It’s been two long years but it’s finally here: winter! Last year, I had big aspirations for winter: snowshoeing, skiing, alpine ski touring, and winter mountaineering. Of course, winter never arrived. Like many other Vancouver Islanders, I have photographs taken on the summits of mountains that are bald! I remember …
Hiking 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 …
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 …
Castlecrag and Mount Frink, an alternate route for a rainy day
Foggy days are common on the long moraine leading to Mount Albert-Edward One of my good hiking buddies recently joined the hiking club I belong to, The Island Mountain Ramblers. When he hosted his first trip, I was surprised to find out that I was the only person to join …
Climbing 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 Comox Glacier’ following the First-Ascent route, over Mount Kookjai and Black Cat Mountain
View from below Black Cat Mountain looking East to Capes Ridge Comox Glacier has taunted since before I knew its name. Driving up Island past Comox and Courtenay it looms on the western horizon. When Phil approached me about doing a two day trip up to the glacier I jumped …
Paradise Meadows to Wood Mountain — A long established trail in Strathcona Park
Strathcona Park is loved by many for the diversity in mountaineering it offers. It has something for every type of adventurer: short & long day trips, traditional routes, climbing, and mountaineering. If one is looking for adventure in the Alpine they can find it here. Hikers crossing crossing a creek …
Introduction to Backcountry Skiing
January, a time of new beginnings and resolutions. Keeping with the annual tradition, I started something new, I joined the Alpine Club of Canada Vancouver Island Section. Rather, that is, I rejoined. A few years ago, I was a member for a season. This past weekend I joined 50+ members …
Mt Albert Edward as a Fall Day-Hike? Why not….
Saturday October 4th 2014 saw Dean and I making a early morning attempt at one of the most visited peak in Strathcona Park. No, an extra early start. I was in the Subaru and on the road by 5 am. Dean and I were heading up to Raven Lodge, embarking …