Parksville, British Columbia

Nitinat Lake is located about 70 km from Lake Cowichan on Vancouver Island. It's about a 2 h drive from Lake Cowichan with 1 h on logging roads. When you get close to Lake Cowichan, the highway splits into two possible routes, one on the south side of the lake, the second on the north side. Since...

Mount Gardner is the highest point on Bowen Island. I love visiting Bowen. It is a 20 minute ferry ride from Horseshoe Bay but feels a world’s away from the city.  I climbed to the top of Mount Gardner a few years ago during the summer, but had yet to do it in the winter. I was excited to see wha...

Mt Prevost is a local favourite for hikers, mountain bikers and if you can believe even hang gliders. Most people know it for the large war memorial tower that is perched on the cliff edge, standing guard over the valley below.The big draw of Mt Prevost is easy access to a significant distance an...

Head out to Horseshoe Bay, and catch the ferry out to Bowen Island (Snug Cove). As you get off the ferry you will see a parking lot immediately to your left. If there is no parking there, there is some further up the road just before the local grocery store. Make your way back to the harbor, and ...

The Maple Mountain trail network has been enjoyed for countless years by hikers, but not until recently did the mountain receive the attention it deserved for mountain biking. Over the last few years the Cowichan Trail Stewardship Society in conjunction with the approval of the local municipality...

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 r...

Head over to Bowen Island, via a ferry from the Horseshoe Bay Departure Terminal. A short drive up Miller Road will lead you to Nectar Yoga BnB. They offer two classes a day, one in the morning and one in the evening. The times vary, but are usually around 9:00 AM and 4:30 PM. They are for all sk...

Escape to the vanishing horizon of the Pacific Ocean, where time is measured by the rhythm of waves.Located near West Vancouver's Horseshoe Bay neighbourhood, Whytecliff Park is home to more than 200 marine animal species and is one of the first Marine Protected Areas in Canada. You're almost gua...

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...

To get to Lighthouse Park, head westbound along Marine Drive in West Vancouver. As Marine Drive continues past little shops and businesses, it will begin to narrow and the road will wind around the coastline. Continue past Caufield Cove Marina and watch for the Lighthouse Park sign on your left. ...

Access to Triple Peak mountain is found via the Marion Creek Main logging road approximately 48km west of Port Alberni on your left hand side along highway #4 headed towards Tofino. The road can present seasonal challenges and is rough so best to have a high clearance and 4x4 capable vehicle if p...

Located on UBC Vancouver campus, Wreck Beach is the only nude beach in Canada. It is a popular destination for students and the public, and is home to the best sunsets seen in Vancouver.To get to the beach, there is a descent of approximately 500 stairs, so be cautious - going down means having t...

The opportunity to travel deep into a region where ancient forests still stand, telling their story of centuries past, can't be overlooked. One of the last remaining areas of such beauty and rarity still exists deep in the heart of the southern interior on Vancouver Island. This spot is known as ...

Drive the the end of Woodgreen Pl in West Vancouver, and you will pass the tennis courts on your right. You will see a little dirt road that heads up into the woods on your left - drive up this road ~30 feet into the parking lot. From the Parking lot, hike up the trail beside cypress creek (this ...

Salt spring island has plenty of amazing put in points for an afternoon of sea kayaking, but the ganges harbour is sheltered and easily accessible.For the put in points you have two options: The salt spring marina or churchill beach. Churchill beach would be the easier of the two with the added b...

Seaview Game Farm, located on Vancouver Island between Courtenay and Campbell River is a prime jumping off point to paddle the Strait of Georgia and check out some of the best beaches the coast has to offer.  Located right on the beachfront, Seaview offers camping at RV sites but, for the best ex...