In my proposal for my final paper, I explained that I am wanting to delve into ecotourism and it’s connection to the First Nations people of British Columbia. Because of this I have been looking into various First Nations tourist activities that advertise that they are “ecotourism”. The community of Tofino is a hotbed for ecotourism so it was no surprise when I came across “Walk theWild Side”, a 2 day hike just outside of Tofino on Flores Island.
“The trail, from the Ahousaht village to the wild coast of Flores Island, is a unique showcase of the First Nation’s history and culture. The trail has been continuously used by the Ahousaht people for thousands of years for spiritual purposes, to gather medicinal plants and seasonal food, as well as to collect wood and bark for cultural uses.”. Travellers are encouraged to learn some Ahousaht language phrases as well as some history about the sites they will be visiting, before they visit.