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Vanislander / Landmarks / Ranges / Victoria Peak

Victoria Peak on Vancouver island

Victoria Peak is a mountain on northern Vancouver Island in the Sutton Range of Vancouver Island Mountains. At 2163 m (7096 ft.), Victoria Peak is the third highest mountain on Vancouver Island. It is third to the mountains Golden Hinde as the highest point and Elkhorn Mountain as the second tallest mountain. Victoria Peak and its neighbor mountain, Warden Peak, are formed by an eroded and extinct volcano. The mountain is isolated, towering over Gold River and White River watersheds, and is divided from the higher Golden Hinde and the Elkhorn Mountains by Gold River and Elk River. The Victoria Peak sits on the White River valley and is visible from Discovery Islands and Campbell River.

History of The Victoria Peak

The first ascent is not known when exactly was taken place. The first recorded ascent was in August 1960 by Frank Stapley and Dave Williamson. Ascents at that time were multi-day expeditions on foot through dense bush, ice, snow, and rock. Victoria Peak lies within the traditional territory of the Mowachaht/Muchalaht people. Their legends and culture are deeply connected to the mountains of the Sutton Range and the areas surrounding Victoria Peak, particularly Gold River and Nootka Island. While early ascents were long, multi-day trips, Victoria Peak is now accessible via logging roads on its high south and northwest aspects, allowing for day trips. Alternatively, mountaineers can camp at the tarns along the south ridge for a more leisurely experience. The peak's solid rock formations are unique on Vancouver Island, offering excellent climbing opportunities. Visitors are rewarded with spectacular views of the surrounding treed valleys.

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why Victoria Peak

Victoria peak is the 3rd highest and the 2nd most prominent on Vancouver Island, Canada , may have chances for seeing wildlife animals and birds as Roosevelt elk, Marbled murrelet, and black-tailed deer, as well as plant species including old-growth Douglas fir and Western hemlock.

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Victoria Peak location

Victoria Peak is located on central Vancouver Island in the Sutton Range of Vancouver Island Ranges. The Victoria Peak and its immediate neighbor, Warden Peak, are north of the Strathcona Provincial Park, divided from Elkhorn Mountain and Golden Hinde Mountain that are the two highest mountains of Vancouver Island by Gold River and Elk River. The Victoria Peak sits within 50 km (31 miles) north of the Golden Hinde and Elkhorn Mountain.

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Accessibility and Surroundings

The peak is located in a protected natural area, surrounded by Holiday and Waring Creeks. These creeks flow into the Oktwanch and Muchalat Rivers, which then empty into Muchalat Lake, a popular spot for boating and fishing.
If you're looking for other nearby recreational areas:
* Vernon Lake (23 km west) and Klaklakama Lakes (27 km north) have campsites and trout fishing.
* Schoen Lake Provincial Park (20 km north) and Gold Muchalat Provincial Park (20 km south) offer camping (accessible by car), hiking, and canoeing. These parks are characterized by Douglas fir and western hemlock forests.

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Vancouver Island Activities near Victoria Peak

Zeballos Kayaking and Canoeing

Zeballos Kayaking and Canoeing

Although the city is known for its gold mining, Zeballos is a fantastic destination for paddling activities. Great hiking trail within the rainforest in which various wildlife is observable. Kayakers and canoeing followers may have the chance to explore a place with several underground caves and spelunking places. Not to mention that other outdoor activities can add to your joy in Zeballos.

Kyuquot Sound Surfing

Kyuquot Sound Surfing

Rebuild your imagination about surfing while you are having a great time in the Kyuquot Sound area, an area of world-class beaches and reefs. Featuring amazing natural scenery which can cheer you up while you are skimming the surface of the water. The beautiful sandy beach features an eye-catching view that can trigger you to camp and surf on one of the largest campsites on Vancouver Island.

Nootka Island Surfing

Nootka Island Surfing

Get out of your comfort zone and get away from the bustles in towns; Nootka Island has a lot to offer to make your vacation count. A place of amazement and glory, the waters of the most oversized island located off Vancouver Island give you a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity for surfing. Nestled near Vancouver Island, Nootka Island features breathtaking scenery you can let your spirit feed on it.

additional information to visit Victoria Peak on Vancouver island

 Bring a 30 m rope, harness, helmet, and crampons for climbing; pack waterproof clothing and sturdy boots for hiking.

Take a visit to Victoria Peak and experience a unique adventure of this distinctive area of Vancouver Island. The logging roads set on the high hills make ascending available as a one-day trip. The route meanders through gnarled and gorgeous old-growth trees around tarns and lakes. Climbing Victoria Peak and its immediate neighbor, Warden Peak, need mountaineering skills up jagged and steep basaltic mountains.

Hiking

This challenging 3.1-mile out-and-back trail near Tsa Xana 18, British Columbia, is recommended for experienced hikers only. Enjoy solitude while hiking through old-growth forest and pristine parks in Schoen Lake and Gold Muchalat Provincial Parks. The route winds past beautiful tarns, offers birdwatching opportunities, and chances to spot small wildlife.

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Camping

Campers have opportunities for pristine and wilderness camping at the nearby Schoen Lake Provincial Park as well as nearby lakes, including Klaklakama and Vernon Lakes. The peace and quietness of the areas offer some relaxing time away from the bustle of the town.

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Canoeing and Kayaking

Set in at boat launches provided at the Schoen Lake Provincial Park, Gold Muchalat Provincial Park, Vernon Lake, and Klaklakama Lakes and spend a whole afternoon canoeing and kayaking through the pleasant atmosphere of the lakes surrounded by trees. Be cautious for the lake’s being subject to the hazardous winds.

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Fishing

Chances for catching a variety of species exist in waterways and lakes around Victoria Peak. In Gold and Muchalat Rivers, opportunities exist for catching salmon species, rainbow trout, and steelhead. Angles may find trout species, fly fishing, dolly varden at Klaklakama Lakes as well as Schoen Lake. Anyone angling in British Columbia, Canada, needs an appropriate license.

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Skiing and Snowshoeing

Backcountry skiing and snowshoeing opportunities exist at Schoen Lake Provincial Park in a small sub-alpine area, 3 km ( miles) north of the campsite. It is accessible via Western Forest Products logging roads from Mt. Cain Road.

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What you Can Expect to See Near Victoria Peak

Victoria Peak

Victoria Peak

Victoria Peak is a mountain on northern Vancouver Island in the Sutton Range of Vancouver Island Mountains. At 2163 m (7096 ft.), Victoria Peak is the third highest mountain on Vancouver Island. It is third to the mountains Golden Hinde as the highest point and Elkhorn Mountain as the second tallest mountain. Victoria Peak and its neighbor mountain, Warden Peak, are formed by an eroded and extinct volcano. The mountain is isolated, towering over Gold River and White River watersheds, and is divided from the higher Golden Hinde and the Elkhorn Mountains by Gold River and Elk River. The Victoria Peak sits on the White River valley and is visible from Discovery Islands and Campbell River.

Tahsis

Tahsis

Tahsis is an accessway to many hiking trails. This village municipality is situated at the top of the steep-sided Tahsis Inlet and is surrounded by breathtaking wilderness and abundant wildlife. Some of the best water activities like ocean kayaking, surfing, windsurfing, recreational fishing or sport fishing, scuba diving, and kiteboarding are popular.

Sophia Range

Sophia Range

The Sophia Range is a low small group of mountains on Nootka Island. Visiting the range would be fascinating overlooking inlets. The spectacular sights of the hills wrapped in trees ornamented with beautiful wildlife and birds are amazing while ascending. The range and the nearby park are a wealth of outdoor activities as paddling, fishing, and wildlife viewing.

Coral Cave

Coral Cave

If you desire to search for hidden parts of nature to discover exciting facts, Coral Cave is a suitable option. Before stepping into it, you need to have caving skills. The beauty of the cave is doubled by the stunning rainforest that surrounded the entrance. While you are inside, you may see the flooded parts of the cave. Let's get into it to find more and realize the time effect for thousands or millions of years.

Pierce Range

Pierce Range

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.

Genevieve Range

Genevieve Range

The Genevieve Range offers a fascinating tour within Nootka Island with spectacular sights for mountaineers. The range's area is a remote paradise for those seeking peace and seclusion. While ascending peaks, the range allows breath-taking sights of the ocean, enormous trees below your feet covering hills along with lakes and creeks dotted the area and plenty of wildlife.

Best Time to Visit Victoria Peak

Planning your hike on Vancouver Island's requires careful consideration of seasonal conditions to ensure a safe and enjoyable experience. Below is a detailed overview of the optimal times to visit, along with key factors to consider:

Month

Weather Conditions

Trail Accessibility

Considerations

April

Cool, wet; increasing sunshine towards month-end.

Partially accessible; muddy trails in areas.

Fewer crowds; ideal for bird watching; prepare for mud.

May

Variable; cooler temperatures with increased rainfall.

Trail open; some campsites may be closed.

Less crowded; prepare for wet conditions.

June

Mild temperatures; moderate rainfall.

Trail open; most campsites operational.

Increasing number of hikers; moderate weather.

July

Warmer temperatures; drier conditions.

Trail open; all campsites operational.

Peak season; higher demand for permits.

August

Warm temperatures; drier conditions.

Trail open; all campsites operational.

Peak season; higher demand for permits.

September

Cooling temperatures; increased rainfall.

Trail open; some campsites may be closed.

Less crowded; prepare for variable weather.

October

Cooler temperatures; higher rainfall.

Limited access; wet and slippery areas.

Wear proper gear; daylight hours decreasing.

November

Cold, wet; heavy rain likely.

Limited access; trail conditions vary daily.

Confirm trail conditions; flash floods possible.

December

Cold; snow possible at higher elevations.

Some trails closed; weather dependent.

Cold weather gear required; check weather alerts.

January

Coldest month; snow likely, slippery trails.

Often inaccessible due to snow.

Not ideal for casual hikers; extreme cold.

February

Cold; potential snow and icy conditions.

Snow and ice can limit accessibility.

Plan cautiously; dress for icy terrain.

March

Cool, wet; frequent rain.

Partial access; weather dependent.

Prepare for rain; early wildflower sightings possible.

Most frequent questions about Victoria Peak

No, Victoria Peak requires mountaineering experience due to its technical Class 4–5.8 routes and remote access. Beginners should opt for guided hikes in Schoen Lake Provincial Park.
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Alireza Moghimehfar

2025 February 19

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