Courtenay, British Columbia

The Sunshine Coast Trail is a 180-kilometre back country experience that encompasses 12 free cabins, 3 of which are winterized. The cabins are run by volunteers from the Powell River Parks and Wilderness Society (PRPAWS).Drive south on Highway 101 to Duck Lake Forest Service Road 3477 Br.1 and he...

Though the Meadows can be reached by an alternate (very long) route not requiring a boat, the standard access is had by crossing Buttle Lake from the Augerpoint Day Area parking lot on the Buttle Lake Parkway (turn south towards the Westmin mine at the Buttle Lake bridge, just before the provinci...

There are many places to see the Salmon making their yearly return to spawning sites. This year while living on Vancouver Island I could not pass on the chance to marvel at this amazing sight. I decided to head to Stamp River to catch the run and was not disappointed, in fact it was so amazing I ...

To get the the Della Falls trail head in Strathcona Park, you must cross Great Central Lake. This is a 45 km journey via either canoe, kayak, or speedboat. We chose to canoe, and it took approximately 9 steady hours. We parked our vehicles just on the edge of Central Lake Road across from Great C...

With a name like Flower Ridge, who wouldn't want to add this hike to their bucket list?The Flower Ridge trailhead is located approximately 26kms down the Buttle Lake Parkway, towards Westmin Mine, in Strathcona Provincial Park. A classic Island alpine approach, you will be more than warmed up af...

Does your sole need heeling? If you can muster the feet you may just meet Old Mother Hubbard. To get there take Highway 4 / The Pacific Rim Highway west out of Port Alberni towards Tofino. After the second bridge, take your third right onto Central Lake Road approximately 5.3 miles. The Great Cen...

These beautiful falls are just a short and easy 500 metre stroll from the parking lot, making this one of the more family-friendly hikes in the area. Located at the end of the trail are the 75 metre cascading falls and spectacular views of Buttle Lake.Located approximately 1 1/2 hours north of th...

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 ...

Once you park, you'll walk along the tracks roughly northeast-ish and then cross over the tacks. The trail marker is shown at the parking lot to the falls, where you can enjoy some wooden carvings. When you head out on the trail, continue straight. You will come to a gravel road used for construc...

The hike starts at the Westmin mine parking lot, located 2 hours north of Courtenay. To find the start of the trail you need to walk 50 metres down a dirt road from the parking area. You will see a sign for Phillips ridge, which marks the start of your journey.The trail starts in a relatively fl...

As Vancouver Island's highest peak, the Golden Hinde is an obvious draw for coastal climbers. Its gravitational pull, however, requires a commitment, given this crown jewel of the Island Alpine is also one of its most remote, and gains more elevation than from Base Camp to Everest's summit.Winter...

Mt Septimus lies deep within the beautiful and untouched Strathcona Park on Vancouver Island. The route takes you high into the alpine where you will cross glacial fed lakes amongst large peaks and thick forest. To climb Mt Septimus the route you will be taking is the X-Gully route, a steep snow ...

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 trailhea...

The hike to Cream Lake starts at the trailhead for the Bedwell Lake trail, which you can find directions to here.From Bedwell Lake the trail to Cream Lake heads Eastward from the campground (past the outhouse), and begins climbing steadily. Shortly you will reach a waterfall with the trail climb...

Driving: From Campbell River, take Highway 28 West to the bridge over Upper Campbell Lake/Buttle Lake. Do not cross the bridge, but take the road down the East side of Buttle Lake. Follow Buttle Lake road south to Jim Mitchell Lake road which is on the left just after the Thelwood Creek Bridge. ...

This adventure is a 50km backcountry hiking and camping trip and should not be attempted without prior backcountry experience.  It is recommended you attempt this trail in a group.  Below is a detailed description of how to get to the trail and your options for huts while on the trail:The Sunshin...