Strathcona Provincial Park
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Please note: A campfire ban is currently in effect for this park. For a list of provincial parks with park closures and campfire bans in effect or for more information about campfire bans, click here.
June 29, 2009
- Low water conditions: Weather patterns since December have created a very challenging operational situation for BC Hydro as it tries to balance river and reservoir water use interests. Find out more about Low water conditions on Buttle Lake (Campbell River System).
Trail Notices:
Trails in Strathcona Provincial Park that will not be regularly maintained include: Della Falls, Marble Meadows, Crest Mountain, Phillips Ridge, Upper Myra Falls, Tennant Lake, Forbidden Plateau (Mount Becher and Plateau traverse), and Flower Ridge. Although these trails remain open, users may encounter fallen trees and/or trail wash-outs. Public Safety issues may exist. Extra caution is advised. Please advise BC Parks of any public safety conditions that you encounter if you hike these trails.
- Della Falls Trail is Closed: To ensure the safety of visitors, the Della Falls trail has been closed due to the destruction of the bridge at the 11km crossing. The bridge replacement has been identified as a needed capital project; however, completion will be dependent on resources. Updates will be posted on this trail report.
- Crest Mountain Trail is Closed: Trail is closed due to an unsafe bridge crossing at the trailhead. This bridge will not be replaced this season but water levels will be monitored and if deemed safe to cross, the trail may be re-opened for those who wish to ford the creek.
- Tennent Creek Trail is Closed: Trail is closed due to damaged bridge. Repairs are scheduled for Spring 2009.
- Bedwell Lakes Trail: Use caution when crossing bridges and traveling on stair cases as some railings have been taken off for the winter to prevent damage from snow load.
- Lower Bedwell River Trail is Closed (Bedwell Lake to Bedwell Sound): Trail is closed until further notice due to unsafe bridge crossings.
Snow Cover: Winter conditions may still exist at higher elevations on backcountry trails. Current snow level is at approximately 1000meters. When traveling in winter conditions visitors should be aware that avalanche, thin ice and other winter hazards can exist anywhere. Visitors should not venture into terrain they are not prepared for. Trail Conditions: Please refer to the detailed trail report for current trail and snow conditions.
School groups planning to hike in Strathcona Park are asked to register with the Vancouver Island Regional office. Click here to register.
Campfire Regulations: Visitors are reminded that fires are not permitted anywhere or at anytime (all seasons) within Strathcona Park except in an authorized BC Parks steel fire ring. This regulation is in effect at all times of the year. No open fires are allowed in any backcountry areas.
Strathcona Provincial Park Management Plan
The Ministry of Environment (BC Parks) hosted three Open Houses and public meetings’ seeking the public’s input for the review of the Strathcona Provincial Park Master Plan about horse use in the park. This public process is assisting BC Parks in determining criteria for the evaluation of horse use within the park. Click here for more information on the Strathcona Master Plan review process and to view public comments.
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Park Info
Strathcona Provincial Park, designated in 1911, is the oldest provincial park in British Columbia. Located almost in the centre of Vancouver Island, Strathcona park is a rugged mountain wilderness comprising more than 250,000 hectares. Mountain peaks - some perpetually mantled with snow - dominate the park. Lakes and alpine tarns dot a landscape laced with rivers, creeks and streams. Summer in Strathcona is usually pleasantly warm, while winters are fairly mild except for the higher levels, where heavy snowfalls are the norm. From November through March, snowfalls can be expected on the mountain slopes and alpine plateaus. Snow remains all year on the mountain peaks and may linger into July even at moderate elevations. Summer evenings, as elsewhere in the coastal regions of BC, can be cool and rain can be expected at any time of the year.
Two areas - Buttle Lake and vicinity and Forbidden Plateau – offer a variety of visitor-oriented developments. The rest of the park is largely undeveloped and appeals primarily to people seeking wilderness surroundings. To see and enjoy much of the scenic splendor requires hiking or backpacking into the alpine regions.
Buttle Lake, named for Commander John Buttle who explored the area in the 1860s, is the major body of water in the park. It and many other lakes and waterways in the park can provide good fishing in season for Cutthroat, Rainbow and Dolly Varden trout. Della Falls, whose drop of 440 meters over three cascades makes it one of the highest waterfalls in Canada, is located in the southern section of the park. And the highest point on Vancouver Island, the Golden Hinde (elevation 2,200 meters), stands almost in the centre of Strathcona to the west of Buttle Lake.
Three roadless tracts within Strathcona Provincial Park-Big Den, Central Strathcona and Comox Glacier--have been designated as nature conservancy areas. Each tract contains outstanding examples of scenery and natural history that remain uninfluenced by human activity. The three areas, totaling 122,500 hectares, are dedicated to the preservation of the undisturbed natural environment.
While the high mountain peaks and deep shaded valleys of Strathcona Park are dramatic, it is easy to forget that beneath your feet lays a history stretching back 380 million years. It is a history of violent volcanic eruptions on ancient seafloors and quiet interludes when gardens of sea lilies waved in gentle ocean currents. It is a history of rocks torn and folded by the extraordinary forces that can move continents, and of mountain ranges sculpted by the immensely thick ice sheets, which only vanished a few thousand years ago. No matter how long your visit, or whatever your interest, a knowledge of the geology of Strathcona Park will enhance your enjoyment of this spectacularly beautiful area. Visit this website for more information about the geology of Strathcona Park.
Strathcona Park benefits from excellent adjoining commercial facilities such as the Strathcona Park Lodge and Outdoor Education Centre, which offers outdoor education and wilderness skills training. The nearby communities of Campbell River, the Comox Valley, Gold River, Tofino and Port Alberni offer a full range of visitor services. Mount Washington Alpine Resort, located adjacent to the park, offers extensive alpine and nordic skiing opportunities, as well as a variety of winter and summer recreation facilities.
Click here to find out about the Strathcona and Strathcona-Westmin Public Advisory Committee
The Megin-Talbot addition in Strathcona Provincial Park was identified for protection in the Clayoquot Sound Land-Use Decision in 1995.
Park Size: 245,807 hectares
Special Notes:
Internal combustion engines are prohibited in the backcountry areas of Strathcona Park. Snowmobiles are NOT permitted (pdf document) in Strathcona Park.
Stay Safe:
- The rugged wilderness areas, glaciers, snowfields and mountains of Strathcona Park require that visitors who wish to venture off maintained trails and away from developed areas be entirely self-sufficient, properly equipped and experienced. Anyone contemplating an extended or overnight hike should inform a responsible person or agency of their intention. This information should include estimated departure and return times and precise location of intended hike.
- Visitors to the backcountry during the winter should be aware that avalanche, thin ice and other winter hazards can exist anywhere. Visitors should not venture into terrain they are not prepared for.
| Campground Hours of Operation
All dates are subject to change without notice |
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| Opening and Closing Campground Dates: (campground is accessible but may not offer full services such as water, security, etc.) |
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| – Buttle Lake campground | April 1 – October 31 |
| – Ralph River campground | April 1 – October 31 (no camping from November 1 to March 31 - gates closed; from April 1 - May 14, and October 1 to October 31 winter fee with limited services) |
| Campground Dates with Full Services and Fees: | |
| – Buttle Lake campground | May 1 – September 30 |
| – Ralph River campground | May 15 – September 30 |
| Campground Reservable Dates: | |
| – Buttle Lake campground only | May 15 – September 8 |
| Total Number of Vehicle Accessible Campsites: | Buttle Lake = 85 Ralph River = 85 |
| Number of Reservable Campsites, if applicable: (all remaining sites are first-come, first-served) |
Buttle Lake only = 35 |
| Note: The Park is open year round unless inaccessible due to weather conditions, especially during the off-season. If the park or campground are closed for other reasons, information is noted in the Attention Visitor Notice at the top of this page. | |
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Location
Strathcona Park is located on central Vancouver Island near the communities of Campbell River and the Comox Valley, which are the primary access points to the park. Day users of Strathcona will be interested in two areas: Buttle Lake and the hiking opportunities afforded by Forbidden Plateau.
Buttle Lake: The main access to Strathcona Park is via Highway 28, which connects with Gold River on the west coast of Vancouver Island. Follow Hwy 19 north past Courtenay to Campbell River, then follow Hwy 28 west for 48 km. Hwy 28 passes through the northern section of the park and provides access to Buttle Lake. Gas and services are not available between Campbell River and Gold River.
Forbidden Plateau: The main access route to Forbidden Plateau from Courtenay and Campbell River is via the Paradise Meadows Trailhead at Mount Washington. From Highway 19 follow signs to Mount Washington Ski Resort via exit #130 (the Strathcona Parkway) for 20 km. Turn left onto the Nordic Lodge road for 1.5 km to the Paradise Meadows parking lot.
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Nature & Culture
- History - Strathcona Park, designated in 1911, is the oldest provincial park in British Columbia. In the valleys and lower regions of Strathcona are forest stands that were already old when Captain James Cook of Britain’s Royal Navy landed at Nootka Sound in 1778, on the west coast of Vancouver Island a few kilometers from what is now the western boundary of the park.
Strathcona Park was named for Donald Alexander Smith, First Baron Strathcona and Mount Royal, a Canadian pioneer and one of the principals in the construction of the Canadian Pacific Railway. On November 7, 1885 Lord Strathcona drove the last iron spike into the twin ribbons of steel that united Canada from the Atlantic to the Pacific at Craigellachie in BC’s Selkirk Mountains. - Conservation - Western red cedar, Douglas fir, grand fir, amabilis fir and western hemlock cover much of the park’s valleys and lower mountain slopes; this gives way to sub-alpine fir, mountain hemlock and creeping juniper in the sub-alpine areas. Throughout the summer months the park offers a spectacular floral display in various areas from sea level to above 1,800 meters elevation. Found at varying heights are varieties of heather, lupine, monkey flowers and violets as well as Indian paintbrush, phlox and moss campion.
- Wildlife - Vancouver Island’s separation from mainland British Columbia by Johnstone and Georgia Straits means that many mammal species common to other parts of the province are not found on the Island. Species such as the Roosevelt elk, the currently-endangered Vancouver Island marmot, the Vancouver Island wolf, and the coastal black-tailed deer are different from their mainland relatives. The park has a large deer population and a significant number of Roosevelt elk while wolves and cougars, though present, are seldom seen. Resident birds include the chestnut-backed chickadee, red-breasted nuthatch, winter wren and kinglet, as well as the gray jay, Steller’s jay and band-tailed pigeon. The park also supports numerous blue grouse, ruffled grouse and a limited number of unique Vancouver Island white-tailed ptarmigan.
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Management Planning
Management Planning Information
- Approved Master Plan
Strathcona Public Park Advisory Committee (SPPAC)
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Map / Brochure
Any maps listed are for information only - they may not represent legal boundaries and should not be used for navigation.
- Park Map – updated August 2008 [PDF]
- Park Brochure [PDF]
- Snowmobile Ban - Information Guide [PDF]
- Brochure - Buttle Lake & Ralph River Campground [PDF]
- Brochure Map - Buttle Lake & Ralph River Campground [PDF]
- Brochure - Megin/Talbot Addition [PDF]
- Backcountry Fee Collecting Area Maps - (shows areas where fees will be collected)
- Bedwell Trail Area [PDF]
- Elk River Trail Area [PDF]
- Forbidden Plateau Area [PDF]
- National Topographic Series maps (Scale 1:50,000), sheets 92F/5, F/6, F/11, F/12, F/13 and K/4 cover the park area. These maps should be available at most map retailers in BC
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Reservations
For parks that accept reservations, all vehicle accessible campsites (with the exception of group sites) must be reserved through Discover Camping.
Campsite Reservations:
Campsite reservations are accepted and first-come, first-served sites are also available.
Group Camp/Picnic Reservations:
Group campsite and/or group picnic site reservations are accepted at this park.
Explore Parks: Fees, park listings, what you should know before you go and other useful links.
Contact Information: For information on the Buttle Lake campground, Ralph River campground, group campground and marine area only:
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Activities Available At This Park
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Canoeing | |
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Climbing | |
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Cycling | |
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Fishing | |
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Hiking | |
Visitors to Strathcona have numerous hiking trails to enjoy, ranging from 20-minute ambles to arduous, multi-day hikes and mountaineering adventures. Click on the following links for more information on the Buttle Lake hiking trails, Forbidden Plateau Area hiking trails, nature walks and short trails and other hiking trails, nature walks and short trails and other hiking trails.
Trail Conditions – Trail Report available seasonally from mid June through October
School groups planning to hike in Strathcona Park are asked to register with the Vancouver Island Region. Click here to register.
For your own safety and the preservation of the park, obey posted signs and keep to designated trails. Shortcutting trails destroys plant life and soil structure.
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Horseback Riding | |
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Hunting | |
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Pets on Leash | |
Pets/domestic animals must be on a leash and under control at all times and are not allowed in the beach areas at Buttle Lake and Driftwood Bay. Dogs must be on a leash at all times in the Forbidden Plateau core area (Paradise Meadows). During the winter season, dogs must be on a leash as well and in addition, are not allowed on the groomed Nordic Ski Trails. You are responsible for their behaviour and must dispose of their excrement.
Backcountry areas are not suitable for dogs or other pets due to wildlife issues and the potential for problems with bears.
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Swimming | |
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Waterskiing | |
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Wildlife Viewing | |
Strathcona Provincial Park offers unlimited opportunities for nature appreciation and wildlife viewing. These range from developed facilities to pristine backcountry experiences. Observation platforms to view various waterfalls can be found at Lupin Falls, Lady Falls, Karst Creek and both Lower and Upper Myra Falls.
In the backcountry, adventurous visitors can see beautiful Della Falls, whose drop of 440 metres over three cascades makes it one of the highest waterfalls in Canada. Opportunities to see wildlife exist throughout the park. Visitors may see black bears, Roosevelt elk, black-tailed deer, cougars, Trumpeter swans, Bald eagles, whiskeyjacks, squirrels, tree frogs and white tailed Ptarmigan, to name just a few of the species inhabiting this wilderness park.
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Windsurfing | |
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Winter Recreation | |
Backcountry skiing and boarding exist in the park. Developed ski facilities can be found at Mount Washington Alpine Resort, adjacent to the park. Mount Washington often boasts one of the highest snowfalls of any ski resort in North America. Ski rentals are available from Mount Washington or from various commercial outlets in the Comox Valley and Campbell River.
Cross-country skiing is a popular activity in Paradise Meadows during the winter. More than half of the Nordic trails set by Mount Washington are within Strathcona Park. Ski rentals are available from Mount Washington or from various commercial outlets in the Comox Valley and Campbell River.
Snowshoeing is popular in Paradise Meadows during the winter. Mount Washington sets some snowshoes trails for beginners; more adventurous visitors can snowshoe at any point in the park. Rentals are available from Mount Washington or from various commercial outlets in the Comox Valley and Campbell River.
Snowmobiles are NOT permitted (pdf document) in Strathcona Park.
Opportunities for snowmobiling are available at Mount Washington Alpine Resort
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Facilities Available At This Park
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Boat Launch | |
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Cabins / Huts / Yurts | |
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Campfires | |
Due to new regulations, fires are now only permitted in Strathcona Park where facilities (a steel fire ring) are provided for campfires.
No open fires are allowed in any of the backcountry areas.
In the areas where fires are allowed, (steel campfire rings are provided at each campsite in the Buttle Lake and Ralph River campgrounds), we encourage visitors to conserve the environment by minimizing the use of fire and using stoves instead. Firewood can be purchased from the Park Facility Operator at the Buttle Lake and Ralph River campgrounds. Fees for firewood are set locally and may vary. To preserve vegetation and ground cover, please don't gather firewood from the area around your campsite or elsewhere in the park (this is a ticketable offence under the Park Act). Dead wood is an important habitat element for many plants and animals and it adds organic matter to the soil. You can conserve firewood and air quality by keeping your campfire small. Limited burning hours or campfire bans may be implemented. Be prepared to bring a portable stove for cooking.
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Drinking Water | |
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Group Camping | |
Youth Group Camping Fee: $50.00 per group / night
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Picnic Areas | |
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Pit or Flush Toilets | |
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Playground | |
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Vehicle Accessible Camping | |
Buttle Lake campground offers 85 vehicle accessible campsites set in a second-growth Douglas fir forest. Buttle Lake has a developed sandy beach; some sites are located right on the lakeshore. Campsite reservations are accepted and first-come, first-served sites are also available.
Ralph River Campground, located 35 km south of Buttle Lake along the Buttle Lake (Western Mines Road) offers 75 vehicle accessible campsites set amongst towering old-growth Douglas fir. The campsites at Ralph River are available on a first-come, first-served basis – reservations are not accepted.
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Walk-In/Wilderness Camping | |
There are designated backcountry sites located at Bedwell Lake trail, Elk River trail, Della Falls trail and the Forbidden Plateau core area. (Lake Helen Mackenzie, Kwai Lake and Circlet Lake campsites are accessed primarily from the Paradise Meadows trailhead).
Backcountry Fee Collecting Area Maps - (shows areas where fees will be collected)
- Bedwell Trail Area [PDF 36KB]
- Elk River Trail Area [PDF 36KB]
- Forbidden Plateau Area [PDF 73KB]
Pit toilets and food caches are located at most of these camping locations. Fires are not permitted at the Forbidden Plateau core area, nor anywhere in the backcountry area of this park. A backcountry fee is charged; self registration vaults are located at trailheads. Campers must use designated camping sites in these areas. Free-standing tents are recommended as many locations have tent pads and pegging your tent may not be an option. If the designated area is full and unable to hike to the next designated site, check with the park operator.. If no operator available, you are allowed to camp in a non-designated site for one night only while practicing “Leave No Trace” Ethics. As well, you are still required to pay the backcountry fee if in the core areas.
Wilderness camping is allowed in other areas of the park. There is no fee; no facilities are provided. Random camping is not permitted within 1 km of main roads or in designated fee collection areas.
There are designated marine/backcountry camping opportunities at 5 marine campsites on Buttle Lake and Upper Campbell Lake. Overnight fees apply from June 15 to September 30. Self registration fee stations are located at boat launches (Buttle/Karst) and day-use areas (Karst/Lupin/Auger Point). All marine sites have tents pads and tables.
Winter camping opportunities exist throughout the park. Backcountry camping is permitted year round; no fee is charged during the winter. Please camp near toilet facilities where possible and follow “Leave No Trace” camping ethics. Fires are not allowed in the backcountry areas of this park; bring a portable stove for cooking.
| Wilderness/Backcountry Campground Hours of Operation
All dates are subject to change without notice |
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| Opening and Closing Campground Dates: (campground is accessible but may not offer full services such as water, security, etc.) |
Year round for Buttle Lake Marine, Elk River, Forbidden Plateau, Bedwell and Baby Bedwell |
| Campground Dates with Full Services and Fees: | June 15 – September 30 |
| Campground Reservable Dates: | Not applicable |
| Total Number of Vehicle Accessible Campsites: | Buttle Lake Marine = 20 Elk River = wilderness sites Forbidden = 44 walk-in Bedwell = 12 Baby Bedwell = 9 |
| Number of Reservable Campsites, if applicable: (all remaining sites are first-come, first-served) |
Not applicable |
| Note: The Park is open year round unless inaccessible due to weather conditions, especially during the off-season. If the park or campground are closed for other reasons, information is noted in the Attention Visitor Notice at the top of this page. | |
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Wheelchair Access | |
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Winter Camping | |
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