Meares Island is located directly across from the Village of Tofino, within the haḥuułii of the ʕaḥuusʔatḥ nation. Home to some of the most breathtaking old growth trees – ranging from 800-1,500 years old – the island encapsulates the very essence of a coastal rainforest: great carpets of dense moss and sprawling seas of ferns cascade across the forest floor, giant, ancient cedar trees tower above, and all around the tranquil ecosystem teems with life. Overhead, the iconic Lone Cone Mountain looms.

Historically, Meares is one of the most important islands on the coast, having hosted one of the largest environmental protests in Canadian History. The Clayoquot Protests (also known as the “War in the Woods”), which began in 1985 with the goal of halting the unauthorized logging of Meares Island, culminated in 1993, when 856 people were arrested. Prior to the protests at Fairy Creek, this event was the largest act of civil disobedience in Canadian History. Importantly, both the ʕaḥuusʔatḥ and Tla-O-Qui-Aht nations played crucial roles in stopping MacMillan Bloedlel from logging Meares, and played leading roles in the designation of Clayoquot Sound as a UNESCO Biosphere Region, which stopped – among other things – deforestation in its tracks. The reason that this region remains intact and that visitors are able to enjoy its pristine nature is that Clayoquot Sound is, first foremost, the home of the ʕaḥuusʔatḥ and Tla-O-Qui-At nations, and has come to be recognized as such.

Culturally speaking, the ʕaḥuusʔatḥ people have called Meares home since time immemorial. The fishing village of Maatsquii, located on the south-western coast of the island, would have once housed thousands of people. Nearby creeks and streams provided fresh water, returning runs of chum and coho salmon were an abundant source of food, and the forest provided the cedar needed to build lodges, canoes and house-poles, and to weave baskets, clothing, fishing line and countless other daily utilities. Like all of our villages and sites of cultural importance, a deep and resonant sense of place can be perceived the moment you enter the space, and leave a lasting impression and feeling of perspective that will stick with you long after you leave.