Metlakatla Wilderness Trail to remain closed for 2019

One of the suspension bridges of the Metlakatla Trail, the trail
has been closed since the spring of 2016 following storm damage

It's been over four years now since residents and visitors to the Metlakatla Trail have been able to travel along the forested shoreline of he Tsimshian peninsula, a once popular recreation adventure that was first closed to the public in the Spring of 2016,  with subsequent closures announced in the years that followed.

The 10 kilometre trail which had been carved out of the forest along the peninsula was opened to the public in June of 2012 and proved to be a popular day trip getaway for many who would take the Metlakatla Ferry to the trail head near the community across the harbour from Prince Rupert.

The project featured walkways, boardwalks and some spectacular suspension bridges as well as a pair of lookout towers, offering impressive views and access to sandy beaches.

At one time, the early development plan was to expand the project north to lax Kw'alamms which would have created a trail connection with the neighbouring community.

Officials in Metlakatla closed the trail to the public following a significant wind storm in 2015, a damaging event which affected portions of the trail infrastructure and led to the decision to not allow access to the trail.

When the first closure was announced in 2016 it had been hoped that the trial would be returned to use, however no further details related to those plans have detailed since the trail access was deemed off limits.

The advisory of the trail closure was announced by way of a short notice on the Metlakatla Website and Facebook page.

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