We’ve had a glorious fall weekend here on Vancouver Island and I’ve been up to Paradise Meadows in Strathcona Provincial Park for the second time this week. At this time of year, the fall colours in the meadows are spectacular and with a couple of frosty mornings the palette of reds, yellows and oranges keeps developing as the sub-alpine shrubs begin getting ready for winter.
We took the kids on the Lake Helen MacKenzie loop (approximately 8 km) and had lunch at the lake before heading back toward the parking area. In places the boardwalk was a little sketchy, especially in areas where the sun hadn’t melted the early morning frost. Other sections of the trail were quite muddy so appropriate footwear is recommended.
A more leisurely option is to do the meadow loops which are flat with a mix of boardwalk and well packed trail. Part of the Paradise Meadows loop is also wheelchair accessible making it ideal for families with a stroller. After carrying 30+ lb, three year old A. around most of the Helen MacKenzie loop in a Deuter backpack the thought of plopping him into a stroller was very appealing!
If you’re in the Comox Valley over the next couple of weeks make an effort to get up to Mount Washington and Paradise Meadows. The sub-alpine meadows in Strathcona Provincial Park are well worth the visit and the fall colours won’t last long!
Looks beautiful. You’ve given us a lot of places to check out one day when we take a trip up north.
Hi Mike – if you’re ever up on Vancouver Island give me an email and I can give you some other ideas of “must see” places in BC! Thanks for stopping in.
These are such lovely photographs. It looks like a wonderful place to be!
When we do get up there, I will definitely ask for your ideas. Thanks. I’ll actually be in Vancouver in a couple of weeks, but it is sort of work-related and I won’t be there long enough to go exploring.
There’s lots of great places in the Lower Mainland to go birding – check out the dykes at 72nd Street, Reifel Bird Sanctuary for the quasi-zoo/wild bird experience, and any of the great GVRD parks. You could do quite a bit in a morning!