Mt Myra

Route Description for Mt Myra

The hike up Mt Myra starts directly from the parking lot. Here you will find a pit toilet and a map outlining the various routes.

Begin by crossing the road and hiking along the gated dirt road. Sadly, you must follow this road all the way to the hydroelectric dam at its end. Even if the gate is open, do not go down the road as you may end up being locked in! After arriving at the small dam, cross the creak and begin along the Tennent Lake Trail.

Though it’s called a trail, the hiking route up to Tennent Lake is actually an old cat track. Hence it is extremely steep and contains many loose rocks. Up until this point, you may be questioning why you woke up so early to do such a crummy hike. Don’t worry, the hike to Mt Myra gets better. Much better.

Finally, after 600 m of elevation gain you will arrive at the north end of the large Tennent Lake. Here you’ll get a few glimpses of the Mt Myra peak up ahead. Cross the dams to get to the east side of the creek and begin along the unofficial trail that goes up to the summit. You will hike up to a shoulder above the east side of Tennent Lake, switch backing up a somewhat steep and at times bushy trail.

The only potential for getting somewhat lost on the Mt Myra hike comes when you finally crest a plateau and come to a small alpine meadow. The trail at first appears to go straight, but that path dies out quite quickly. Instead turn up to the left and continue gaining elevation.

A short while on you will come to the stunning beautiful Sandbag Lake. Here you will get your first truly stunning views. Both the small, beautifully clear aqua blue lake and the surrounding scenery are nothing short of unbelievable. You could stop here and save yourself another 500 m of elevation gain if you are feeling tired.

Continue around the left (northeast) side of Sandbag and find the path continuing up the ridge. You will get your hopes up as you see a false summit rising ahead of you. Contour around to the right of this heart breaker to save yourself going up and over. After the false summit the ridge turns abruptly to the Northeast.

After following the ridge for a short way, you will find yourself below the summit block. Find the path of least resistance up dirt gullies between the rock faces as you finally crest the peak of Mt Myra. The stunning peaks of Strathcona Provincial Park will lay out in front of you, beckoning to be photographed and appreciated.

To the north you can glimpse the top of the Golden Hinde, the tallest mountain on Vancouver Island. More prominently, however, will be Mt Tom Taylor to the south, with the massive north glacier facing you directly. Looking west along the summit ridge you will be able to see Mt. Tellwood as well.

Enjoy the summit of Mt Myra, sign the registry, and then begin the knee crushing hike back to the car.