strathcona park

The Golden Hinde – Vancouver Island's Tallest Peak

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The Golden Hinde. At 2,195 metres (7,200 feet), it’s the tallest peak on Vancouver Island.

Rising from the rugged heart of Strathcona Park, this summit is composed of ancient volcanic rock known as the Karmutsen Formation – basalt that erupted over 200 million years ago when this land lay beneath the ocean.

Getting there isn’t easy, though. Most routes involve 50+ kilometres of hiking over five days, with exposed scrambling along the way. Not for the faint of heart!

I haven’t made the trek myself (yet), but drop a note below if you’ve taken in the view from the island’s highest point!

Volcano Lake ~ Strathcona Park

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Like a sapphire set in stone, Volcano Lake shimmers deep within Strathcona Park.


Despite its name and crater-like shape, this alpine gem was sculpted not by fire, but by ice.


Carved by ancient glaciers, the cirque forms a dramatic bowl that now cradles the lake. Perched at roughly 1,300 metres and surrounded by rugged peaks like Puzzle Mountain, it remains one of the park’s most remote and awe-inspiring alpine lakes.


Pretty incredible peering into its dark blue eye from above! 🏔️

Tzela Lake ~ Strathcona Park

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The turquoise waters of Tzela Lake shine like a heart-shaped jewel amid the rugged mountains of Strathcona Park 🩵

Almost candy-like in tone (rocket freezies?), the lake gets its creamy blue colour from “rock flour”, fine glacial silt suspended in meltwater.

Flanked by The Red Pillar and perched at 1,100 metres, the lake sits deep within the park. Be prepared for a long and challenging hike if you plan to visit. Getting a fly-by view was certainly the easier route! 🛩️