The best walks and hikes in Alberni Sproat Lake Taylor River Woodlands

This is a wonderfully scenic part of the Della Falls hike, as a bridge takes you across Margaret Creek. There's a campground just before you reach the bridge. Beware of the mice here, which have apparently been known to chew through everything from tents to backpacks. It's worth using the bear cache to protect your kit.

A true highlight of the hike to Della Falls, the cable car crossing is not for the faint hearted. You have to manually operated the steel cars, pulling them across the ravine, with white water rushing by below. You're rewarded with a glorious view of the majestic Della Falls halfway through the crossing.

Cascading in spectacular fashion for 440 metres (1,440 ft), Della Falls is Vancouver Island's second highest waterfall. Simply reaching the falls is an epic adventure, with many arriving at the trailhead on Grand Central Lake by canoe or kayak and then having to use a cable bridge to cross Drinkwater Creek.

Cobalt Lake is a beautiful alpine lake nestled below 5040 Peak, known for its vivid blue water and picturesque mountain backdrop. The lake sits at approximately 1,250 meters in elevation and is a popular overnight stop for hikers headed to the summit. There are tent pads and the nearby Hišimy̓awiƛ Alpine Hut for shelter, and the sunsets over the lake and surrounding peaks make it a memorable high-country experience.

The Hišimy̓awiƛ Alpine Hut, perched at 1,350 meters on the slopes of 5040 Peak, is a modern backcountry shelter operated by the Alpine Club of Canada’s Vancouver Island section. Named by the Ucluelet First Nation, “Hišimy̓awiƛ” means “gather together,” reflecting its welcoming role for hikers, skiers, and mountaineers. The hut features solar power, a high-efficiency wood pellet stove, propane cooktops, and breathtaking views of surrounding peaks and alpine lakes.

5040 Peak is a fantastic, rugged summit, rising to 5,040 feet (ca. 1,536 m) between Port Alberni and Tofino. The hike to the top is steep and challenging, gaining nearly 900 meters over 6.9 kilometers, but your reward is incredible panoramic views of Triple Peak, Cats Ear Peak, and dramatic cloud inversions. Many hikers camp near Cobalt Lake en route to the summit, making it a popular overnight adventure with unforgettable sunsets.