Comox-Strathcona C

Trail access begins at the end of Forbidden Plateau Road, at the site of the old abandoned ski lodge. It is an ugly place to begin a hike to such a beautiful summit, but do not let that deter you. Past the trash of forest parties, around the remnants of the old ski lodge and over the washed out ruts of 4 by 4s, you will quickly leave it all behind as you head towards the boundary of Strathcona ...

If you are looking for a beautiful, stress-free campground nestled in the mountains far from the city but within a morning's drive and a day's walking distance, suitable for the whole family and offers tons of activities, Circlet Lake is the right choice for you. It features an alpine lake that is clean, refreshing and so clear that you can see to the bottom, with shallow and deep areas suitabl...

The trail head starts at the Raven Lodge parking lot on Nordic Drive. Once at the trail head, follow the trail and turn right on the Hellen Mackenzie/ Battleship Lake trail loop. This boardwalk/ dirt trail will take you around beautiful meadows filled with blueberries (in the fall season), streams, alpine forrest and through an expansive glacial lake system. Strathacona Provincial Park does an...

Travelling through pristine sub-alpine terrain, and past endless crystal clear lakes, the trail to the lookout is loaded with awesome scenery. The icing on the cake is reaching the Canyon and enjoying lunch at the lookout, complete with Whiskey Jacks and 180 degree mountain and valley views. If you haven't been to Cruikshank Canyon yet, be sure to add it to the top of your Vancouver Island hi...

Strathcona is the oldest provincial park in British Columbia and on their centennial year to celebrate, they built a 2km "every-body" accessible loop trail. It is wheelchair and stroller friendly, with boardwalks and large gravelled trails.  If you are looking for a quick hike with a taste of the alpine or a family that wants to get outside then this little hike is a perfect place to start. Pl...

Mount Albert Edward is hard to miss. If you have ever driven up to Mount Washington you will remember the unique profile of this mountain to the west of Raven Lodge. Its long, drawn out scree ridge ends dramatically in a ski jump style peak before falling off into the abyss below. The Grinch himself would surely be proud to call this summit home. Mount Albert Edward is one of only 16 peaks belo...

Let's go on an adventure, shall we?Vancouver Island is 460km/285mi in length and 100km/62mi in width at its widest point, with a coastline covering 3,400km/2,138mi. On the northern end of the Vancouver Island, rugged beaches give way to thick coastal forest. Eventually the land climbs upward beyond the reach of logging roads and well worn pubs into a dazzling sea of alpine peaks high above. ...

Starting at the Paradise Meadows Trailhead (3,600'), the trail to Moat Lake takes you through subalpine forest and lush meadows along Strathcona Provincial Park's Forbidden Plateau. The trail is well-marked and easy to follow as it winds past Lake Helen Mackenzie and onward past to the numerous lakes of the Plateau.  One of the most picturesque lakes is Moat Lake.  Nestled below Castlecrag Moun...

The next time you have the opportunity, I recommend you pay Century Sam Lake a visit. This short day hike complete with a spectacular emerald green lake, towering rock cliffs and summer snow caves make this a 'must do' for mid Island adventurers. This day hike is a well kept secret – and often well kept behind a locked gate. Access to Century Sam is at the end of a private road owned and se...