Mount Albert Edward is a highly popular destination with climbers and backpackers because it's the sixth highest peak of Vancouver Island that can be hiked relatively easily. Named for Alber Edward, Prince of Wales the mountain reaches 2,093 m (6,867 ft) into the sky and guards the eastern entrance of the Strathcona Provincial Park, British Columbia.
The trail can be accessed by car by a paved road from the coast (the Inland Island Highway BC-19 S). A 10-km Mount Albert Edward trail winding along the edge of the Forbidden Plateau can be hiked in one day, however, lots of people split it into two- or three-day hikes. There is an opportunity to camp overnight at Circlet Lake or Kwai Lake campgrounds.
The hike starts with Paradise Meadows trail. The trailhead is located at the parking lot near Raven Lodge. First, the path winds down to Lake Helen MacKenzie with a picturesque outlook of nearby Mt. Elma and Mt Brooks. Turn right and keep walking around the lake to the Brooks-Elma pass and across the plateau. From there, you will see your destination—Mt Albert Edward. After crossing alpine Whiskey Meadows and passing Circlet Lake, the trail starts climbing quite steeply.
From the top hikers are rewarded with stunning views of Mt. Castlecrag, Mt. Frank and down on Strathcona Provincial Park. The route down from the summit is the same as the route up, but adventurous spirits might complete a circular route via Battleship Lake instead of Lake Helen MacKenzie route.
If you are a single-day hiker, there are no fees that need to be paid. If you opt for camping at Kwai or Circlet Lakes, there is a $10/person/day fee. You will find a self-registration box and payment slot at every trailhead within the designated core area of Strathcona Park. Payment can be done in cash or by cheque. Camping is permitted only in the designated areas, which usually have a pit toilet and bear-proof food cache. Each campsite provides about a dozen wooden platforms. Fires are strictly prohibited so you need to pack a stove.
Hiking season in the area usually lasts from late June to early October. It is also possible to climb the mountain in winter and spring on snowshoes and skis.
Practical info
When is the best time to hike Mount Albert Edward?
Late June to early October is the ideal period to hike Mount Albert Edward. During this regular hiking season, the weather is warm and dry, and there are long daylight hours. Climbing the mountain on snowshoes and skis is also possible in winter and spring. It is advisable to check the weather and snow conditions before beginning the hike during these periods. Show more
Where is the trailhead for the Mount Albert Edward hike?
The Mount Albert Edward hike trailhead can be found within Strathcona Provincial Park on Vancouver Island, in close proximity to Raven Lodge. After following the paved road that connects the park to the coast, hikers will reach the trailhead. The hike begins with Paradise Meadows trail and includes a walk around Lake Helen MacKenzie preceding reaching Brooks-Elma Pass, alpine Whiskey Meadows, and Circlet Lake campgrounds. Afterward, the trail significantly steepens to the summit of Mount Albert Edward. Show more
What is the recommended duration for the hike?
Hiking Mount Albert Edward often takes two to three days due to its moderate difficulty, but it can be completed in a single day. There are opportunities to camp overnight at Circlet Lake or Kwai Lake campgrounds during the journey, where wooden platforms with bear-proof food cache are available but no fires are allowed. The hike takes place along the edge of the Forbidden Plateau, which spans 10 km and provides magnificent vistas of nearby peaks and the park. Show more
Are there any fees for camping at Circlet Lake or Kwai Lake?
Campers must pay a $10/person/day fee for camping at Circlet Lake or Kwai Lake campgrounds. Payment slots and self-registration boxes are located at every trailhead within the designated Strathcona Park core area, and payments can be made using cash or a cheque. Camping is only permitted in the designated zones, which include pit toilets and bear-proof food cache. It is recommended to book campsites in advance because they tend to fill up quickly during the hiking season. Show more
Can the hike be completed in winter and spring on skis or snowshoes?
Hiking Mount Albert Edward on snowshoes and skis is undoubtedly possible in winter and spring, although it poses a danger and a challenge. To prepare for these conditions, hikers should be properly equipped and advised of the possibility of rapid weather and snow condition changes, including wearing warm clothes, snowshoes or skis, crampons, and ice axes. They should also inform park authorities of their itinerary and be aware of the possibility of an avalanche. Show more
