Bamfield Road to reopen months after wildfire isolation cut off Vancouver Island community

Residents of Bamfield, a remote community on Vancouver Island’s rugged west coast, are preparing for a long-awaited milestone — the reopening of Bamfield Main Road this Friday after months of closure caused by wildfire damage.

The 76-kilometre gravel route is the town’s primary lifeline to Port Alberni, where residents access groceries, medical care, and other services. Since the Mount Underwood wildfire tore through the area on Aug. 11, the road has been impassable, forcing locals onto a lengthy detour through Youbou — a journey that can take several hours.

The Ministry of Transportation and Transit (MOTT) said the reopening follows extensive safety work to clear debris and stabilize slopes along the route. However, drivers should expect temporary closures during periods of strong winds, heavy rain, or ongoing maintenance.

Economic hit to local businesses

The road closure has taken a severe toll on Bamfield’s small businesses, many of which rely on summer tourism.

“Our sales were down about 25 to 30 per cent — but for restaurants, it was closer to 80 or 90 per cent,” said Marnie McAughtrie, who owns Bamfield Mercantile and chairs the local Chamber of Commerce. “Some First Nations businesses even closed altogether.”

Residents say the lack of access disrupted daily life and vital services.

“There were people who needed to go to doctors. Why wasn’t there a way through?” asked longtime resident Paul Demontigny, who’s lived in Bamfield for 54 years.

A community lifeline

For many, the road’s reopening is more than logistical — it’s emotional.

“Everyone needs that road. It’s a lifeline,” said Conrad Madill, captain of the MV Frances Barkley, which carried supplies and passengers along the Alberni Inlet during the closure.

Madill said local operators like Lady Rose Marine Services absorbed transport costs for residents when government support lagged.

“It would’ve been nice to see more cooperation between the province and local companies,” he said.

Looking ahead

With reopening in sight, McAughtrie says the province has reached out to discuss economic recovery efforts, including low-interest business loans and a marketing campaign to draw tourists back next summer.

“We’re just looking forward to getting things back to normal,” she said.

Despite the optimism, the scars of the wildfire — and the community’s isolation — remain a reminder of how fragile access can be for B.C.’s coastal communities.