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Halifax Range

Overview

The Halifax Range is a small mountain range on the eastern side of Vancouver Island between Pye Lake and Amor de Cosmos Creek adjacent to the Johnstone Strait. The Halifax Range has an area of 51 sq km (19.6 sq miles) and consists of hills covered by gorgeous trees.
The Halifax Range area is ornamented with beautiful wildlife such as elk, dear, bear, and many bird species. While ascending the mountain, mountaineers will be refreshed by the Halifax Range's pleasant ambiance overlooking the Johnstone Strait. Hiking around the range would be enjoyable through gorgeous trees and wildlife creatures winding around pond-like.
Near the Halifax Range, two McCreight Lake and Pye Lake are surrounded by a forest and mountains with a breathtaking view of lakes and trees garnished by bountiful birds and mammals. You can pitch a camp on McCreight Lake or Pye Lake, accessible lakes with good facilities. Also, enjoy strolling along the lakes, excellent fishing, or kayaking and canoeing. The lakes offer beautiful campsites just on the lake featuring a small launch for car-top boats and canoes to spend some time paddling in the lakes' lovely atmosphere, viewing copious beautiful wildlife creatures.


Halifax Range Location

On the eastern side of Vancouver Island, adjacent to the John Strait, the small Halifax Range is located between Amor de Cosmos Creek and Pye Lake. The Halifax Range is near three gorgeous Stella Lake, Pye Lake, McCreight Lake.
Visitors and mountaineers would have an excellent time camping at plenty of rooms on the nearby lakes having perfect fishing or canoeing enjoying the pleasant ambiance surrounded by mountains full of beautiful wildlife creatures.
Adjacent to the John Strait, the Halifax Range overlooks West Thurlow and East Thurlow Islands. The gorgeous Amor de Cosmos Creek that flows in McCreight Lake is worth pitching a camp on and stroll or fish and canoe.
Approximately 43 km (26.7 miles) to the southeast of the Halifax Range, the Campbell River city is located, and Sayward village is about 24 km (14.9 miles) to the west. within 25 km (15.5 miles) south and southeast of Halifax Range are Amor Lake, Brewster Lake, and Mohun Lake. Just by Mohun Lake, you can spend some time camping and fishing at the beautiful Morton Lake Provincial Park.


How to Get to the Halifax Range by Car

From Nanaimo:
The fastest route to get to the Halifax Range from Nanaimo is via BC-19 N. It is a 214 km (132.9 miles) route and takes about 2 hours and 45 minutes.
Head west on Fitzwilliam St toward Wesley St. After 800 m (2624.6 ft) driving, follow Third St for 1.9 km (1.1 miles). Continue onto Jingle Pot Rd for 650 m (2132.5 ft), then turn right onto BC-19 N (signs for Campbell R) and drive 192 km (119.3 miles). Turn right onto Rock Bay Rd. After 7.5 km (4.6 miles), turn left onto Bear Bight Rd and continue for 11.4 km (7 miles) to reach the Halifax Range.

From Victoria:
Getting to Victoria is via Trans-Canada Hwy/BC-1 N and BC-19 N, a 324 km (201.3 miles) route that takes about 4 hours and 8 minutes.
Take Government St to Trans-Canada Hwy/BC-1 N. After 1.2 km (0.7 miles), follow Trans-Canada Hwy/BC-1 N and BC-19 N to Rock Bay Rd in Blind Channel for 304 km (188.8 miles). Drive to Bear Bight Rd and continue for 18.9 km (11.7 miles) to reach the Halifax Range.


The Hike to Get to the Halifax Range

This remote area has no designated hiking trail.


History of the Halifax Range

The Halifax Range area, as well as the northern part of Vancouver Island, is home to the traditional territory of Kwakwa̱ka̱ʼwakw known as (Kwakiutl) First Nations. The culture and legends of these people are rooted in the lands and mountains. Their language consists of four dialects; that's why they are known as Kwakʼwala-speaking people.


Things to do around Halifax Range Area

While visiting the Halifax Range, you can have a nice time spending in the range area. Hiking through the pleasant forest surrounded by magnificent mountains winding you around small ponds and marshy lands, that is great.
Climbing the Halifax mountain and other mountains in the area is exceptional. Ascending is through packed enormous trees garnished by beautiful lovely birds and mammals. When you reach the peaks, everything in the area is impressive. The incredible vista of the John Strait, islands, and the forest covering the hills below your feet while encircled by mountains is splendid. Climbing mountains is worthwhile.
The gorgeous McCreight, Pye, and Stella lakes around the range and the Amor de Cosmos Creek offer perfect camping and fishing. Mountaineers and hikers can have a great time camping on the lakes and creek, enjoy strolling in the extraordinary ambiance.
Small boat launches are provided for car-top boats and canoes to spend a while paddling. Also, swimming is available in the deep waters of the lake, so be careful about swimming.

List of Mountain Ranges Near the Halifax Range

Sutton Range

Sutton Range

The Sutton Range is a group of mountains and a subrange of the Vancouver Island Ranges that form the greater Insular Mountains. The amazing rock formation and alpine scale make the mountains within the range perfect for climbing. While you're atop Sutton Peak, Victoria Peak, Warden Peak, and mainland coast mountains are within your sight.

Prince of Wales Range

Prince of Wales Range

The Prince of Wales Range is a subrange of the Vancouver Island Ranges, and the highest summit is Hkusam Mountain. Hiking up to the magnificent mountain peaks within the Prince of Wales Range offers astonishing views of surrounded peaks with a 180-degree view of the Johnstone Strait from south to north and Sayward Valley as your backdrop.

Halifax Range

Halifax Range

The Halifax Range is a small mountain range consists of hills covered by gorgeous trees. The area is ornamented with wildlife like elk, dear, bear, and many bird species. While ascending the mountain, mountaineers will be refreshed by the Halifax Range's pleasant ambiance overlooking the Johnstone Strait. McCreight Lake and Pye Lake are nearby suitable for camping with facilities.

Franklin Range

Franklin Range

The Franklin Range is a subrange of Vancouver Island, perfect for mountain climbing. It is located southwest of the Johnstone Strait and Robson Bight. Start a fantastic adventure by launching a boat at Telegraph Cove, having pleasant hiking through gorgeous forest, and step into the breathtaking ambiance of Franklin Range shrouded with clouds and covered by trees.

Bonanza Range

Bonanza Range

The Bonanza Range is a small mountain range. While approaching the Bonanza Range, you will experience a beautiful wilderness passing through the Tsitika River and Bonanza Lake. The area is a paradise dotted with gorgeous lakes and tarns winding through alpine and subalpine mountain forests having spectacular views of incredible snow-capped mountains.

Halifax Range Activities

Climbing

Climbing the Halifax Range is an enriching experience. Ascending the magnificent mountains, you would be impressed by the range's ambiance with hills packed by a gorgeous forest full of beautiful wildlife overlooking John Strait and islands.

Camping

While visiting the Halifax Range, you have lots of opportunities for camping. Gorgeous McCreight, Pye, and Stella Lakes, along with Amor de Cosmos Creek, offer excellent camping with plenty of rooms to pitch a tent and have a fantastic recreational time with your family or friends.

Fishing

While camping on McCreight Lake, Pye Lake, Stella Lake, and Amor de Cosmos Creek, opportunities for perfect fishing are available. Fishing there would be enjoyable in the lovely environment of the lake surrounded by trees. You have chances of catching big Dolly Varden char, cutthroat trout, and rainbow. Check BC angling regulations before fishing for knowing restrictions. Anyone angling in British Columbia must have a proper license.

Kayaking, Canoeing

Wonderful kayaking and canoeing are possible in nearby lakes. A steep gravel boat launch at McCreight Lake and small boat launches are provided at Pye Lake and Stella Lake to put your boat on the water and enjoy paddling in the lakes' lovely environment.

Wildlife Viewing, Bird Watching

The Halifax Range area is the habitat of some beautiful wildlife species like elk, deer, bears, and birds.

What you Can Expect to Do Near the Halifax Range

Hiking on the Mount Menzies Access Road

Hiking on the Mount Menzies Access Road

Hiking on the Mount Menzies Access Road through a logging road and having a forest walk is a challenge you can take near the Campbell River. The trail and the view from the lookout are incredible in colours. Get away from the humans by going on a beautiful trail which is nice and quiet!

Mount Cain Snowmobiling

Mount Cain Snowmobiling

Mount Cain is one of the pioneer points for snowmobiling in Vancouver Island for modern snowmobile engines. The good news is that snowmobiling in Mount Cain full of endless excitement, and you can enjoy the rare beauty of its nature while surfing the snow.

Mount Cain Snowboarding

Mount Cain Snowboarding

Mount Cain Ski Resort is a snow-capped location on the northern part of Vancouver Island, in which you can experience a new sense of winter activities, snowboarding in particular. It boasts a wide range of snowboarding facilities, and skis, poles, helmets and boots are rented near Mount Cain and are available at nearby ski shops.

Mount Cain Snowshoeing

Mount Cain Snowshoeing

Mount Cain ski resort is a suitable place for snowshoeing and a renowned destination for snowshoeing followers. Take the risk of exploring a non-patrolled wilderness area and enjoy the spectacular surroundings and natural habitat. Mount Cain has the highest base elevation of any coastal ski resort in British Columbia, Alaska, and Washington.

Mount Cain Skiing

Mount Cain Skiing

As the only community-owned and operated ski resort, Mount Cain has heavy snowfall in winter, making it an ideal place to experience winter activities. The breathtaking slopes of Mount Cain, besides various trails and logging roads, multiply the skiing attractiveness in this location. The drier snow condition of Mount Cain makes it a better place for spring skiing.

Halifax Range Outline

Specifications

Peaks and Heights

Climate

Timing

Get There



1. The numbers are estimated on average.
2. Be well-equipped for climate conditions and check the weather reports before heading out.


What you Can Expect to See Near the Halifax Range

Sayward

Sayward

Sayward Valley is located in northern Vancouver Island. Mount H'Kusam, the Salmon River and Kelsey Bay are the hit in Sayward, what you shouldn't miss. Natural surroundings and access to the waterways and Mount H'Kusam, allowing opportunities like bird watching, kayaking, canoeing, caving, hiking, camping, horseback riding, hunting, wildlife viewing and photography.

Sutton Range

Sutton Range

The Sutton Range is a group of mountains and a subrange of the Vancouver Island Ranges that form the greater Insular Mountains. The amazing rock formation and alpine scale make the mountains within the range perfect for climbing. While you're atop Sutton Peak, Victoria Peak, Warden Peak, and mainland coast mountains are within your sight.

Mount Elliot Ecological Reserve

Mount Elliot Ecological Reserve

Located north of Woss, Mount Elliot Ecological Reserve has about 324 hectares (800 acres) area. It was established in 1989 to preserve representative old-growth montane forests and a small self-contained subalpine drainage, including Tsitika Lake, in its natural state. Nature observation, hiking and photography are permitted in Mount Elliot Ecological Reserve.

Prince of Wales Range

Prince of Wales Range

The Prince of Wales Range is a subrange of the Vancouver Island Ranges, and the highest summit is Hkusam Mountain. Hiking up to the magnificent mountain peaks within the Prince of Wales Range offers astonishing views of surrounded peaks with a 180-degree view of the Johnstone Strait from south to north and Sayward Valley as your backdrop.

Halifax Range

Halifax Range

The Halifax Range is a small mountain range consists of hills covered by gorgeous trees. The area is ornamented with wildlife like elk, dear, bear, and many bird species. While ascending the mountain, mountaineers will be refreshed by the Halifax Range's pleasant ambiance overlooking the Johnstone Strait. McCreight Lake and Pye Lake are nearby suitable for camping with facilities.

Franklin Range

Franklin Range

The Franklin Range is a subrange of Vancouver Island, perfect for mountain climbing. It is located southwest of the Johnstone Strait and Robson Bight. Start a fantastic adventure by launching a boat at Telegraph Cove, having pleasant hiking through gorgeous forest, and step into the breathtaking ambiance of Franklin Range shrouded with clouds and covered by trees.

Bonanza Range

Bonanza Range

The Bonanza Range is a small mountain range. While approaching the Bonanza Range, you will experience a beautiful wilderness passing through the Tsitika River and Bonanza Lake. The area is a paradise dotted with gorgeous lakes and tarns winding through alpine and subalpine mountain forests having spectacular views of incredible snow-capped mountains.

Brewster Lake

Brewster Lake

The first step to find happiness in nature is to get connected with it. An outdoor adventure can be found anywhere, but for relaxation, rest, and tranquillity, don't skip Brewster Lake. This serene lake with mountain views is the right place for canoeing, paddle-boarding, kayaking, power-boating, or anything you expect from a beautiful lake.

Planning for the Halifax Range

Suitability

Camping & Resort

Services

Tips

Packing




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