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Vanislander
Vanislander
Vanislander
Vanislander
Vanislander

Hankin Range

The Hankin Range, located in the north of Vancouver Island, is a set of 287 sq km (111 sq miles) mountains between Bonanza Lake and Nimpkish Lake. The Hankin Range portion stands out from other parts of Vancouver Island due to its incredible landscape and nature.
The range area is full of perfect adventurous sports, especially in winters such as mountain skiing. You can get equipped at the snowboard store, where everything is available, from goggles to snowboards. Because the area has no distractions, it is perfect for winter sports to book a room in Smithers hotels and make your way to the mountain range.
The Hankin Mountain Range is an excellent and convenient spot with plenty of things to do for all families. With a beautiful environment, the area offers thrilling winter sports with plowed roads through the alpine forest. Enthusiasts would enjoy skiing through the alpine and gorgeous trees besides perfect alpine climbing.
Visitors and tourists will experience peace and seclusion and a true connection to nature's calmness and fierceness at the non-motorized recreational place. The Hankin Range offers both tree skiing and skiing with uninterrupted terrains. Also, other winter sports are suitable for both beginners and professionals.


Hankin Range Location

The Hankin Mountain Range is located northwest of Woss, between Nimpkish Lake to the west and Bonanza Lake. The area is an excellent recreational spot and perfect for mountaineers with plenty of things to do. Beautiful lakes are around, such as Anutz Lake 10 km (6.2 miles) to the southwest, Husan Lake 13 km (8 miles), and Atluck Lake 19 km (11.8 miles). Amazing Nimpkish Lake Provincial Park is 13 km (8 miles), and Tahsis-Kwois Provincial Park is 28 km (17.3 miles) to the west of the Hankin Range. 30 km (18.6 miles) from the southeast of the range, Woss Lake Provincial Park and the gorgeous Woss Lake are located where tourists can enjoy various entertaining activities. Nearby towns and communities are Telegraph Cove, Port McNeill, Zeballos, besides the Woss village within 20 km (12.4 miles).


How to Get to the Hankin Range by Car

From Nanaimo:
The fastest route to get to the Hankin Range from Nanaimo is via BC-19 N. It is a 379 km (235.5 miles) route and takes about 4 hours and 19 minutes.
Take Third St to BC-19 N. After 3.3 km (2 miles), turn right onto BC-19 N (signs for Campbell R) and drive for 336 km (208.7 miles). Continue on Beaver Cove Rd to your destination for 39.3 km (24.4 miles) to reach the range.

From Victoria:
Getting to the Hankin Range from Victoria is via BC-19 N. It is a 489 km (303.8 miles) route and takes almost 5 hours and 47 minutes.
Take Government St to Trans-Canada Hwy/BC-1 N. After 1.2 km (0.7 miles), take BC-19 N to Beaver Cove Rd in Mount Waddington D for 449 km (278.9 miles). Continue on Beaver Cove Rd to your destination and drive 39.3 km (24.4 miles) to reach the range.


The Hike to Get to the Hankin Range

There is no designated hiking trail to reach the Hankin Range.


History of the Hankin Range

The area is placed within the traditional territory of Namgis First Nation. The Namgis People's deep and rich legends and culture are rooted in the areas of the mountains and the range.


Things to do around Hankin Range Area

While visiting the Hankin Range, you would be amazed by nature's calmness and fierceness. The range is a perfect non-motorized recreational place offering a variety of winter sports. Have the experience of amusing winter sports, along with the natural beauty of the area. A wide area with challenging tracks is cleaned, providing uninterrupted skiing. For those who love to ski through trees, it can be easily arranged through the Hankin Range's natural beauty but is a bit more difficult than skiing.
Alpine climbing would be a fantastic venture, with the beautiful atmosphere of the area. Make sure to have the right weather and gear.
Snowboarding on the Hankin Range's challenging tracks would be fun, easier to master than skiing, but more difficult to learn. Even though it's your choice to choose what you are comfortable with. Experience amusing winter sports, along with the natural beauty of the area.
Several enjoyable activities are available at Nimpkish Lake Provincial Park to the west of the range. In the beautiful Nimpkish Lake outside Nimpkish Lake Provincial Park, kayaking, canoeing, and fishing opportunities exist. At the park, in some areas, hunting is allowed for specific species. Also, the lake is famous for windsurfing besides offers swimming without lifeguards are on duty.

List of Mountain Ranges Near the Hankin Range

Karmutzen Range

Karmutzen Range

The Karmutzen Range is a subrange of Vancouver Island Ranges. While visiting the Karmutzen Range, you will be fascinated by surrounding mountains winding through a beautiful old-growth forest and enormous trees. The area is a paradise for mountaineers. Up at the peaks, the view includes the trees covering the hills and Nimpkish Lake that lying within Nimpkish Valley walls.

Hankin Range

Hankin Range

The Hankin Range provides full of perfect adventurous sports such as mountain skiing with a snowboard store available. The area offers thrilling winter sports with plowed roads through the alpine forest. Visitors will experience peace at the non-motorized recreational place. The Hankin Range offers both tree skiing and skiing with uninterrupted terrains.

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.

Hankin Range Activities

Skiing

Experience perfect skiing in vast uninterrupted terrains with well-maintained recreational spots and be amused by natural beauty. If you seek more thrilling sport and cut runs, you can enjoy plunging into the trees. Be well equipped while going skiing. A first aid box, communicative and protective gear is strongly recommended.

Snowboarding

Get your self-kitted out and enjoy snowboarding along with the beautiful nature of challenging tracks. The challenging slopes and resorts make a fun time snowboarding with a lot of space to practice and master.

Fishing

Opportunities for fishing are available in Tlakwa Creek's freshwater in the park and Nimpkish Lake outside of the Nimpkish Lake Provincial Park. Before fishing, check current regulations issued by Ocean Canada and fisheries. Fishing is only permitted with an appropriate license.

Alpine Climbing

The groomed area of Hankin Range offers another perfect sport for Alpine Climbing. It is perfect for those who are into tougher stuff. Visitors and mountaineers will enjoy venturing through beautiful nature with the right weather and gear.

Kayaking, Canoeing

While taking a tour of the Hankin Range area, you would enjoy opportunities of canoeing and kayaking in the Nimpkish Lake with its beautiful ambiance.

Hunting

The nearby Nimpkish Lake Provincial Park offers hunting of specific species in some parts. For closures and regulations, refer to current Hunting and Trapping Regulations and Synopsis publication.

Swimming

Visitors can enjoy swimming in the Nimpkish Lake without any lifeguards on duty.

Nimpkish Lake Windsurfing

Have more fun in Nimpkish Lake by windsurfing, which is a popular activity in Nimpkish Lake.

What you Can Expect to Do Near the Hankin Range

Port Hardy Whale Watching

Port Hardy Whale Watching

Looking for a way through which you can make your adventure on Vancouver Island unforgettable? Do not forget to stop by Port hardy while you are in the northern parts of the island. There you will be able to sight magnificent killer whales, near which you should apply ample caution. However, observing them is better an oops than a what if.

Telegraph Cove Whale Watching

Telegraph Cove Whale Watching

From Mid-June through October, you will have lots of adventures ahead of you in Telegraph Cove. While exploring the waters to observe Whales, you may encounter other marine creatures if you are lucky. Besides, other creators such as bears, eagles, sea lions and porpoises are observable.

Camping in Cluxewe Resort

Camping in Cluxewe Resort

Adventure is a critical ingredient to keep your spirit alive. Enthusiasts can spend a splendid time camping in Cluxewe Resort campground, in which you are provided with both woodland and waterfront sites featuring all the necessary facilities. Other than fantastic camping, you may enjoy several outdoor activities, including both water and land activities. Also, the wildlife there can fascinate you and make the place unforgettable.

Camping in Telegraph Cove Campground

Camping in Telegraph Cove Campground

The old-growth forest on Vancouver Island's east coast maintains a great campground to spend a night. The Telegraph Cove Campground spoils the guests and visitors with colourful buildings, wonderful ocean-view, and a beautiful campground and resort with a spectacular atmosphere. Also, campsites and accommodations are facilitated for your convenience.

Camping in Broughton Strait Campsite

Camping in Broughton Strait Campsite

On the edge of Port McNeill, a quiet facilitated campground is provided for you to spend splendid time with family and friends. The Broughton Strait Campground is a beautiful spot to spend moments and observe the magnificent wildlife while appreciating the beautiful nature there in the forest. Also, anglers would be surprised by the various fish species living there.

Camping in Wildwoods Campsite

Camping in Wildwoods Campsite

On the entrance of Hardy Bay, Wildwoods Campsite is located in a rainforest. Many adventure offers are available in this campground in addition to undeniable chances of peaceful camping. For almost 30 years, this campground welcomes campers with great campsites, including all necessary facilities.

Camping in Quatse River Campground

Camping in Quatse River Campground

Nestled in old-growth forests, Quatse River Campground offers peaceful camping next to the bank of Quatse River. This campground provides you with privacy and peace away from the busy urban life comprising a green and treed atmosphere. Also, admirers of nature can enjoy a diversity of flora and fauna while drowning in other adventures.

Camping in Port Hardy RV Resort and Log Cabins

Camping in Port Hardy RV Resort and Log Cabins

While exploring the lands of Northern Vancouver Island, do not forget to visit Port Hardy RV Resort and Log Cabins to stay a day or two. This clean and safe campground provides you with amenities and chances to have a splendid time at a sandy beach, in which you can enjoy a meal of the fish you caught. The resemblance of this campground to paradise is uncanny, providing untenable forest tours.

Telegraph Cove Kayaking

Telegraph Cove Kayaking

As another significant paradise for paddling, kayaker and canoeists can lose themselves enjoying every single moment while they are on board. Besides the great adventure of surfing the water, paddlers can do other water activities and make their stay even more memorable. So, if you are a paddling freak, don't forget to prioritize Telegraph Cove.

Port McNeill Kayaking and Canoeing

Port McNeill Kayaking and Canoeing

Let your spirits feed on the adventure provided for you in Port McNeill. One of the best places for paddlers, Port McNeill, has a sheltered harbour and fabulous waterways suitable for kayaking and canoeing. This place is the gateway to real adventure in which you can experience every kind of vigorous activity both on land and at sea.

Camping in the Alder Bay RV Park & Marina

Camping in the Alder Bay RV Park & Marina

While exploring the northern parts of Vancouver Island, why not relax a day or two in a fantastic campground? Alder Bay RV Park & Marina offers undeniable RV camping with ocean views that can touch your soul. The great ocean-atmosphere, incredible marine life and gorgeous sunsets add up to the reasons why you should camp in this campground.

Nimpkish Lake Windsurfing

Nimpkish Lake Windsurfing

Enjoy different windsurfing right on the waters of the deepest lake on Vancouver Island. Nimpkish Lake is placed near a recreational site on the Western Forest, in which you are provided with ample opportunity to do different outdoor activities. Not to mention the eye-catching mountain views and wilderness areas that are offered in the lake's vicinity.

Hankin Range Outline

Specifications

Peaks and Heights

Climate

Timing

Get There



1. Temperatures are estimated on average related to the Nimpkish Lake.
2. The high rate of precipitation is from October through January.
3. Minimum precipitation is in July 49.8 mm (1.9 inches), and maximum precipitation is in November 231.1 mm (9 inches).
4. Be well-equipped for climate conditions and check the weather reports before heading out.


What you Can Expect to See Near the Hankin Range

Telegraph Cove

Telegraph Cove

Telegraph Cove is a fantastic spot for photography with a stunning view of the ocean, famous buildings, and houses close to the rocky shoreline. You can expect to watch grizzly bears in spring, salmon in August, and millions of pink salmon return to spawn up the inlet channel in September. Telegraph Cove Campground is one of the full-service and breathtaking campsites in the area.

Port McNeill

Port McNeill

Port McNeill is a small town but a large community in North Vancouver Island with the rich natural land and sea resources. It is the gateway to the protected spaces, islands, and waterways of the Broughton Archipelago and Queen Charlotte Strait. Being close to the shoreline gives you chances to watch wildlife like dolphins, whales, seals, grizzly bears, black bears, elks, cougars, and deer.

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.

Minigill Cave

Minigill Cave

Minigill Cave is a hidden gem and one of the natural wonders of Vancouver Island. The entrance is a gap on a rocky ground with no signs around and is surrounded by tall trees as it is placed in a forest. The cave is suitable for professional cavers and exploring it needs equipment. The fascinating formations, stalagmites, and stalactites are what you can expect.

Artlish Caves

Artlish Caves

As it is said, "A river cuts through rock, not because of its power, but because of its persistence." Did you know it takes a long process for a cave to be created? Artlish Caves is no exception. It is the largest active river cave in Canada, and the running water is why these series of caves were carved out from the ground, which is still happening. While you are inside the caves, sharpen your eyes to find bats, spiders, and other creatures in the darkness.

Little Huson Caves

Little Huson Caves

Are you among the curious people? If the answer is yes, you are at the right place. Knowing what could be in a cave and its end is a desire a caver can not deny. Deep inside the mountain, find the stones endured from the natural elements. The water runs deep in the caves, carving its way through the mountain and polishing the rocks' rough edges. Want to explore it for more? Plan visiting Little Huson Caves, a series of mysterious caves.

Nimpkish Lake Provincial Park

Nimpkish Lake Provincial Park

Nimpkish Lake Provincial Park is a recreation zone with a great unspoiled nature and a rugged wilderness setting located southwest of Nimpkish Lake, the deepest lake on Vancouver Island. This spectacular park is home to various trees valuable for the environment and black bears, black-tailed deer and a wide range of wildlife. Some parts of the park are open to hunting for specific species.

Karmutzen Range

Karmutzen Range

The Karmutzen Range is a subrange of Vancouver Island Ranges. While visiting the Karmutzen Range, you will be fascinated by surrounding mountains winding through a beautiful old-growth forest and enormous trees. The area is a paradise for mountaineers. Up at the peaks, the view includes the trees covering the hills and Nimpkish Lake that lying within Nimpkish Valley walls.

Hankin Range

Hankin Range

The Hankin Range provides full of perfect adventurous sports such as mountain skiing with a snowboard store available. The area offers thrilling winter sports with plowed roads through the alpine forest. Visitors will experience peace at the non-motorized recreational place. The Hankin Range offers both tree skiing and skiing with uninterrupted terrains.

Little Huson Cave Regional Park

Little Huson Cave Regional Park

Little Huson Cave Regional Park is a complete package located in Nimpkish Valley. You can explore 15 caves, have water activities in Nimpkish Lake and enjoy your time at the park or even mountain ranges in the area. The scenery features unique rock bridges and rock arches, flowing water, natural bridges and deep pools filled with crystal-clear green water from Huson Lake.

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.

Broughton Archipelago Marine Provincial Park

Broughton Archipelago Marine Provincial Park

With its tremendous and wild beauty and stunning landscapes, Broughton Archipelago Provincial Park is among the world's most magnificent places. Bald eagles and marine mammals such as dolphins, seals, otters, orcas and humpback whales are among the park's inhabitants. It is a hot spot for boating, especially sea kayaking and is a world-class saltwater fishing spot.

Nimpkish River

Nimpkish River

Keep your restless spirit of travelling to start exploring the longest river on Vancouver Island. The Nimpkish River extends from the west slope of Mount Alston, passes Nimpkish Lake toward the Broughton Strait. With a provincial park on its way, it gives you excellent chances to camp or to have a picnic in nature. Discover it all and the wilderness, or have some relaxing time during fishing.

Nimpkish Lake

Nimpkish Lake

Being in nature is one of the pleasures that one can have either for his leisure time or improving knowledge. Make better use of your time visiting Nimpkish Lake, the deepest lake on Vancouver Island. Track black-tailed deer, black bears, and other animals and watch birds. Enjoy freshwater fishing, hiking, cross country skiing, and mountaineering.

Planning for the Hankin Range

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