Sarah Seads

The Kinsol Trestle is a highlight of the Cowichan Valley Trail, which travels from Shawnigan Lake to Lake Cowichan and then onward to Duncan. The trestle is easily reached via a 1.3km, wheelchair accessible section of the CVT from the trailhead on Renfew Road. Originally built in 1911 for the railroad, this massive trestle was re-constructed in 2011 by the Cowichan Valley Regional District as...

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 after the first few minutes. It is straight up through calf searing vertical terrain, but the views w...

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...

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...

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...

I have lived on Vancouver Island my entire life yet I had never heard about this world class trail until last summer.  A 24km point to point coastal trail that travels the length of the Alberni Inlet from the coast right to the town? Through paradise meadows, along sun drenched bluffs, past waterfalls and over aqua marine rivers?  Yup. That's right.  It turns out that one of Vancouver Island’s ...

For a mid week adventure that is closer to home, nothing beats a climb up the stairs at Goose Spit Regional Park. The Goose Spit stairs are a fantastic addition to the Comox Valley's urban playgrounds, beaches, trails and green spaces. There are 165 steps to the main lookout, with an additional 200 metres of steep trail climbing above, making Goose Spit the Comox Valley's stairway to heaven. Th...

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...

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. ...

Beacon Hill Park is the jewel of Victoria's crown. Spanning 200 acres and connecting Downtown to the ocean alongside Dallas Road, Beacon Hill Park is one of the highlights of visiting the Capitol city on Vancouver Islands southern tip. Every corner of the park features unique flora, fauna and pieces of history that will keep all ages entertained for hours on end. Here are 14 free micro adven...

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 ...