The most popular climbing area on Vancouver Island is
within Strathcona Provincial Park boundaries. Other
interesting and good rock climbing takes in Rugged Mountain, located north of Strathcona
Park and Mount Arrowsmith between Parksville
and Port Alberni.
Mount Arrowsmith at 1817 metres (5962 ft.) is easy to reach
from Highway 4 and is used as a training ground for island climbers. There are five
basic routes to the summit. All are good climbs and rated from a Class 3 to the mid
5 range.
Elkhorn Mountain, is
the second highest peak on Vancouver Island and is within Strathcona Park. At 2195
metres (7200 ft.) high it offers 3 different routes to the summit. Scale the highest
peak on the Island. Golden Hinde at 2200 metres (7219 ft.) high dominates the surrounding
area. The best route to the summit is from the south. This class 3 climb is quite
easy and the view is awesome.
Rugged
Mountain can be approached from either the Woss Lake Road or the Nomash River Road.
Climbing to the summit of 1875 metres (6151 ft.) high is good Class 3 rock. There
are many other mountains to climb on Vancouver Island, take time out to discover them
for yourself.
