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Hiking Paradise Meadows Trail on Vancouver Island

Paradise Meadows Trail, oh, the memories I have of you.
Being dragged out of bed in the wee hours on a Saturday. Why? Because my father wanted to hike Paradise Meadows. Being rudely awakened didn’t make me adore the meadows. It was always the morning after a night out with my high school friends.

All I remember is it was cold, a logging road and a trail in the mud. Oh-WOW I get to feed the whiskey jacks! Yes, we hiked the area before boardwalks, parking lots and trails. Way before Mount Washington was a ski hill.

Paradise Meadows is a popular hiking destination located in Strathcona Park on Vancouver Island. Hikers can explore the beautiful Paradise Meadows loop trail, which offers stunning views of the surrounding mountains and meadows. Be sure to grab a Paradise Meadows trail map before heading out on your adventure to ensure you stay on the right path.

The weather in Paradise Meadows can be unpredictable, so it’s important to come prepared with appropriate gear and clothing. Despite the ever-changing weather conditions, the beauty of Paradise Meadows is unparalleled. As you hike through the lush meadows and dense forests, you’ll feel like you’ve stumbled upon a hidden paradise.

Where is the Paradise Meadows Trail?

Paradise Meadows Trail is on Vancouver Island, and can be accessed by driving south along the Strathcona Parkway for 17 km and then making a left turn onto Nordic Drive. Parking is next to Strathcona Park Wilderness Centre. The full loop of the Paradise Meadows Trail is 3.5 km long, and is fully accessible for people with disabilities.

Getting to Paradise Meadows Trailhead

The Paradise Meadows trailhead is by Mount Washington in Strathcona Provincial Park. The trail has beautiful green meadows, ponds, and lovely mountain views. It’s a great place for a day out with your camera.

The boardwalks are accessible from early June to late November. The area can be accessed via snowshoes or cross country skis during the winter and early spring. In early autumn, after the first frost, the meadows change to their beautiful fall-colour.

Directions

From Highway 19
Head west on Strathcona Parkway for 20 klm
take a right onto Nordic Drive for 3 klm
At the end of Nordic Drive is a large parking lot.

Map to paradise meadows in strathcona park — Click for Google Map directions

Boardwalk and Trails Description

The Paradise Meadows Trail is a 2.8 km loop trail. The trail passes through a beautiful meadow and several small ponds, making it great for a day out with a camera or family and friends. Trail maps can be found at the wilderness centre.

On average, it takes 36 minutes to complete and is regarded as being simple. Hiking and strolling are popular activities. Therefore, the Paradise Meadows trail is very popular.

Dogs are permitted, but they must be leashed. As of the writing of this blog, if dogs are not leashed, they may be banned. Upon entering the boardwalk, you will find a warning sign:

Trails from Paradise Meadows Trailhead:

There are many trails from Paradise Meadows Trailhead that vary in difficulty and distance.

Trails from Paradise Meadows Trailhead include:

Lake Helen Mackenzie
Battleship Lake
Helen Mackenzie Battleship Lake Loop
Mount Washington and Cruickshank Canyon
Kawi Lake and Forbidden Plateau Loop
Mount Albert Edwards
Mount Elma
and many more.

I suggest checking out alltrails for a complete list.

Other trails to explore in the area

Conclusion for Exploring Paradise Meadows

Whether you’re a seasoned hiker or just looking for a leisurely stroll in nature, Paradise Meadows has something for everyone. So lace up your boots, grab your map, and get ready to explore the stunning beauty of Paradise Meadows on Mount Washington.

Paradise Meadows trail for me will always be “a must fall photography location”. Now that I’m older and wiser, I have fond memories of the area. Yes! I’m still getting up at 5: 30 to photograph this area. But now it’s on my terms.

In late fall, the trail has beautiful green/red meadows, lovely reflections in the ponds, and mountain views. What more could a landscape photographer ask for?

I hope to see you there next fall.

Frequently Asked questions

What is Paradise Meadows Trail?

Paradise Meadows trail is a beautiful hiking destination located in the summer. The meadows are full of wildlife and the scenery is breathtaking. The trails are well-maintained and offer hikers a variety of options to choose from. Paradise Meadows is also a great place to camp during the summer months.

What are the best times to photograph Paradise Meadows?

The best time to photograph Paradise Meadows is late fall. The meadows are full of wildflowers and have changed colour. The hike and views from the boardwalk are beautiful all year round.

What are the different trails in Paradise Meadows?

There are several trails in Paradise Meadows, each with a different description. Mount Edward is a popular hiking trail with stunning views of the surrounding area. Lake Helen is a large, beautiful lake with plenty of wildlife to be seen. Battleship Lake is a small, but beautiful lake perfect for fishing. Cruickshank canyon trail takes hikers on an interesting and challenging hike through an impressive canyon system.