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Hikes/Canada/British Columbia/Strathcona Provincial Park
Lake Helen MacKenzie hike in Strathcona Provincial Park, Vancouver Island

Lake Helen MacKenzie Route Guide

Difficulty
This reflects the 10Adventures difficulty rating for each route. We aim to keep ratings consistent across regions.
Easy
Elevation
This reflects the total elevation gained throughout this route as measured by the GPS file. This includes all ascents and descents, and is higher than what is quoted in most route guides, which simply measure the distance between the starting-point and high-point of the route.
249 m
Distance
This reflects the return distance of this route as measured by the GPS file.
8.9 km
Duration
This reflects the estimated time the majority of users will take on this trail. If you are slower, add time to the top-end figure. If you are fast, then you may complete this route faster than this time range.
2.5-3h
User Ratings
These ratings are completed by users who have completed this trail and not subject to reviews by 10Adventures.
9.8 (25 reviews)
Easy (Circle)
Suitable for beginners, families, young children, and those looking for a casual adventure.
Physical DIFF
Easy (Circle)
Suitable for beginners, families, young children, and those looking for a casual adventure.
Technical DIFF
Directions to Trailhead
Google Maps
Apple Maps
See Map
Measurement:

Table of contents

The hike to Lake Helen MacKenzie is a quintessential Vancouver Island hike. The well-maintained hiking trail out to Lake Helen MacKenzie comes fully equipped with board walks and wide, gravel walkways. As you venture through old growth forests, the incredibly beautiful ambiance of the plateau fills your heart with delight and wonder.

Route Description for Lake Helen MacKenzie

The hike out to Lake Helen MacKenzie is a great one, not too tough and a classic, family-friendly Vancouver Island hike.

Head down from the parking lot and begin on the trail. The first section of trail heading out to Lake Helen MacKenzie is very well maintained, including raised wooden walkways. At the numerous junctions follow the signs for Helen MacKenzie and Mt. Albert Edward.

As you hike you will pass by numerous sub-alpine glades and small ponds. There are many other lakes on the plateau, all a short way from the trailhead, so the possibilities for exploration are endless.

Quite quickly you will arrive on the northwest shore of Lake Helen MacKenzie. You can continue to the left to enjoy numerous other views, and to find the campground. The rugged face of Mt. Elma and Mt Brooks loom over the opposite side of the impressively large lake.

Out on the plateau? Find more Vancouver Island hiking routes.

Insider Hints for Lake Helen MacKenzie

  • Stop in at the Strathcona Park Wilderness Institute and pick up a map.
  • There are numerous short trails from the trail head. These trails connect the myriad of lakes on the plateau, so you can hike for as long as you like.
  • You can usually find great deals to stay at Mount Washington in summer, check out Airbnb for more.

Getting to the Lake Helen MacKenzie Trailhead

If coming from Campbell River, head south along the Inland Island Highway (BC-19 S). Turn west onto the Strathcona Parkway, following signs for Mt Washington Resort. Follow this road for 19 km as it gains approximately 3281ft of elevation. When you arrive at the junction beside the ski resort, hang a left towards the Raven Lodge. Park near the Raven Lodge where you will also find a large map and the Strathcona Wilderness Institute, where you can buy a map or some treats.

Route Information for Lake Helen MacKenzie

  • When to do:

    June - October

  • Backcountry Campsites:

    Yes, many camping opportunities throughout Forbidden Plateau

  • Toilets:

    At trailhead and Lake MacKenzie

  • Family friendly:

    Yes

  • Route Signage:

    Average

  • Crowd Levels:

    High

  • Route Type:

    Out and back

Lake Helen MacKenzie Elevation Graph

Weather Forecast

Check Area Weather

Reviews for Lake Helen MacKenzie

9.8
25 reviews
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Albert W.August 2020

It was nice to stroll around the area. We admire the dreamy plateau and lake.

Overall Rating
10
Technical Difficulty
Easy (Circle)
Suitable for beginners, families, young children, and those looking for a casual adventure.
Physical Difficulty
Easy (Circle)
Suitable for beginners, families, young children, and those looking for a casual adventure.
RandyOAugust 2020

My family enjoyed the magnificent view of the plateau and myriad lakes.

Overall Rating
10
Trip Length
03:00
Technical Difficulty
Easy (Circle)
Suitable for beginners, families, young children, and those looking for a casual adventure.
Physical Difficulty
Easy (Circle)
Suitable for beginners, families, young children, and those looking for a casual adventure.
Hannah DevineAugust 2020

easy and so pretty!

Tara GreenAugust 2020

This trail is an easy 3 hour walk with nice views and a peaceful lake

Overall Rating
9
Trip Length
03:00
Technical Difficulty
Easy (Circle)
Suitable for beginners, families, young children, and those looking for a casual adventure.
Physical Difficulty
Easy (Circle)
Suitable for beginners, families, young children, and those looking for a casual adventure.
YukihiroSatoAugust 2020

I like walking beside the beautiful lake, reminds me of japan!

Overall Rating
10
Trip Length
01:00
Technical Difficulty
Easy (Circle)
Suitable for beginners, families, young children, and those looking for a casual adventure.
Physical Difficulty
Easy (Circle)
Suitable for beginners, families, young children, and those looking for a casual adventure.
HIllaryPNWJuly 2020

Trail offers different diverse scenery. Well marked trail. Lots of wildlife and mushrooms to see.

Overall Rating
10
Technical Difficulty
Easy (Circle)
Suitable for beginners, families, young children, and those looking for a casual adventure.
Physical Difficulty
Easy (Circle)
Suitable for beginners, families, young children, and those looking for a casual adventure.
Rowan SandersJune 2020

My fave trail to do! Great afternoon activity!

Overall Rating
9
Technical Difficulty
Easy (Circle)
Suitable for beginners, families, young children, and those looking for a casual adventure.
Physical Difficulty
Easy (Circle)
Suitable for beginners, families, young children, and those looking for a casual adventure.
Joji L.June 2020

The air was fresh and exhilirating! It was a good hike!

Overall Rating
10
Technical Difficulty
Easy (Circle)
Suitable for beginners, families, young children, and those looking for a casual adventure.
Physical Difficulty
Easy (Circle)
Suitable for beginners, families, young children, and those looking for a casual adventure.
Ethan WelchApril 2020

The wooded paths were well maintained and everything was fantastic!

Overall Rating
10
Technical Difficulty
Easy (Circle)
Suitable for beginners, families, young children, and those looking for a casual adventure.
Physical Difficulty
Easy (Circle)
Suitable for beginners, families, young children, and those looking for a casual adventure.
cartersansOctober 2019

Nice hike! We enjoyed eating lunch while admiring nature.

Overall Rating
10
Technical Difficulty
Easy (Circle)
Suitable for beginners, families, young children, and those looking for a casual adventure.
Physical Difficulty
Easy (Circle)
Suitable for beginners, families, young children, and those looking for a casual adventure.

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Last Updated: July 21, 2026

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