I’ve promised I wouldn’t reveal the location of this as it’s one of the few untouched areas. Some of the other’s have been subject to vandalism unfortunately.
Fairy Lake
Known as the “Gnarly Tree”, resembling a Bonsai tree it’s grown on it’s own on this log sticking out of the lake. This is located near Port Renfrew and also has a campground located on the lake. Location This is located right off of the highway near Port Renfrew but I ask people to be…
Goldstream Park
Goldstream Park is located not far outside of Victoria and contains a few waterfalls, plus an old rail line runs through. It’s known to have annual salmon runs which usually a large number of eagles visit during that time. There’s a campground and lots of trails. Sometimes, this area can get quite busy and make…
Sheep River Falls
These falls are located in Kananakis Country in Alberta. It’s on the eastern slopes of the Rocky Mountains and is near the Sheep River Wildlife Sanctuary which is a permanent habitat for bighorn sheep. Location Located in Kananaskis Country and about an hour and 20 minutes Southwest of Calgary, Alberta. The hike isn’t very long…
Port Alberni – Hole in the Wall
Hole in the Wall is a man-made hole that was drilled through the rock for an old pipeline. The pipeline has since been removed but you can see some of the remaining supports. Location There’s a few different ways to get here but I think the most common is off the highway just before entering…
Pipers Lagoon
Pipers Lagoon is a park located in Nanaimo, British Columbia. There’s a nice path that you can walk around, see nature, view sunrises and sunsets. You can also see Shack Island and if the tide is right, you can walk over. The cabins on Shack Island are still owned and if you visit, please be…
Heart Lake
I don’t know the history other than it’s in the shape of a heart but there are several different paths to take to this lake. I’d recommend using AllTrails (mentioned below) but this is definitely a beautiful lake to visit on a sunny day! Location This is located near Ladysmith, British Columbia but there’s many…
Jack Point and Biggs Park
The City of Nanaimo has a great description of this park here (https://www.nanaimo.ca/parks-search/parks/176-Jack-Point-and-Biggs-Park) but the trails from Biggs Park to Jack Point and is approximately 5.1km with a partial loop. There’s excellent sunsets here and a great spot to view downtown Nanaimo, Protection Island and Gabriola Island. Location Not located far from the Duke Point…
Takakkaw Falls
Takakkaw Falls is located in Yoho National Park approximately 1 hour from Golden, BC and 1 hour, 15 minutes from Banff, AB. It’s approximately a 10km drive from the Transcanada Highway once you arrive at the turnoff. It’s important to note that this road is closed during the winter season! The falls have a total…
Big Lonely Doug
Big Lonely Doug is a Douglas-Fir tree that was saved by a logger Dennis Cronin. He wrapped ribbon around the tree while surveying to prevent it from being cut-down. It’s claimed to be the second largest in Canada after the Red Creek Fir in San Juan Valley. It was named Big Lonely Doug by photographer…
Mount Yamnuska
I wasn’t planning on doing this hike but I ended up hiking 16.5km (and it goes farther) before making the decision that it’s getting dark, fog is rolling in and I don’t have the best equipment to carry on. The views from the peak that I went to were amazing! There were signs to show…
Little Qualicum Falls
Little Qualicum Falls is a provincial park which includes a campground. Once you park, the falls themselves aren’t very far but there’s approximately a 2.9km hike which takes you along the lower and upper falls. Location The parking lot is located approximately 18 minutes from downtown Parksville, BC or 46 minutes from Nanaimo, BC off…
Wapta Falls
Wapta Falls is located approximately 40 minutes East from Golden, BC along the Trans-Canada highway. The hike is approximately 4.8km round-trip but in the winter is another 4km as the main parking lot is closed. The falls are 18 meters (59 feet) and 107 meters (351 feet) wide. Location Located 40 minutes east of Golden…
Troll Falls
Troll Falls is located in Kananaskis Country approximately 37 minutes (Southeast) of Canmore, AB. There’s a few different falls on the hike and during the winter this will actually freeze almost completely solid. You can actually hear water flowing through the middle like a faucet partially turned on. The total hike is about 3.4km round-trip….
Ammonite Falls
Ammonite Falls remains one of my favourite waterfalls in the Nanaimo, BC area as it was one that really started to get me into waterfall photography. I was fortunate enough to capture this with snow as it’s not as common in that area. This once was more of a quiet location but now there’s been…
Butchart Gardens
I’d rather link to the story on the actual website (https://www.butchartgardens.com/our-story/) but the pictures don’t really even show how amazing this place is! I’d recommend at minimum an hour but it can easily take more! There’s also restaurants, gift shops, etc. Location Located in Brentwood Bay (not far from Victoria, British Columba), it’s easily searchable…
Nymph Falls
Nymph Falls is different to see as there was a fish ladder blasted out in 1977. There’s many hiking trails around as it follows the Puntledge River. More detail can be found at the Comox Valley Regional District website here: https://www.comoxvalleyrd.ca/parks-recreation/comox-valley-parks-trails/nymph-falls-nature-park Location Nymph Falls isn’t too far from Courtenay, British Columbia and is a well-maintained,…
Waterfall in a Cave
The location of this is becoming more and more known but I’ve promised locals I would not reveal the location. It’s important to remember Leave-No-Trace when exploring these areas.