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4 Posts |
Posted - 07/04/2006 : 4:17 PM
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Hello,
I never whent hicking before but since i graduate next year i have the change to go hicking for 3-4 weeks. And we where thinking about vacouver island. (Between now and when we're going, we'll go hicking a couple of times in belgium, so that at least we have some experience).
What are the things you think we should do best? If a trail is difficult we can take some more time doing it if necessairy. Any informatoin is welcome.
Ohh and one other thing: Anyone ever whent diving close to whales or orca's? -> is this done or to dangerous? (the bigest thing i ever saw was a hammer shark ;-)
thx aloth,
Koen |
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 Maple syrup lovin', tree huggin', face paintin' relocated Québécoise who is VERY serious about having fun
Vancouver
Canada
2637 Posts |
Posted - 07/04/2006 : 4:33 PM
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Hicky: A form of love bite. A bruise raised on the body of a sexual partner by very hard kissing / biting / sucking.
Normally found on the necks of adolescent girls.
Sorry but I couldn't help it... Found it on the internet, didn't make anything up!
I assume you were talking about hiking, lucky9999b?  Just bugging you, I hope you're not too upset!
I wish I could answer your question but since I know nothing about the Island I am useless here. Trevor (another CT member), if he's still around, has done some pretty cool stuff. You should check some of his posts. Monkeyboy also lives on the island but there are no trip reports from him so I can't say more than this...
Good luck finding the information you need... and welcome to CT! 
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Edited by - SnowSeeker on 07/04/2006 4:34 PM |
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Coquitlam, British Columbia
Canada
1727 Posts |
Posted - 07/04/2006 : 4:51 PM
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| They hike in belgium? I thought the country was almost just well flat with dikes? |
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4 Posts |
Posted - 07/04/2006 : 5:02 PM
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The biggest part is flat. But you can go more to germany then you have the ardenne forest. Don't expect mountains, just big hills :p
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North Vancouver, BC
Canada
1273 Posts |
Posted - 07/04/2006 : 5:13 PM
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Posted - 07/04/2006 : 4:17:20 PM
Hello,
I never whent hicking before but since i graduate next year i have the change to go hicking for 3-4 weeks. And we where thinking about vacouver island. (Between now and when we're going, we'll go hicking a couple of times in belgium, so that at least we have some experience).
Well when you get to the island you will find mountains and slash and rubble. So start exercising by climbing the stairs of whatever tall buildings you have there with a full pack. If you are allowed.
What are the things you think we should do best? If a trail is difficult we can take some more time doing it if necessairy. Any informatoin is welcome.
The West Coast Trail is probably the best known hike but you need a reservation to be on it, legally. There are many hikes you can do all you have to do is buy one of the many outdoors books on the market and I am sure other CT's will contribute to your knowledge base.
Ohh and one other thing: Anyone ever whent diving close to whales or orca's? -> is this done or to dangerous? (the bigest thing i ever saw was a hammer shark ;-)
Orca's are a protected species and no one is to go near them. Other whales have a minimum danger radius of 80 to 120 feet so you won't be able to get much closer. Unless they decide to visit you. You need big bandages if you suffer from whale bite.
thx aloth,
Koen
Welcome to CT, it would be nice if you gave us some more info as to age and abilities and strengths so we can better our responses to you.
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4 Posts |
Posted - 07/05/2006 : 02:13 AM
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Well i'm 23 years old and quite fit. Like to go running or practise judo, sucuba diving. Then i don't know at this time who will be coming with me but normally they are all between 20 and 23 years old. All of them practice sports, some not very much but at least onces every week.
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4 Posts |
Posted - 07/05/2006 : 03:16 AM
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Thx for the info. Where can you get permission for those trails?
(Waiting for some maps and books that shouls arrive soon) :) |
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victoria, BC
Canada
44 Posts |
Posted - 07/05/2006 : 07:39 AM
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| If you are on the Island you should do the West Coast Trail. It can be a difficult hike but if you take your time and are well prepared and in good shape you should not have a problem. You should probably do a couple of shorter overnight hikes prior, maybe in Strathcona Park (Paridise Meadows) just to used to overnight hiking and to figure out what gear and clothing to bring. |
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Victoria, BC
Canada
147 Posts |
Posted - 07/05/2006 : 6:58 PM
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The factor that leaped to mind was: make sure you travel well-marked, well-travelled trails! Unless you have a trusted local guide?
Vancouver Island has massive expanses of mountainous wilderness, and getting lost is a very real possibility. Lower elevation trails are more well-defined and heavily-travelled.
As others have said, the West Coast Trail is a signature hike for the Island, difficult and beautiful, but you need to reserve a space (try www.hellobc.com) and it costs $25/person to reserve (or show up and get on the wait-list) and $90 Park use fee!
Another possibility is the Juan de Fuca trail, similar amazing terrain/scenery but no cost and several escape routes to the highway if you find it too hard. You can actually hike it in sections while staying in bed & breakfast accomodations each night, not that anybody would...
You say you have 3-4 weeks and that you are with a group. Consider pooling your money and hiring a hiking guide. This could allow you to have a look at the alpine terrain of Strathcona Park.
Research Cape Scott Park as well.
3-4 weeks is an excellent window of time to be able to explore SOME of Vancouver Island, but plan ahead! I've lived and hiked here for 25 years and I still have a million places to see! Put any of these park/trail names into Google...
Happy trails!
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Victoria, BC
Canada
147 Posts |
Posted - 07/05/2006 : 7:48 PM
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Hey lucky, I forgot to ask...
What made you consider Vancouver Island? |
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91 Posts |
Posted - 07/11/2006 : 10:42 PM
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why are so many people into the west coast trail. its realy not very hard and its just a rocky beach, its crowded 1000,s of people , expensive. go somewhere quiet in the Alpine. its free, challenging but you need to have some hiking/camping experience.
Sorry the WCT or cape scott we're that interesting for me. maybe i spent too much time around the Charlottes |
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victoria, BC
Canada
44 Posts |
Posted - 07/12/2006 : 07:39 AM
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Akua, WCT can be easy at times but realy it all depends on the weather, it is still a demanding hike. Not sure what you mean it is just a rocky beach, did you not adventure in the rain forest, cross waterfalls, check out the surge channels and so much more. Also it is a long hike which challenges your hiking skills. You have to be very well prepared for this hike. 1000's of people???? Not sure but when I did it last year I saw maybe a total of 50 people tops over the 5 days.
I still think if someone is coming to the Island and looking for a great hike and wants to experience the West coast there are not many better places than the West Coast Trail to take it all in. |
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91 Posts |
Posted - 07/12/2006 : 9:03 PM
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| i meant 1000's of people in the year. most place I hike in Strathcona park see way less than 50 people in year, never mind only 5 frigin days!. I realize I realy like the hike, I just don't like all the people and build up trails. I like wilderness. some of the trail is just a few 100 metres away from clear cuts. its pricey too. thats what keeps me from returning. |
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vancouver island, b.c.
Canada
403 Posts |
Posted - 07/13/2006 : 7:50 PM
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Yup, and I take issue with having to pay to use a park in my home country in which I already pay steep taxes to.And reservations?!
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wrench turnin',beer lovin',twistin',bike crashin',money blowin',lesson learnin'backcountry,off trail lovin'island type of lovable fool,at least my mother loves me. |
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victoria, BC
Canada
44 Posts |
Posted - 07/14/2006 : 07:48 AM
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| I am not sure why people think you should be able to use some of these parks for free? I think the day-use parks should be free. But it takes a lot of money to maintain a trail like the West Coast Trail and I don't mind paying for a using it, it is still is a cheap vacation when you think of it. As for reservations how else would you do it? Just let anyone anytime head out on the trail? I think not, for a trail this popular it is the only way to go to ensure it is not overused and the camp area along the way are not full. |
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vancouver island, b.c.
Canada
403 Posts |
Posted - 07/14/2006 : 8:01 PM
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This is our land as Canadians.In our constitution we are given the right to travel it freely and at will.If the upkeep of the trail costs more than current revenues provide then either make foriegn visitors pay more to use it or demand more from our federal gov. to maintain it.If we put up with getting charged for the use of our land then there is no incentive for the feds to cough up any more money.I will never forget when Jean Cretien decided to buy two new jets for himself to travel in at a cost of 50 million bucks each.And let us never forget the whole sponsorship scandal.Crap like that goes on every day back east as well as in our own province.What say we don't bail out the next sinking ship of a company that comes along and rather spend that money in our parks system.Then we can be assured that fees could be waived for many years to come.The priorities of our politicians are often so screwed up and we just sit back and pay the price. 
This petition went around last fall,hope everyone signed it,feel free to get it going around some more and maybe we can have an effect.
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wrench turnin',beer lovin',twistin',bike crashin',money blowin',lesson learnin'backcountry,off trail lovin'island type of lovable fool,at least my mother loves me. |
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Coquitlam, British Columbia
Canada
1727 Posts |
Posted - 07/15/2006 : 11:13 AM
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Pacific rim national park (Long beach section) is a great place to hike and bike and even do a little bit of climbing and fishin'
This is just my two cents... |
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victoria, BC
Canada
44 Posts |
Posted - 07/18/2006 : 08:05 AM
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| I still have no problem paying for something I use. The cost is not rediculous, and I doubt the fees collected comes even close to covering the annual cost of maintaining the West Coast Trail. |
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35 Posts |
Posted - 07/19/2006 : 1:10 PM
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Great choice on where to go in Canada if you're into hiking & scuba diving. I love doing both, have been here for 5 yrs & still have plenty to see.
Some idea's for you & your group:
Scuba diving - you really don't want a visit from an orca especially if it's a transient (they are not called killer whales for nothing). To see something bigger than a hammerhead join a charter to Race Rocks to dive at the sea lion colony. Its a 20min boat ride from Victoria & they run charters out of Ogen Point Dive Store every Sat morning (http://www.divevictoria.com/) It's my favourite dive site on the island & the excitement of regularly having 3-6 curious sea lions swimming around you is amazing (some of the males are >400 pounds & they act like boisterous puppy's). Other great dive sites in the Victoria area is the Ogden Point breakwater (almost every NW pacific species inc octopus, wolf eels & huge ling cod), 10 mile point (wall dive with a wicked current), the Saanich Inlet (Henderson Point, Willis Point & MacKenzie Bight) & two artifical reef wrecks (HMCS MacKennzie & GB Church). Other worthy dive sites to think about combining with a hiking trip around the island would be the two side-side wrecks in Nanaimo - HMCS Sasketchawen & HMCS Cape Bretton (missile destroyer & supply ship) & Hornby Island (6-gill sharks which can be 20ft in length if you're lucky enough for a sighting)
As for hiking the Juan de Fuca & West Coast Trails are both beautiful trails that we are very lucky to have. The WCT has more variety with longer beaches, more diversity of coastal forest regions & the cable cars & ladders. I wouldn't worry about the pessimism you might hear about crowding & reservation fee's. There are long sections when you will have the trail to yourself if you wish & meeting people from around at the camp sites is part of the experience. If you want solitude without reservation fees try doing the trail on May 1st - I guarantee you will see the other side of the trail (and the reason why it was built) plus you can tell the people who complain of crowds in July/Aug they really should appreciate what they have.
Other great options around the island would be the Nootka Island trail (involves a float plane & ferry ride but it is what the West Coast Trail looked like at one time); Cape Scott is another great trail to base camp at Nels Bight & day hike around the area for 2-3 days; Mt Albert Edward in Strathcona Park is a great sub-alpine experience & easy for navigation/climbing; Della Falls combines canoeing & hiking to Canada's highest waterfall (or you can take the boat if you're pushed for time); Kludahk Trail between Port Renfrew & Jordan River combines sub-alpine with coastal forest plus there are cabins along the way; Saltspring, Galiano, Mayne & Pender Island have some great kayaking/hiking options or you could hire a guide for the Broken Island Group if you want to combine it with a trip to Uculet/Tofino.
Good luck with your planning to fit this into 3-4 weeks. There are 3 local hiking clubs in Victoria (Uvic Outdoors Club, Alpine Club of Canada - VI section & Club Tread). Google search them closer to when you're planning on coming out - they would be happy to help you and may be able to hook you up with a trip that's going out.
Cheers
Lee |
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where to go?
