Mount Killam

Dogs Leashed

Features Birding · Fall Colors · River/Creek · Spring · Views · Wildflowers · Wildlife

This is a relatively short hike starting from New Brighton, on Gambier Island, and finishing at the peak of Mount Killam. The first half or so is on well-graded logging road that heads through a clear-cut and then into the forest on a well-marked singletrack trail to the peak. Whispering Creek is crossed just after leaving the clear-cut and is a relatively reliable source of water for filling up during a day hike or packing extra water for camping near the peak. About a half hour before the true peak is an amazing viewpoint that gives the best views of the trail. Views include the Lions, Mount Harvey, Brunswick Mountain and other Howe Sound Crest peaks, as well as Howe Sound itself, the islands within it, and Vancouver. The viewpoint also makes a great camp spot.

This hike on Gambier Island is low elevation (844m) and easy to get to from Horseshoe Bay. Once on the actual trail, it is extremely well marked and easy to follow. There is a great viewpoint about 20 minutes before the summit that is better than the summit itself.

Exit the ferry and take a left at the Canada Post mailboxes. Continue on this road for about 2.5 km and take a right on the new logging road. There is a sign that says "lakes" to the left, but you'll actually want to go right. Continue for about 800m. There will be a junction with another logging road. The trailhead is on the left, with some flagging around but this is difficult to see. From here, the Mt. Killiam Trail is well marked and easy to follow.

Lots of old-growth trees, low-elevation wildflowers, and the forest demon! (A strange-shaped stump with some moss growing on its "scalp.")