Hiking – Noel’s Knoll to Little Morte Lake – 24 June 2026

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Activity Hiking
Destination Noel’s Knoll to Little Morte Lake
Date 24 June 2026, Wednesday
Trip Coordinator Debbie Quigg
Contact Info dmquigg@gmail.com or 3710
Description We will start at the Nugedzi parking lot and hike up the old logging road toward Beech’s Mtn. We will visit Noel’s Knoll for great views and then return to the saddle between Beech’s and Noel’s Knoll. From there we will follow a new trail which descends steeply to the Morte Lake trail. As this is hiked in a straight line, we will need a car shuffle ending at the Morte Lake parking lot. Roughly 7km, 4+ hours, 450m elevation gain.
Meeting Place Community Centre parking lot
Departure Time 9:00, as an early-ish start for the heat.
Difficulty
 Moderate, or a bit more for rough trail, steady elevation gain, and steep descent.
Costs No
Trip limits 10
Dogs? No
Notes:

Social Picnic – Open Bay Beach – 17 June 2026

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Activity Picnic Social intertidal exploration
Destination Open Bay Beach
Date 17 June, Wednesday
Trip Coordinator Valerie van Veen
Contact Info vvv@qisland.ca, cell 778 242 5774; home 250 285 2329
Description June 17 is predicted to be in the middle of a heat wave, 33c. For me, too hot to hike or kayak. However, it will be a low tide around noon in Open Bay, perfect for intertidal exploration and a beach picnic.
Meeting Place End of Marina Rd, Open Bay
Departure Time 11:00 am
Difficulty Access to the beach is by a short, steep trail.
Costs None
Trip limits None
Dogs? Under control, please
Notes: Be prepared for strong, hot sun ….sunscreen, umbrellas, etc. bring a beach blanket, picnic lunch and WATER (or substitute). Must contact organizer by Tuesday June 16 evening. May be cancelled if temps soar towards 40c.

Trip Report – Mine & Main Lakes – 21 May 2026

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Seven paddlers met at Mine Lake boat launch for a paddle and a small hike on a beautiful spring day. There was supposed to be light winds, but the wind dropped off so we had flat water after coming onto Main Lake. On such a beautiful day, we were surprised to only see one single camper at one site and a small group at the far end. We landed there and then walked over to Yeatman Bay. We hiked the trail in the woods out toward the small island and the tide was low enough that we could cross over to it. Here we had a nice relaxed stop to enjoy the sun and sights.
After we hiked back to the kayaks and had lunch here before launching back onto Main Lake. At the head of the bay, we ran into some stronger winds with light chop. This continued until we reached the channel and then became lighter as we returned down Mine Lake to our vehicles.
About 4½ hours for a 5½ km paddle and a 2½ km hike

Les

Thanks to Les and Louise for the photos

(Click to Enlarge)

Kayaking – Mine and Main Lakes – 21 May 2026

Trip Report – Surge Narrows Trail – 13 May 2026

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Our timing was perfect on our Surge Narrows hike, arriving at the rapids just at full
flood of 7.4 knots. We decided to make the rocky viewpoint our lunch stop so that we could enjoy watching about a dozen kayakers who appeared on cue. We suspected that they were local guides in training for the summer season, and were impressed by the rolling and self-rescue skills of some as they tackled the rapids.

Over the years, the Surge Narrows trail has been greatly improved. The trail to the viewpoint is easy to follow and the old, dodgy bridges have been replaced with culverts by our hardworking Trail Committee.  There is even a port-a-pottie at the trailhead. The
trailhead, well signed, is now at the upper parking lot; old-timers will recall that the trail
originally began at the lower parking lot. To the viewpoint is a moderate 2 km hike, with “suitable undulations” to provide some cardio, through typical West Coast forest. We saw several outcroppings of oyster mushrooms and one bunch of coral root on the trail to the viewpoint.  Beyond the viewpoint, the trail is signposted as a route and is not maintained, overgrown with deadfall and salal.  This route is challenging, hugging the steep shoreline until reaching a rocky beach. At low tide it would be possible to walk north along the shoreline for intertidal viewing, but the tide was too high for this on the day of our hike.

As always, parking at Surge Narrows is a challenge, carpooling is a necessity.
5.14 km, about 2.5 hours including on-water entertainment.

Valerie van Veen

Many thanks to Norris for photos.

Click on photos to enlarge
 

Hiking – Surge Narrows Trail – 13 May 2026

Hiking – Elk Falls/Canyon View Trails – 3 June 2026

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Activity Hiking
Destination Elk Falls – Canyon View trails
Date 3 June, Wednesday
Trip Coordinator Allan Liimatta
Contact Info allanliimatta@gmail.com or 250-416-9338
Description Start out at parking area at first bridge past highway on Campbell River and hike the Canyon View Trail up to Elk Falls suspension bridge where we will stop for lunch. Then back track and then take the trail to old power station and cross river and hike back on opposite side of river back to parking area. Trail is well maintained and easy walking except there are a few long uphill climbs with many stairs. Total distance approximately 11 km.
Meeting Place Q Cove ferry terminal
Departure Time 9:00 ferry
Difficulty Moderate
Costs Ferry costs
Trip limits 10
Dogs? Yes, but must be on leash.
Notes:

Hiking – Mt. Lolo – 10 June 2026

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Activity Hiking
Destination Mt. Lolo
Date 10 June 2026, Wednesday
Trip Coordinator Debbie Quigg
Contact Info dmquigg@gmail.com or 3710. Please contact the coordinator by Monday night.
Description We will begin on the trail to Maud Island and then follow old logging roads, deer trails and routes to the Mt. Lolo bluff overlooking Discovery Passage.  After exploring the short ridge with great views we will return the same way.  About 8 km; 4+ hours.
Meeting Place Community Centre parking lot.  We will drive out in a group.
Departure Time 10:00
Difficulty
 Moderate, much of this will not be on maintained trails.
Costs None
Trip limits 10
Dogs?
Notes: Bring lunch, poles if you use them and gear for the weather.  This is a trip better done in good weather and might be postponed if the forecast is poor.

Hiking – Mt. Seymour – 27 May 2026

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Activity Hiking
Destination Mt. Seymour
Date 27 May 2026, Wednesday
Trip Coordinator Vic Gladish
Contact Info vicgladish@gmail.com; 250-287-0459
Description We will meet at Community Centre and then drive the half hour out to trailhead. We will go out and back the lower route so it will be easier. About 9km and 4 + hours including lunch.
Meeting Place Community Centre parking lot
Departure Time 9:00
Difficulty
 This is one of the toughest hikes due to its length and steepness.
Costs Gas
Trip limits 10
Dogs? Must be under control. Please be aware that FMCBC excludes dogs from its liability insurance.  Owners need to sign a waiver indicating that they are aware of their responsibility.
Notes: Bring lunch, poles if you use them, and gear appropriate for the weather, and extra water is its a warmer day.

Trip Report – Trout Creek Falls – 6 May 2026

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On a overcast day, six people drove out to the start of the trail on Menzie’s Main. There is a easy place to park just before and after the bridge over Mohun Creek, which used to be called Trout Creek. The first of three waterfalls is just a short walk. The creek was much lower than when we did this hike last year, even though it is the same time of year. The trail has lots of rocks and roots in it so you must be careful not to trip. The trail is in good shape and has had a lot of traffic this spring. As you hike up the trail, there are many pools and rapid areas that are very picturesque. The second waterfall is the highest and very impressive. The trail was quite dry, which made it loose and you had to watch your step as this is a steep area. The third waterfall is short but very unique as it drops over a rock face and then makes a sharp right down a rocky ravine before it drops more. As the water level was quite low, you can see many more of the logs that have been left in the ravine. We carried on and had lunch on the rock bluff above the waterfall. After lunch we hiked out to the old logging road, stopped briefly at Mary Lake and then returned to the vehicles.
7 km and about three hours moving time

Les
 
(click on photos to enlarge)
 

Hiking – Trout Creek Falls Loop – 6 May 2026

Hiking – Surge Narrows Trail – 13 May 2026

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Activity Hiking
Destination Surge Narrows Trail
Date 13 June 2026, Wednesday
Trip Coordinator Valerie van Veen
Contact Info vvv@qisland.ca, 250 285 2329, cell: 778 242 5774
Description This trail affords spectacular views of the infamous Surge Narrows rapids, especially when the current is running strong. The trail follows the coastline going north/northeast and steeply undulating. The first, shorter section to a rocky viewpoint is well used, the longer section beyond to an even better viewpoint is more challenging, narrow, generally rougher. Altogether not a long hike. On May 13, Surge Narrows will be in flood, 7.4 knots, at 11:44, so we should have some good views of the rapids in action.
Meeting Place Community Centre parking lot at 10 am; carpool in vehicles suitable for the gravel road north of the Valdes turnoff; Village Bay Lakes boat launch parking lot at 10:20 am (approx.) where I will meet the group.
Meeting Time 10:00
Difficulty Moderate
Costs None
Trip limits 10
Dogs? Must be in control, especially along the second section where the narrow trail hugs the hillside.
Please note that the FMCBC has a new policy where dogs are explicitly exclude from liability insurance and owners need to sign a waiver of understanding.
Notes This trip is only worth the effort of the long drive on the unpaved road if the weather is pleasant and trail conditions are dry . An alternative hike will be offered if the weather does not justify the effort. Bring lunch, poles if used. Participants MUST register by Monday evening, March 11. Only registered participants will be advised of any changes in plans. Contact the coordinator if you have any questions.

Kayaking – Main Lakes Provincial Park – 21 May 2026

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Activity Kayaking
Destination Main Lake Provincial Park
Date 21 May, Thursday
Trip Coordinator Les Hand
Contact Info 285-2029 or lhquadra@gmail.com
Description We will meet at Mine Lake boat launch at about 9:30 to get ready to leave at 10. We will paddle out to from Mine Lake to Main Lake and to the far campground. Then walk across to Yeatman Bay to stretch our legs and have lunch. After lunch, we will walk back to the kayaks and make a decision if we just go back to Mine or paddle a bit farther. The route may depend on wind conditions.
Meeting Place Mine Lake boat launch
Departure Time Leave at 10:00
Difficulty
 Easy; depending on wind.
Costs None
Trip limits 10
Dogs? No
Notes: Bring full paddling gear, lunch, and clothes for changing weather.