Explore Lasqueti Island
Parksville, British Columbia
Details
Distance
15.5 miles
Elevation Gain
754.6 ft
Route Type
Out-and-Back
Description
Added by Tam McTavish
This beautiful island in the Georgia Strait is a hidden gem of island living. With no direct electrical link to the main land it's a great place to escape to with a host of activities available from kayaking, swimming to biking.
Lasqueti Island is a beautiful island that covers about 75 square kilometres. It is one of the drier islands in the strait, and has some of the warmest waters too. The shores are dotted with arbutus trees, and feral sheep run wild through the woods. The lack of car ferry and direct utilities keep this island a little more disconnected from the main island, and mainland giving Lasqueti a serenity not easily found.
The easiest way to get to the island is to take the Ferry from French Creek. Depending on the season there are multipe sailing each day. While it is a sizeable craft that has space for kayaks, and bikes you should speak to the crew in advance to figure out if there will be space. Arrive well ahead of time for the best chance of success. The ferry runs from French Creek to False Bay on the island which sits on the western end of the island. There is a small grocery store here, and a lovely hotel and pub.
The Island has one long road that runs it's length with a couple off shoots to access a few bays. The locals have their own vehicles that are shipped over, but taxi services and hitch hiking are common. Many people also enjoy cycling along the main road across the island. It's not a particularly long trip, but it's a pleasant cycle through the woods with stops at the superb bakery, and art installations along the way.
If you're into watersports Squiddy bay, False Bay, Wells Point and Richardson Cove are all excellent place to launch trips on SUPs or Kayaks. The Northern side of the island has a number of small island that make for really fun exploration by kayak, and there is camping on Jedidiah and Squiddy bay. A circumnavigation of the island would certainly be possible on the weekend.
The Island has a couple high points that are fun to visit. Mt. Tremeton in the South Centre of the island has a well marked trail leading to a fun scramble up a gulley. Once on top you the views stretch from Vancouver, Rainier and Baker, all the way up the channel past Hornby, onto towards desolation sound. It's a idyllic location for a picnic.
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