Situated on central Vancouver Island, Strathcona Park is a must-visit for its rugged mountain wilderness, famed trails, and stunning waterfalls. Its dramatic valleys and peaks date back almost 380 million years, when violent volcanic eruptions once blanketed ancient seafloors, changing the area’s geology forever.
To put that into perspective, the massive ice sheets that once shaped the surrounding mountain ranges only disappeared a few thousand years ago, according to BC Parks.
Not only is the region as old as time itself, but Strathcona Park, now protecting much of its wilderness, was the first provincial park to be established in B.C.
Untouched natural wonders
Designated in 1911, the park comprises over 250,000 hectares of snow-capped mountains, alpine lakes, rivers, creeks, and streams.
There are multiple designated conservancy areas, including Big Den, Central Strathcona, and Comox Glacier. Each contains incredible natural scenery and biodiverse ecosystems that have remained untouched by human activity.
Visitors can explore two developed areas of the park with recreational opportunities: Buttle Lake and Forbidden Plateau. The remainder of the area is largely undeveloped and better suited for those seeking a more rugged adventure off the beaten path.
Campers have a plethora of waterfront backcountry campsites to choose from, including Buttle Lake, Croteau Lake, Elk River, Ralph River, Karst Creek, Kwai Lake, Circlet Lake, and Helen MacKenzie Lake.
One of Canada’s highest waterfalls
Buttle Lake is the park’s major body of water, providing fishing opportunities for Cutthroat, Rainbow, and Dolly Varden trout. The nearby Della Falls is one of Canada’s highest waterfalls, and it’s worth the long trek it takes to see it.
The trailhead to Della Falls is accessible by boat or canoe at the northwest end of Great Central Lake. Once you reach it, the trail takes you on a long but scenic 16 km journey past historic sites from the area’s early days of logging and mining, as well as Love and Della Lakes.
According to BC Parks, the trail follows an old railway up Drinkwater Valley to the base of the falls.
Those looking for a less challenging, more accessible hike can opt for the journey to Forbidden Plateau, which takes visitors through vibrant sub-alpine meadows via a boardwalk and gravel trail.
The highest point on Vancouver Island
With an elevation of 2,200 metres, the Golden Hinde is at the centre of the park and is the highest point on Vancouver Island.
Ready to cross this spectacular provincial park off your bucket list? Spring is a fantastic time of year to visit.
How to get there: Take a ferry from Vancouver to Nanaimo and drive two hours and 16 minutes to Strathcona Provincial Park via BC-19 N.
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