| 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 |
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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 |
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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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Little Qualicum Cheeseworks, Parksville |
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Nestled in the shadow of Mt. Arrowsmith, Little Qualicum Cheeseworks on Morningstar Farm produce a variety of world-class, award-winning cheese. Made from high quality milk from our own herd of dairy cows, we have an artisan cheese to suit any occasion, meal or light snack. Come and visit us at the farm - take a self-guided tour, sample the different cheeses, and explore the fruit wines made on location from our own MooBerry Winery. Open daily 9-5. |
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MooBerry Winery, Parksville |
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MooBerry Winery is located on Morningstar Farm where we produce a wide variety of high-quality fruit wines. Winemaker Phil Charlebois invites you to come by for tastings and a self-guided tour. Located on a working dairy farm together with Little Qualicum Cheeseworks, there’s lots to do, see and taste! Open daily from 9am to 5pm. |
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Morningstar Farm, Parksville |
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Morningstar Farm is a heritage dairy farm located between Parksville and Qualicum Beach on Central Vancouver Island. Home to Little Qualicum Cheeseworks and MooBerry Winery, there is something to see, do and taste for everyone. Visit us and see how they make that yummy cheese, pet the farm animals, shop in our FarmGate store, try some cheese and wine samples, take a self-guided tour and stay for a picnic! Open daily 9am - 5pm. |
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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, Ocean Trails Resort offers 78 comfortable one, two and three-bedroom condos at an affordable rate within steps of Rathtrevor Beach in the heart of Vancouver Island's adventure playground. |
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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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Thyme Away Bed & Breakfast, Coombs |
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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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