Posted by: David Zyla
After more than a year of planning, fundraising, preparation, and training, the 17th Ottawa Southminster Scouts and Venturers are proud to share that they have successfully completed the legendary 75-kilometre West Coast Trail!
Considered by many to be one of the most beautiful and challenging backcountry hikes in Canada, this breathtaking and historic trail was an incredible experience for everyone involved as they worked together to overcome challenges, cook tasty meals, take care of their feet, and make lifelong memories along the rugged coastline of Vancouver Island in Pacific Rim National Park.
This experience would not have been possible without the generous support of our community. With help from local families and businesses, we raised the funds needed to make this incredible journey possible. Events like our Italian dinner night, cheese fundraiser, and garden supply drive were vital to our efforts. A special thank you to Geofirma Engineering for their financial support, Ryley at The Fitness Lab for preparing us physically for the trail, and Ritchie Feed and Seed as well as the Royal College of Physicians and Surgeons for making our garden supply fundraiser possible.
Due to the size of our group, we split into two teams. Our Scouts (age 11-14) hiked south to north, from Gordon River to Pachena Bay, covering the trail over eight days of challenging terrain, from deep mud and roots, to slow going beach sand and near vertical ladders. Over the course of the trip, we climbed more than 100 ladders, some of which were missing rungs, each requiring steady footing, concentration, and cooperation to navigate safely. Some of our Scouts were as young as 11 years old, completing this expedition without a parent by their side. Their strength, independence, and resilience were nothing short of inspiring. It was especially moving to see Scouts encouraging and helping each other through difficult moments on the trail. Everyone faced challenges at some point, but the way they came together as a team made all the difference.
Meanwhile, our older Venturers (aged 15-17) tackled the trail north to south, completing it in just seven days. They led their portion of the trip with confidence, drawing on the wide range of skills they had developed through years in Beavers, Cubs, and Scouts. Their self-sufficiency was evident as they handled navigation, cooking, camp setup, and tear down each day. Our rendezvous at Carmanah Point, the halfway point of the trail, was only possible thanks to their impressive 21 kilometre push that day. Both groups came together for a memorable dinner, sharing stories, celebrating achievements, and reconnecting after days apart on the trail.
Each day brought new challenges: tide levels, boulder fields, washed out trails, and long hours under heavy packs, but also unforgettable moments. Whales breaching offshore, sea lions and seals playing in the surf, and breathtaking views around every corner.
True to Scouting values, every participant helped leave the trail a little cleaner than we found it. Hats off to Scouter Reid, who carried an abandoned full-sized stand-up paddle board out of the trail for two days, a remarkable display of commitment to stewardship and conservation.
This was more than a hike. It was a rite of passage. Every Scout returned a little stronger, more confident, and more connected to nature, to each other, and to themselves.
We are proud of everything the 17th Ottawa Scouts have accomplished, not just on the trail, but in the spirit they brought to it. We cannot wait to see what these incredible young people do next, both in Scouting and in the world beyond.
David Zyla is a leader with the 17th Ottawa Scouts.
Featured in the September 2025 OSCAR.