Hiking at Mount Washington Alpine Resort

Mount Washington is a ski resort; in summer it offers self-guided hikes through old-growth forest and alpine meadows, all the way to the summit. Access to the trails is free; Finger Trail also requires a free pass and a signed waiver. Here is what to know before choosing a route.

The eight summer trails

The resort rates its trails by colour: green (easy), blue (intermediate) and black (expert).

• Great Big View, 0.3 km, blue: a multi-use trail overlooking Raven Lodge, with views of Strathcona Park.
• Memory Lane, 0.7 km, green: a short trail lined with benches honouring staff, family and friends.
• Top of the World, 1.0 km, green: a sea-to-sky panorama from the peak of the mountain.
• Giv'r Trail, 1.1 km, black: steep up and steep down, the most challenging way to the peak. It is marked with yellow tape.
• Finger Access Road, 1.6 km, blue: a multi-use trail and the access road to the trails on the far west of the network.
• Linton's Trail, 2.1 km, blue: rough, rugged sections with views of Strathcona Park and Mt. Albert Edward. It is marked with red flags.
• West Summit Ridge, 4.3 km, blue: winds through West Basin, peaks at Little Mount Washington, then descends through alpine meadows. It is marked with blue flags.
• Finger Trail, 7.5 km, blue: the mountain's signature trail, on challenging terrain with views of Strathcona Park. A free pass and a signed waiver are required from the Alpine Lodge.

Where the trails start

From the Alpine Lodge base: Giv'r, Linton's, Finger Access Road (which leads to Finger Trail) and Great Big View. From the top of Eagle Chair: Top of the World and West Summit Ridge.

The scenic chairlift

Riding up is optional. Tickets are sold at the front of the Alpine Lodge: $20 for an adult aged 19 to 64, before GST. Many guests take the chairlift up and hike down; those who hike up get a free ride down. Dogs are not allowed on the chairlift. Children must be 3 or older, and children in backpacks and newborns in slings are not permitted.

In 2026, full summer operations began June 26. According to the summer ticket page, the chairlift ran on Saturdays and Sundays until September 27, weather and conditions permitting.

Trail status and season

The resort posts the open or closed status of each trail and updates it through the season. Check it before you go, along with the lift hours, which are subject to change and to the weather.

What to bring

• Closed-toe shoes, and be ready for rugged terrain.
• Sunscreen, a hat, sun-protective clothing, sunglasses, bug spray and snacks.
• Plenty of water: there are no water sources on the mountain, but refill stations are available inside the Alpine Lodge.

Getting there and parking

The resort is 30 minutes north of the Comox Valley and about 1.5 hours from Nanaimo; its address is 1 Strathcona Parkway, Mt. Washington, British Columbia. Parking is free at both the Alpine Lodge and Raven Lodge. To reach the resort: 1-250-338-1386.