USA Canada region: All BC Alberta Central Ontario Quebec Atlantic

trailpeak kite boarding, wind surfing and surfing locations in B.C.

trailpeak canoeing and white water rafting and kayaking routes in B.C.

trailpeak crosscountry skiing trails in B.C.

trailpeak backcountry skiing routes in B.C.

Mt Albert Edward

Mt Albert Edward near Courtenay, BC

Print page Email to a friend New Trail View

This trail was given a rating of 5 out of 5 stars

31 kms
14hours
difficult
Rock Climbing, Hiking
Summer
Courtenay, BC

Anonymous

LARGER MAP

NTS Map:92F11. From the trailhead, cross Paradise Meadows,keeping to the right at the first few trail intersections. You arrive at Lake Helen McKenzie after 3 easy km. Bear right, skirting the lake and climbing over a somewhat rooty and narrower trail to the meadows and Rangers' cabin at 6km. Just past this take the next two signed trails on the right heading past Hairtrigger Lake. The trail then descends to a junction above the head of Cruickshank Canyon. Turn right for a half km to the campsite at Circlet Lake. Distance to here is about 10.5 km.

To climb Mt Albert Edward, return to the last junction and turn right. You ascend a steep trail to a beautiful plateau. You then climb more steeply up to the ridge at about 11.5 km from the trailhead. Keep left where a route to Mt Jutland leads right.

Climb the ridge, staying right at the junction with the route to Mts Frink and Castlecrag on your left. Climb the open ridge to the top after about 15.5 km from the trailhead.

From Circlet Lake to the summit return takes perhaps 6 hrs including time to linger on the plateau, ridge and summit, despite the relatively short distance. It's also fairly tough going when there is snow still lingering.

Returning to the trailhead on the same day is fairly easy unless you're beat.

Directions:

Take Strathcona Parkway from Highway 19 near Courtenay to Mt Washington. Turn left just before reaching the main ski area and park at the Paradise Meadows Trailhead. Distance from the highway is about 26 km

By Posted By: paula - Sat Feb 28 00:07:31 EST 2009 Not Rated Upside Easy access. this is one of the few places where you can drive up to the subalpine level; the trail to Circlet lake has very little net elevation. Downside Because of the above, it's very popular, and can get very crowded. Comment A side trip worth doing if you have time to spare: just past Circlet Lake, watch for a turnoff to the left, which will take you right out of the crowds and towards Moat Lake and Castlecrag. Lots of gorgeous little tarns on the way. It's an easy hike to Moat lake (about 3 km with no significant elevation gain); the route around and over Castlecrag, however, is much more demanding, and there is no reliable water source after Moat Lake. (see the review for Castlecrag - Mt. Frink loop)

By Posted By: somniferum - Thu Jul 24 15:31:01 EDT 2008 Upside Great summer hike. Lots of flowers/plantlife, lakes and mountain views to admire while on your way. Trail is very easy to follow and pretty well-groomed; basicly a walk in the park until you start going 'up' from Circlet Lake. Cairns are easy to see and follow on the route to the summit. View from the summit is absolutely phenomenal. Downside As with all popular trails, this one can be very crowded. Weather can be unpredictable. Sometimes buggy. Comment I've done this trail as both a 2 day hike and a day hike (took 10 hours including about 1 hour in breaks). I think I prefer it as a dayhike (no huge pack and tent to carry). I highly recommend this trail.

By Posted By: Bookwyrm - Fri Nov 02 19:12:05 EDT 2007 Not Rated Upside great views Comment I probably am not a good judge, as this is the only major hike that I've ever done. I did it in May, when there was still quite a lot of snow on the ground. Did it as a school trip taking four days, two days to hike in to circlet lake, one day to summit and return to circlet lake, and one day to hike back. Highly recommended

By Posted By: jlmt - Tue Jul 24 19:00:10 EDT 2007 Upside Or Winter? Based on my past experience with CVGSAR I would not recommend this as a winter hike unless you are very experienced in mountain terrain and avalanche risk assessment. I definitely recommend it as a summer hike. Downside Strathcona Park, where Mt. Albert Edward is located, can create its' own set of weather patterns. Be prepared for anything when hiking/climbing - not just warm weather. Circlet Lake campsite can get very crowded at times. Best to go during the week, if possible. Comment An excellent hike.

By Posted By: guyl - Thu Mar 16 01:02:32 EST 2006 Upside Interesting habitats along trail, interesting wildlife, great views. Downside Overcrowded in summer. Camping restricted to Circlet Lake. Comment I like this as a two day hike. A leisurely pace to Circlet Lake, where you overnight. Get up early and summit Albert Edward. Be back at camp for a late lunch and then break camp and be back in Courtenay for dinner. Go during the week in September when there are less people. We went in mid-October one year and it was great. Pay attention to the weather. It can fog up very quickly.

By Posted By: toolbox - Thu Oct 06 20:00:29 EDT 2005 Upside Fantastic Views once you hit the ridge!! Downside For the first 2.5 hours, no views just a walk through the trees. Comment A friend and I did the entire hike as a day hike in about 10 hours, 5.5 up and 4.5 down, in mid-September. At the time there were plenty of small ponds to fill up with water along the ridge, just treat the water in some way. Very easy to find your way, just follow the rock cairns to the summit. Definitely bring poles, they will help save your knees. Also with the variable weather conditions bring at least some warm clothing and a wind breaker. We had no wind on the summit but all along the ridge the wind howled. Once on the summit sit back and enjoy the views, absolutely fantastic!!

By Posted By: Hiker43 - Wed Aug 31 13:43:50 EDT 2005 Not Rated Upside great views, good hike. Downside lots of rock cairns Comment do not try it in the fog or rain, watch for rock cairns, try to stay on the path

By Posted By: klack - Sun Apr 03 01:57:54 EST 2005 Upside great hike, summer or winter Downside weather can be sketchy at times, unwise to attempt summit if fogged in or overcast and poor visibilty, especially in snow Comment GREAT HIKE, my most hiked trail. lovely environment throughout the whole park. highly recommended