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.
Mt. Crest | Lake
Difficulty: Moderate
Distance: 14 km round trip
Elevation Gain: 1584 m
Duration: Day option or overnight
Best Season: May to October
Starting Point: Mt Crest Trailhead
Permits: No permit required overnight camping requires registration in Strathcona Provincial Park
This route moves through forest and alpine terrain toward a lake basin below Mt Crest. The trail includes steady elevation gain before opening into alpine meadows and surrounding ridgelines. The area offers wide views across nearby peaks and valleys with the option to extend further into higher elevation terrain.
• Forest ascent transitioning into alpine meadows
• Lake basin set within surrounding peaks and ridgelines
• Optional extension toward higher elevation viewpoints
Best suited for solo travellers, international visitors, and locals looking for structured trekking experiences, particularly those comfortable with moderate elevation gain and full day routes.
Flexible pacing based on experience level. Logistics and route planning handled. Meet and depart from a Courtenay marshalling point. Gear rental available.
Day option 150 Overnight option 250
Mt. Myra | Tennet | Sandbag Lakes
Difficulty: Challenging
Distance: 18 to 20 km round trip
Elevation Gain: 1803 m
Duration: Day option or 1 to 2 nights
Best Season: July to October
Starting Point: Thelwood Creek Trailhead Strathcona Provincial Park
Permits: No permit required overnight camping requires registration in Strathcona Park
This alpine route moves through forest terrain into higher elevation ridgelines and remote lake basins. The approach to Tennent Lake includes sustained climbing before opening into alpine terrain. The route can continue toward Sandbag Lake which sits in a more remote and less traveled basin, with an optional extension toward the Mount Myra summit offering wide views across Strathcona.
• Forest ascent through steep terrain with switchbacks
• Tennent Lake within an alpine setting and surrounding ridgelines
• Continuation toward Sandbag Lake through more rugged terrain
• Optional extension toward Mount Myra summit
Best suited for solo travellers, international visitors, and locals looking for structured trekking experiences, particularly those comfortable with sustained elevation gain and longer routes.
Flexible pacing based on experience level. Logistics and route planning handled. Meet and depart from a Courtenay marshalling point. Gear rental available.
Day option 150 1 night option 250 2 night option 350
Mt. Arrowsmith | Jewel Lake
Difficulty: Challenging
Distance: 20 to 25 km round trip
Elevation Gain: 1819 m
Duration: Day option or 1 to 2 nights
Best Season: July to October weather dependent
Starting Point: Mount Arrowsmith Trailhead Vancouver Island
Permits: No permit required overnight camping may require registration
This route climbs from forest terrain into alpine ridgelines on Mount Arrowsmith before descending into the Jewel Lake basin. The approach includes sustained elevation gain and open terrain near the summit with wide views across surrounding mountains. From the upper ridge, the route continues down into a more sheltered alpine basin where Jewel Lake sits below surrounding peaks. An aircraft crash site is located along the upper alpine ridge.
• Forest ascent transitioning into alpine terrain and ridgelines
• Summit areas with wide views across surrounding regions
• Descent into Jewel Lake basin through open terrain
• Jewel Lake set within a quiet alpine setting
Best suited for solo travellers, international visitors, and locals looking for structured trekking experiences, particularly those comfortable with sustained elevation gain and varied terrain.
Flexible pacing based on experience level. Logistics and route planning handled. Meet and depart from a Courtenay marshalling point. Gear rental available.
Day option 150 1 night option 250 2 night option 350
Golden Hinde
Difficulty: Very Challenging
Distance: 50 km round trip
Elevation Gain: 2195 m
Duration: 3 to 5 nights
Best Season: July to October weather dependent
Starting Point: Raft River Trailhead Strathcona Provincial Park
Permits: Backcountry camping registration required
This route travels deep into Strathcona Provincial Park toward the highest peak on Vancouver Island. The approach moves through forest terrain into alpine and high elevation areas including ridgelines and remote basins. Upper sections include rugged terrain through areas surrounding the Golden Hinde.
• Forest ascent transitioning into alpine terrain and open basins
• Extended travel through remote high elevation areas
• Approach toward Golden Hinde within rugged terrain
• Wide views across surrounding peaks and valleys
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 alpine travel.
Flexible pacing based on experience level. Logistics and route planning handled. Meet and depart from a Courtenay marshalling point. Gear rental available.
4 night option 550 5 night option 650 Additional nights available upon request
Van Isle Treks provides guidance and preparation support.
All participants are responsible for their own safety and decisions in the backcountry.
By booking, you agree to acknowledge the risks of wilderness travel.
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