A destination, a summer of hikers, and a variety of routes

Exploring Marble Meadows from age 9 to 74, sharing in the glory above the clouds

Soaking in the breathtaking views from Marble Meadows on the way to Mt. McBride — alpine lakes shimmering below — an unforgettable day in the heart of Strathcona Provincial Park. 

At SPL, we’re feeling a sense of nostalgia — and also accomplishment. As the summer season comes to a close, we’re thinking of all of the wonderful groups, families, individuals and friends who made their way through our wooden archway throughout the year thus far.

Then and Now — Why Marble Meadows has Become a Keystone Hike for SPL Guests and Staff

When you’re hiking in the mountains, sometimes memories arise.  In August Jamie & Christine, SPL owners, were hiking in Marble Meadows and Jamie recalled how heavy his pack felt hiking uphill in Marble Meadows on his skinny little legs.  He was 9, and the occasion was SPL’s very first foray into summer camps, 55 years ago with SPL Instructors John and Anne Gregg.  Less than ten short years later Jamie led a youth camp back to Marble Meadows.   

And so it goes – at SPL we share our knowledge and the wonder of a place with youth, and they carry that and more forward.  Avalon, a WYLD (Wilderness Youth Leadership Development) camper from last decade returned with her partner in July.  They enjoyed a reprieve from the bugs and intermittent rain in the Wheaton Hut and summited both Morrison Spire and Mt. McBride.

Two of our summer WYLD camps (ages 15-17) headed to Marble Meadows as a part of their 12-day adventures this summer. The first group was successful in their ascent of Mt. McBride — a push beyond Marble Meadows, to Mt McBride, at 2,082m — Vancouver Island’s seventh highest summit. The second group had inclement weather and ruled out summitting, instead exploring the many exquisite alpine tarns inspiring blankets of flowers carved from limestone and marble.

The proximity to McBride was too tempting.  After waving goodbye to their campers, Joe and Ella rose early for a day trip to see what they’d missed after five days in the meadows.  They left SPL at 3:00 am for an alpine start.  They had some treats at the summit to fuel their return for a Whale Room dinner.  Mission accomplished.

A group of SPL’s WYLD backcountry hikers proudly reach the summit of Mt McBride is an accomplishment worth celebrating

Vancouver Island Marmots Spotted in the Wild

Another couple, ages 67 and 74 took a moderate approach, ruling out summits on this foray into Strathcona Park with a hope instead to spot marmots in the wild.  It wasn’t their first trip to the area, but it was exactly what they hoped for – a few days spent in the alpine revisiting the Meadows.  Lucky in their travels, they were even able to spot Vancouver Island marmots. These sub-alpine creatures are the world’s rarest mammals and have been reintroduced to the area and brought back from extirpation. 

We are continually grateful for the beauty and wonder of Marble Meadows and Strathcona Provincial Park.

Hikers reach the Wheaton Hut, one of few alpine huts in the area, and a spectacular place to overnight with even more spectacular vistas

Strathcona Provincial Park – Marble Meadows

Mt McBride is a distinctive landmark, seen from Buttle Lake.  The trail is in good condition but not to be underestimated with steep switchbacks and a scramble near the top to the Meadows.  To summit a nearby peak such as McBride or Morrison Spire the hikers’ route traverses scree, snow and glaciers.  

The approach – cross Buttle Lake from Auger Pt Day Use Area to Phillips Creek Marine Campsite and stash a canoe.  Be aware that Buttle Lake can be very windy for afternoon return crossings.

Marble Meadows is an awe-inspiring destination, and one that holds a special place as well as a lot of history for the Lodge. It can be a humbling test to hikers with its steep ascent with an elevation gain of 1250m (over 4,000ft),   From the rim, once the snow in the meadows melts, choose to pitch a tent near any one of the alpine lakes,   Time it right and you’ll be surrounded by blueberries and carpets of alpine flowers.