Mount Cain - Locals Call It The Wilderness Ski TreasureMount Cain is Vancouver Island's second ski mountain, located on the northern Island. If you're looking for a true wilderness ski experience, make this your ski destination! Now Graeme and I haven't skiied here (YET), but I spent about an hour talking with a guy I know who goes up to ski Cain every year. He gave me all the details, and now I'm passing all of it onto you!
OPENING DAY: December 9, 2006. There's no official snow report yet from the mountain, but the snow is definitely piling up. This mountain has untouched powder on untouched trails... great place for the adventurous skiier!
What Do We Classify As A Wilderness Ski Adventure? Skiing without all the fancy stuff - no frills, no fluff. Just you and powder. Solitude and scenery. With its location, and the way its operated, we think that this is one of the most unique ski areas Canada offers.
If you're into the more rugged, "fend-for-yourself," back woods BC skiing adventure, then Mount Cain is definitely the place you should ski!
However, one thing we do want to add: this IS a really friendly "family" mountain - we've heard from a few local families that they love taking their kids here - plenty of easy runs. Yes, there are limited amenities, but you may end up with a more memorable and unique winter experience!
What It Doesn't Have... What It Does HaveMount Cain is not operated on the same level as Mount Washington, on central Vancouver Island. It's not a ski resort - it's ski wilderness!LIMITED HOURS OF OPERATION: The mountain is open Saturday, Sunday and Monday ONLY of each week. The reason is that the mountain is operated by volunteers only! THERE ARE NO CHAIRLIFTS: There are two T-Bars and a handle tow. That's it. But don't let that throw you off the idea. BUT...
THERE'S SERIOUS POWDER:
Mount Cain gets some incredible powder.
And they do actually have a decent mix of runs (suitable for little kids and challenging enough for big kids)! There are roughly 18 downhill runs (vertical drop 450 metres) and 15 km of unmarked cross-country trails to explore.
We know that the majority of the runs on the upper T-bar are left ungroomed. This translates to a build-up during the week of powder (Cain gets an average of 300+ cm of powder each year). THERE ARE RENTALS: Adult and kids rentals are available at the mountain - both skiis and snowboards. The Island really does have the best British Columbia alpine skiing. And if you come to Mt. Cain, be prepared to have some of Vancouver Island's pure wilderness all to yourself up here (there are NO CROWDS!)
How To Get To Mount Cain And Where To StayAccess to the mountain is off Highway 19 (which is the newer Inland Island Highway - a fantastic 4 lane drive) north of Campbell River, about 8 km south of the Woss turnoff.Take Highway 19 to Campbell River, then continue on the 2-lane section northwards. After about an hour, look for blue highway signs for both Mt. Cain and Schoen Lake Provincial Park (the same initial access road services each). Turn left (gravel road) and follow the signs to Mt. Cain. Driving time from Campbell River to Mt. Cain is about 1.5 hours. You're looking roughly at a 16 km ride on a gravel road from the highway to the day lodge. The road is basically a logging road and it is a tough climb up - we'd recommend taking it in a 4x4, if you've got one. Chains are mandatory on your vehicle to get up Mount Cain. ANOTHER OPTION: would be to take the shuttle bus that departs at 8:30 a.m. at the base parking lot. Bus is by donation ($5 recommended). Be there earlier than 8:30 as it's on a first come, first serve basis.
If you're looking for a high-end BC ski lodge up here, you won't find it. Mount Cain is "rough around the edges," in terms of accommodations. There's no hotel or chalets to stay at on the mountain. However, you can stay overnight, but it's a bit more of an adventure... The cabins they've got are "hostel" style. They provide the roof over your head and the heating, but you bring everything else, including soap, bedding, etc. YOU MUST CALL AHEAD AND BOOK - APPARENTLY THE CABINS ARE REALLY POPULAR AND BOOK FAST! Don't worry about bringing food though - we've heard from several "regulars" that they've got quite a good cafe that serves breakfast, lunch, snacks and dinner.
To find out more about this BC skiing destination, visit Mount Cain's website to find out more, and for current conditions.
Vancouver Island Adventures / Mount Cain
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