Mount Albert Edward: Hiking Vancouver Island’s Second-Highest Peak

Why Visit Mount Albert Edward

Mount Albert Edward rises prominently in central Vancouver Island’s Strathcona Provincial Park, offering hikers a true alpine experience without technical climbing. At 2,093 metres it ranks as the island’s second-highest summit after Golden Hinde, yet its broad, rounded top and accessible trail make it a classic objective for fit day hikers and overnight backpackers seeking expansive views of jagged peaks, turquoise tarns, and coastal ranges.

Getting There

The most common approach begins at the Paradise Meadows trailhead near Mount Washington Alpine Resort, reached by paved road from Courtenay or Campbell River. From the parking area, hikers follow well-marked park trails past Battleship Lake and Mount Brooks before ascending the steady switchbacks that lead to the open alpine bowl beneath the summit. Those arriving by ferry from the mainland typically base themselves in Courtenay or Campbell River for an early start.

Best Time to Visit

July through September provides the most reliable snow-free conditions on the upper slopes. Early summer can still hold lingering cornices, while October brings the first heavy snows. Clear, stable weather windows are essential; sudden fog or afternoon thunderstorms are common on the exposed plateau.

The Hike and What to Expect

The route traverses subalpine meadows dotted with heather and dwarf fir before climbing into rocky terrain. The final ascent crosses a broad saddle with 360-degree panoramas that include the Comox Glacier, distant Strait of Georgia, and a sea of Vancouver Island summits. Wildlife such as Vancouver Island marmots and black bears may appear; maintain distance and store food properly. Overnight options exist at designated backcountry campsites near Circlet Lake or Moat Lake for those wanting sunrise from the summit.

Nearby Attractions

Strathcona Provincial Park offers additional objectives including the shorter walk to Lake Helen Mackenzie and longer traverses toward Mount Albert Edward’s neighbours. The Forbidden Plateau area to the south provides further lake-dotted hiking, while the nearby Mount Washington resort offers chairlift-accessed summer trails for those seeking easier options.