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.
Century Sam
Difficulty: Moderate
Distance: 5 km round trip
Elevation Gain: 573 m
Duration: 4 to 5 hours round trip
Best Season: July to October
Starting Point: Century Sam Trailhead off Comox Lake Main FSR
Permits: No permit required
Century Sam Lake is a glacier fed alpine lake known for its turquoise water, rock formations, and seasonal ice features. The route climbs through forest terrain before opening into a rocky basin surrounding the lake. The final section includes uneven ground and exposed rock near the shoreline.
• Forest trail through mossy terrain with gradual elevation gain
• Rocky riverbed crossing along the route
• Open views near the lake with surrounding rock features
• Seasonal ice formations near the shoreline
Best suited for solo travellers, international visitors, and locals looking for structured trekking experiences, particularly those looking for a shorter alpine route with moderate elevation.
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 option 250 2 night option 350
Comox Glacier
Difficulty: Challenging
Distance: 35 km round trip
Elevation Gain: 1960 m
Duration: 2 to 3 nights
Best Season: July to October weather dependent
Starting Point: Comox Glacier Trailhead Strathcona Provincial Park
Permits: No permit required overnight camping requires registration in Strathcona Provincial Park
This route travels through forest terrain into alpine and high elevation areas surrounding the Comox Glacier and Queneesh Peak. The approach includes sustained climbing through forest and open terrain before reaching higher elevation sections with wide views across surrounding mountains and valleys. Upper sections move into more rugged terrain near glacier areas.
• Forest ascent transitioning into alpine terrain
• Open ridgelines with views of surrounding peaks and valleys
• High elevation terrain near the Comox Glacier and Queneesh Peak
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
Landslide | Berg Lakes
Difficulty: Challenging
Distance: 30 to 32 km round trip
Elevation Gain: 1186 m
Duration: Day hike 10 to 12 hours or 2 to 3 days
Best Season: July to October
Starting Point: Elk River Trailhead off Highway 28 near Strathcona Park
Permits: No permit required overnight camping requires registration in Strathcona Park
The Landslide Lake and Berg Lake route follows the Elk River Trail through forest terrain alongside the river before opening into Landslide Lake. The lake is known for the large rockslide from Mount Colonel Foster and surrounding alpine terrain. Beyond the lake, the route continues into more rugged off trail terrain leading toward Berg Lake set within a remote alpine basin.
• Forest trail following the Elk River
• Gradual elevation gain transitioning into steeper sections near the lake
• Landslide Lake with open alpine surroundings and rockslide features
• Optional continuation toward Berg Lake through off trail terrain
Best suited for solo travellers, international visitors, and locals looking for structured trekking experiences, particularly those comfortable with longer distances 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 2 day option 250 3 day option 350
Albert Edward | Frink | Castlecrag Loop
Difficulty: Challenging
Distance: 35 km loop
Elevation Gain: 2093 m
Duration: 2 to 3 nights
Best Season: July to October
Starting Point: Paradise Meadows Trailhead Strathcona Provincial Park
Permits: No permit required overnight camping requires registration in Strathcona Park
This alpine loop travels through subalpine forest into open ridgelines and multiple lake basins within Strathcona Provincial Park. The route begins near Paradise Meadows and moves toward Circlet Lake before climbing into higher elevation terrain around Mount Albert Edward. The loop continues across alpine sections near Mount Frink and Castlecrag before descending past Moat Lake and returning through forested terrain.
• Paradise Meadows approach through forest and boardwalk sections
• Circlet Lake with established camping areas
• Ascent toward Mount Albert Edward with expanding alpine views
• Traverse through Mount Frink and Castlecrag terrain
• Descent past Moat Lake and surrounding alpine features
Best suited for solo travellers, international visitors, and locals looking for structured trekking experiences, particularly those comfortable with extended distance, 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 night option 350 3 night option 400
Kings Peak
Difficulty: Very Challenging
Distance: 14 km round trip
Elevation Gain: 2065 m
Duration: 1 to 2 nights
Best Season: July to October
Starting Point: Kings Peak Trailhead Elk River Valley
Permits: No permit required
Kings Peak is a steep alpine route that climbs from forest terrain into higher elevation ridgelines and summit areas within Strathcona. The route begins through dense forest before opening into alpine terrain with wide views across surrounding peaks and valleys. The upper sections include sustained elevation gain and exposed terrain leading toward the summit.
• Forest ascent through steep terrain with root and creek sections
• Transition into alpine basin with open terrain and surrounding ridgelines
• Upper elevation travel toward summit areas with wide views
Best suited for solo travellers, international visitors, and locals looking for structured trekking experiences, particularly those comfortable with steep terrain, sustained elevation gain, and multi day travel.
Flexible pacing based on experience level. Logistics and route planning handled. Meet and depart from a Courtenay marshalling point. Gear rental available.
1 night option 250 2 night option 350