(Last Updated on December 2021.)
Some may not like driving in it, we know how wet the snow is on Vancouver Island particulary, however have you ever had the chance to hike in it? I'm here to explain why hiking in the snow is like something you've never experienced before and why you need to.
I've done quite alot of hiking in the snow, by no means anything crazy. But here are my top 5 that I've had the chance to experience and have now become my favourite hikes in the snow to date. Links provided on title for a more in depth description and how to get there.
Heart Lake is a 6.3 out and back trail which has an incline of 274 metres. Don't let this fool you, in the snow this can easily be an uphill grind that will have you sore for days. Thankfully it is short and leads you to a beautiful lake, that is actually shaped like a heart, hence the name. Hiking in the snow is another kind of feeling, everything is so quiet and peaceful. I've done this hike in the snow a couple times now and several times in the summer. It's crazy how different hikes can look blanketed with a sheet of snow. This hike takes around 45 mins in the summer for me, in the snow add another 15-20 minutes. So ideally your trip is looking around 3-4 hours if you stop for photos and going at a steady pace. Ice cleats and snowshoes are not necessary but never a bad idea to bring. If you're feeling adventurous like we were, head to Stocking Lake behind. This is another bigger lake behind Heart and was super pretty.
Brandywine is around 11.2 km and gains 305 metres. The hike down to the base of the falls is where you will want to go. The upper viewpoint is nice but in my opinion way to crowded. Follow the pink ribbon along the path, go right when you get to the fork in the trail. Refer to this Blog about it. If I remember we passed a "NO Tresspassing" sign that said we would get fined. I'm not sure how accurate that is or if they are just trying to make people stay out of that area, but I've seen a ton of people go down there. So we went for it anyways. This hike took us around 2-3 hours, we had on ice cleats, I highly recommend them as it was pretty icy. Parking here was a nightmare as it was quite busy for December and not to mention it was snowy as hell. Make sure you have good tires and vehicle. I felt like I was in some enchanted forest, everything was covered in snow and so surreal. This was my first hike that made me fall in love with hiking in the snow. The way the waterfall was falling and the snow together, just an actual vibe. I can't say how much beauty was in those trees, and the way everything felt in that moment. I just felt so alive, hearing that river rush, you have to check this one out.
(Parking lot currently closed.)
A glorious but challenging hike in the snow, which is about 5.8 km out and back and gains 325 metres. I'm not kidding when I say this was a GRIND, I actually swore a few times when I did this in the snow. I thought why am I doing this? I was also alone and had zero motivation that day but I did it anyways. This hike was stunning once I got that little voice out of my head saying I couldn't do it LOL! I'm glad I pushed through it, there was a recent snowfall the day before, so I was trekking through quite a bit of fresh snow with some steeper incline at points. I did have ice cleats on and do recommend them if it's been snowing. I had my niece dogger as my companion that day and she lapped me a few times I'm sure. This hike took about 2-3 hours to complete for myself. When we got to the viewpoint, I was just amazed at how beautiful everything looks when it's had a recent snowfall. The mountains in the distance were so stunning and it was a beautiful sunny day.
A stunning and relatively easy and straight forward hike for most skill levels is Rosewall Creek Trail, which is about 5.8 kms and has 117 metres of elevation. Seeing a trend, yes I don't typically do many long snowy hikes, haven't quite gotten there yet. Perhaps one day, but for now I prefer the easier ones where I know I'm safe as I've done most of these alone. This was actually a beautiful hike to do alone, I was suppose to go on a first date with Cody and I bailed on him because we had just gotten fresh snow and wanted to hike but didn’t want anyone to come with me. We laugh about it now. I was meandering in here for around 2-3 hours if I can remember correctly. This hike is way more fun in the snow, as there absolutely no one around, just the way I like it. I didn't wear ice cleats but I had them with me even snowshoes wouldn't be a bad idea, your feet wouldn't be so wet. This hike is a definite must see on a sunny day with a fresh snowfall. The waterfalls at the end are simply stunning with snow covering them.
Located outside of Campbell River in the Stathcona Park is Upper Myra Falls Trail which is a 7.2 km hike and has an incline of 280 metres. Some of you know Myra Falls for the lower falls but have you ever ventured beyond that? Going in the snow was MAGICAL! Just gorgeous, the falls are obviously not as eye catching from the lower ones, but the lower one is not much of a hike. So while your out here you could totally add the lower ones after to check out as it's in the same area. The forest was covered in snow and there was so many breathtaking spots such as a bridge that crosses the river in one part. This hike took around 1 hour to get to the viewing platform of the falls, so in total about 2-3 hours while we took some photos. The little pool that the waterfall plunges into is the bluest water you've ever seen, all I could think of was BRRR I wouldn't want to swim in that. You really feel like you are so far away here, it's just you, nature and nothing else could matter in that moment. It was so tranquil and I felt myself taking every step in and appreciating how lucky we are to live in a place such as this. We didn't need to bring any ice cleats or snowshoes but I imagine this place could be pretty slippery and deep with snow in some sections. There's so many good spots to stop and take a photo on your way back as you are surrounded by the Strathcona Mountains, seeing this place in the snow has got to be one of my favourite places.
I always thought whenever we would get this crazy weather we aren't used to here on our small little Island, that it's pretty to look at while safe inside. Now that may be smart at times however I encourage you to experince hiking in the snow and the rain. It's actually quite beautiful if you allow it. Remember to always carry the 10 Essentials and be prepared as there is so much life to be lived. Step out of the comfort zone, I'm really glad I did, I've really gotten to love the snow in so many different aspects now because I just went for it. Get out there, and I'll see you on the trails.
What a generous thing you did by sharing. Like you I love exploring. Some river/ waterfall hikes are: 45 mins up Motizambert creek ( 16ft into a 25 ft waterfall, eat lunch between them). along hwy 99 near west Van; and 45 mins up the last creek on the Seymore demonstration forest road. Go late March fir snow and aigust to swim in the pools above and below the waterfall; and apropos flooding some may recall then Charles creek washed out hwy 99?- we’ll up over the massive reconstructed dam 45 mins is a 15x15x15 ft Boulder below a waterfall and dead end with cliffs all around. There’s more….