With summer at its peak, Strathcona Wilderness Institute (SWI) Society has an expanded series of programs in several areas of Strathcona Park.
The Strathcona Park Wilderness Centre , managed by SWI, at the Paradise Meadows trailhead adjacent to Mt. Washington’s Raven Lodge, is the centre for SWI programs and is open every day for Park and trail information.
On Aug. 1 and 2, SWI is hosting a series of Interpretive Nature walks in the Buttle Lake area of Strathcona Park. Visit www.strathconapark.org/programs/buttle-lake-programs for more information on this new series of programs.
Closer to the Comox Valley at Paradise Meadows and Forbidden Plateau, the first August program is a hike to Mt Becher on Saturday, Aug. 9. Contact coordinator@strathconapark.org to register for this moderately strenuous 10 km hike which gains 650m elevation. On Sunday August 10, join an easy Nature Walk focussing on Seeds & Berries, starting from the Wilderness Centre at 1 p.m.
There will be two hikes on Saturday August 16, one in the Buttle Lake area and one at Paradise Meadows. To register for the 7 km Upper Myra Falls Hike in the Buttle area, contact coordinator@strathconapark.org On the same day at Paradise Meadows, join another in a popular series of dog-friendly walks around the Lake Helen Mackenzie Loop. Leashes are required for pets in this area, and well-behaved dogs on leash are welcome on this 8.5 km, 3-4 hr hike. Meet at 10 a.m. at the Wilderness Centre.
On Sunday Aug. 17 there is another choice of two activities. For hikers, Julian Brooks will guide an outing to Panther Lake. Pre-register atcoordinator@strathconapark.org for this 20 km, 8 hr. hike. Space is limited to 16 participants, no pets please.