Living the best adventure life, since 1958
April 5, 2025
~ submitted by Matthew Lettington
We came prepared for the worst: snowshoes, crampons, mountaineering axes, and full avalanche kits! The east ridge is likely the least bushy and quickest route to Nahmint’s summit, but it’s not an easy hike by any means.
Continue reading “Beating the Bush: A Spring Ramble Up Nahmint’s East Ridge”
April 26th, 2025
~ submitted by Mary Hof
Today what a day we had in the Koksilah Hill from the Koksilah River Provincial Park, (Shawnigan Lake area) know as Burnt Bridge. This is not an easy hike, it’s steep. It was a hike I have led for the Outdoor Club and Island Mountain Ramblers, with 15.5 km and close to 800m in elevation gain.
Continue reading “Horse Monument (Koksilah Provincial Park)”
April 30, 2025
~ submitted by Mary Hof
Five of us went up to Hammer Hill off the Heavenly Trail, in the Sooke Hills. Yup, there is a hammer up there.
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”
April 5, 2025
~ submitted by Mary Hof
I was suppose to lead a hike to Bald Mountain in Youbou on Sunday, but looking at the weather forecast I switched to Saturday and I am glad we did.
We hiked up to the tower and beyond to that beautiful view with Heather Mountain under a lot of snow. 8 hikers we were, and we all had the same speed for a wonderful hike.
We met a few people on the trail, but not many. 13 km 600m of elevation gain was a good days worth. Thanks for joining me.
April 27, 2025
~ submitted by Evan Martin
The group met in Nanaimo before driving to the Cameron Main gate. The drive gave us a chance to get to know each other, review group safety gear, and align expectations before hitting the trailhead. We arrived at the gate at 8:20 a.m. and found two other cars waiting. From a past trip, I knew the gate is “unlocked” rather than “opened” at 8:00, so we pulled around and Evan hopped out to open it — earning some surprised looks from the other drivers.
Continue reading “Mount Arrowsmith via Lost Gully”
April 12, 2025
~ submitted by Matthew Lettington
I’ve been up Canoe Peak a few times now, and this marks my third successful summit of this rugged beauty. Every time I go, I’m reminded that it’s probably more grueling than I remembered. Yet somehow, I forget all the bushwhacking, steep gullies, and exposed slopes. There’s just something magical about the view that keeps me coming back.
April 8, 2025
~ submitted by Robin Camley
Great day hiking in the rain showers – Just under 10 KM and 370 meters of elevation gain viewing the 50 wood carvings of Richard on the trail.
Thanks ladies.
March 22, 2025
~ submitted by Matthew Lettington
I’ve said it before, but it’s worth repeating—when there’s too much snow in the mountains, the Sooke Hills offer a fantastic alternative for logging kilometres and racking up elevation gain! With their dense, mossy hills, beautiful glades, and a network of trails ranging from well-maintained paths to forgotten routes, these hills are a playground for adventurous hikers looking to stay conditioned through the shoulder season.
