Nestled between mountains and inlet waters, Tahsis is a place where cultural history and rugged wilderness sit side by side. One of the most meaningful ways to experience this landscape is by walking a portion of the Woss Lake Grease Trail, an ancient trade route used by the ʼNa̱mǥis and Mowachaht/Muchalaht First Nations, now undergoing a major restoration effort scheduled for completion in March 2026.

Today, the first kilometre offers an approachable forest walk, while the full route toward Woss Lake becomes a demanding backcountry trail. Whether you’re searching for cultural history, quiet old-growth forest, or a challenging multi-day journey, the Grease Trail begins right at the edge of the Village.

Where the Woss Lake Grease Trail Begins

From the centre of Tahsis, follow North Maquinna Drive toward the north end of town and cross the bridges. Continue along the roadway that leads past the Comox–Strathcona waste management landfill. A short distance beyond this point, the Woss Lake Grease Trail begins, which follows the historic valley corridor toward the divide between Tahsis and Woss Lake.

Walk the First Kilometre: Old-Growth Forest & River Views

The opening stretch of the trail, completed by local volunteers, is beautiful, gentle, and accessible, making it an ideal way to explore the Grease Trail without committing to a backcountry expedition.

What to expect on the first kilometre:

• Coastal old-growth forest with moss, ferns, and towering cedar
• A short, moderate walk with roots and exposed rock suitable for most hikers
• An interpretive panel sharing cultural and historical context
• A scenic viewpoint overlooking the river, ideal for photos or a quiet moment

This short section is one of the easiest ways for visitors to connect with Tahsis’ forested landscape and the long history of regional trade networks across Nootka Sound.

Beyond the Viewpoint: A Route for Experienced Adventurers

Beyond the interpretive panel, the Grease Trail becomes increasingly rugged and remote. This section is recommended only for hikers prepared for backcountry travel.

Expect:

• Challenging terrain and elevation changes
• Sections requiring navigation and attention to trail markers
• Steeper ascent near the headwaters
• Backcountry conditions and wilderness exposure
• A long, remote journey toward Woss Lake

The trail ascends to a high point of 550 metres (1,800 feet) before descending to Woss Lake at 140 metres (500 feet). The total distance from Tahsis to Woss Lake is about 12 km, with opportunities for wilderness camping in the upper reaches of the Tahsis River valley. Water is available along much of the route, and trout fishing is possible in select river pools.

There is no road access at the south end of Woss Lake. Hikers continuing through the full route must arrange boat pickup or plan for a return hike.

Woss Lake & Backcountry Travel

Woss Lake sits within Woss Lake Provincial Park, a remote wilderness area known for its glacier-fed waters, quiet shoreline, and limited human impact. The southern end of the lake, where the Grease Trail arrives, remains wilderness-only territory. Paddlers occasionally explore Woss Lake by canoe or kayak, and the lake’s cold, clear waters offer a memorable backdrop for anyone completing the cross-Island route.

Spectacular Mountain Scenery Along the Route

Rugged Mountain (1,875 metres / 6,151 feet) is one of the most striking landmarks in this region. Its steep, jagged faces rise dramatically above the valley, and its glacier – the largest on Vancouver Island – can be seen from several points along the Grease Trail and near the Woss Lake basin. The mountain’s scale and distinctive shape make it a defining feature of the upper Tahsis River valley.

Rugged Mountain also carries a long mountaineering history, known for attracting climbers drawn to its impressive terrain and prominent glacier. Its rugged profile adds a strong sense of character to the landscape, offering hikers memorable views throughout the journey.

Why Hike the Grease Trail?

The Woss Lake Grease Trail stands out as one of the most culturally meaningful and geographically unique hiking experiences on Vancouver Island.

• It follows an ancient trade corridor used for transporting eulachon (also oolichan, ooligan, hooligan, candlefish) grease, an oil rendered from a small, oily smelt from the North American Pacific Coast, vital to First Nations for its rich oil used for food and light, and traded along “grease trails.” Its exceptionally high oil content allowed dried fish to burn like a candle, and unlike most fish oils, oolichan grease is solid at ordinary temperatures
• It highlights the deep cultural history of the Mowachaht/Muchalaht and ʼNa̱mǥis First Nations
• The restoration project is helping preserve an important heritage route for future generations
• It offers a rare opportunity to experience the landscape much as people did centuries ago
• The scenery, from river flats to mountain walls to glacier views, is unforgettable

Whether you’re walking the first kilometre or preparing for a multi-day backcountry journey, this trail provides an exceptional window into Tahsis’ past and present.

Plan Your Visit

The Grease Trail begins right from Tahsis and can be explored year-round, though conditions vary by season. Many visitors pair the trail with top local favourites such as:

• The Visitor Information Centre & Museum – with renovations scheduled for completion in January 2026 and open for the season from June to September – is a great stop to learn about Tahsis’ history and Mowachaht/Muchalaht cultural roots.
• Bull of the Woods Trail
• Leiner River Estuary

The Grease Trail is one of the most meaningful ways to experience Tahsis, a place where the landscape, the past, and the present come together in a way that’s uniquely connected to this part of Vancouver Island.