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.
Mount McBride with 2083 m (6834 ft.) height is the seventh highest mountain on Central Vancouver Island. Atop Mount McBride, the 360° panoramic view of Strathcona Provincial Park is rewarding, besides vistas of the highest mountains on Vancouver Island, including Golden Hinde, Mt Colonel Foster, King's Peak, Elkhorn Mountain, and Rambler Peak.
Develop your life skills and overcome daily life obstacles in touch with nature. The Beaufort Range has incredible mountains stretching from Horne Lake to Comox Lake with Mount Joan as the highest summit. It offers excellent hiking with outstanding views overlooking the Strait of Georgia and Port Alberni, passing through a bit bushy cols.
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Hiking on the Rosewall Creek Trail is a rewarding experience that you reach a beautiful waterfall at the end after an easy hike that may consist of challenges. Enjoy the beauties of the park while passing the lovely well-marked trail with facilities, along the creek and through lush bits of the rainforest.
Snowmobilers and sledding enthusiasts have the chance to go snowboarding in the morning and waterskiing in the afternoon. The warm dressing is critical during snowmobiling in Mount Washington. Besides, the fantastic view there is fabulous for photography.
As the second busiest winter recreational destination in BC, Mt. Washington Ski Resort in Comox Valley offers a wide range of snowboarding facilities. Mountain climbing enthusiasts who choose Mount Washington for snowboarding have the chance to look across the Strait of Georgia and other spectacular views, such as the Strathcona Provincial Park region.
Being the busiest winter recreational destination in BC, Mount Washington provides you with incredible winter activities, including snowshoeing. While you are on the snow, enjoy a 360-degree panorama of the Strait of Georgia and the Sunshine Coast from Powell River to Sechelt. Moreover, several nearby resorts are ready to offer service to visitors annually.
As one of the biggest and most visited ski resorts in Comox Valley, The Mount Washington resort is a summer-winter destination primed with several facilities to serve skiing followers. The high rate of snowfall and spectacular views of the ocean, and ample facilities for winter activities multiply the attractiveness of Mount Washington.
If you got a few days free and you plan to spend it on Vancouver Island, pay a visit to Fillongely Provincial Park to experience every possible way of camping. Nestled amongst lush green deciduous trees, visitors would enjoy excellent hiking trails with picturesque sights. This quiet, clean, and grassy park provides you with exciting activities and a gorgeous ocean and forest view.
Despite its name, if you favour it, you can do tent camping with a sea view right in the center of Vancouver Island. one of the most significant fishing camps, Deep Bay s full of surprises for anglers. Not to mention that if you visit, you can observe various fantastic wildlife there. So, put your hesitates aside, and plan to visit Camping in Deep Bay RV Park this weekend.
Looking for a place on Hornby Island to stay the night while enjoying yourselves? You would better stop by camping in Ford's Cove Marina and camp with your RV or tent. This campground has cute oceanic views and glorious sunsets with gorgeous mountains. The Ford's Cove Marina Campground sites are charming, well-maintained, and spacious, with a pleasant grassy and treed atmosphere and beautiful scenery.
As a popular destination for campers from Nanaimo or Courtenay, Qualicum Bay Resort is one of the best places for nature admirers. Amuse your eye with the beautiful scenic view of this campground located on a beautiful beach. You are provided with almost every kind of camping and incredible landscape for those in the RV campground.
The great adventure in Fanny Bay will always hunt its visitors. The Lighthouse RV Park and Campground offer undeniable opportunities for camping of all kinds with a beautiful view of the ocean ornamented by mountains and islands. This campground offers excellent accommodation with every essential amenity. Not to mention that you can lose yourself in its charm, quiet, and unique sites and find it again.
Spacious, unique, private, and complete facility sites are provided in Bradsdadsland Campsite for visitors to have a perfect time camping on Hornby Island. Embrace this fantastic opportunity for adventure while you are in one of the gems of Hornby Island. You would feel peaceful while camping in the beautiful Bradsdadsland, away from your daily boring daily routine. While watching sunsets, enjoy the ocean view ahead of you.
By camping in Cumberland Lake Park Campground, the freedom you feel is seductive. The sandy beaches are perfect for spending some time walking or lounging on enjoying the lake's beautiful view and forest. So, do not miss another day of your vacation and head to the Camping in Cumberland Lake Park Campground to fulfil your desires for adventure.
Nestled right in the territory of K’omoks First Nation, the Puntledge RV Campground offers you chances to camp next to a river with a mountain view as your backdrop, which makes it an ideal place to watch how the sun greets the mountains. You can enjoy camping with all facilities provided and no worries for the kids to get hurt. Also, a top-notch adventure is awaiting you.
Diving in Norris Rocks is two birds with one stone. You have the chance for an exciting deep-diving and also observing the unbelievable underwater wildlife inhabiting the area. After jumping into the water, go deep to gaze upon giant octopuses and deep-water locations.
If you are wandering around Hornby Island and thinking about a way to multiply the adventure of your day, do not hesitate and head to Flora Islet. On the other hand, no boats? Don't worry! This excellent diving zone is accessible by ferry. Enthusiasts who come to the site on summer days have the chance to see six-gill sharks.
Courtenay is the biggest community in the area with daily flights from Vancouver, Calgary, and Edmonton. It has scenic beaches, rivers, lakes, and popular activities such as Mt. Washington Ski, snowshoeing, snowmobiling, snowboarding, and world-class golfing. Comox Valley is famous for year-round sports and recreational activities among them are bird watching and photography.
Parksville is known for its scenic, superb sandy beaches. This city is also famous for hiking trails, waterfalls, wildlife, parks, entertainment centres, and many fantastic restaurants and pubs. The city's most popular annual festival is Sandcastle Competition. Englishman River Falls, Little Qualicum Falls, and Englishman River Falls Provincial Park are among the most visited places.
Mount McBride with 2083 m (6834 ft.) height is the seventh highest mountain on Central Vancouver Island. Atop Mount McBride, the 360° panoramic view of Strathcona Provincial Park is rewarding, besides vistas of the highest mountains on Vancouver Island, including Golden Hinde, Mt Colonel Foster, King's Peak, Elkhorn Mountain, and Rambler Peak.
An excellent picnicking area and sunny weather attract many families in summer to relax on Qualicum Beach. This sandy beach is placed in an area with many facilities and attractions to enjoy your day. Let life lead you to the beach with the incredible landscape of Lasqueti Island Ecological Reserve hills, blue sky and the ocean. Choose kinds of water activities which you delight in doing.
Parksville Beaches is a public beach with endless tidal flats of sand and rock. In July, a fantastic event takes place; the Sand Castle Sculpture Competition and Exhibition. In summer, soaking in the sun and watching the splendid sky could be relaxing. As the beach has an extensive area, it suits children's taste to spend hours running freely, playing and beachcombing.
Goose Spit Park is a long narrow coastal park with a view of the Pacific Ocean and majestic mountains. Lots of driftwoods exist all over the beach. Have a nice walk on the long walkway to see lots of crab and starfish or find some sand dollars. Goose Spit Park offers excellent opportunities for water sports like swimming, kayaking, and surfing.
Milner Gardens & Woodland is on the list of the top ten public gardens in Canada. It is among old-growth Douglas fir forest, on the edge of an oceanside bluff. The garden is well known for its rhododendrons in spring and Japanese maples in fall. Strolling through the wide walkways makes a great family time. Enjoy it and have tea in its traditional tea room.
Englishman River Falls Provincial Park is covered with old-growth and second-growth forests. It features Englishman River Falls and two bridges that cross the Englishman River. A deep, crystal clear pool with a small rocky beach downstream of the lower falls is a great place to view spawning salmons in the fall and go swimming in the summer.
Englishman River Regional Park is home to numerous wildlife species, like Roosevelt Elk and a community hatchery with an extensive salmon side channel. Peaceful hiking, nice biking, and water sports like fishing and swimming are among the things you can do. Find your place for picnicking or camping and walk with your dog off-leash. Leave your footprint and take your memories.
Rathtrevor Beach Provincial Park is a scenic parkland with tall trees, a campground, and a serene beachfront area suitable for family and friends or solo visitors. The tempting hiking trails among old-growth Douglas fir trees, watching beautiful sunsets by the ocean, and relaxing on the beach are some of the highlights. Extensive wildlife and migratory birds cause a great attraction.
Tribune Bay Provincial Park, or Little Hawaii, has an expansive sweep of white sand surrounded by woods. The park is famous for its unusual rocky shoreline formations, tidal pools, and beautiful white sandy beaches. Its warm and shallow water is ideal for snorkelling and swimming. Being there watching sunsets and a beautiful full moon without any street lights to distract the view would impress you.
The flow of Rosewall Creek forms a waterfall in the middle of a rain forest surrounded by moss-covered rocks. Rosewall Creek Falls is one of the masterpieces done by nature that deserves multiple visits. The water is white and pure, and it seems like it's coming out of a wall made of trees. Visiting the waterfall in summer and spring would be perfect as the creek has a higher water level.
Along the Brown River, there is a river fall that completes its attractiveness. The river's stream cascades from rock cliffs and makes Brown's River Falls. It is also known as Medicine Bowl, a series of falls in a lush green forest. The landscape is worthy enough to sit on a rock and watch it for hours, and the sound of the waterfall is like a piece of music on repeat, which you would not become bored with it.
Develop your life skills and overcome daily life obstacles in touch with nature. The Beaufort Range has incredible mountains stretching from Horne Lake to Comox Lake with Mount Joan as the highest summit. It offers excellent hiking with outstanding views overlooking the Strait of Georgia and Port Alberni, passing through a bit bushy cols.
The Trent River runs through nature and brings more life to it. The river has a waterfall on its way and merges into the Strait of Georgia. It is fantastic to see the water flowing over the stones and hear the dipper's clear wandering song working along the edge. The Trent River is a beautiful attraction perfect for swimming in summer. There are many fishes in the river, including pink salmon.