Top 20 Vancouver Island Hikes
Vancouver Island, BC is an out of doors fanatic’s paradise, boasting beautiful landscapes, dense forests, and rugged coastal trails. With its various terrain and temperate local weather, the island provides a plethora of mountaineering alternatives for all ability ranges. From peaceable strolls by way of historic rainforests to difficult treks up towering mountains, Vancouver Island has one thing for everybody. On this article, we are going to discover the 20 finest hikes on the island, showcasing its pure magnificence and offering insights into every path’s highlights, problem stage, and distinctive options. Whether or not you’re a seasoned hiker or simply beginning to enterprise into the world of outside exploration, these hikes will certainly depart you in awe of Vancouver Island’s majestic wilderness.
Vancouver Island is a hiker’s paradise, with a various vary of landscapes and ecosystems to discover.
From breathtaking coastal vistas to lush rainforests and towering mountains, there’s no scarcity of beautiful hikes in Vancouver Islands to find.
In the event you’re searching for the very best hikes in Vancouver Island, be sure you try this checklist of the 15 finest Vancouver Island hikes and get planning your adventures!
Learn extra: Finest hikes in Vancouver
What to pack for mountaineering on Vancouver Island
What to pack for this hike is determined by what season you’re mountaineering in.
- Try my day hike packing checklist right here.
- In the event you’re mountaineering in summer season it’s best to pack sunscreen, sun shades, layers, water and bug spray in addition to the whole lot within the 10 necessities for mountaineering checklist.
- Right here is what to put on mountaineering in scorching climate
- Try this put up on the very best leggings for mountaineering or what to put on mountaineering in summer season for extra particulars and my gear suggestions.
- In the event you’re mountaineering in winter after the snow has began falling you’ll want microspikes on the very least. If there may be a number of snow you’ll in all probability want snowshoes.
- You also needs to take loads of layers together with a fleece layer, a puffy insulated jacket and a wind and waterproof outer layer. Hats and gloves are additionally crucial in addition to a good backpack to maintain the whole lot in.
- You also needs to pack water and a few snacks too to maintain you going as they’re a part of the 10 necessities for mountaineering!
- Planning a mountaineering date? Try what to put on on a mountaineering date however nonetheless look cool.
In the event you’re backpacking, try my backpacking packing checklist. This consists of the whole lot I packed for the Berg Lake Path, in addition to Mt Assiniboine.
AllTrails is my go-to mountaineering app for locating, planning and navigating whereas I’m out on the paths. With offline maps on AllTrails+, you may be assured you’re nonetheless heading in the right direction, even with out cell sign.
Issues to know earlier than doing hikes in Vancouver Island
Listed below are some issues to think about earlier than you go mountaineering in Vancouver Island.
- Know your limits: It’s essential to decide on a hike that’s appropriate to your ability stage. In the event you’re a newbie, begin with a simple hike and work your method as much as more difficult trails.
- Be ready: Ensure to deliver loads of water, snacks, and a primary assist package with you in your hike. It’s additionally a good suggestion to deliver a map, compass, or GPS system, in case you get misplaced. Try the whole 10 necessities it’s best to take with you on each hike.
- Put on applicable clothes: Ensure to put on snug, breathable clothes and durable footwear or boots in your hike. In cooler climate, make sure that to deliver layers and a rain jacket, because the climate can change rapidly on the island.
- Keep on the path: It’s essential to remain on designated trails to guard the pure surroundings and forestall erosion.
- Depart no hint: Ensure to depart the world as you discovered it by packing out your whole trash and respecting the pure environment.
- Concentrate on wildlife: Vancouver Island is house to quite a lot of wildlife, together with bears, cougars, and different animals. Ensure to remain alert and observe any posted warnings or pointers to make sure your security. Learn this put up for extra data on bear security whereas mountaineering.
- Plan your journey: Vancouver Islan mountaineering may be tough and harmful. Earlier than embarking on a hike, make sure that to plan your route and let somebody know the place you’re going. It’s additionally a good suggestion to test the climate forecast and pay attention to any potential hazards or dangers on the path.
Finest simple hikes on Vancouver Island
These simple hikes in Vancouver Island provide an opportunity to soak up the island’s various and picturesque surroundings with out an excessive amount of effort.
Whether or not you’re a seasoned hiker or simply beginning out, these simple hikes are a good way to get exterior, benefit from the contemporary air, and expertise the pure great thing about Vancouver Island.
Study extra about these stunning Vancouver Island mountaineering trails.
AllTrails is my go-to mountaineering app for locating, planning and navigating whereas I’m out on the paths. With offline maps on AllTrails+, you may be assured you’re nonetheless heading in the right direction, even with out cell sign.
1. Elk Falls Suspension Bridge Loop in Elk Falls Provincial Park
Elk Falls Provincial Park is an exquisite and scenic park situated on Vancouver Island close to Campbell River. There are a number of simple hikes right here and the most effective is the Elk Falls Suspension Bridge Loop.
This hike is a brief, 1.5-kilometre loop that takes you throughout the Elk Falls Suspension Bridge and thru the park’s stunning forests.
The path is comparatively flat and straightforward to observe, making it an amazing choice for hikers of all ability ranges and ages.
Alongside the best way, you’ll have the chance to see the Elk Falls themselves, among the finest waterfalls on Vancouver Island, in addition to various different pure options comparable to old-growth forests, streams, and wildlife.
Campbell River can also be the most effective locations for grizzly bear excursions on Vancouver Island.
2. Gap within the Wall, Port Alberni
The Gap within the Wall hike is a well-liked and straightforward path situated in Port Alberni. The hike is known as as a result of gap within the rock right here that appears like a gap in a wall!
The Gap within the Wall hike is a comparatively brief and straightforward path, with a distance of about 2.5 kilometres spherical journey. The path is comparatively flat and straightforward to observe, with well-maintained paths and clear signage.
It’s additionally an excellent in style place for swimming on Vancouver Island in the summertime, although the water is chilly year-round!
3. Englishman River Falls Provincial Park
Positioned within the central area of the island, Englishman River Falls Provincial Park is a superb place to go for a peaceable hike by way of the forest. The park is house to a sequence of lovely waterfalls on Vancouver Island, in addition to a community of simple trails which can be appropriate for all ability ranges.
One simple hike in Englishman River Falls Provincial Park is the Decrease Falls Loop Path. This brief, 1.5-kilometre loop takes you thru the park’s stunning forests and alongside the Englishman River.
4. The Wild Pacific Path
This stunning coastal hike is situated in Ucluelet, on the west coast of the island.
It provides beautiful views of the Pacific Ocean and is a superb selection for these searching for a simple hike on Vancouver Island. It’s undoubtedly the most effective Ucluelet hikes.
The path is split into 3 components all with comparable views of the coast and wild cliffs and forest that characterise the western coast of Vancouver Island.
Climbing right here is sweet all 12 months spherical. Whereas in summer season you’re extra more likely to take pleasure in some sunshine and good climate, mountaineering right here in fall and autumn can also be nice because the storms may be very spectacular to look at!
Plan your hike on the Wild Pacific Path for March and October to identify whales or seals.
5. Paradise Meadows Loop Path
The Paradise Meadows is an exquisite sub-alpine meadow on the base of Mt Washington. That is among the many finest hikes on Vancouver Island.
Paradise Meadows is a simple path with loads of wood boardwalks or flat gravel pathways and takes you up into the attractive sub-alpine area of Vancouver Island.
Maintain your eyes out for elk, deer, butterflies, and black bears!
The entire loop takes round 1 hour.
6. Little Qualicum Falls
There are many fairly waterfalls on Vancouver Island and Little Qualicum Falls is likely one of the finest. You’ll take pleasure in epic mountain views and an exquisite forest after mountaineering alongside a brief path following Little Qualicum River.
7. Cathedral Grove
Cathedral Grove is a well-liked cease on the best way to Tofino and I like to recommend it in my ‘methods to get to Tofino’ put up.
Cathedral Grove is house to a sequence of simple, family-friendly trails that take you thru an exquisite old-growth forest which is house to a few of Vancouver Island’s oldest timber.
There are Douglas-firs, Western Hemlocks, Bigleaf Maples, Western Crimson Cedar timber, and plenty of different species of tree.
Ensure you stroll all the best way to The Massive Tree which is nearly 80 metres excessive and eight m extensive! It’s believed this tree is over 800 years outdated!
The Cathedral Grove Path is the one of many best hikes on Vancouver Island with no elevation and just a few flat boardwalks and dust paths.
8. Goldstream Provincial Park
Positioned within the Victoria area, Goldstream Provincial Park is a well-liked vacation spot for hikers and nature lovers and residential to among the finest hikes in Victoria, BC.
The park is house to a sequence of simple, family-friendly trails that take you thru an exquisite old-growth forest and alongside the Goldstream River.
The Goldstream Trestle Path is a flat, simple path that follows the outdated railway mattress by way of the park. The path is about 3.5 km spherical journey and takes you previous the Goldstream Trestle and alongside the Goldstream River.
This is likely one of the finest trestles in BC!
9. The Sooke Potholes
The Sooke Potholes are some of the in style swimming spots on Vancouver Island and have some simple mountaineering trails round them. These trails provide among the finest simple day hikes on Vancouver Island since you’ll be able to end off with a swim!
The Sooke Potholes are a sequence of deep, swirling swimming pools and dramatic waterfalls situated in Sooke Potholes Provincial Park. The potholes have been fashioned over 1000’s of years as water eroded the bedrock, making a sequence of deep, swirling swimming pools and dramatic waterfalls.
You’ll be able to observe the paths by way of the attractive forest and alongside the Sooke River then cool off with a dip within the water.
10. The Galloping Goose Path
This Galloping Goose path is a multi-use path close to Victoria on Vancouver Island.
Fashionable with runners, cyclists and hikers, the path takes you thru quite a lot of landscapes, together with forests, meadows, and wetlands. It’s appropriate for all ability ranges and is a superb place for a simple hike on Vancouver Island.
11. Woman Falls Path
Positioned in Strathcona Provincial Park, the favored Della Falls path takes you to Woman Falls waterfall.
This is likely one of the finest waterfalls on Vancouver Island and one of many best to get to too.
You’ll be able to hike to the principle viewing platform for Woman Falls in about quarter-hour and get a incredible view. of the falls.
There are additionally some aspect trails so you’ll be able to take pleasure in totally different views of the falls and the canyon they sit in.
12. Cox Bay Lookout Path, Tofino
The Cox Bay Lookout Path is a brief, simple hike situated in Pacific Rim Nationwide Park Reserve close to Tofino.
It’s some of the in style and finest hikes in Tofino because of the unbelievable views of Cox Bay, the forests and the ocean. It’s particularly stunning at sundown!
The path begins on the Cox Bay Seaside car parking zone and takes you thru the forest to a lookout level with panoramic views of Cox Bay and the encompassing coast. The path is a couple of 1 km spherical journey and is appropriate for hikers of all health ranges.
13. Kinsol Trestle Path
The Kinsol Trestle hike takes you alongside a wood railway trestle situated within the Cowichan Valley on Vancouver Island.
It was in-built 1920 and was used as a part of the Canadian Nationwide Railway till 1979. The trestle is now a part of the Trans-Canada Path and is a well-liked vacation spot for hikers, cyclists, and vacationers.
The Kinsol Trestle Path is 6.5 kilometres lengthy and is comparatively simple, with a reasonable incline as you method the trestle.
The Kinsol Trestle itself is a formidable construction, standing 44 meters (144 toes) tall and 187 meters (614 toes) lengthy. It’s thought-about one of many highest and longest wood trestles on the planet and provides beautiful views of the Cowichan Valley and the encompassing mountains.
Intermediate to exhausting hikes and backpacking on Vancouver Island
These hikes on Vancouver Island are more difficult and embrace backpacking journeys on Vancouver Island too.
14. Mt Finlayson
Mount Finlayson in Goldstream Provincial Park sits simply over 400 m excessive and provides nice views of Victoria.
The primary half of the path is a reasonably reasonable climb by way of a forest of fir timber however it will get tougher and steeper when you climb out of the treeline with some reasonable scrambling wanted to succeed in the height.
Mt Finlayson will get busy throughout weekends so attempt mountaineering it mid-week or earlier within the day.
15. Myra Falls
Myra Falls Path is likely one of the in style hikes in Vancouver Island inside Strathcona Provincial Park. I
The path is a gentle climb for many of the method, passing by way of a formidable forest, alongside a creek, across the switchbacks and over some massive boulders.
After 3.5 km you’ll attain the wood platform with a view of Higher Myra Falls. You can even cease off at Decrease Myra Falls earlier than or after reaching this platform which some say is even prettier!
16. Backpacking the West Coast Path
The West Coast Path is an iconic path recognized for its rugged magnificence and difficult terrain.
The path takes you thru old-growth forests, alongside the coast, and over a sequence of suspension bridges, and ladders and is a superb selection for knowledgeable hikers searching for true backcountry tenting on Vancouver Island.
Learn extra: What to pack for the West Coast Path.
The West Coast Path is 75 kilometres lengthy and takes most hikers round per week to finish.
You want to reserve your campsites upfront on BC Parks and reservations for your entire mountaineering season get booked up in a short time.
17. Della Falls
Della Falls is the 2nd tallest waterfall on Vancouver Island at a peak of 440 m! Located in Strathcona Provincial Park, the hike to get to Della Falls is lengthy and difficult.
You’ll go by way of dense, coastal rainforest on this 24 km spherical journey, crossing creeks and mountaineering previous many smaller waterfalls. For among the creek crossings, you’ll want to make use of cable automobiles to get throughout!
To begin the hike to Della Falls, you’ll additionally must take a water taxi, or paddle throughout, Grand Central Lake.
Although it’s attainable to hike Della Falls in a day, this hike is finest carried out as an in a single day journey to completely benefit from the expertise.
18. Juan de Fuca Path
One other traditional Vancouver Island path is the Juan de Fuca Path is a 47-kilometre path that follows the rugged shoreline of the Juan de Fuca Provincial Park.
The path takes you thru a mixture of rainforest, coastal cliffs, and sandy seashores, with beautiful views of the Pacific Ocean alongside the best way.
The path sometimes takes 3-5 days to finish, relying in your tempo and the variety of stops you make alongside the best way.
The path is well-marked and comparatively simple to observe, however it may be difficult in some locations as a result of rugged terrain and the potential for adversarial climate situations. Hikers can select to sort out your entire path in a single go or break it up into smaller sections.
The Juan de Fuca Marine Path is finest for extra skilled backcountry hikers and you want to reserve your campsites upfront on BC Parks.
19. Cape Scott Path
The Cape Scott Path is situated on the northern tip of Vancouver Island. It’s a difficult path of fifty km and takes most hikers about 5-7 days to finish.
The path may be tough and muddy at instances, and hikers will must be well-prepared and have a great health stage. This shouldn’t be your first backpacking journey in BC.
20. Mount Arrowsmith
Mount Arrowsmith is a well-liked hike on Vancouver Island. It’s the very best peak on the jap aspect of the island, with an elevation of 1,819 meters. In terms of mountaineering Vancouver Island, this is likely one of the more difficult choices.
The hike to the summit of Mount Arrowsmith is difficult and is advisable for knowledgeable hikers solely.
The 14 km path to the summit of Mount Arrowsmith begins on the Mount Arrowsmith trailhead, situated off Parkinson Highway. The path is well-marked however may be steep and rocky in some locations.
Final Up to date on June 28, 2023 by Hannah
Hannah began That Adventurer after graduating again in 2013 and has documented all of her adventures since then. From backpacking South America to metropolis breaks in Europe, a 3 month street journey throughout the USA in a self-converted van and 6 years dwelling in Canada, you’ll discover posts on all of this.
Hannah specialises in energetic journey and on That Adventurer you’ll discover mountaineering, strolling, biking, snowboarding and all kinds of energetic journey guides to help you see a vacation spot in an adventurous method.
Now again in Europe, you’ll discover new guides as Hannah and her husband spend the subsequent 12 months ‘digital nomading’ from Norway to Portugal, Switzerland to Scotland and locations in between.
The 20 Finest hikes in Vancouver Island, BC provides a complete information to exploring the breathtaking pure great thing about the island. With quite a lot of trails catering to totally different ability ranges and preferences, this text highlights the highest mountaineering locations that showcase beautiful vistas, pristine forests, and majestic mountains. From the enduring West Coast Path to the difficult however rewarding Mount Albert Edward hike, these trails enable hikers to immerse themselves within the island’s various landscapes and expertise unforgettable adventures. Whether or not you are a seasoned out of doors fanatic or a nature lover searching for a brand new journey, this text is your go-to useful resource for locating the very best hikes in Vancouver Island, BC.
