Explore Vancouver Island’s
Premier Hikes
Embark on unforgettable hiking adventures across Vancouver Island’s wilderness. Whether you are looking for a demanding multi day expedition or a rewarding day hike, Van Isle Treks offers a range of outings for every level of experience. From alpine lakes to rugged peaks, each journey is designed to immerse you in nature while keeping safety, preparation, and stewardship at the core. Book your next adventure today and experience the beauty of Vancouver Island’s most breathtaking landscapes.
5040 | Cobalt Lake
Difficulty: Moderate to Challenging
Distance: 6.5 km one way
Elevation Gain: 1536 m
Duration: 5 to 7 hours round trip
Best Season: July to October
Starting Point: 5040 Peak Trailhead Marion FSR
Permits: No permit required
Steep alpine route with wide views across surrounding terrain. The trail passes directly by Cobalt Lake below the summit. The climb is consistent with root and rock sections throughout.
• Forest ascent with roots and rock
• Alpine meadows with open views
• Cobalt Lake along the route
• Final summit push
Best suited for solo travellers, international visitors, and locals looking for a structured trekking experience.
Flexible pacing based on experience level. Logistics and route planning handled. Meet and depart from a Courtenay marshalling point. Gear rental available.
Day hike 150 Overnight 250 2 nights 350
Triple Peak | Second Lake
Difficulty: Challenging Technical
Distance: 5.5 km one way
Elevation Gain: 1200 m
Duration: 6 to 8 hours round trip
Best Season: July to October
Starting Point: Triple Peak Trailhead off Highway 4 near Marion Creek
Permits: No permit required
The Triple Peak route is one of the more technical alpine hikes on Vancouver Island, involving steep terrain, scrambling, and route finding. The route toward Second Lake follows a rugged path through forest and alpine terrain with rope assisted sections along the way. The lake sits in a quiet alpine basin surrounded by steep rock features.
• Steep forest ascent through root and uneven terrain
• Transition into boulder fields and loose rock sections
• Rope assisted sections along the route
• Second Lake set within a remote alpine basin
Best suited for solo travellers, international visitors, and locals looking for structured trekking experiences, particularly those comfortable with technical terrain and sustained elevation gain.
Flexible pacing based on experience level. Logistics and route planning handled. Meet and depart from a Courtenay marshalling point. Gear rental available.
Day hike 150 Overnight at Second Lake 250 2 night option 350
Bedwell to Love Lake | Della Falls
Difficulty: Very Challenging
Distance: 35 to 40 km round trip
Elevation Gain: 1948 m
Duration: 2 to 3 nights
Best Season: July to October
Starting Point: Bedwell Lake Trailhead Strathcona Provincial Park
Permits: No permit required overnight camping requires registration in Strathcona Park
This route moves deep into alpine terrain within Strathcona Provincial Park, connecting Bedwell Lake, Cream Lake, and Love Lake through high elevation terrain. The route transitions from established trail into rugged alpine sections including snowfields and less defined travel. The area around Mount Septimus includes sustained elevation gain and remote terrain throughout the traverse.
• Bedwell Lake access through forest trail with elevation gain and alpine transition
• Continuation toward Cream Lake through open terrain and rocky sections
• High elevation travel near Mount Septimus including snowfields
• Descent into Love Lake within a remote alpine basin
Best suited for solo travellers, international visitors, and locals looking for structured trekking experiences, particularly those comfortable with extended distance, elevation gain, and alpine terrain.
Flexible pacing based on experience level. Logistics and route planning handled. Meet and depart from a Courtenay marshalling point. Gear rental available.
2 night option 350 3 night option 450
Bedwell | Cream
Difficulty: Challenging
Distance: 24 km round trip
Elevation Gain: 1237 m
Duration: 2 to 3 days
Best Season: July to October
Starting Point: Bedwell Lake Trailhead Strathcona Provincial Park
Permits: No permit required overnight camping requires registration in Strathcona Park
This alpine route travels through Strathcona Provincial Park toward Bedwell Lake with the option to continue into the Cream Lake basin. The trail includes forest sections, boardwalks, and sustained elevation gain before opening into alpine terrain. Bedwell Lake offers established camping areas, while the extension toward Cream Lake moves into more rugged and less defined terrain.
• Forest trail with staircases, boardwalks, and gradual elevation gain
• Baby Bedwell Lake with open views and camping areas
• Bedwell Lake set within alpine terrain and surrounding peaks
• Optional continuation toward Cream Lake through more rugged terrain
Best suited for solo travellers, international visitors, and locals looking for structured trekking experiences, particularly those comfortable with sustained elevation gain and multi day routes.
Flexible pacing based on experience level. Logistics and route planning handled. Meet and depart from a Courtenay marshalling point. Gear rental available.
2 day option 250 3 day option 350
Myra Falls | SUP/Kayak
Difficulty: Moderate
Distance: 10 km round trip paddling
Duration: Day trip or overnight
Best Season: June to October weather dependent
Starting Point: Estuary south end of Buttle Lake Strathcona Provincial Park
Permits: No permit required overnight camping may require registration
This route explores Strathcona by paddling across Buttle Lake toward Lower Myra Falls. Starting from the estuary at the south end of the lake, the route crosses open water and moves through remnants of old growth stumps from earlier logging activity. At the far end, a short walk leads to Lower Myra Falls with space to rest, swim, and spend time along the shoreline.
• Paddle across Buttle Lake toward Lower Myra Falls
• Navigate through old growth stump fields along the lake
• Short walk to Lower Myra Falls
• Shoreline areas for rest and time at the lake
Best suited for solo travellers, international visitors, and locals looking for structured outdoor experiences, particularly those comfortable paddling and spending time on open water.
Flexible pacing based on experience level. Logistics and route planning handled. Meet and depart from a Courtenay marshalling point. Gear rental available.
Day trip 150 1 night option 250 2 night option 350