Meet our 2022 Strathcona Park Team!
The clouds are beginning to part (for the most part), the snow is starting to melt (slowly but surely) and there is lots of work to do in Strathcona to get ready for the summer that’s almost here! We’re really excited to welcome back a few familiar faces and welcome some rookies to this year’s operations team.
For those of you who enjoy visiting Strathcona, you’ll want to know who’s taking care of the trails! Meet our team for the summer and make sure to say hi if you see them on your next hike!
Strathcona Backcountry Supervisor
Name: Robert
Favorite hike in BC: Although I am new to BC, I have been able to check out a few of the awesome trails throughout the province. I have been based mainly in the Kamloops area and spent most of my time hiking around the Lac Du Bois Grassland Protected Area. These trails feature desert like conditions with a beautiful view over the Thompson River!
Looking forward to the most this summer: I am looking forward to getting into some remote areas in the park and to explore this beautiful stretch of land. There seems to be so much diversity in the landscape within the park that there will always be something new and unique to explore. Oh, and hopefully pull a fish out of Buttle Lake!
Activities you enjoy outdoors: My background is in long distance backpacking, but I also enjoy a good trail run or paddle. Something that encompasses all these activities that I have found a passion for is photography. I bring my camera with me on almost all my adventures to capture, and hopefully inspire others to come and enjoy the great outdoors.
Your hiking hack: When I first started hiking and enjoying the backcountry, I suffered through sitting on wet logs, soggy grass, and drenched moss. Today I am happy to report that a small sitting pad is the solution to this problem! They sell purpose-built pads, or you can build your own! They also make a great door mat for the outside of your tent. Simple, cheap, lightweight, and multifunctional, now that it a nice piece of gear.
Strathcona Backcountry
Name: Marty
Favourite hike in BC: So my favorite hike in BC would be the Nootka Island Trail. It was a pretty easy walk and we nailed it with some perfect weather. I would definitely do it again if I had the chance. A close second would have to be the hike to Cream Lake from Bedwell Lake. Simply spectacular.
Most looking forward to this summer: This summer I am looking forward to staying in the ranger cabin on the plateaux. Ive always wanted to stay there since the first time I laid eyes on it in the mid 90's. Also just generally working on improving that section of the park that I have gotten to enjoy so many times will be very gratifying.
Activities you enjoy outdoors: Some of my favorite outdoor activities are hiking, snorkeling, gardening, paddle boarding, canoeing, snowboarding and going for walks and runs in forest near our home.
Your hiking hack: An item that has made our hikes better every time despite its weight, has been a 4L box of red wine! It can really give you the extra boost on that long portage, pairs perfectly with a charcuterie lunch and it even doubles as a pillow after a long day of beach walking. Our other fave is Dad's Oatmeal Cookies dipped in Bengal Spice tea and a light crib board and cards.
Strathcona Backcountry
Name: Anna
Favourite hike in BC: think my favourite hike so far is the West Coast Trail but there’s still so many trails I hope to explore!
Most looking forward to this summer: I’m excited to meet lots of cool hikers and see the stars on clear nights!
Activities you enjoy outdoors: I love hiking, skiing, swimming, and running.
Your hiking hack: I always carry a deck of cards with me in case of rainy evenings in the tent or under a tarp.
Buttle Lake & Ralph River Area
Name: Gizz
Favourite hike in BC: Being relatively new to the Island (moved here 2 years ago), I still have many hikes/climbs on my “to do list”, but one of my favourites to date would have to be the Juan de Fuca Trail. The lush vegetation, the views, and camping right by the ocean make for a memorable experience!
Most looking forward to this summer: Spending the summer in such a remarkable area, rich with natural beauty and history is very exciting. I’m also looking forward to interacting with park visitors and listening to their experiences and assisting them on the trails whenever I can. And all the hiking!
Outdoor activities that you enjoy: Some of my favourite activities are hiking, scrambling, backpacking, fishing, climbing, and mountaineering. Over the past few years I’ve also been working on my whitewater skills through packrafting trips.
Your hiking hack: Chocolate covered espresso beans and baby wipes! The espresso beans give you a much needed boost of energy (any time of day) and greatly improves your mood, especially in nasty weather. The baby wipes are a great way to freshen-up after a long day on the trails!
Buttle Lake & Ralph River Area
Name: Taylor
Favorite hike in BC: It would have to be marble meadows in our very own Strathcona Park! Access by canoe and then a grind up the side of a mountain brings you to a beautiful meadow with mountain views all around you! Although water was scarce on our way up and we decided to go during a heat wave, it was unlike any other hike I have done.
Looking forward to most this season: Getting to know the community that spends a plethora of time in the park. I am also very excited to venture into rock climbing and hopefully bag a couple peaks this season.
Activities you enjoy outdoors: I enjoy any activity that gets me outside! I love to hike, surf, rock climb, ski, and swim.
Your hiking hack: A little shot of Baileys for your coffee in the morning can go a long way (when not at work of course!). I usually put it in a little reusable bottle and am envied for the simple ingenuity, even though I stole the idea from my mom.
Buttle Lake & Ralph River Area
Name: Anya
Favorite hike in BC: Every hike I have done in BC has been beautiful for different reasons but if I had to choose one it would be the Heather Trail in Manning Provincial Park during the alpine wildflower bloom! It’s a stunning ridgeline hike with 360 degree views of the surrounding mountaintops.
Looking forward to most this season: Working outdoors, meeting new people and exploring the park.
Activities you enjoy outdoors: Backcountry camping, foraging, hiking, cooking over a fire, snorkeling, kayaking or canoeing, bird watching, identifying plants, sketching outdoors.
Your hiking hack: I always bring a small sketchbook and some watercolor paints and pens to draw with while I’m out. And if I had to add one more it would be some pre-planned meal from the backcountry cook book called “Dirty Gourmet” the recipes are so good, I make them even when I'm not camping!