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There’s a place on Vancouver Island that many hear of, most pass through and few ever experience its true beauty. With rolling hills, sea-kissed shores and lush, dense forests, the Cowichan Valley is a truly unique and unparalleled region.

Photo: ciboulette on Flickr

Stretching from the west coast to the east coast of Vancouver Island, the Cowichan Valley is certainly the Island’s most expansive area, covering more than 3,400 square kilometres. With a population of more than 76,000, the Valley is compromised of several First Nations reserves and a number of individual communities including Chemainus, Ladysmith, Crofton and Duncan.

Map: McPopa Real Estate

Water isn’t hard to come by in the Cowichan Valley. Though ocean shores lap each side of the Valley, it snuggles primarily around its namesake river and lake. The serene lake, located slightly northwest of Duncan, spans 30 kilometres. The Cowichan River is a popular swimming spot for locals and winds its way from the lake all the way to the Georgia Straight at Cowichan Bay.

Photo: Greg.b. on Flickr

Deeply steeped in a rich First Nations history, the Cowichan Valley is home to the largest First Nation tribe in British Columbia. With more than 3,800 registered members, about half reside on the nine local reserves. These reserves are comprised of seven traditional villages, specifically Kw’amutsun, Qwum’yiqun’, Hwulqwselu, S’amuna’, L’uml’umuluts, Hinupsum and Tl’ulpalus. [source]

Photo: Cowichan Tribes

Archaeological evidence points to the existence of the Cowichan band as far back at 4,500 years ago. Proudly self-sufficient, it’s currently governed by a chief and 12 councillors. Under the provisions of the Federally-enacted Indian Act, the band is responsible for making decisions that affect the community in the specific areas of child and family welfare, healthcare, housing and community social development.

Photo: Cowichan Tribes

Perhaps one of the most famous legacies of the Cowichan band is the fashion fever sprung out of their one-of-a-kind sweaters. Cowichan knitting originated with a two-bar loom method after being spun on a spindle and whorl. The earlier creations included blankets and leggings made out of mountain goat wool and dog hair before European-influenced production saw the emergence of the sweaters in the late 1800s.

Being that I was born and raised in a community with a strong First Nations presence, traditional Cowichan sweaters are something my family has worn for as long as I can remember. Pretty cute, right? Fashion mavens have been avidly seeking the Cowichan style through both locally-developed TNA sweaters and, more recently, the Cowichan-influenced sweaters sold by the Hudson’s Bay Company for the 2010 Olympic Winter Games. The sweaters proved to be quite the controversy between the the Cowichan band and HBC as the Cowichan band were purportedly never offered the opportunity to provide genuine sweaters for the Olympics. After negotiations between both sides, the Cowichan band were eventually given licensing rights, allowing their creations to be sold at related pavilions during the Games.

Photo: ecstaticist on Flickr

Photo: timbarton on Flickr

Known as “The Warm Land”, the Cowichan Valley is quickly becoming one of Vancouver Island’s hot spots for wine and cider production. With barrels full of vineyards popping up in recent years, agri-tourism is notably boosting the region’s economy. In addition to vino, foodies will be easily tempted by the number of cheesemakers, jam makers, lavender growers and ethically-farmed chicken and lamb. Most of these producers operate out of farms that are open to the public, so do your research and plan some fun.

Photo: timbarton on Flickr

Photo: miss604 on Flickr

It’s nearly impossible to run out of day-trip ideas when in the Cowichan Valley. Lazy afternoons at Cowichan Lake, a quick ferry ride to Saltspring Island or exploring antique shops are some of the activities that can entice almost anyone.

Photo: RobertCiavarro on Flickr

Photo: hradcanska on Flickr

Driving through Duncan, it’s impossible to miss the world’s largest hockey stick. Originally built for Expo 1986, the stick now strikes across the local ice rink. Perhaps even more fascinating is the collection of handcrafted totem poles; Duncan is dotted by a whopping 80 poles.

Those instead interested in western arts and culture can stop in at the Chemainus Theatre in neighbouring Chemainus. The theatre’s stage often comes alive with plays year-round that are nothing short of impressive.

Photo: junemaffin on Flickr

Photo: Len not Lenny on Flickr

Sometimes the best things to spend your time doing are really nothing at all. The indescribable and natural beauty of the Cowichan Valley has to be experienced to be understood. Pine-scented air, sunsets that sparkle across the ocean and comforting breezes are nothing short of breathtaking.

Photo: maplemusketeer on Flickr

Photo: MISTER_BLACK on Flickr

The view from the top doesn’t hurt either…

The Cowichan Valley is located south of Nanaimo and north of Victoria along Highway 19. For more information on the region and its activities, accommodations and visitor information, visit the Cowichan Valley Regional District’s official website.

The southern region of British Columbia has been bathed in sunshine for days on end, making February akin to April or May. In the spirit of all things warm and bright, I thought it would be rather fitting to check out some sunny snapshots of Vancouver Island.

Photo: chispita_666 on Flickr

Photo: cwangdom on Flickr

Photos: Rachel Fishman on Flickr; Paphio on Flickr

Photo: ecstaticist on Flickr

Photo: H2O Alchemist on Flickr

Photo: www.jeremylim.ca on Flickr

Photo: quaelin on Flickr

Photos: footloosiety on Flickr; Author’s own

Photo: miss604 on Flickr

Photo: Zbigniew Braniecki on Flickr

Photo: mel_j_ellis on Flickr

Photo: Author’s own

Photo: Cam in Van on Flickr

Photo: BaylorBear78 on Flickr

When Vancouver and Whistler were first awarded the 2010 Olympic Winter Games seven years ago, I was less than enthused. I’ve never been a fan of the Olympics generally and wasn’t pumped for them to be held in British Columbia specifically. My sentiments spent the next near-decade snowballing, tangling up in an avalanche of over-spending, criticizing reports, suffering social programs and homelessness to name a few. While you can talk to me until you’re blue in the face, I will never, ever agree that athletic facilities trump any of the problems within our Province that are rapidly deteriorating. That said, I also can’t deny the fact that the Games are very much here.

This is where I admit to waving the white flag, eat my words and declare my own hypocrisy. Despite it all, I am very, very excited for the celebrations at hand.

I suppose it began last Thursday. I made my way to 49th Avenue in an attempt to catch Steve Nash carry the torch and felt entirely unpatriotic. In a sea of red and white, I stood out like a sore thumb in my purple basketball jersey. I intended to get Nash’s attention and, seemingly, it worked. Without red and white, I felt entirely alienated so made the decision that I’d actually sport Canada’s colours the next day as the torch made its way past my office downtown.

The excitement on Georgia Street Friday morning was incredible with a sea of proud Canadians stretched, quite literally, as far as my eyes could see. And as we cheered, applauded and shouted, everyone was speculating who’d ultimately light the cauldron that night at BC Place Stadium. I had to admit that even I, the Olympic Cynic, was curious. [Cue that white flag I was telling you about.]

Curled up on my couch that evening, I sat mesmerized as so many of the beautiful elements of our country’s culture unfolded before millions of eyes around the globe. British Columbia is only a fraction of the rich tapestry that is Canada, made up of people, images, songs, history and events that have shaped and transformed the home in which you and I live today. Perhaps the hydraulic issue served as an unintended measure of proof that, despite how breathtaking Canada is, it is not perfect. We’d be fools to deny such flaws exist but can instead unite in the pride that threads through us all and hope that one day we’ll see a country in which the final pieces click into place.

I’ve been called many names in the past: Homebody, Little Miss Anti-Social and even Not A Joiner. While those labels can certainly ring true at the best of times, now is not one of them. The movement and spirit of Canadian pride has spread across this city like wildfire. Think of Vancouver as being likened to Zombieland – minus the fleshy tenancies but instead with a healthy dose of infectious patriotism.

The ’round-the-clock music, cheers, screams and partying no longer cause me to roll my eyes but instead stifle giggles. If anything, this event has served as a personal reminder of how truly magical British Columbia is. It’s easy to take the mountains and ocean and blue sky and fresh air for granted each day when it’s on my doorstep. To be given the once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to see those elements of our nation through the eyes of countless international visitors is a gift. While I certainly refuse to turn a blind eye to the critical needs on the streets of my city and in the towns of my province, it would also be a shame were I to miss out on such an amazing opportunity in my own front yard.

The strangest thing about this all is the notion that in a few short weeks, the streets will have emptied out, Robson Square will be once again quiet on my early morning walks to work and we will all be left wondering if it was just a dream…

Two years ago, when I brought Rebecca to Mount Washington Alpine Resort with me for a girls’ snowboarding weekend, she had told a friend or two about our pending trip. A few of the comments she got in response included: “I thought Mount Washington was in Washington State,” or “There’s a mountain on Vancouver Island?”

Photo: tempest_kat on Flickr

The answer to the second of those questions is an unequivocal “yes”.

Map: Comox Valley World Cup Organizing Committee

Half-way down the spine of mountains that runs north to south along Vancouver Island, towering majestically over the Comox Valley, outdoor enthusiasts will find the home of British Columbia’s deepest snowpack. In fact, the current base reaches a depth of 391cm (that’s more than 13 feet)!

Mount Washington Alpine Resort – A History of Logos. From left-right: 1979; 1981; 1996; 1998; and 2002

Named for Rear Admiral John Washington of the British Royal Navy, construction on the resort was launched in 1977 before the lifts at Mount Washington first whisked skiers to the peak in December of 1979. The powder-laden resort was an instant success, giving nearby Forbidden Plateau some serious competition.

Photo: ai.dan on Flickr

Photo: bmann on Flickr

In its 31-year history, Mount Washington has expanded to more than 1,600 acres of skiing and snowboarding thrills, nine high-capacity lifts, extensive nordic terrain, a condominium and chalet village, tasty eateries, slippery snow tubing and a legendary backcountry area.

Trail Map: Destination Snow

One might argue that Mount Washington’s greatest value is found in the stunning vistas, stretching out across the entire Comox Valley, the Georgia Straight and rugged peaks to the south.

Needless to say, it’s not been difficult to convince Rebecca to return with me. The cold beers at Fat Teddy’s Grill in the lodge may have had something to do with that.

Photo: Calypso Orchid on Flickr

Don’t let the copious snowfall at Mount Washington fool you. The resort is also a paradise for those who seek sunshine in the summertime. With winding hiking paths, frisbee golf, BBQ events, an epic network of mountain biking trails, an annual wine festival and even some shopping, there’s no shortage ways to fill your days.

Photo: mattdil on Flickr (used with permission)

Aside from the obvious attractions, Mount Washington is also home to the endangered Vancouver Island marmot . This species is native only to the sub-alpine meadows of Mount Washington and, thanks to tireless recovery efforts, the wild marmot population has been increased from 25 to 100 since 2001. Keep your eyes open – they aren’t easy to spot! However, you may also find yourself face-to-face with bears, cougars or elk amongst the woodland.

With glistening snow and crisp air, these pictures do more than speak for themselves. Next time you find yourself visiting Vancouver Island – or exploring your own backyard – you owe it to yourself to discover the crown of the Comox Valley.

Mount Washington Alpine Resort is accessible by car at the top of an entirely paved parkway; chains are encouraged (and sometimes mandatory) throughout the winter months. From the inland Island Highway (Highway 19), take exit 130 onto Strathcona Parkway – the resort is located at 1 Strathcona Parkway. For more information, call the resort at 1-888-231-1499 or visit their website. You can also follow the resort’s updates on Twitter.

They say it only takes one time to get you hooked. This couldn’t be more true of my love affair with the Phoenix Suns. Before last year, I hadn’t seen a live NBA game since the Grizzlies still hailed from Vancouver. And now, when it’s game night, nothing else matters. When I’m not updating the game status on my Twitter, I’m shouting and cheering at my computer screen. This girl’s taken a fast and furious ride down a slippery slope.

Without further adieu (and in no particular order), I present to you my top ten reasons for pledging allegiance to the purple…

10. Hometown Pride – Being that Vancouver no longer has a team to call its own, it makes the most sense to cheer for a team whose star player calls Vancouver Island home. Though Steve Nash was born in South Africa, Victoria is where he was raised and the charity work he personally takes part in benefits communities in both Arizona and British Columbia.

9. I Got Game – The first time I picked up a basketball was in junior high and it’s a sport I’ve played off and on since. While it may surprise you, I can nail baskets with incredible ease. Being 5′9″ might have something to do with it. Somehow I believe this makes me a legit fan.

8. Tweet Me, Baby – Sports stars have long been admired from afar, but the Phoenix Suns have a strong online presence, allowing their fans to interact with each other and with some of the players. You can find Amar’e Stoudemire, Grant Hill, Steve Nash, Jason Richardson, Jared Dudley and coach Alvin Gentry on Twitter – each providing regular updates and sometimes running contests. In December the Suns held their first-ever Tweet-up prior to a game at the US Airways Center that was attended by Stoudemire.

7. Mind-Blowing Skills – With one of the NBA’s current best three-point shooters (Jared Dudley) and the best free-throw shooter (Steve Nash), every game is filled with moments where I ask myself “did that just happen?” One of this team’s greatest skills is their ball-handling ability with passing so fast you’ll miss it if you blink.

6. The Coach With The Most – When Alvin Gentry took the helm in May of 2009, he successfully turned the ship around and helped give the Phoenix Suns one of the best season starts they’ve seen in recent history. He knows his players, he knows the plays and he’s earned their respect. While his presence on the sideline may be intimidating to the best of them, I can’t help but laugh when I see Gentry stifling his Cheshire cat grin when the Suns are dominating on the court.

5. Dunks – Have you seen Amar’e Stoudemire dunk the ball?

4. The One And Only – Being a girl living in a city where hockey reigns supreme, it takes a bit of guts to buck the trend and cheer on basketball instead. But let’s be honest… hockey is for boys who are so afraid of getting hurt they pile on the padding. Basketball is for men who are tough enough to get bashed, banged and burned on the hardwood.

3. A Whole Lotta Heart – The Suns love the game they play. They work as a team, pass as a team, score as a team and none of them really monopolize the plays. And nothing beats a beaming smile from Dragic when he hits another three.

2. The Yummy Factor – I wouldn’t be a red-blooded female if I didn’t point out the obvious. Planet Orange is certainly home to some magically babelicious basketball players. I’d be more than happy to play towel girl to the bespectacled Stoudemire or Lou Amundson. Trust. Me.

1. It Takes A Village – It’s no secret that professional sports generate big bucks. While a lot of that money ends up lining executive suit pockets, the Phoenix Suns are one team that gives back to the very community that makes them who they are. The team has an actual, regulated charity board that’s been operating for more than two decades and now puts over $1 million dollars annually back into boys and girls’ clubs, food banks, sports programs and other worthy causes.

There is a special place on Vancouver Island, a place so incredibly unique that it seems almost magical. Winding pathways make their way between some of the oldest fir trees on the entire Earth, trees so tall they create a canopy that nearly entirely blocks out the blue sky above.

Photo: iGrrl on Flickr

Photo: Phillie Casablanca on Flickr

The park is certainly one of those “don’t blink or you’ll miss it” attractions, straddling a small stretch of Highway 4 roughly half-way between the communities of Qualicum and Port Alberni – a 20-minute drive from either direction. Known officially as MacMillan Provincial Park, it covers 301 hectares, including the shores of Cameron Lake and adjacent Cameron River.

Map: Cathedral Grove

Photo: oinegue on Flickr

It goes without saying that the old growth Douglas Fir trees are certainly the primary attraction to Cathedral Grove, some of which are more than 800 years old. The largest recorded tree in the park checks in at an astounding 76 metres (228 feet) with a 9-foot diametre and a circumference of 9 metres! Because of the precarious situations these ancient mammoths can cause, it’s not unusual to see the park entirely closed on windy days.

Photo: HomeExchange

Photo: tom hartley on Flickr

In the 1920s and 1930s, the land on which the park sits was a popular stop for tourists en route to or from Port Alberni. In 1929 a petition was put forth by the citizens of Vancouver Island and The Associated Boards of Trade of Vancouver Island to preserve the forest surrounding Cameron Lake. 15 years later, H.R. MacMillan donated a further 136 hectares of land, accounting for the park space that is used and enjoyed today.

Cathedral Grove – 1941
Photo: BC Archives – Forest Services (via Cathedral Grove Online)

Photo: ecstaticist on Flickr

Unfortunately, like many other parks of Vancouver Island, the logging industry has marred much of the surrounding landscape. The forestry line stretches right up to the park boundary, making it a virtual island of trees in the middle of a clear-cut. This has posed a significant threat to what remains of Cathedral Grove, as the protective wind barrier no longer exists, making the ancient growth susceptible to extensive wind damage.

Photo: anfearglas on Flickr

Photo: RightAntler on Flickr

Much to the thanks of various conservation groups, Cathedral Grove is still very much a thriving ecosystem. Home to more than simply trees, the park is also no stranger to woodpeckers, owls, insects, reptiles, amphibians, deer, elk, black bear and cougar. Cameron River contains no less than rainbow, brown and cutthroat trout.

Photo: jemerson4 on Flickr

Photo: pnay_gem on Flickr

When making your way across Vancouver Island, or simply looking for a day’s adventure, Cathedral Grove is a place that should not be missed. Hiking is available on the pathways on both sides of Highway 4 and leashed dogs are permitted. Please remember to respect the natural environment, stay on the trail system to avoid any damage to the flora and fauna and take all your garbage with you. How much longer this park will be around for to enjoy is up to you and me.

Photo: saltyseadog on Flickr

Cathedral Grove at MacMillan Provincial Park is located 16 kilometres east of Port Alberni and 25 kilometres west of Qualicum. From Highway 19 and Highway 19A take the exit to head west on Highway 4 toward Port Alberni; limited parking is available on both sides of the highway. Please visit the BC Parks website for further information.

The countless destinations scattered across Vancouver Island are each known for something special and unique. Though nestled along its namesake river, the rushing body of water is only one of many things Campbell River has become famous for.

Photo: Macpablo_Campbell_River on Flickr

Photo: Logantech on Flickr

Resting on Earth’s 50th parallel, this city of 32,000 is a short 90-minute drive from Nanaimo and a three-hour trip from Victoria. Serviced mainly by the Island Highway, route 19, access to Campbell River can also be gained by air or by sea.

Map: Beaver Lodge Bed & Breakfast

The Kwakwaka’wakw people of the Wakashan First Nations migrated from Fort Rupert, rooting down in the area in the 1700s. It’s believed that this group dominated much of the land and neighbouring bands, including the Coastal Salish. When Captain George Vancouver sailed in by way of what’s now known as Discovery Passage in 1792, the town of Campbell River very slowly began more than 200 years of settlement to become the city it is today.

Photo: Discover Campbell River

Campbell River from Smelt Bay, Cortes Island – Photo: proudlydonut on Flickr

With deep roots in hard work and industry, Campbell River has long been known as a fishing town. Curiosity began as early as 1880 when sport fishermen discovered the abundance of salmon. It wasn’t long before the industry sector caught on as well.

Since then, lodges, fishing groups and even conservation groups have sprung up, each with an interest in what Campbell River is famous for. The area has even played host to some Hollywood infusion, welcoming the likes of Bob Hope and Bing Crosby over the years, all vying to angle the “perfect catch.”

Photo: Macpablo_Campbell_River on Flickr

Photo: Logantech on Flickr

Anyone who has visited Campbell River will attest to the small town nature and charm that’s still evident on city streets and in the magnificent views. Though much has changed over the last handful of centuries, the moonlight still hits Discovery Passage the same way it always has.

Photo: russilwvong on Flickr

Photo: Fizzcity Gallery on Flickr

Local First Nations bands still have a strong and proud presence in this community of hard-working citizens. Many of Campbell River’s families work in industry sectors including fishing and the local pulp mill. Tourism is also a big draw, and it’s not unusual to see luxurious cruise ships criss-crossing off the shore en route to Alaska.

Discovery Passage – Photo: Frans & All on Flickr

Growing up, I always knew we were nearing Campbell River on our trips when I spotted the incredible – and graffiti-laden – boulder near Oyster Bay.

Photo: Alanna@VanIsle on Flickr

Photo: clompers on Flickr

With seemingly endless natural beauty, it should come as no surprise that a number of blockbuster movies were filmed in and around Campbell River. Some of these films include The 13th Warrior, Final Destination 2 (highway scenes outside Campbell River), Seven Years In Tibet, The Scarlet Letter and Trapped.

Photo: Tony Cyphert on Flickr

Photo: Macpablo_Campbell_River on Flickr

With its close proximity to ferry service and a local airport, there’s no excuse to skip past Campbell River. Though a little out of the way of some of Vancouver Island’s bigger cities, it’s well worth the trip – and very close to Mt. Washington. For more information on the region, or to plan your trip, visit Campbell River Tourism’s website.

What happens to be my most favourite season never ceases to stun me. As soon as the afternoon light changes, I know that Autumn is on its way, bringing with it change, renewal, crisp air and colours that cannot be duplicated. It is a season that is particularly beautiful on Vancouver Island. That said, and without any further words, I’ll let the photos do the speaking for me.

Photo: maplemusketeer on Flickr

Photo: Calypso Orchid on Flickr

Photo: thorinside on Flickr

Photo: fleshelectrons on Flickr

Photo: ecstaticist on Flickr

Photo: paulhami on Flickr

Photo: alaskapine on Flickr

Photo: Phil’s Photos. on Flickr

Photo: iwona_kellie on Flickr

Photo: Cyprien on Flickr

Photo: maplemusketeer on Flickr

Photo: iwona_kellie on Flickr

Photo: junemaffin on Flickr

Famously known for its grand museums, lush gardens and proud British heritage, there’s one area of Victoria that’s almost always overlooked by locals and tourists alike. While British Columbia’s Capital city is frequented by those looking to ride trolley buses and indulge in high tea, the neighbourhood of Oak Bay is truly like stepping back in time.

Photo: Sopow on Flickr

Known as Victoria’s “Seaside Village,” Oak Bay can be found just ten minutes east of downtown where Pandora and Johnson Streets merge to create Oak Bay Avenue. Lined with historic architecture, tiny shops that define the word “quaint” and more tea shops than you can imagine, this neighbourhood is certainly a shiny jewel in Victoria’s crown.

Map: Victoria Golf Club via Google Maps

The Coast Salish people of the Songhees First Nation were the first to inhabit what is today one of Victoria’s most charming neighbourhoods. Once The Hudson Bay Company established a trading post in the Victoria Harbour, European settlers set up homesteads and rolled out farmland through the area.

Photo: Oak Bay – My Home

Photo: Turbulentflow on Flickr

Today the community of Oak Bay has a much different face than it did at the turn of the 20th century. Streets are lined with homes so old that many still require skeleton keys, children ride their bikes up and down leaf-strewn sidewalks and the smell of fresh-baked bread seems to be around every corner. One thing that hasn’t changed in all this time, however, is the natural beauty…

Photo: TylerIngram on Flickr

Photo: Yogi on Flickr

Each year the community meets at Willows Park for the annual Oak Bay Tea Party, designed to help raise funds for local charitable groups. The Oak Bay Tea Party also happens to be the first and only time I’ve ever won a jumbo stuffed animal at an amusement park game. If you’re dying to know, it was Charmander from the Pokémon series.

Photo: Ryoh A on Flickr

Photo: OurBC

Photo: molajen on Flickr

Oak Bay will always hold something very special for me. Between the sweet-as-pie tea shops and English candy stores full of sugary delectable treats, it’s one of my favourite places in all of Victoria. Oak Bay feels safe and warming, a village where you can wrap yourself in a cozy scarf, slowly wander to Oak Bay Avenue for a London Fog before finding yourself watching ducks on the shores of the marina.

A word of caution for golf buffs: though it boasts gorgeous views of Juan de Fuca Straight, the Victoria Golf Club is said to be haunted. In September of 1936, 30-year-old Doris Charnock Thomson Gravlin and her husband mysteriously disappeared. A few days later, her beaten and strangled body was discovered under some bushes on the green. Her husband Victor’s body was found a month later in shallow water beside the golf course. Since then and still to this day, dozens have sworn to have seen Doris lingering the course at dusk.

Photo: Score Golf

Photo: joneboi on Flickr

Photo: Calypso Orchid on Flickr

Next time you find yourself on the southern-most tip of Vancouver Island, give yourself a day or two to explore Oak Bay. Victoria is accessible by air, ferry and train. For more information and a listing of area accommodations and attractions, visit Oak Bay Tourism’s website.

While Mount Washington Alpine Resort is known for being the Island’s winter playground, it once shared this crown with another resort in the Comox Valley. Forbidden Plateau has been closed for well over a decade, but was once a mountain packed with ski enthusiasts, peaking in the 1970s. My oldest memories of the place involve many, many yellow, brown and navy one-piece ski suits.

Photo: Nemo’s great uncle on Flickr

Dutifully keeping watch over the Comox Valley, it’s easy to spot the now empty slopes about 20 minutes west of downtown Courtenay (the pink-coloured area in the middle of the map is Forbidden Plateau’s approximate location). Often well below the snow line, Forbidden Plateau no longer generates enough snow to operate as a resort, but that doesn’t stop enthusiasts from holding snowboard jump jam events throughout the winter when the pack is good.

Map: Wild Coast Magazine

Long before Mount Washington rolled out their stellar white carpet, the Valley’s earliest settlers established at Forbidden Plateau and built homesteads based on agricultural opportunities. The first lodge at the mountain, seen below in the 1930s, was likely destroyed by the largest earthquake in Canadian history. On June 23, 1946, the shaker ripped through the area, measuring in at 7.2 on the Richter Scale.

Photo: Courtenay & District Museum and Archives

What is perhaps most fascinating about the area is its rich history and, in particular, how the mountain gained its name. Though the legend varies based on who you ask, it’s said that the K’omoks First Nation band brought their women and children to the mountain for safe-keeping, anticipating a battle with a band from the Alberni Valley.

When the battle was all said and done, Red Lichen growing in the early Spring from under the snow was supposedly mistaken for blood, leading the K’omoks band to assume that the women and children had been attacked and killed. It’s believed they instead died of starvation and freezing temperatures when no one had come to retrieve them.

Photo: Austin Henry on Flickr

Photo: Zoe52 on Flickr

Today the area, as part of Strathcona Provincial Park, welcomes back-country skiers, hikers, camping fanatics and nature lovers. While the remnants of a recreation era gone by are at every turn – including the former ski rental hut below – there’s still much to see and do.

Photo: Zoe52 on Flickr

Photo: Lloyd Budd on Flickr

Those who prefer something more scenic than grueling, like myself, may be interested in hiking past a number of lakes and through flowered sub-alpine meadows to the peak of Mount Beecher. The hike can be done at a leisurely pace over the course of a morning, allowing you to dine on lunch with spectacular views of the Comox Glacier and the entire Valley.

Photo: paulhami on Flickr

Photo: bmann on Flickr

As with any of our Province’s parks, please use caution and care while venturing out. Wolves, cougars and black bears are not uncommon in the Forbidden Plateau area, but staying respectful and keeping a safe distance should ensure everyone’s safety. Please take your garbage with you, employing the “no trace” rule.

Photo: Rick McCharles on Flickr

Photo: Austin Henry on Flickr

Those wishing to visit Forbidden Plateau can do so by using Forbidden Plateau Road from Courtenay to the old lodge (which was torched in an arson incident in recent years) – this is the easiest way to access the Mount Beecher trailhead. Visitors can also follow Highway 19 and turn onto the Strathcona Parkway, driving for 20 kilometres. Turn left onto the Nordic Lodge road for 1.5 km to the Paradise Meadows parking lot. For more information on the area, please visit the BC Parks Website.