Strathcona is the mountainous core of Vancouver Island and the oldest provincial park in British Columbia. It holds the Island's highest peaks, its biggest alpine lakes and Della Falls, one of the tallest waterfalls in Canada. There's no accommodation inside most of the park, so where you sleep is part of the plan.
Two ways in
From Campbell River, Highway 28 runs west to Buttle Lake — the main road corridor into the park, with day-use areas, campgrounds and trailheads strung along the shoreline.
From the Comox Valley, the Mount Washington road reaches Paradise Meadows, the gateway to Forbidden Plateau's boardwalk trails and alpine lakes. It's the easiest alpine access on the Island.
Hikes worth the drive
Paradise Meadows loop: flat boardwalk through subalpine meadow, suitable for almost anyone, spectacular in late-summer wildflower season.
Lower Myra Falls and Karst Creek: short walks off the Buttle Lake road with waterfalls at the end.
Elk River Trail and Flower Ridge: full-day or overnight routes with real elevation gain.
Della Falls: a serious multi-day trip that starts with a boat trip up Great Central Lake near Port Alberni.
Winter on the mountain
Mount Washington Alpine Resort sits on the park's edge above the Comox Valley and gets some of the deepest snowfall in the country in a good year, with downhill, nordic and snowshoe terrain.
Most people staying a week or a season rent in Courtenay, Comox or Cumberland and drive up, which is usually cheaper than slopeside and gives you a town to come back to.
Coming prepared
Weather changes fast with elevation; conditions in the parking lot tell you little about the ridge.
There is no cell service across most of the park. Leave a trip plan with someone.
Check BC Parks for current trail, road and campground status before you commit to a route.
Common questions
- Where should I stay to visit Strathcona Provincial Park?
- Campbell River is closest to the Buttle Lake side, and Courtenay, Comox or Cumberland are closest to Paradise Meadows and Mount Washington. Both are within an hour of a trailhead.
- Is Strathcona good for beginner hikers?
- Yes, if you pick the right trail. Paradise Meadows and the short falls walks off Highway 28 are gentle; the ridge and multi-day routes are for experienced, well-equipped hikers.
