| Mount Arrowsmith
is the most prominent visual focal point for most of the south central
portion of Vancouver Island. It is situated along Highway 4 between
Qualicum Beach/Parksville and Port Alberni.
The native
people from the Alberni area call this mountain Kuth-Kah-Chulth,
which means "that which has sharp pointed faces". In the mid 1800s
the English named it Arrowsmith after two cartographers, Aaron Arrowsmith
and his nephew John Arrowsmith.
The Mount Arrowsmith
area offers good hiking and rock climbing, with superb views of
Vancouver Island. Winter activities include cross-country skiing,
snowmobiling, and ice-climbing. There are no facilities in the 1,300-hectare
park.
The trailhead
for the Arrowsmith Trail is at the Cameron Lake picnic site. The
trail ascends the lower slopes of the mountain to the site of the
old ski resort, and winds up to the 1,829-metre (6,000-foot) summit
of Mt. Arrowsmith. The hike is strenuous, and do not set off without
a trail map. Arrowsmith Trail is the oldest intact trail on Vancouver
Island. Other trails include the Rousseau Trail, and the Lower Ski
Area Trail.
Evidence of
a forest fire that roared through here 300 years ago is still visible
on the thick bark of the tallest Douglas fir, and windstorms during
the winter of 1997 toppled hundreds of trees.
A ski hill
was operated on the adjacent Mount Cokely in the past, with several
commercial ventures offering downhill skiing without success. The
ski hill is not in operation now, and the road is not maintained.
The Mount Arrowsmith
Regional Park is located approximately 12 miles (20 km) from Highway
4 along a gravel logging road. Access to the mountain is located
near the summit of Highway 4, nine kilometers east of Port Alberni.
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| Nearby Services |
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Beach Acres Resort, Parksville |
Listing Details |
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Bring your friends and family together to enjoy our seaside charm and tranquil forest setting. Stroll our vast sandy beach in search of treasures, enjoy our ocean and mountain views, or just stretch out and listen to the hush of the wind. Just the two of you? The perfect “kid-free” get-a-way awaits in a cozy little cottage……right on the beach. |
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Beach Club Resort, Parksville |
Listing Details |
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The Beach Club Resort features the most luxurious hotel rooms in Parksville, with exceptional views and beautifully appointed décor. All guest rooms offer private balconies, many with ocean and mountain views, and thoughtful amenities throughout. Guests can choose from studios, one-bedroom and two-bedroom suites, and one and two-bedroom penthouse suites. The Oceanic Ballroom is the perfect setting for weddings, banquets and conferences. |
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Ocean Trails Resort, Parksville |
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Nestled among the trees on seven lush acres, Ocean Trails Resort offers all the comforts of home, providing the utmost in comfort and relaxation in a breathtaking setting. Located near the picturesque town of Parksville, and bordering the world-renowned beaches of Rathtrevor Park. One, two and three-bedroom apartment or condominium-style accommodation. |
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Oceanside Village Resort, Parksville |
Listing Details |
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Oceanside Village Resort is adjacent to the majestic old-growth forests of Rathtrevor Provincial Park, only two minutes from the vacation destination town of Parksville. Tucked amongst existing mature trees, private patios allow you to enjoy the serenity and natural beauty of the area, and pedestrian walkways provide a peaceful stroll, whether to the indoor pool or the beach. Oceanside Village Resort is the perfect place to Invest, Vacation, Retire and Live. |
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Quality Resort Bayside, Parksville |
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The Quality Resort Bayside is located in beautiful seaside Parksville. Walk along the beach, swim in our pool, enjoy fabulous food in our oceanview restaurant and watch the sunset against the mountains. Combined with our complimentary breakfast, ample facilities, and affordable rates, you simply can't ask for a better accommodation in Parksville. We also provide the perfect setting for intimate getaways, conferences or weddings. |
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Seaview Beach Resort, Qualicum Beach |
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Located in Qualicum Beach, the Seaview Beach Resort is a small, family-oriented resort. Stay in our ocean front cabins and experience the open sky with spectacular views, just steps from the beach! One, two and three bedroom kitchen units. Fishing charters and boat trips can be arranged. Four golf courses, a wildlife sanctuary, water slides and mini golf in the area. |
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Thyme Away Bed & Breakfast, Coombs |
Listing Details |
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Experience warm hospitality and delicious breakfasts at this peaceful countryside retreat. Beautiful rooms, air conditioning, private baths and comfortable beds. We also offer a charming cottage, and swimming pool. Located minutes from the local beaches, this is an ideal base for exploring the Island. Coombs is a tourist destination 10 minutes from Parksville, and 2 hours from Tofino or Victoria. |
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| Note |
| This park
is a Regional Park, Municipal Park, or proposed park, and does not fall under the jurisdiction
of Parks Canada (National Parks) or the BC Ministry of Environment (BC Parks). |
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