For more Information and to Register for all Summer Events (Workshops, Guided Hikes, Nature Walks, and more) please contact:
STRATHCONAWILDERNESS@GMAIL.COM
Guided hike - Elk River Trail (Buttle area) to Volcano Creek
Date: Saturday, June 20th
Time: 10:00 am – 4:00 pm
Location: Meet at the Trailhead on Highway 28 (approx. 25 k west of the Buttle Narrows Bridge)
Distance: 11k round trip; elevation gain ~ 200 m.
Registration: Optional, Pre-registration would be appreciated.
Leaders: Mandy Vaughan and Kathryn Landry
Details: Experienced naturalists and hike-leaders Mandy and Kathryn will lead this easy-moderate hike 5.5 k one way along the Elk River valley as far as Volcano Creek, following the river through a magnificent lower elevation old growth forest, with its lush early summer vegetation.
photo
Meet at 10 am at the Trailhead on Highway 28 which lies approx. 25 k west of the junction at Buttle Narrows Bridge. Pack water and lunch, have sturdy footwear and be prepared for changeable weather.
Workshop : From the Salish Sea to Paradise Meadows: exploring flora, habitats, and communities.
Date: Sunday, June 28th
Time: 9:00 am – 4:00 pm
Place: Ruth Masters Nature Hall, SPWC, Paradise Meadows
Limit: 20. Registration by email.
Registration Fee: $15 Adult, $10 Student
Leaders: Mary Sanseverino and Loys Maingon
Details: Join mountaineer/ photographer Mary Sanseverino and SWI Director L Maingon for a day of exploring the amazing flora from VI’s east coast to the mountains of Strathcona Park. The day will also be an homage to Dr. Hans Roemer, who passed away earlier this year. We will use his method of presenting plant diversity in defined communities as a guide to developing a greater understanding of plant ecology in both Paradise Meadows and lower down in the Comox Valley. The day will be a mix of classroom instruction in the morning and fieldwork – in Paradise Meadows in the afternoon. Everyone is welcome! The only prerequisite is a curious mind; we think there will be something here for beginner and expert alike.
More information to follow.
Backcountry Skills and Safety Workshop + AED Training
Date: POSTPONED until further notice
Location: Ruth Masters Nature Hall at the Strathcona Wilderness Centre at Paradise Meadows
Limit: 12. Optional, Pre-registration would be appreciated.
Registration Fee: $10
Leaders: Margaret Symon and team of Paramedics
Event Details: This day-long workshop in two parts is designed to prepare you for a safe summer on single-day hikes or multi-day trips into the Backcountry. The morning session will include in presentations and demonstrations focussing on:
• First Aid kit – essentials
• typical mountain medical scenarios:
– diabetic shock
– hypothermia / heat stroke
– stroke
– cardiac issues
• overview and questions
Break for lunch
The afternoon session will focus on the use of the AED now installed up a the SPWC and is designed for to instruct SWI volunteers and others in the proper use of such a device in emergency situations that can arise in the Park.
Elders Memorial Hike and Tea
Date: September 26th, 2026
Time: TBD
Location: Strathcona Wilderness Centre at Paradise Meadows
Registration: Optional, Pre-registration would be appreciated.
Event Details: At the end of September each year, we will hold our annual Memorial Hike and Tea, honoring Strathcona Park’s great supporters. The afternoon will culminate in tea and cookies at the Wilderness Centre. More details, including times, will be circulated closer to the event, but please make a note in your calendars for this very special event.
SWI Guided Hikes and Nature Walks are FREE to attend. Some Workshops and Events have registration fees (posted in advance).
Please email: strathconawilderness@gmail.com for more information and to sign up for any event.