Lake Helen MacKenzie hike in Strathcona Provincial Park, Vancouver Island
Lake Helen MacKenzie hike in Strathcona Provincial Park, Vancouver Island

Lake Helen MacKenzie hike

Strathcona Provincial Park
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Panorama of the Lake Helen MacKenzie hike in Strathcona Provincial Park, Vancouver IslandBridge on the Lake Helen MacKenzie Hike in Strathcona Provincial Park, CanadaWinter views of the Lake Helen MacKenzie Hike in Strathcona Provincial Park, CanadaShoreline on the Lake Helen MacKenzie Hike in Strathcona Provincial Park, Canada

Lake Helen MacKenzie hike

Distance: 5.5mi
Elevation: 817ft
Time: 2.5-3h

Difficulty Rating:

User Ratings:
9.8 Overall Rating
Technical Difficulty
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The hike to Lake Helen MacKenzie is a quintessential Vancouver Island hike. The well-maintained hiking trail out to Lake Helen MacKenzie comes fully equipped with board walks and wide, gravel walkways. As you venture through old growth forests, the incredibly beautiful ambiance of the plateau fills your heart with delight and wonder.

Lake Helen MacKenzie Hike Map

Getting there

If coming from Campbell River, head south along the Inland Island Highway (BC-19 S). Turn west onto the Strathcona Parkway, following signs for Mt Washington Resort. Follow this road for 11.8mi as it gains approximately 3281ft of elevation. When you arrive at the junction beside the ski resort, hang a left towards the Raven Lodge. Park near the Raven Lodge where you will also find a large map and the Strathcona Wilderness Institute, where you can buy a map or some treats.

I’ve done this 28 people have done this
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About

When to do

June - October

Backcountry Campsites

Yes, many camping opportunities throughout Forbidden Plateau

Toilets

At trailhead and Lake MacKenzie

Family friendly

Yes

Route Signage

Average

Crowd Levels

High

Route Type

Out and back


Lake Helen MacKenzie
Elevation Graph


Route Description for Lake Helen MacKenzie

The hike out to Lake Helen MacKenzie is a great one, not too tough and a classic, family-friendly Vancouver Island hike.

Head down from the parking lot and begin on the trail. The first section of trail heading out to Lake Helen MacKenzie is very well maintained, including raised wooden walkways. At the numerous junctions follow the signs for Helen MacKenzie and Mt. Albert Edward.

As you hike you will pass by numerous sub-alpine glades and small ponds. There are many other lakes on the plateau, all a short way from the trailhead, so the possibilities for exploration are endless.

Quite quickly you will arrive on the northwest shore of Lake Helen MacKenzie. You can continue to the left to enjoy numerous other views, and to find the campground. The rugged face of Mt. Elma and Mt Brooks loom over the opposite side of the impressively large lake.

Insider Hints

  • Stop in at the Strathcona Park Wilderness Institute and pick up a map.

  • There are numerous short trails from the trail head. These trails connect the myriad of lakes on the plateau, so you can hike for as long as you like.

  • You can usually find great deals to stay at Mount Washington in summer, check out Airbnb for more.

Comments

Albert W. 4 years ago

It was nice to stroll around the area. We admire the dreamy plateau and lake.

10.0 Overall Rating
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Physical Difficulty
RandyO 4 years ago

My family enjoyed the magnificent view of the plateau and myriad lakes.

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3h 00m Time Taken
Hannah Devine 4 years ago

easy and so pretty!

Tara Green 4 years ago

This trail is an easy 3 hour walk with nice views and a peaceful lake

9.0 Overall Rating
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Physical Difficulty
3h 00m Time Taken
YukihiroSato 4 years ago

I like walking beside the beautiful lake, reminds me of japan!

10.0 Overall Rating
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1h 00m Time Taken
HIllaryPNW 4 years ago

Trail offers different diverse scenery. Well marked trail. Lots of wildlife and mushrooms to see.

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Rowan Sanders 4 years ago

My fave trail to do! Great afternoon activity!

9.0 Overall Rating
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Joji L. 4 years ago

The air was fresh and exhilirating! It was a good hike!

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Ethan Welch 5 years ago

The wooded paths were well maintained and everything was fantastic!

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cartersans 5 years ago

Nice hike! We enjoyed eating lunch while admiring nature.

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25 Comments Show all

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