There are an endless amount of hikes to do in Strathcona Provincial Park. If you’re looking for something easily accessible, not extra strenuous up a mountain, but still enjoying alpine surroundings, then this loop is for you. Located on the Forbidden Plateau near Courtenay on Vancouver Island, there are many day and multi-day hikes of various difficulties. Here is a guide to the Kwai Lake Loop in Strathcona Park.
At a glance:
Length: 15.6 km (total)
Time: 5-6 hour loop
Elevation Gain: 185m
Difficulty: Moderate
The hike:
The hike starts at Raven Lodge up Mt Washington. There is not a lot of elevation gain on this hike as you drive most of the way up the mountain. The trail passes alpine lakes and meadows, beautiful no matter what time of year you go. The signage is easy and abundant as you start out your hike along the boardwalks through Paradise Meadows. Doing this hike CLOCKWISE is much easier! When you get to the fork, go LEFT towards Battleship Lake. This trail is less muddy and not as steep, and less frequented by wasp nests. Click here for a detailed trail map of the park!
Despite the popularity of the trails in the area, we still came across a black bear early on in the hike so be bear aware! There is also a high abundance of Whisky Jacks throughout the whole trail. Whiskey Jacks (or Gray Jays) are fearless of hikers and highly inquisitive birds. You’ll notice the ones up to Lake Helen Mackenzie are actually tagged by a local in the area.
The first lake we passed was Battleship Lake. Take a short secret trail up the hill to find a couple great and private beach chairs overlooking the lake. There is also a dock on this lake to further enjoy the views or go for a swim! (Some of the lakes on this trail are not allowed to be swum in).
The next two small lakes we passed were Kooso Lake and Lady Lake. The third lake, and first campsite we came across was at Croteau Lake – about 1.5 hours from the trailhead. When we went in August, all 12 tent pads were busy with families. A yurt can also be spotted here, as well as composting toilets, bear caches, and a small dock on the lake.
Past the lake you will hike through Murray Meadows filled with beautiful wildflowers in the spring and summer.
Eventually you will reach your destination of Kwai Lake, a perfect place to eat lunch. There is another campsite here, but no swimming is allowed at the lake. From here you can go around the lake and take the loop back, or continue onwards up Mount Albert Edward for a more difficult multi day hike. There is also a turnoff you can take to the left for a stop at Cruikshank Canyon Lookout. This trail is 1.4km to the Canyon from the lake, give yourself 7-8 hours for the whole loop if you include this side trail.
The hike back will lead you past the Ranger Station, more Whiskey Jacks, and Lake Helen Mackenzie (which also has a campground). Be careful for wasp nests, they are usually marked with pink trail tape. The route on the way back is steeper, muddier, and riddled with roots. Although it’s a trickier trail, it’s easier to go down it than up and we enjoyed doing the whole loop.
Camping:
There are a few campgrounds on this route at various lakes including at Lake Helen Mackenzie, Croteau Lake, and Kwai Lake. Backcountry camping fees apply at these sites from June-September and are $10 pp/per night. The easiest way is to apply for a permit before you leave home on the BC Parks Backcountry Camping Registration website.
How to get there:
The start of the hike is near the town of Courtenay on Vancouver Island. From Highway 19 follow signs for Mount Washington Ski Resort. As you drive up the windy roads up the mountain, turn left onto Nordic Lodge Rd which will lead you to the Paradise Meadows parking lot at Raven Lodge.
Kwai Lake Loop in Strathcona Park is beautiful, and despite it’s popularity we only found the campsites busy with people, the trails themselves are fairly quiet. If you’re looking for more great alpine hikes on Vancouver Island check out Century Sam Lake, Triple Peaks, or 5040!
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