The trails will take you along the ocean, through urban parks and to the top of mountains.
So, pack a lunch and try some of these hotspots:

Cathedral Grove - This is a series of short, easy trails among the world-famous old-growth trees (some over 800 years old) that line Highway 4 (the Port Alberni Highway). This a must see area.

Elk Falls Trails is a must-do if you plan to visit Campbell River. Located just west of the city off Highway 28, the park instantly plunks you into a wilderness setting. Well maintained trails zig-zag their way through a spectacular old-growth forest of Douglas fir and western cedar. The main trail ends at the Elk Falls look-out that offers close-up views of the cascading falls that plummet 50 meters into the rugged canyon below. On the way up from the look-out, if you take the right fork instead of going back up, you will eventually arrive at Moose Falls, a much more subdued waterfall that drops only a few meters, but worth a look nonetheless. The main trail is about two kilometers long but there are a number of little offshoot trails to keep you busy for hours. There are also some great swimming holes along the river. In the spring when the snow pack begins to melt, it is often necessary to open up the dam gates in order to accommodate the excess water. When this occurs, Elk Falls turns into a raging torrent, and is well worth a look. Scenes from the movie Eaters of the Dead were filmed at the falls.

Haskin Farm - On the east side of Quadra Island, this 1.5 kilometer hike goes through commercially thinned Douglas fir to an abandoned homestead, then down to a rock beach on Sutil Channel.

Hoomak Lake - Near Woss, northwest of Sayward, this three-kilometer forest interpretation trail starts at the highway rest stop.

Menzies Mountain Lookout Trail is a fairly strenuous climb up a bumpy road to the old forestry lookout. The view of the many lakes in the valley and the mountains in the distance is incredible. From the bottom of the trail to the top is approximately three kilometers. Bring snacks and don't forget your camera. Take Highway 19 north out of Campbell River and turn right about 10-15 minutes past Roberts Lake. Pick up an area map from the Ministry of Forests before you go.

Morte Lake - On Quadra Island, this six-kilometer hike takes you to a the lake where you can fish or swim. A connecting trail takes you to China Mountain and a steep, one kilometer hike to the north peak, or a two-kilometer trail to the south peak. The hike up is worth the views of the mainland and surrounding islands.

Nahwitti Lake - West of Port Hardy, these short hiking trails takes you through old-growth forests.

Oyster River Park Trail - Often called the pub-to-pub trail, this easy trail meanders along the oceanfront from Fishermen's Pub to Salmon Point Pub (the Oyster River to Salmon Point). Not only is it a great place to go for a leisurely hike, but it is also one of the best places in the area to birdwatch or explore the rocky beach. While walking along the river you can often see fisherman tie into a big steelhead that run up the river to their spawning grounds.This trail is very popular with dog owners. Please keep your dog on a leash.

Pacific Rim National Park Reserve - There lots of hiking, particularly along the famed Long Beach.

Ripple Rock Trail is very popular with hikers in the spring, summer and fall. The 9.5 kilometer trip winds through the forest, along the waterfront at a sheltered cove and up bluffs that offer spectacular, if not somewhat precarious, views of Menzies Bay. The trail ends where the powerlines stretch across Seymour Narrows, the infamous site where Ripple Rock once lurked just nine feet under the surface at low tide. That is until it was blown out of the water in 1958 in the largest non-nuclear explosion in history. Some people climb down the cliff to water's edge; however, the water is very fast and dangerous and it is advised you do not attempt this climb. Keep an eye open for abandoned wooden skid roads, used to haul logs down off the surrounding hills. You will need at least four hours to properly do the hike. The trail is located 19 kilometers north of Campbell River. Take Highway 19 north and look for the sign.

Songhees Trail - North of Port Hardy, this rugged three-kilometer trail takes you to Georgie and Songhees lakes. The trail is well marked and maintained.

Strathcona Provincial Park - This huge wilderness area has hundreds of hiking trails, ranging from easy strolls to overnight excursions.

The above trails are just a few of hundreds on Vancouver Island. The Ministry of Forests has detailed maps showing trails in the various forest districts. You can pick up a free map at any regional forest district office.

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