Route: Mt Albert Edward (BC, Canada)

Mount Edward Albert is found in the eastern sector of Strathcona Provincial Park, Vancouver Island, British Columbia and at 2,093m ranks sixth in the altitude stakes on the Island. Unlike many peaks on the Island, the passage of the glaciers left at least the summit and northeast ridges of the mountain unscarred. The result is a relative rarity in Strathcona, an easy hiking peak. As if this wasn’t already an embarrassment of riches, a paved road climbs over a thousand metres from the coast and places the climber just 10 km of almost flat walking on an engineered trail from the start of the Class 2 route.

There is not one step of either the approach or the subsequent climb to the peak that isn’t stunningly lovely. From the pristine beauty of Paradise Meadows, to the somber atmosphere of Circlet Lake, to the magnificent forest on the ascent to the alpine, to the sudden jolt of the first view of the northeast cirque, this is a trip to savour for every moment you’re out there.

About 32km round trip.