It’s here at last! It took two years, but it’s here: Winter. After the never-ending October (also dubbed the winter that never was), it was a welcome change to put my feet into a pair of boots and wade groin-deep into the snow at Green Mountain. The three of us …
Hiking Queen Peak in the Sutton Range
View PostHiking to Mount Phillips via Arnica Lake
I’m using Island Alpine as a benchmark of mountaineering achievement, a checklist of mountains to summit. It mostly leads me to exciting adventures which I approach with anticipation, but every so often I find a hike where my expectations are low. Setting out to hike Mount Phillips in Strathcona Park …
H’Kusam Mountain via the Stowe Creek Trail
I’m the classic weekend warrior. I only have one day a week to get out and make mountaineering magic happen. Though there is a ridiculous number of opportunities on Vancouver Island for outdoor adventure, Phil and I are exhausting the climbs that are possible to do as day hikes. Phil …
Mackenzie Peak
Highway 14 features some of the bushiest alpine routes on Vancouver Island. Phil Stone even mentions the region in his list of the Island’s best bushwhacks, though this particular route doesn’t make the list. Because the area is not protected by any special status, most of it has been logged. …
Hiking Mount Regan via The Lower Route
Vancouver Island, home to forest giants and cold oceans is often overlooked for its alpine opportunities. A favourite feature of the high alpine is the chance to strap on crampons and walk the many pocket glaciers and snowfields. However, the changing environment means that glacier walking on Vancouver Island may …
Hiking in Strathcona to Big Mountain Adventures!
I had an incredible summer full of back country adventures in the mountains, and on the ocean. With the summer well behind me I’m back at work waist deep in students and the daily grind of the job. Adding insult to injury, I’m a student again, retraining myself in the …
Matchlee Mountaineering School With Island Alpine Guides
View PostClimbing Elkhorn and Elkhorn South Mountain
Elkhorn and Elkhorn South Mountains overlook the Elk River Valley, inside Strathcona Park on Vancouver Island. Elkhorn is easily identifiable by its classic Matterhorn shape, making it distinct in the Strathcona landscape. At 2,194 metres, Elkhorn is the second tallest peak on Vancouver Island. Of note, it is one of …
Hiking to an unnamed peak in the Alberni Valley
It isn’t often that I am able to take time to go camping in the middle of the week. I made a smart decision and took time off work to join in on adventure, a trip up a never-before-summitted mountain. June 8, 9 and 10th, I joined four other hikers. …