Winter Hiking on Vancouver Island

Hiking in the winter can be an otherworldly experience for nature enthusiasts. The trails are quieter, offering a feeling of solitude and serenity. Hikers may experience torrential downpours, snow-covered hills, chilly sunrises, and the heavy dew of a rainforest covered in moss. Winter hiking on Vancouver Island requires being prepared for all types of weather and terrain.

From north to south, here are five notable winter hiking destinations, and some tips on how to hike responsibly on Vancouver Island this winter.

Where to Stay: Located in Courtenay, a short drive from the park, Old House Hotel & Spa is the perfect jumping-off point for your winter hiking adventure. Homey suites include kitchens, fireplaces, and soaker tubs.

Where to Eat: After your winter hike, warm up with a bowl of ramen at Nikkei Ramen-ya in downtown Courtenay. With vegan options and noodles made from scratch, there’s truly something for everyone at this not-to-be-missed Japanese restaurant.

Select the Right Trail

The most important part of a successful winter hiking trip is being prepared, which helps us to stay safe on the trails, and can also help reduce any fear or anxiety as we explore the outdoors.

The first step is to be honest with yourself about your physical capabilities and skill level. Research the trails and hikes that you’d like to explore before committing, with an emphasis on the weather patterns during the season in which you’ll be hiking. A hike that is easy in the summer may not be easy in the winter.

Vancouver Island’s Strathcona Park, for example, receives huge snowfalls each year. In summer, the park is rolling hills of wildflowers and towering trees, but in winter trails are often covered in thick snow.

Pack the Winter Essentials

A good hiking kit is essential for a winter hike. Not only can a properly prepared bag ensure you have a comfortable hike, it can also quite literally save your life. Ensure that you pack hiking-specific equipment that’s built for winter adventures, including insulated hiking boots, thermal wool base layers, and waterproof outer shells. In addition, depending on where you hike, you may want to bring crampons or snowshoes to assist with tough winter terrain.

Other essential items include a headlamp, fire making kit, a whistle, extra food, extra clothing, a first aid kit, and navigational and communication equipment. On Vancouver Island, cell service can be spotty, especially in remote areas, so you will need a satellite-ready device in case of emergencies if you’re planning any serious backcountry winter hikes. It’s also a good idea to bring an emergency shelter or blanket that can keep you warm and dry in case of an accident or if you happen to lose the trail.

Plan for More Time Than You Expect

When you’re hiking in the winter, snowy or icy conditions can quickly turn a three-hour hike into five hours. That’s why it’s important to allow for extra time, and plan your departure and return time accordingly.

On Vancouver Island, winter weather can be dreary and days are short, and you don’t want to be caught out on a trail at night when you are unprepared. Check the sunrise and sunset times for the day(s) you are planning to hike, and give yourself generous buffer time.

Tell a Friend

Before you embark on your winter adventure, make sure you leave a trip plan with a friend or family member. Your trusted ally should know all the details of your trip, including when to expect you back. In the winter, weather can shift dramatically throughout a single day, so ensuring that someone knows your location and your timeline is essential in case of an emergency. Try the AdventureSmart Trip Plan app, which makes sharing this vital information easy.

Accept That Sometimes It's Safest to Turn Back

When you are hiking in the winter on Vancouver Island, you may encounter some unexpected weather or eroded ground. An expected bridge over a rushing river might be too slippery, or the ground on a climb might be too muddy for the gear you’ve brought. Don’t let your drive get in the way of your judgement when it comes to challenging conditions. If you are reaching a point where you feel uncomfortable or unsafe, turn back. The trail isn’t going anywhere, and you can always try again when the conditions are more favourable.