Mount McBride
The Beaufort Range is an expansive chain of mountains on Central Vancouver Island, British Columbia, Canada. Located northwest of Qualicum Beach and Port Alberni, the Beaufort Range has an area of 647 km2 (250 sq miles) and is a subrange of the Vancouver Island Ranges that form part of the Insular Mountains.
The Beaufort Range has incredible mountains stretching from Horne Lake in the southeast to Comox Lake in the northwest. Mount Joan is the highest summit located towards the southern end of the Beaufort Range, at an elevation of 1556 m (5105 ft.), with a superb view of the hills and valleys around. The Beaufort Range offers an excellent hiking experience with outstanding views overlooking the Strait of Georgia and Port Alberni, passing through a bit bushy cols.
Mountaineers can access all of the Beaufort Range peaks as day trips in both summers and winters. Access to most of the mountains is possible via trails off the Comox and Alberni logging road. Visitors would take a multi-day trip as 'Haute Route' or high-level traverse starting at Mount Clifton and culminating to Mount Joan.
Hiking the mountains is fascinating, through the green environment of forest passes around gorgeous lakes with a bit bushy cols. There exist opportunities for seeing a variety of beautiful wildlife and birds. After a bit of rock scrambling at Mount Joan, you will be amazed by the beautiful scenery of surrounded mountains and forested hills while shrouded by clouds in winters having spectacular views of poked-out Port Alberni.
The Beaufort Range was named by Captain George Richard, after eminent Sir Francis Beaufort, a hydrographer to the Royal Navy. The range's peaks honour many locals and are significant for residents of Alberni and Comox Valley.
The Beaufort Range is a group of mountains with an area of 647 km2 (250 sq miles), northwest of Port Alberni and Qualicum Beach and south of the community of Bowser, Fanny Bay, and Buckley Bay. The range stretches from Horne Lake in the southeast to Comox Lake in the northwest, along with myriad lakes throughout the range.
While visiting the Beaufort Range, you will be fascinated by magnificent mountains spreading in the area with treed hills and peaks overlooking the Georgia Strait and Port Alberni. Mountaineers would have perfect hiking within the range, with access via trails off the Alberni and Comox logging road.
Choose a random spot that fits camping and spend some time relaxing and enjoying the pleasant ambiance through the wilderness. However, the nearby area and lakes, such as Cumberland Lake Campground on Comox Lake, offer perfect recreations with a breathtaking view of the Comox Lake to stroll along.
Cliffe Glacier and Comox Glacier are to the northwest of the Beaufort Range, and Denman Island 10 km (6.2 miles), Hornby Island 18 km (11.1 miles), Lasqueti Island 42 km (26 miles), and Texada Island 44 km (27.3 miles) are to the northeast.
The gorgeous lakes with a pleasant atmosphere worth visiting within 15 km (9.3 miles) west of the Beaufort Range on which opportunities for camping, fishing, and outdoor recreation may exist, including Nimnim Lake, Willemar Lake, Elsie Lake, Ash Lake, Dickson Lake, and Great Central Lake. Outdoor enthusiasts would find Sproat Lake, Sproat Lake Provincial Park, and the Taylor Arm Provincial Park right on it an excellent spot for several recreational activities like paddling, swimming, and fishing, as well as having perfect camping. Also, Spider Lake Provincial Park by the Spider Lake southeast of the Beaufort Range is a hot spot for water lovers offering excellent canoeing and kayaking in warm waters.
From Nanaimo:
Getting to the Beaufort Range from Nanaimo is via BC-19 N. It is a 92 km (57.1 miles) route that takes almost 1 hour and 25 minutes.
Take Third St to BC-19 N for 3.3 km (2 miles). Turn right onto BC-19 N (signs for Campbell R) and continue for 68.6 km (42.6 miles). Take Horne Bowser Rd and drive 20.1 km (12.4 miles) to your destination in Nanaimo H.
From Victoria:
The fastest route to get to the Beaufort Range from Victoria is via Trans-Canada Hwy/BC-1 N and BC-19 N. It is 206 km (128 miles) and takes about 2 hours and 53 minutes.
Take Government St for 1.2 km (0.7 miles) to Trans-Canada Hwy/BC-1 N. Follow Trans-Canada Hwy/BC-1 N and BC-19 N for 181 km (112.4 miles) to Cook Creek Rd in Comox-Strathcona A. Take Horne Bowser Rd and drive 20.1 km (12.4 miles) to your destination in Nanaimo H.
There is no designated hiking trail to reach the Beaufort Range.
The Beaufort Range area is home to the traditional territory of the people of K'omox and Qualicum. Their legends and culture are rooted in the mountains and lakes of the range and nearby areas.
The Beaufort Range has a rich history of pioneers exploring the mountains, carving their names on the enormous trees. Captain George Richard named the range after eminent Sir Francis Beaufort, a hydrographer to the Royal Navy.
Yuts-whol-aht is the old name of the range that first nations had been responsible for, which means: 'walking through the face of the mountains.' An ancient trading trail was used to link Port Alberni and Comox before the logging roads, which Yuts-whol-aht refers to. Ruth Jessie Masters, born and raised in Courtenay, is responsible for naming most of the Beaufort Range peaks.
Visiting the Beaufort Range will be a valuable adventure with awe-inspiring views of mountains dotting the area and surroundings. Climbing the magnificent mountains would be adventurous, as well as hiking through the pleasant forested hills around lakes with opportunities for seeing beautiful wildlife and birds.
Choose a random spot, whether on the lakes or in the wilderness and enjoy the fresh atmosphere. At the nearby provincial parks and lakes, outdoor enthusiasts would be entertained by several activities such as fishing, swimming, scuba diving, or viewing ancient and old-growth trees.
