Category Archives: Hiking

Trip Report – Shellaligan Pass Loop – 12 Oct 2022

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It was another gorgeous, sunny fall day as nine hikers set out to walk the Shellaligan Pass Loop counter clockwise. At the first bay we found two kayakers that were enjoying the calm day as well. From there we clambered over the large rocks along the ocean at the start of the trail.  There were places along the way where the salal is encroaching on the trail and there was some deadfall.

 

Well before the entrance to Village Bay we noticed a large flock of birds. There were hundreds of them. As we walked nearer Vic identified them as surf scoters. We stopped on the large rock outcrop at the entrance to Village Bay to watch them and have a snack. While there two Harbour Porpoises swam gracefully by.

We continued on along the bay and up the hill. At the junction to the longer route we decided to go down the hill and to the oyster lease, which turned out to be a mistake.  Shortly after the bridge we came upon a large cedar tree that had fallen squarely down the trail. We climbed through six foot ferns and dead fall to go around. At the oyster lease we went out on the rock point and enjoyed another break in the sun. From there we went back through the difficult area, up the hill and back to the vehicles.  Approx. 5km, 2½ hours

 
Les
 

(click on photos to enlarge)

Hiking – Shellaligan Pass Loop – 12 Oct 2022

Hiking – Nole to Noble – 22 Nov 2022

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Activity Hiking
Destination Nole to Noble Right-of-Way
Date 22 Nov 2022, Tuesday
Trip Coordinator Vic Gladish
Contact Info vicgladish@gmail.com; 250-285-2111; text 250-287-0459
Description Happy Hour in the morning….coffee, etc at our meeting point. Walk the “Nole to Noble” right of way including the big staircase and several side trails – maybe it’ll be another barbell pattern?
Extra challenge – can we get to the meeting place in less than 4 vehicles?
Meeting Place Aroma Cafe
Departure Time 9:00
Difficulty
 Easy
Costs Not much
Trip limits 10
Dogs? No
Notes: Rain/snow or shine – come dressed for the weather.

Work Party – Chinese Mtn – 2 Nov 2022

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Activity Work party
Destination Chinese Mtn
Date 2 Nov, Wednesday
Trip Coordinator Debbie Quigg
Contact Info debbie.quigg@ualberta.ca or 3710; please contact the coordinator in advance of the outing.
Description We will be working on a few areas where salal is encroaching on the trail.  We will work until about noon and then have lunch at a scenic location.  The Trail Committee provides tools.  Bring your own gloves, and your own tools if you prefer them.
Meeting Place Heriot Bay store parking lot to organize tools and carpool to the trailhead
Departure Time 10:00
Difficulty
 Moderate work
Costs None
Trip limits 10
Dogs? No
Notes: Bring lunch.

Hiking – Main Lake and Yeatman Bay – 19 Oct 2022

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Activity Hiking
Destination Main Lake and Yeatman Bay from Surge Narrows Rd
Date 19 Oct, Wednesday
Trip Coordinator Norris Weimer
Contact Info norris.weimer@ualberta.ca or 3710.  Please contact the coordinator by Monday evening.
Description This recently improved trail is a pleasure to walk through some excellent mature forest, meandering along a creek down to Main Lake.  From there we can follow the old portage/logging road route to Yeatman Bay.  About 10 km round trip, taking 3 hours.  It is a fairly long drive on the Surge Narrows Rd to the trailhead.
Meeting Place Heriot Bay Tru Value parking lot
Departure Time 10:00
Difficulty Moderate
Costs none
Trip limits 10
Dogs?
Notes: Bring lunch and gear for the weather.  We will do this hike in rain or shine.

Trip Report – Fir Crest Loop – 28 Sept 2022

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After a bit of very light rain, nine of us walked this easy “bar-bell” loop.  Starting at the entrance to Fir Crest Acres, we walked along the north edge of this recently made trail.  The wide trail slopes gently down through the forest.  We then headed south along the edge of the golf course and the bluff until we joined the Haskin Farm trail.  We followed this back to the trailihead and connected over to the logging road, which makes a grassy alley through mature trees.  We used Todd’s Trail to re-connect with Fir Crest, then retraced our path back to the northeast corner of the golf course.  From there we followed the road through back up the hill through Fir Crest Acres and to the vehicles.  Both the weather and the walk were gentle.  It was a very social outing with many people returning from an active summer.  6.6 km; 2 hours.

Debbie
 

Hiking – Fir Crest Loop – 28 Sept 2022

Hiking – Shellaligan Pass Loop – 12 Oct 2022

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Activity Hiking
Destination Shellaligan Pass loop
Date 12 Oct, Wednesday
Trip Coordinator Les Hand
Contact Info lhquadra@gmail.com or 285-2029
Description We will do the shorter loop but go down to the oyster lease. We may see some whales from the rocks at the entrance to Village Bay as some have been in the area. Trip will take 2-3 hours depending on lunch.
Meeting Place Heriot Bay Store
Departure Time 10:00
Difficulty
 Moderate, with rocky and steep sections
Costs None
Trip limits 10
Dogs? Yes, but under control
Notes: Dress for weather and bring a lunch.

Trip Report – Forbidden Plateau – 21 Sept 2022

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Four enthusiastic hikers enjoyed an absolutely perfect Fall Equinox Day as we hiked in Paradise Meadows/Forbidden Plateau. Our ultimate destination was Kwai Lake, via the circle route through Paradise Meadows and past Lake Helen Mackenzie. Taking the 8 am ferry, we were on the trail by 9:20 am.

We enjoyed a pleasant break at Lake Helen Mackenzie with stunningly beautiful reflections of the surrounding hills.  Debbie had wisely suggested we go counter-clockwise, as we always seem to go clockwise when hiking in this area. Even though this meant going uphill on the dreaded “Helen Mackenzie headwall”, it was still better than stumbling down the steep, rooty, eroded trail at the end of a long hike.

We were not the only ones enjoying the early autumn sunshine, as the number of cars in the parking lot attested. We encountered several backpackers on their way out, two school groups camping in the backcountry group camps, and many day-hikers like ourselves.  At Kwai Lake we found a quiet grassy area on the southwest shore for lunch, away from a large school group taking their break on the rocky outcropping on the opposite shore.  After lunch, we completed the circle, passing Croteau, Lady, Kooso and Battleship Lakes. Some sections of this circle route are boardwalk, protecting wetlands and tree roots, the rest varies from pleasant forest paths to very eroded, rooty trails.  About 6½ hours, approximately 17 km.

Valerie van Veen

Thanks to Valerie and Norris for the photos

(click on photos to enlarge)

Hiking – Strathcona Park – 21 Sept 2022

Hiking – Fir Crest Loop – 28 Sept 2022

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Activity Hiking
Destination Fir Crest Loop
Date 28 Sept 2022,  Wednesday
Trip Coordinator Debbie Quigg and Julie Douglas
Contact Info debbie.quigg@ualberta.ca or 3710; please contact the coordinator by Monday night
Description By special request, we will be doing a bar-bell loop of the Golf Course and Haskin Farm trails.  This is a good outing if you want an easy hike which is mostly level and on a good trail.
Meeting Place The small parking area inside and to the south of the Fir Crest Acres gates, off Heriot Bay Road.  If you do not know where this is, please confirm with the coordinator.
Departure Time 10:00
Difficulty
 Easy
Costs None
Trip limits 10
Dogs? Dogs must not run through the group.
Notes: We will do this hike rain or shine.  Bring a snack/light lunch and gear for the weather.

Hiking – Strathcona Park – 21 Sept 2021

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Activity Hiking
Destination Strathcona Park
Date 21 Sept, Wednesday
Trip Coordinator Valerie Van Veen
Contact Info 250 285 2329 vvv@qisland.ca
Description Celebrate the fall equinox on the beautiful Forbidden Plateau, Strathcona Park. Starting from Raven Lodge we will aim for Kwai Lake following well-established trails. A full day – about 20 km return. Maybe a group dinner in CR? Weather dependent.
Meeting Place QCove ferry terminal to arrange carpools as desired
Departure Time 8:00 am ferry
Difficulty
 Moderate to challenging due to length
Costs Ferry
Trip limits 10
Dogs? Must be on leash in the Park
Notes: This trip is weather dependent. Must contact coordinator by Monday evening, Sept. 19.