopia. They named their new world Sointula, or "place of harmony". They built a foundry, brickyard, sawmill, blacksmith shop, fire hall, library, community centre, shops and homes. But this wasn't an easy place to live. Eventually, the commune disbanded and many of the settlers left to return home or relocate elsewhere in BC. Those who stayed are responsible for today's Sointula. Tenacity was their middle name.
Easy Walk - Sointula The first of three walks covers downtown Sointula. For colorfully painted houses and principal buildings, go left from the ferry dock. Go right from the dock and the cemetery provides a different take on local history. Heritage signs connect the town with its past. The Sointula Co-operative Store is the oldest co-op in BC. It still provides groceries and fuel to islanders. Be on the lookout for good buys: Sointula is a haven for artists and artisans. Local fishnet rugs are the specialty.
Moderate Walk - Mateoja Heritage Trail For an easy day hike through the island's physical diversity, follow the 3.5km/2.1mi Mateoja Heritage Trail. Starting from 3rd St near the water tower, it follows the pioneer route to the Mateoja farm site, descends to Melvin's Bog - a great bird-watching spot - and ends at Big Lake. Decks and benches offer a breather and more bird-watching. Count on an hour each way plus stops.
Advanced Walk, Beautiful Bay Trail Beautiful Bay isn't on the map. It's a nickname used by local fishermen. The trail begins just out of town at the Bere Point Campground. Orca whales arrive to rub - exfoliating barnacles and other debris from their hides - on nearby beaches in early summer and fall. If whales are present, the walk stops here.
Check the Tide Schedule The 5km/3.1mi trail along the bay takes in northern shores, old growth forests, giant Sitka spruce, beaches, rainforest, the Pouli Vali Canyon and a viewpoint overlooking Beautiful Bay and the Numas Islands. Plan to walk two hours each way plus stops. And be sure to check the tidal schedule: High tides can restrict the beach route.
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