An easy day trip from Denman, once you have crossed the Baynes Sound on the ferry to Buckley Bay, is to take Highway 19 North for about 30 minutes. Turn left for Mount Washington and after a fairly steep climb for about 20 minutes, you'll arrive at the Mt. Washington Ski Resort. Alternately, take a left just before the ski resort to Raven Lodge and the carpark for the Forbidden Plateau, which is part of Strathcona Provincial Park, less than five minutes from there.
|
Forbidden Plateau & Strathcona Provincial Park
The walk begins with extensive boardwalks through Paradise Meadows. It's a delight to walk with ease above these fascinating wetlands. Look out for the friendly Grey Jays who will take food from your hand! The wetlands give way to steep but well maintained tracks up forested slopes, giving you a variety of trail options, allowing you to choose a route that you can comfortably accomplish in the time you have available.
↕ Paradise Meadows from the boardwalk
The paths are designed to take you around the lakes that lie amongst the mountains to the best viewpoints, some of which have pontoons or decks right on the water. You can easily make a day of it, or combine it with half a day spent within the Mount Washington Ski Resort Area, which is what we usually do.
|
↕
|
Mount Washington Ski Resort
During the summer, the resort is open to everyone, and the ski lift (which is fun) takes folks up for a gander at the view - and what a view it is!
You can of course hike up a trail to get there, or you can save your energy for a tramp about once you get there.
You can of course hike up a trail to get there, or you can save your energy for a tramp about once you get there.
↕ Looking north from the top of Mount Washinton
The other attaction is the facilities in the ski village, including restaurants, a pub and coffee bars, with views to die for!
↕ Looking west from the top of Mount Washinton
|
↕ Looking south from the top of Mount Washinton
|
|
|
|
|
|
