Overview & Access to Strathcona Provincial Park
Welcome to Strathcona Provincial Park! This page will give you an overview of Strathcona Provincial Park. This includes access points, important information, resources for safe hiking, and trail maps for some of the best hikes on Vancouver Island!
There are two main access points to Strathcona Provincial Park; Paradise Meadows (including Forbidden Plateau) and Buttle Lake. The map Access Map shows an overview of where the Strathcona Wilderness Institute (SWI) centres are located. The main highways of Vancouver Island are also outlined in blue. Use the top left corner of the map to can toggle on landmarks, ferries or other information centres on the island.
Access Points
Paradise Meadows: Use Exit 130 on the Inland Island Highway 19 with signs headed for Mount Washington. Parking is available the beside the SWI Centre and the Raven Lodge Nordic Centre. The trail head has outhouses available but no garbage disposal.
Forbidden Plateau: Access to Forbidden Plateau is from the old ski area at Wood Mountain. The ski area has been closed down, however trails from here still connect to the Mount Washington Ski Area via Forbidden Plateau. Use Exit 127 on the Inland Island Highway 19 via Forbidden Plateau Road. Parking is available at the top of the gravel road. There are no washrooms or garbage disposal at the trail head.
Buttle Lake: The main access point to the Buttle Lake side of Strathcona Park is via Highway 28 which connects Campbell River and Gold River on the west coast of Vancouver Island. Follow Highway 19 North past Courtenay to Campbell River, then follow Highway 28 west for 48 km. Highway 28 passes through the northern section of the park and provides access to Buttle Lake. Gas and services are not available between Campbell River and Gold River.
Della Falls: Boat access via Great Central Lake. Water Taxi services are available from the Port Alberni area.
Camping in Strathcona Provincial Park
FRONTCOUNTRY: 2 Main Types
– Reservable Online: Includes Buttle Lake Campground, Ralph River Campground and Group Camping.
– Permit: In “core areas” includes Paradise Meadows, Elk River Trail, Buttle Lake Marine Sites, and Bedwell Lake Area. Permit required but doesn’t guarantee a campsite at a specific location.
GROUP CAMPING: Reservable Online Only. Includes Croteau Lake, Driftwood Bay, and Karst Creek. Reservations opens 1 year in advance.
BACKCOUNTRY/WILDERNESS: Normally open year round. No Permit Required, Leave No Trace Camping. Not allowed in “Core Areas.” Example: Camping on Trail to Golden Hinde.
NO CAMPING: Day use areas like Crest Creek Crags and Crest Lake day-use area.
HOW TO MAKE A RESERVATION:
To book a campsite or a group site please visit: https://camping.bcparks.ca
HOW TO PAY FOR A CAMPING PERMIT:
Any permit based camping areas can be paid at the respective trailheads (envelope and cash box system). OR pay online thorough https://camping.bcparks.ca however, use the “backcountry” option. A PDF outlining how to pay for a permit can be found here (0.16MB).
Trail Maintenance Reporting
Strathcona Wilderness Institute (SWI) receives many complaints through its Information Centres about trail conditions in Strathcona Provincial Park. Trail maintenance is completed by BC Parks or 43k Wilderness Solutions. In order to help bring attention to maintenance concerns please fill out the linked form. SWI will submit the information to BC Parks on the publics behalf.
Photo upload is available but will require a Google account.
BC Parks Website - Notifications/Updates
BC Parks posts updates on the trail conditions and general information for Strathcona Provincial Park when time permits. Check the conditions and any other important updates, such as wildlife sightings, park closures and especially the latest on the Wildfires.
Maps & Resources
Strathcona Wilderness Institute has produced waterproof maps of the Forbidden Plateau area and of Buttle Lake. These maps are great for your adventures on the trail. Use the link below to check out our shop!
BC Parks Maps
BC Parks has several downloadable maps to help you get around Strathcona Provincial Park. Print them out and take them with you.
BC Parks Map of Strathcona Provincial Park
BC Parks General Information Page of Strathcona Provincial Park