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In the Mountains’ Shadow:
Ten Worthy Reasons To Lace Up
Contributors: Markus Kellerhals, Patrick Spinks, Ryan Stuart
Autumn is an ideal time to tackle BC's vast trail network. Rich fall colours, an absence of bugs, and crisp invigorating air, (compliments of those cool southeasternlies) are all signs that a saavy wilderness junkie understands—a billboard size message to hit the trails before winter takes hold.
The crowds have long dispersed, so you can easily reward yourself with solitude and the purest of natural surroundings--the perfect antidote to the nine to five grind.
We’ve assembled a variety of hikes, from easy walks to the more challenging traverses, in hopes that they inspire you to lace up your boots. Consider a day-hike, or a weekend getaway and enjoy the outdoors. Explore an old growth forest, climb a peak or walk the road less travelled. Work (we hope) will wait for you, but good weather (we know) will not.
The ratings are approximate.
1.Cape Scott Trail, Cape Scott Provincial Park Rating: moderate to difficult
Those seeking to explore deserted beaches, dense rain forest, a lighthouse and historic Danish settlements will enjoy this remote coastal hike along the Cape Scott Trail. On the northern tip of Vancouver Island, a 23 kilometre trail cuts through forests glowing in every shade of green. It crosses headlands to exposed and battered beaches, eventually reaching a lighthouse, which overlooks the north Pacific. The hiking is rough and the weather can be cold, wet and windy in any season. The trail is stunning in its beauty and well worth the effort--if for no other reason than to possess the white sand beach of Nels Bight all to ones’ self.
Trail Mix: Take the Island Highway (Hwy. 19) to Holberg turnoff, just south of Port Hardy (3 hours from Nanaimo). Parks Information: 250-954-4600
RS
2.Elk River Trail: Strathcona Provincial Park Rating: easy to moderate
The Elk River trail is your access point whether you scale Mount Colonel Foster, (one of the best mountaineering peaks on Vancouver Island), or are content enjoying the spectacular views at Landslide Lake. The trail meanders through old growth Douglas firs and cedars before following the Elk River. As the trail ascends gently over 12 kilometres, several breaks between the trees reveal the towering peaks surrounding Elk Valley. The views improve further when the trail ends at glacier-fed Landslide Lake: a glistening turquoise gem
at the base of the Colonel.
Trail Mix: Take Hwy. 28 from Campbell River towards Gold River.
Guides, Information and Lodging: Strathcona Park Lodge (250)286-3122
Parks Information: 250-954-4600
RS
3. Juan de Fuca Marine Trail- Vancouver Island Rating: Botanical Beach to Sombrio Beach – easy
Sombrio- China Beach - Strenuous
Situated on the southwest coast of the Island, the Juan De Fuca Marine trail offers a selection of day trips or hikes of up to five days for those wanting to avoid the crowds or cost of the West Coast Trail. The route covers 47 kilometers of rugged coastline stretching from China Beach to Port Renfrew. Dense rainforest brushes up against a beautiful white sand beach. When the thick Pacific fog rolls in, Mystic Beach can really live up to its name.
Trail Mix: From Victoria take Hwy 17 to Hwy 14, which ends at the Botanical Beach parking lot. Transportation: West Coast Trail Express Inc. Tel 250-477-8700
PS
4.Stein Valley Nlaka'pamux Heritage Park
Rating: easy to difficult.
A five or eight day hike through the Stein watershed crosses vast alpine terrain, descending through dense forests with abundant wildlife to a rain shadow forest with ancient pictographs and monuments of native culture. Both the full Stein Valley hike and the Cottonwood Creek basin are challenging traverses that require adequate preparation and experience. The lower Stein is perfect for day trips and overnighters.
Trail Mix: Western Trailheads- Lizzie Lake: north of Pemberton off Hwy 99 (6-8 day route). Cottonwood Basin: 60 km south of Lillooet via Blowdown Pass (4-6 day route) Eastern trailhead- 4km north of Lytton. Park Information: 250-851-3000
PS
5.Seton Ridge - Cayoosh Range, Coast Mountains
Rating: moderate to difficult.
Mountain goats, lush meadows, outstanding wildflowers and abrupt peaks adorn this little-used hiking route on the east edge of the Coast Mountains near Lillooet. Plan on spending three days for this hike.
Trail Mix: Round trip 22 km, 1150 m elevation gain. Trailhead is off the Duffey Lake Road 75 km past Mount Currie. Turn off on the logging road and follow it up the hair-raising switchbacks. Park at the height of land to find the unmarked trailhead.
MK
6.Manning Park
Rating: easy to moderate.
Encompasses everything from easy day trips to longer alpine treks. The numerous camp sites and wide ski trails are good for neophyte hikers wanting a gentle introduction to the outdoors. The Heather Trail is a longer stretch through sub-alpine meadows past the Three Brothers to Nicomen Ridge. Another notable is the Skyline trail, which can be joined with the Centennial and Skagit River Trails to make an excellent multi-day hike.
Trail Mix: Park entrance 26 km east of Hope on Hwy 3. Trailheads are well marked.
Park Information: 250-840-8836
Maps: 92H/02 (Manning Park), 92H/03 (Skagit River), 92H/07 (Princeton)
PS
7.Sheep Mountain - Kluane Park
Rating: moderate.
Located in the SW Yukon, Kluane Park is home to massive glaciers and Canada's highest mountains. Sheep Mountain is a day hike that will give you a taste of the park - beautiful meadows, guaranteed sightings of the pure white Dall Sheep, glimpses of the big glaciers and beautiful Kluane Lake that spreads out beneath you. The hike starts on an old road; when that ends enjoy meadow walks to the summit.
Trail Mix: Round trip distance 12 km, 1150 m elevation gain. The trailhead is at the Sheep Mountain Information Center, along the Alaska Highway NW of Haines Junction.
MK
8.Berg Lake - Mount Robson Provincial Park
Rating: moderate to difficult.
Hike in the shadow of the tallest peak in the Rockies. The trail begins winding through rain forest along the rushing Robson River eventually passing Kinney Lake, the aptly named Valley of a Thousand Falls. At Emperor Falls, the river shoots out from a cliff thundering to the rocks below. Berg Lake itself is an azure jewel set beneath the towering ice walls of Robson's north face. Keeners hike in and out in a day. Smart folk spend three to five days here, using the extra time to take in day hikes from a camp at the lake.
Trail Mix: Round trip 40 km, 800 m elevation gain. Trailhead is on Highway 16, 84 km West of Jasper.
MK
9.Wilcox Pass - Jasper National Park
Rating: easy
Easy day hike with rewarding views of the Columbia Icefield and probable sightings of Bighorn Sheep and mountain goat. This is a popular hike for all levels. Leave the crowds behind by scrambling up the ridge of Wilcox Mountain, where the views are exceptionally awesome. If you have a good tolerance for heights you can make it all the way to the 2900 metre summit. Enjoy the contrast between the icy ramparts to your west, and the barren ridges to the east.
Trail Mix: Round trip 8 km, elevation gain 350 m (pass), 900 m (summit). Trailhead is 2.8 km S of the Icefields Centre along the Icefields Parkway.
MK
10.Lake O'Hara
Rating: easy to difficult
Yoho, is a Cree word for expressing awe, a befitting expression that covers these several five-to-10km round trip day hikes, that wind around Yoho National Park. It's a good idea to take a few days to concentrate on two or three. An excellent trail network leads to a dozen alpine lakes, affording a multitude of scenic routes.
Trail Mix: Lake O'Hara is not accessible by car. Turn south onto Hwy 1A between Field and Lake Louise village on the Trans-Canada Highway. Continue across the railroad tracks and turn right. 0.8 km to the parking lot.
(250)-343-6433 for shuttle bus from the parking lot. PS
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