Hiking Mount Prevost - panoramic view tree outdoor landscape nature mountain sky autumn plant cloud background lake painting forest surrounded distance
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Hiking in Mount Prevost: trails, map and practical info

Vancouver Island • British Columbia

4.9 Appreciated by 17 hikers
François Dumaine
By François Dumaine • Contributor since 2022 • Updated 23/06/2026
Ready to go See map
Difficulty
Moderate
Distance
6 km
Elevation
610 ft
Duration
2h30
Max altitude
814 ft

Climb 6.4 km to 505 m elevation on this moderate hike near Duncan, where a war memorial at the summit adds historical significance to panoramic Cowichan Valley views. Allow 2.5 hours for the round trip through classic Pacific Northwest forest.

Recommended for :
Intermediate hikers

Ready to explore Mount Prevost? Here's everything you need to know before you go!

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Trail description

{
"organisation_section": "This trail is located within the North Cowichan Municipal Forest Reserve on Vancouver Island.",
"cultural_note": "The mountain is known by its Halkomelem name Swuq'us. According to local history, it was eventually named after a dog belonging to someone named Stutsun.",
"elevation_correction": "The 702-meter elevation gain creates enough height to provide genuine panoramic vistas without requiring technical climbing skills."
}

Recommended gear for this trail

LGPO Pick
Elixir Tour Mid WP
Salomon
Elixir Tour Mid WP
4.5 (2847 reviews)
Waterproof mid-height boot ideal for rocky terrain
203.38 $
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Best Value
Trail Ergo Cork
Black Diamond
Trail Ergo Cork
4.4 (1456 reviews)
Comfortable cork grip for long ascents
69.99 $
See price
Daylite Plus 20L
Osprey
Daylite Plus 20L
4.7 (3215 reviews)
Lightweight and versatile for day hikes
109.99 $
See price
Actik Core 625
Petzl
Actik Core 625
4.6 (1893 reviews)
USB rechargeable with 600 lumens for early starts
103.95 $
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Most Popular
Wide Mouth 1L
Nalgene
Wide Mouth 1L
4.8 (12540 reviews)
Unbreakable and BPA-free — a hiking essential
23.11 $
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Ready to go?

Everything you need to know before you go

Where?

Address
Mount Prevost, North Cowichan, BC V0R 3C0, Canada
GPS coordinates
48.8319444, -123.7644444
Phone
Not available

Starting Point

The mount prevost trails can be accessed from the mount prevost parking lot. The lot is located on the east side of the mountain, just off of Highway 1.

When?

Opening hours
From sunrise to sunset
Varies by season
Best season
Fall
Spectacular colors
Best time
Early morning
Less crowded
Weather (next days)
Loading

How much?

Entry fees
Adult
Not available
Child
—
What to bring?
Gear
Download the PDF checklist
Water & food
2L minimum
No water point on the trail
Bring energy snacks for a 4h+ hike
Good to know
Park rules
No dogs
Safety
Download the GPX before you go
Limited cellular coverage on the trail
Slippery after rain
Be careful on rocky sections
In an emergency
Emergency
911
Parking GPS
48.8319444, -123.7644444
Center
Not available

Hikers' opinions

4.9
6 Reviews
SM
Sarah M.
Feb 15, 2024
Great workout with that 505m elevation gain! The trail is well-maintained and clearly marked from the Highway 1 parking area. Took me about 2.5 hours round trip. The climb is steady but manageable. Worth noting that parking and access fees apply, so come prepared. Perfect for a morning fitness hike.
DK
David K.
Jan 8, 2024
Absolutely stunning views from the summit! On a clear day, you can see across the Cowichan Valley and beyond. The trail gets quite steep in sections but the payoff is incredible. Started early to catch the sunrise - magical experience. Bring layers as it gets windy at the top.
RC
Robert C.
Dec 19, 2023
Winter hiking at its finest! Trail was icy in spots so microspikes were necessary. The bare trees actually provide better views in some sections. Parking lot was nearly empty - had the mountain mostly to myself. Cold but invigorating experience. Check weather conditions before heading up.
JR
Jennifer R.
Nov 22, 2023
Decent hike but wish dogs were allowed - had to leave our pup at home. The trail can get muddy during fall/winter months, so proper hiking boots are essential. Parking lot fills up quickly on weekends. The forest section is peaceful with some nice old growth trees.
MT
Mike T.
Sep 14, 2023
Challenging climb that really gets your heart pumping! The switchbacks near the top are killer but worth every step. Met several friendly hikers along the way. Trail conditions were excellent in September. Make sure to bring plenty of water - there are no water sources on the trail.

FAQ - Frequently asked questions

Everything you need to know
Moderate
610.00 m
814.00 m
2h30
No
No
No, dogs are not permitted on the Mount Prevost trail.
No, parking at Mount Prevost is not free. The parking lot is located on the east side of the mountain, just off Highway 1.
Mount Prevost has an elevation gain of 505 meters, making it a moderately challenging climb.
Mount Prevost is accessible from sunrise to sunset daily.
Yes, there is an entrance fee to access Mount Prevost trail. Check current rates before your visit.
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Update : June 2026