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Heather Mountain is a moderate well marked out and back hike through managed forest land. The hike brings a wonderful feeling of solitude as there are no towns or buildings visible even with distant views in all directions.  It is also quite lightly tracked: we saw no other hikers on the entire route during our mid-week summer ascent. The only downside is the extensive logging you can see on mo...

Green Mountain is located out in the Nanaimo Lakes area and used to be a ski hill back in the 60's. There was a lodge and even a t-bar to get you up the hill (both of which are nothing more than dilapidated remains now). The mountain's ski-based past becomes apparent as you hike up through countless cleared paths snaking through the trees alongside giant metal poles that once operated the t-bar...

I’m blessed with a husband who is crazy enough to agree to my endless adventures! When I suggested we go find the tallest Douglas Fir Tree in the world, and we happened to be in the area, my husband again said, “why not!”For anyone who just has to see it for themselves, here’s some directions:Follow Deering Road out of town and turn right onto Pacific Rim Circle Route Road. You'll pass Fairy L...

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 and elevation gain for those looking for a bit more of a a robust hike. With an out and back distance ...

To get to the Avatar Grove, drive to Port Renfrew along West Coast highway 14. Turn right onto Deering Rd and cross the long bridge over the San Juan River. Stay right at the next Y intersection, and then left at the T intersection. At the next Y keep left and cross a tall bridge over the crystal clear Gordon River . Stay right at next Y, and then cross a small bridge at Baird creek. Park ...

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 the road to Nitinat is at the west end of the lake, it's pretty much a toss-up. Follow one of the r...

The trail requires a permit from May 1 - September 16. All other dates have restrictions. Check Parks Canada website for more details.You can start from the north or south end of the trail. There are buses provided by the Pacific Rim National Park that will shuttle you back to your car or to the trailhead. The trail is through rain forest, along beaches, in mud, on slippery boardwalks, across r...

In the summer of 2016, myself and three others decided to hike the West Coast Trail (WCT) on a bit of a whim! We naively, and courageously, choose the WCT as our first major backpacking hiking trip - we thought it would be best to throw ourselves into a hike that has earned a reputation for being a very grueling trek! Since my experience with planning, preparing and conquering this hike, took l...

The falls cascades off of a sheet of rock that is filled with Ammonite fossils, thus the name Ammonite Falls!The trailhead is very distinct and has a parking lot close to the start of the trail. From the Nanaimo Parkway (#19) head onto Jingle Pot Road. Follow that for a few kilometres and turn onto Kilpatrick Road, followed by another right on Jameson Road. Drive to the end of Jameson Road and ...