Living the best adventure life, since 1958
January 18, 2026
~ submitted by Evan Martin
Six dedicated ski tourers showed up at Raven Lodge with the hope of finding something to ski on. The conditions the past week were both wet and warm. The little snow pack that we had had taken a beating and looking at the rocks and mud on the ski hill was all but depressing. Despite this, we were looking forward to a sunny day in the backcountry.
Continue reading “Winter Ski Series – Intro to Ski Touring, Mount Elma”
January 10, 2026
~ submitted by Evan Martin
We started the day with a short discussion of expectations and what people were hoping to get out of this introductory session. Despite being an intro session, everyone in the group had some prior experience, so with too much delay we hit the trail at about 9:30. Although not cold, the heavily falling snow was wet and melting on contact. This combined with the wind made for a chilly start. Despite the cold, we were diligent and practiced a full send and receive transfer check.
Continue reading “Winter Ski Series – Intro to Ski Touring”
January 18, 2026
~ submitted by Mary Hof
What a day to lead a hike on Mt. Tzouhalem.
The sun was so warm and the group from Island Mountain Ramblers and OCV were awesome. We did a short car shuttle and hiked from Genoa bay to Kaspa Rd. 4 hours 575m.
We made a stop at Daniel’s Memorial, was happy to see that it sits just as placed. Thanks to those who shared pictures.
December 28, 2025
~ submitted by Matthew Lettington
We had nearly a full group out for this early-season snowshoe trip, thanks in part to a recent snowfall that piled up just enough snow to make snowshoes worthwhile. In many spots, the snow was only about five inches deep—shallow enough that the picnic benches were still visible. If we’d wanted to, we could have stopped for a proper sit-down break!
January 3, 2026
~ submitted by Matthew Lettington
“Wet” pretty much sums it up.
How wet was it? Wet enough that two people took one look at the trailhead and decided they’d had enough adventure for the day. When we arrived, rain was absolutely hammering down, pooling across the parking lot in what could only be described as a proper deluge.
Continue reading “A Very Wet Snowshoe to Mount Elma”
~November 30, 2025
~ submitted by Su Castle
Beautiful late fall weather day for this trip up Green Mountain. We drove up logging spur K15 until the creek crossing. (approx 49.04447 124.34843), snow started 1100m.
We hiked steadily upwards, using micro spikes near the summit. There was more of a crust on the snow the higher up we got. Ice formations on the foliage were beautiful!
The last 100m of elevation gave us the adventure we were seeking, as the snow wasn’t consistent enough to create good steps, and there was just enough ice on the rocks with a bit of a drop off below us to make it a super sketchy choice!
We descended the summit a slightly different way. We were back at the vehicle and out of the last Nanaimo Lakes gates by 3:00.
Trip length: 7.5 km Total elevation: 450 Total Hike: 4 hours
November 29, 2025
~ submitted by Evan Martin
Winter is coming, which for me means ski trips and gulley climbs. However, after coming off the summer high and dipping into the fall low, I needed to start getting out again to build the necessary fitness. The Sooke Hills are a convenient place to train and keep up the fitness for those of us on the South Island. I had spent a lot of time exploring the area a few years ago, but the North West corner of the park was closed due to the Old Man Lake fire of 2024. Hence, this trip gave me an opportunity to get out into one of the last parts of the park that I haven’t yet explored.
I was joined by three other Ramblers and a special guest from UVic. It was a good mix of participants – some seeking fitness, others checking off the Sooke Hills challenge. Our guest was gathering data on risk in outdoor activities as part of an Anthropology course, which led to some interesting discussions during the trip.
Continue reading “Sooke Hills – Black Bear & Trafalgar Mountains”
October 25, 2025
~ submitted by Matthew Lettington
On October 25, only four members were brave enough to face the forecast. Although the trip was originally quite popular, a half-dozen people backed out in the final hours—and honestly, who could blame them? The weather looked downright grim.
Still, the four of us met at the head of the logging road, determined to take on the predicted 50 km/h winds, driving rain, and fresh snow. Our plan was to climb Mount Cokely via the Saddle Route and return along Rosseau Ridge.
Continue reading “Mount Cokely”
November 8, 2025
~ submitted by Brian Cross
Great afternoon, cloudy but decent temp and no wind.
The trail was wet, muddy, and slippery. We took a mini tour of Bamfield after.
November 8, 2025
~ submitted by Jaime Crucil
Seven Island Mountain Ramblers met at the Sooke Hills parking area for a rolling stroll through the foothills. For those who know the area, the Sooke Foothills host a maze of intersecting and sometimes faint trails—so naturally, I managed to lose the route within the first 100 feet on a very wide and obvious trail. Fortunately, a quick correction had us back on track in no time. Continue reading “Run Ragged in the Sooke Foothills!”