Comox-Strathcona G

Whether you are an intermediate or advanced paddler, there are amazing options in Nootka Sound. No matter where you end up going within this area you will likely see seals, sea lions, bears, and an array of sea birds; if you're lucky you may even see whales, wolves, cougars and otters. This area used to be populated by thousands of Nuu-chah-nulth people, but now is almost entirely desolate, lea...

Give yourself at least 5 days to explore this incredible marine park as the options for exploring, sightseeing, and camping are as numerous as they are incredible. For the inexperienced, a guide would be recommended. For those with knowledge of marine navigation, weather, and paddling, pick up a chart and plan your trip! Check local government websites for fire restrictions, weather, and tides....

The Elk River Trail is one of the most popular destinations in Strathcona Provincial Park and for good reason.  Not only is this one of the only trails in the Park that doesn't go 'straight up' a mountain, but it also takes you to one of the most beautiful spots on all of Vancouver Island.  The Elk River Trail is approximately 13kms (one way) and climbs gradually up 600m to reach the spectacula...

Our trip, as pictured, was completed as a single-day trail run / hustle. The climb is typically done, however, as a weekend trip with a camp either in the lower meadow, along the ridge leading to the Queen's Face or in the upper cirque. As for climbs in the Island Alpine, for detailed route descriptions reference Phil Stone’s, guidebook of the same name (at p. 214 for King’s Peak) or his newly...

Hot Springs Cove is a splendid hot spring located in Maquinna Provincial Park on Vancouver Island, in the remote northern end of Clayoquot Sound. The undeveloped natural hot mineral spring pools are still enjoyable in their natural state, reached via a pleasant two-kilometer boardwalk through old-growth rainforest from the landing on Openit Peninsula.Getting to and from the hot spring is an adv...

This waterfall is a pretty stellar sight. Located in one part of Strathcona Provincial Park, it plunges about 90 feet from a small slot canyon into a wide deep canyon. From the view point you can feel the mist from the waterfall on your face. For a different perspective, there is a small trail just before the viewing platform that leads up to a different viewing area of the waterfall. From that...

A 1-hour boat ride north of Tofino, on the west coast of Vancouver Island, is one of the Clayoquot Sound region’s biggest attractions: Hot Springs Cove in Maquinna Marine Provincial Park. Drawn by the prospect of soaking in 50 C / 122 F natural hot mineral springs surrounded by coastal rainforest, thousands of visitors per year flock to the pools at the end of a short boardwalk.The Ahousat Warm...

The drive to Lupin Falls from Courtenay BC is approximately 1.5 hours. Along the way you will drive past beautiful lakes, forests and mountains. Once at the parking/day use area the trailhead for Lupin Falls is on the opposite side of the road. Everything is very well marked and signed. The walk to the falls is a short one and it is in the middle of a 1km loop. There is a nice viewing area and ...

Very few people know about this hidden gem which makes it less crowded and all the more special. The views and serenity that this place possess are what will really draw you in.The hike starts at the Westmin Mine parking lot, located 2 hours north of Courtenay. To find the start of the trailhead you will need to walk southwest for 1.2km from the parking lot along Tennant Road (gravel) to the mi...