The Elk River Mountains are a group of rugged mountains in the center of Strathcona Provincial Park, Vancouver Island. If you love camping and outdoor activities, we recommend prioritizing the Elk River Mountains and Strathcona Provincial Park.
As the second-highest peak on Vancouver Island, the Elkhorn Mountain is the main summit in the area, providing an extraordinary destination for professional and amateur climbers. The mountain is 24 km (14.9 miles) northeast of the Gold River Village, with Golden Hinde lying 15 km (9.3 miles) to the south of the mountain. Elkhorn Mountain is easily identifiable due to its pyramid shape. Ascending the Elkhorn Mountain, the difficulty is simple to challenging slopes that end in the sheer drop-off with breathtaking views of the valley stretching below your feet. The views of gorgeous lakes such as Foster Lake and Landslide Lake are amazing, besides the magnificent Mount Colonel Foster.
Access to the Elk River Mountain Peaks is possible through a well-maintained trail with awe-inspiring views winding through the old-growth forest leading hikers to Landslide Lake and Foster Lake. Many mountaineers begin their trips along this trail maintained by BC Parks, which is used to access alpine routes for Elkhorn, Elkhorn south, and Rambler Mountains.
The Elk River Mountains is located on Vancouver Island in the center of Strathcona Provincial Park. The 112 sq km (43.2 sq miles) area is accessible via the Elk River drainage and Elk River Trail.
The two famous peaks of the Elk River Mountains are Rambler and Elkhorn. Elkhorn Mountain is easily accessible by a one-hour drive from Campbell River city to the Elk River Trailhead. After half an hour's walk, you will reach a campsite along the Elk River. After crossing the Elk River, ascending starts into the alpine. Above the tree line, several ascent routes appear with magnificent mountains surrounding. Mountaineer's most popular route to climb the Elkhorn peak is the North West Ridge. The Elk River trail is treated as a head-start for many mountaineers to ascend Elkhorn, Rambler, south Elkhorn, and Colonel Foster Mountains. Also, the visitors can use the trail to gorgeous lakes such as Landslide Lake and Foster Lake.
8 km (5 miles) from the southwest of Elk River Trailhead, visiting the beautiful White Ridge Provincial Park and Donner Lake, about 3 km (1.8 miles) away from south of the park, would be fun. Just minutes to the north of the Elk River Trailhead, Drum Lakes and Crest Lake are located. 20 km (12.4 miles) to the east of the Trailhead within Strathcona Provincial Park, two beautiful lakes, Buttle Lake and Upper Campbell Lake, are located offering opportunities for fishing and entertaining activities besides perfect campgrounds.
From Nanaimo:
The fastest route to get to the Elk River Trailhead from Nanaimo is via BC-19 N and Gold River Hwy/BC-28 W. It is a 226 km (140 miles) route and takes about 2 hours and 30 minutes.
Head west on Fitzwilliam St toward Wesley St for 800 m (2624.6 ft). Continue onto Third St. After 1.9 km (1.1 miles), follow jingle Pot Rd. Drive 650 m (2132 ft.), then turn right onto BC-19 N (signs for Campbell R). After 151 m (495 ft) turn left onto Island Hwy/BC-19A N (signs for BC-28 W/Gold River) and continue for 150 m (492.1 ft). Continue onto Campbell River Rd/Gold River Hwy/BC-28 W for 47.3 km (29.3 miles). Turn right to stay on Gold River Hwy/BC-28 W and continue for 23 km (14.2 miles) to reach the Elk River Trailhead.
From Victoria:
Getting to the Elk River Trailhead from Victoria is via Trans-Canada Hwy/BC-1 N and BC-19 N. It is a 336 km (209 miles) route and takes about 3 hours and 55 minutes.
Take Government St to Trans-Canada Hwy/BC-1 N for 1.2 km (0.7 miles). Follow Trans-Canada Hwy/BC-1 N and BC-19 N to Island Hwy/BC-19A N in Campbell River for 264 km (164 miles). Drive to Gold River Hwy/BC-28 W in Comox-Strathcona D, about 71 km (44.1 miles), to reach the Trailhead.
"Landslide Lake Via Elk River Trail" is an out-and-back hard trail. Hikers and mountaineers can have access to the Elk River Mountains via the Elk River trail. The trail is 21.2 km (13.1 miles) with an elevation gain of 1027 m (3369 ft) and is lightly trafficked out. The best time to use Landslide Lake Via the Elk River Trail is from June until August. It is primarily used for backpacking, camping, and hiking. Dogs are allowed on the trail but must be on a leash. The Elk River Mountains are accessible via the hiking trail.
The Elk River Mountains and Strathcona Provincial Park is the territory of the Muchalaht and Mowachaht people of the Nuu-chah-nulth First Nation. The first nation's deep and rich culture and legends are rooted in the mountains.
The Elk River Mountains area has lakes and waterways within, offering several activities and perfect angling. While backpacking to ascend mountain peaks, you would be impressed by hiking trails through the old-growth forest or alpine having incredible views of magnificent mountain peaks surrounding, winding around gorgeous lakes.
Besides hiking, several activities are available at nearby lakes, such as kayaking and canoeing on the beautiful Buttle Lake and Upper Campbell Lake, with opportunities for windsurfing, climbing at Crest Creek Crags and mountain biking. Fishing is terrific on the lakes and waterways throughout the area, including cutthroat and rainbow trout. Wildlife seeing opportunities are great while exploring the area, such as whiskey jacks, Bald eagles, black bears. Hunting is also available for specific species.
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.
Elkhorn Mountain is located in the Elk River Mountains of the Vancouver Island Ranges. It is the second-highest peak on Vancouver Island at 2194 m (7198 ft.) elevation. Atop of the Elkhorn Mountain, the commanding views of mountain peaks surrounding overlooking the Pacific Ocean and the Strait of Georgia are rewarding, as well as splendid Strathcona Provincial Park.
The Pierce Range is small and steep-sided in the center of Vancouver Island. Hikers can pass through trees covering steep hills packed with bountiful wildlife and colourful birds winding around lakes and tarns along creeks and rivers. Up at the peaks, the scenery is surrounded by mountains. Spectacular views overlooking the Muchalat channel and Victor Island is inspiring.
The Elk River Mountains is a group of rugged mountains in Strathcona Provincial Park suitable for camping and outdoor activities. Elkhorn Mountain is the highest peak of the mountains and the second-highest peak on Vancouver Island. It is an extraordinary destination for professional and amateur climbers; the difficulty is from simple to somehow challenge slopes.
As one of the highest points of Vancouver Island, Mount Adrian offers great snowmobiling, among other winter activities. It has two summits that feature Strathcona Provincial Park in every direction—looking for a place to have winter excitement? Nowhere is better than Mount Adrian.
Home to many campsites with all kinds of facilities and services right on the shoreline, Buttle Lake campground offers you the best opportunities to explore the shore. There you can do a lot of activities and enjoy seeing marine creatures.
Annually, the campground welcomes RV and vehicle campers. Also, you can have a good time camping in your tents.
Camping in Ralph River Campground offers a bit more comfortable experience of exploring the park. It's adjacent to Buttle Lake, with numerous campsites all along the glorious shoreline of it. It is where you will feel a sense of being in the wilderness with beautiful sights and spectacular views from several sites over the valleys.
Located in the Strathcona Provincial Park near Bedwell Lake, camping is possible in a nice backcountry campground on Baby Bedwell Lake, set in the lush forest surrounded by majestic mountains. Beautiful alpine forest, perfect swimming, breathtaking view of the trail, small ponds and lakes surrounded by glacial mountain peaks are some of the area's attractions. They are enough to fascinate visitors and campers.
Known as the base camp to explore the area, Bedwell Lake Campground comprises excellent tent campsites. There you can climb surrounding mountains and hike gorgeous, well-maintained trails. Bedwell Lake Campground would be excellent for backcountry adventures. It has lovely glacial mountain views.
The Croteau Lake Campsite is the first backcountry group site accepting reservations, Located within Strathcona Provincial Park in Forbidden Platea. You will have to hike into this lovely remote campground which features a brand new yurt. Nestled in the sub-alpine of Strathcona, Croteau Lake Campsite is surrounded by jagging glacial mountain peaks, and you will experience a sense of peace and seclusion.
To be a storyteller of paddling adventures, do not leave out Bligh Island Marine Provincial Park. This stunning historical park leaves you speechless about its undeniable opportunities for kayaking and canoeing. Bligh Island Marine Provincial Park is known for its coastal forests and marine ecosystems, in which you are provided with several unique outdoor activities.
If paddling is frightening for you, make it normal while you are in Nootka Sound. It s worthy of mentioning that while paddling in the waters of Nootka Sound, you are given the pleasure of observing the birth point of BC, Yuquot. Nootka Sound is known as the paradise of the paddlers, and its island provides an extraordinary situation in which an astonishing adventure is waiting to be embraced.
Gold River is an excellent destination for paddling by all means. There are ample reasons which can trigger you to go kayaking and canoeing in this river. Its crystal clear water allows you sea the beauties lied underneath the surface. Besides, kayakers and canoeists can have fun doing other activities along with paddling in the water.
As the oldest provincial park on the island, Strathcona Provincial Park Campground will be a memorable wilderness adventure. Every day you spend on this beautiful campground is a different new day, for you can experience any adventure and never get sick of it. As a hot spot for camping, you are given a chance to choose the setting of your campsite.
Are you struggling with spending a ton of time searching for the best family-friendly vacation? Then you need to visit Buttle Lake and get better results camping around it. Learn how Buttle Lake gives you an unfair advantage with camping, swimming, canoeing, kayaking, and fishing in Strathcona Provincial Park, the oldest provincial park on Vancouver Island.
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.
Elkhorn Mountain is located in the Elk River Mountains of the Vancouver Island Ranges. It is the second-highest peak on Vancouver Island at 2194 m (7198 ft.) elevation. Atop of the Elkhorn Mountain, the commanding views of mountain peaks surrounding overlooking the Pacific Ocean and the Strait of Georgia are rewarding, as well as splendid Strathcona Provincial Park.
Going deep into the forest is worthy enough to visit the stunning Upana Caves. Listen to the sound of a river passing by and detect several entrances with the famous one behind the spectacular Upana Caves Waterfall. Inside entrances, you may find birds' nests. Watch the evidence of years of existence by holes like the one in cheese. The stunning galleries and passages you'll explore while going down would be incredible.
The Pierce Range is small and steep-sided in the center of Vancouver Island. Hikers can pass through trees covering steep hills packed with bountiful wildlife and colourful birds winding around lakes and tarns along creeks and rivers. Up at the peaks, the scenery is surrounded by mountains. Spectacular views overlooking the Muchalat channel and Victor Island is inspiring.
The Elk River Mountains is a group of rugged mountains in Strathcona Provincial Park suitable for camping and outdoor activities. Elkhorn Mountain is the highest peak of the mountains and the second-highest peak on Vancouver Island. It is an extraordinary destination for professional and amateur climbers; the difficulty is from simple to somehow challenge slopes.
Strathcona Provincial Park is a large mountainous natural park and the oldest provincial park in British Columbia. Excellent hiking trails, coastal areas, lakes, creeks, waterfalls, snow-capped peaks, and wildlife made this park a perfect destination for adventurous travellers. Summers are usually pleasantly warm, and winters are almost mild except for the higher levels. So, it is a great place to recharge.
Words cannot describe Lupin Falls because this waterfall's beauty is beyond the world of vocabulary. The water pours gracefully on rocks and carving its way into the hard rock cliff. A forest surrounds the two drops of Lupin Falls and adds to its wonders. Visiting Lupin Falls is a big bonus as it is placed in Strathcona Provincial Park with a lot to offer.
Find peace at the bottom of a waterfall where there will be the magic of nature all around you. Lady Falls is a rare sight of beauty and grace. The crystal clear water runs through a lush forest, reaches a rock cliff surrounded by trees, and pours down into a canyon. From afar, it feels like the water is cascading from the trees. The combination is enough for cleansing the mind, soothing the soul, and being there for hours.
In the south end of Buttle Lake at Strathcona Provincial Park, you can find Myra Falls (or Lower Myra Falls), a Jewel of natural wonders. This seven-drop waterfall is beautiful all year round, and it feels like you're in a land of fantasy. The tremendous view of the place and shades of green and blue of the pool under the falls make a great scene perfect for photography.