Hiking Vancouver Island

A Walk by Any Other Name

We have a problem with definitions here. When I think of a hike, I think of a fairly demanding and intensive bit of a trek over rough terrain. I have noticed, however, that others writing on the subject have included shorter walks on groomed trails in their list of hikes. There are so many beautiful spots here on the island that can be reached in an hour of easy woodland walking that I decided I would follow this precedent and include these on the page. Another distinction I would make is between hikes and mountain climbing. In a mountainous area like ours, almost all hikes involve some climbing. When I read about hiking trails where they tell you that a pick axe and ropes are required equipment, ...well that is where I draw the line. That sounds to me like mountain climbing!

I have included three categories of hikes on this page. Back packing expeditions, day trips, and afternoon strolls. As I get older you will see the latter categories expanding at a greater rate than the back packing trips. Must warn you though that if it takes a pick axe and ropes to navigate a trail, you will not find it mentioned on this page.

Trails

I have a hiking book that makes a distinction between "trails" and "routes". A "trail" the author says is a path made by elk or humans. It may be flagged or marked in some way or it may not be. "Routes" are less clearly marked and should not be used except by very experienced hikers and they are advised to bring along proper topographical maps and a compass. Well it seems to me that an elk trail that is not flagged or marked sounds a lot like a "route". I have lost my trail in the woods a few times...it is easy to get off the human one and onto an animal one...those may take you to interesting places but rarely back to the spot where you left your car. I definitely will not be writing about "routes".

What is more interesting to me is the wide diversity we have in what we call hiking trails. They can be wide woodland paths which have been graded and surfaced. There may be bridges across the smallest of creeks and stairs with hand rails to get you down any inclines. There may be things like that or there may be just a glorified goat trail! Half the time you do not know till you get on it which it is you are to deal with.

This picture is one I found in a tourist publication. This is supposed to be the West Coast Trail. I am trying to remember the spot...probably right at the Pachena Bay trail head. At that point it is a small road. That is certainly not a reasonable representation of what to expect. This is the "real" trail.

Me climbing roots

The most important thing to do is determine in advance just what kind of a trail you are undertaking so that you are suitably prepared. (Another thing that is deceptive about the photo published above is that dogs are not allowed on the West Coast Trail.)

Afternoon Strolls
Paradise Meadows and Lake Helen McKenzie
Helliwell Park
Seal Bay Park
Shorter trails off Buttle Lake
Ripple Rock Trail

Day Trips
Bedwell Lake Trail
Kwai Lake on Mount Washington
Mt. Arrowsmith, Judges Route
Almost Alone Mountain

Back Packing Trips
The West Coast Trail
The Cape Scott Trail
Circlet Lake
Nootka Trail

Coming soon: Juan de Fuca Trail, Cruikshank Canyon lookout

The Basic Books

The Backroad Mapbook
Volume11: Vancouver Island
(Including the Gulf Islands)
Mussio Ventures Ltd.
232 Anthony Court
New Westminster, B.C.
V3L 5T5
(604)337-6485

Hiking Trails I, II and III
Victoria and Vicinity
Southeastern Vancouver Island
Central and Northern Vancouver Island.
Vancouver Island Trails Information Society,
Orca Books
P.O.Box 5626,
Station B, Victoria B.C.
V8R 6S4 Canada