Category: Regional Districts

Posted on

Heather Mountain

June 6, 2025

~ submitted by Su Castle

It was a hot day up Heather Mountain. The snow had mostly melted; luckily there were a few patches to cool down with.

It was one member’s first hike both on Vancouver Island and with the IMR.  We had a 12 km round trip as we were able to drive most of the way up.

Great company, big views. We took it slow and steady, made time for rest stops and a little exploring.

Elapsed time: 6 hours. Elevation gain: 750m.

Posted on

Marmot Mountain via the South Ridge – again

May 25, 2025

~ submitted by Matthew Lettington

Just a few weeks ago, I led a club trip to Marmot Mountain. Thanks to a recommendation from one of the participants, we took a chance and approached via the south ridge. The gamble paid off — we were treated to a lovely ridge walk and even spotted a marmot sunning itself!

With my wife and daughter away at a weekend-long Scout camp, I had the perfect opportunity to head out hiking with my son. We decided to do a double-feature: Gemini and Marmot — doubling his chances of seeing a marmot in the wild!

Continue reading “Marmot Mountain via the South Ridge – again”
Posted on

Marmot Mountain from the South: Easier, Quicker, Better?

May 10, 2025

~ submitted by Matthew Lettington

Our Marmot Mountain adventure turned out quite different from what we expected.

In past visits, I’ve always approached the summit from the Nanaimo Lakes side — a route that plunges into steep, brush-choked terrain. That was our original plan again this time, but when fewer than five people expressed interest, I reconsidered. It didn’t seem worth dragging a group through that notoriously rough route unless it was absolutely necessary.

Continue reading “Marmot Mountain from the South: Easier, Quicker, Better?”
Posted on

Windswept and Wild: An Easter Adventure at Cape Beale and Keeha Beach

April 19, 2025

~ submitted by Matthew Lettington

Tapaltos, Keeha, and Cape Beale are three of my favourite coastal spots on Vancouver Island. I’ve visited them in every month of the year — even camping once in January! Although they weren’t the original plan for our Easter weekend, they made an excellent consolation choice. With one caveat: the wind!

It blew fiercely for our three-night stay, with gusts reaching up to 50 km/h. Luckily, we were able to move our tents far enough back on the beach to shelter from the worst of it. From our camp, we could see a few other tents that hadn’t escaped the wind — I can only imagine how much they must have flapped and slapped all night long.

Continue reading “Windswept and Wild: An Easter Adventure at Cape Beale and Keeha Beach”
Posted on

Lost and Found: A Return to Nahmint’s East Ridge

May 2, 2025

~ submitted by Matthew Lettington

After the disappointing loss of my axe in early April, I vowed to return and reclaim it. Having been up the east ridge twice in the past six months, and feeling confident about where I had dropped the axe, I was sure we’d find it! Familiar with the terrain, I invited a larger group of club members to join the adventure.

Continue reading “Lost and Found: A Return to Nahmint’s East Ridge”
Posted on

Maple Mountain, Blue and Yellow Trail

April 15, 2025

~ submitted by Mary Hof

I love this hike on Maple Mountain, starting on the Blue trail going down and along the Yellow trail along the ocean. I decided to lead this hike today for the OCV and Island Mountain Ramblers. Instead of following the Yellow till the end and then up to the Blue, I have found a way up through the ridges and forest to the Blue Trail.

Continue reading “Maple Mountain, Blue and Yellow Trail”