We continue day 2 of our Vancouver Island road trip with a fun hike through Strathcona Provincial, which is the largest provincial park on the island, and also the oldest in British Columbia having been established in 1911! That morning we met up with family friends who took us hiking on the Helen Mackenzie Trail, which goes through meadows, across creeks and streams, and into the forest. It was an easy walk, and we had beautiful weather for it - we even had a picnic by the lake! Then in the afternoon, we rode the ski lift to the top of Mount Washington, which offers beautiful 360-degree views of the area. It was mountains as far as the eye could see, but the real highlight was spotting our first black bear of the trip!A special thanks to Trover our partner for this journey!
Hiking, Wildlife, & Scenic Chairlift Rides at Mount Washington & Strathcona Park 🏞️🐻 Vancouver Island Adventures
🌄 A Perfect Morning in the Mountains
We kick off today’s episode waking up to clear blue skies and crisp mountain air at Mount Washington—our definition of paradise! While some dream of tropical beaches, we’re most at home surrounded by woods, mountains, and the peaceful sounds of nature. After a quick breakfast, we welcome family friends Joe and Joyce and head out for a day of hiking and exploring.
🚶♂️ Strathcona Provincial Park: Hiking Helen Mackenzie Trail
Our adventure takes us to Strathcona Provincial Park, the oldest and largest provincial park on Vancouver Island. We set out from Raven Lodge on the Helen Mackenzie Trail—a gentle, mostly flat loop perfect for soaking up mountain views, meadows, and bubbling creeks.
Highlights: Towering forests, mountain backdrops, and berry bushes ripe for snacking along the path.
Wildlife: We even befriend cheeky birds at Helen Mackenzie Lake, who are happy to swoop down and share our picnic!
Reflections: Standing at the lake, we dream of log cabins and peaceful days spent far from city life—this is what true happiness looks like to us.
🛌 Rest & Afternoon Adventure Plans
After the hike, we head back to the apartment for a quick rest. But the mountain is calling, so we plan an afternoon outing: a chairlift ride to the summit of Mount Washington for panoramic views and, hopefully, a wildlife sighting or two.
🚡 Chairlift to the Summit: Bear Sighting Magic!
Using the Trover app, we find out the ski lift operates Friday through Sunday in early September, so we jump at the chance for a ride. On the way up, we’re treated to a once-in-a-lifetime moment:
Black Bear Cub Encounter:
As we ride up, a black bear cub appears below, strolling through a flower-filled meadow, feasting on berries. After decades in Canada, this is our first up-close cub sighting—it’s pure magic! The cub is completely at ease, and we’re awestruck to witness such a peaceful wildlife moment from above.
🚵♂️ Mountain Adventures Year-Round
We discover that Mount Washington isn’t just for skiing. In summer and early fall, it’s a playground for:
Mountain Biking: Riders catch the lift up and bike down thrilling trails.
Hiking & Ziplining: Several scenic hikes and a zipline offer more ways to experience the alpine beauty.
Observation Decks: Spectacular views in every direction—on a clear day, you can even spot the lake we hiked to earlier!
🍃 Reflections on Nature’s Beauty
As we wrap up, we realize how lucky we are to experience the wild heart of Vancouver Island—where the forest meets the sky, and wildlife roams free. Our day is filled with gratitude for simple joys: good company, fresh air, and the awe of nature.
🏔️ Stay Tuned!
In our next episode, we visit Sam’s hometown of Gold River and embark on a boat trip aboard the Uchuck III—don’t miss the upcoming adventure!
#MountWashington #StrathconaPark #VancouverIsland #Hiking #BearSighting #Wildlife #TravelVlog #CanadaAdventure #NatureLovers #FamilyTravel
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We Saw a BLACK BEAR on Mount Washington + Visiting STRATHCONA Park | Vancouver Island Road Trip
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