Create an account

Start your adventure today.

    0

    Already a member? Login

    Mt Myra

    Difficulty
    This reflects the 10Adventures difficulty rating for each route. We aim to keep ratings consistent across regions.
    Very Hard
    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.
    8.5-12h
    Distance
    This reflects the return distance of this route as measured by the GPS file.
    22.5 km
    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.
    1,678 m
    User Ratings
    These ratings are completed by users who have completed this trail and not subject to reviews by 10Adventures.
    Overall Rating
    This is the average user-submitted overall rating on a scale of 1 to 10, with 10 being the highest.
    9.7
    Physical Difficulty
    This is the average user-submitted rating on the physical difficulty of this route. In general, green is beginner, blue is intermediate, black is advanced/most difficult and double-black is expert-only. It is recommended that users build up to black and double-black routes.
    Advanced (Diamond)
    Suitable for advanced experience level looking for a solid adventure.
    Technical Difficulty
    This is the average user-submitted rating on the technical difficulty of this route. In general, green is beginner, blue is intermediate, black is advanced/most difficult and double-black is expert-only. It is recommended that users build up to black and double-black routes.
    Intermediate (Square)
    Suitable for intermediates who are ready for a little bit more adventure.
    Read Reviews
    Directions to Trailhead
    Panoramic views of the Mt Myra hike in Strathcona Provincial Park, Vancouver Island

    Hiking up Mt Myra is a Vancouver Island Classic Hike. Mt Myra is the second most famous hiking peak in Strathcona Provincial Park, typically completed after Mt. Albert Edward. Though at a lower elevation, Mt Myra is located more centrally in the park and the panoramic views of the Bedwell Lake area mountains and glaciers are nothing short of stunning.

    Download the 10Adventures App

    View Mt Myra on Map

    View Map

    Join our newsletter

    Get a weekly dose of discounts and inspiration for adventure lovers

    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.

    Insider Hints for Mt Myra

    • Start this hike early in the day. It’s easy to eat up plenty of time taking breaks at the lakes and enjoying the summit.
    • Poles can be very helpful on the way down to save your knees, especially on the cat track down from Tennent Lake.

    Getting to the Mt Myra Trailhead

    From Campbell River head west along High 28 for just under 50.0 km. Just as you reach Buttle Lake you will come to a junction where you will continue straight, following signs for the Westin Mine. Follow this road for 38.0 km until you enter the mine area. Following the gravel road as it passes through the operational mine, following signs with a little Hiker icon to the parking lot.

    Route Information

    • When to do

      July - September

    • Backcountry Campsites

      Numerous opportunities at Tennant and Sandbag Lakes

    • Toilets

      At trailhead

    • Family friendly

      No

    • Route Signage

      Poor

    • Crowd Levels

      Low to Moderate

    • Route Type

      Out and back

    Mt Myra Elevation Graph

    Weather Forecast

    Check Area Weather

    Mt Myra Reviews

    Add a comment

    You must be logged in to post a comment.

    Nearby Trails

    Nearby Regions

    Get travel inspiration and discounts

    Join our weekly travel newsletter