Dan Duerden

The starting point depends a lot on the time of year and snow level. On a bad snow year you can get all the way to the old ski area base. Depending on the road conditions, however, be prepared to snowshoe/skin in anywhere from an extra 3 to 5 km (2-3 mi). The Rousseau Chute route is an alternative to the North Slopes ski area, and is located on the right side of the road, about 500 m (0.3 mi) p...

Mt. Arrowmsith's claim to fame is the tallest mountain on "southern" Vancouver Island. Standing at 1,819 m (6,000 ft), it barely squeezes into the top 50 of the Island, as it stands no chance against the peaks of Strathcona, which you can see gazing north from the summit!The advantage of Arrowsmith is it's closer proximity and variety. There are a multitude of routes and access points, and with...

Start on the West Canyon Trail and then take a left up the View Point Trail. Along the View Point trail you’ll cross a creek. There’s a beautiful waterfall and natural hammock (a log) which is great for a quick snack spot or photo.A few hundred meters past the creek, 1.5km from the start of the trail, there will be a sign on the right side of the trail for Evans Peak and Alouette mountain. T...

The loop trail is a short 3.5km trail that is well maintained and open year round. There's negligible elevation gain and aside from the odd slippery section the trail is easily accessible for all ages and skill levels. It is definitely busy in the Spring and Summer months but is manageable in the Fall and often empty in the winter months! There are many other small trails to explore along the w...

Take the Akamina Parkway in Wateron Lakes National Park to its terminus at Cameron Lake. Your hike will start from here. If you’re through-hiking either drop another vehicle off at Cameron Falls in the town site, or be prepared to hitch a ride back to Cameron Lake, due to heavy traffic this is often very easily accomplished (some local businesses also run shuttles in the summers).The trailhea...

Little Qualicum Falls Provincial Park is just off the #4 highway on your way out to Port Alberni. Simply look for the signs indicating Little Qualicum Falls Provincial Park, and you will turn into the park before Cameron Lake.Easily accessible by everyone, this park can get busy in the summer months. I suggest going in the spring or fall to avoid larger crowds. The park is open year around and ...

22 km west of Bragg Creek, turn off Highway 66 at the Elbow Falls Parking Lot. Park on the North side of the road on the shoulder at the winter closure gates. The trail is well-defined and heads straight up (North) from the highway.The trail begins with some steep switchbacks, but then levels out about 500 metres in. It is still a decent amount of elevation in a short distance, so don't expect ...

Take in stunning alpine views of the famous Valley of the Ten Peaks as you head to Eiffel Peak. A much more unique photo opportunity of Moraine Lake. Views of several prominent glaciers and the gorgeous Paradise Valley. The Eiffel Tower rock formation viewable from the summit. 11km roundtrip. 1300m of Elevation gain. Starting from the parking lot at Moraine Lake follow the trail as it switchba...