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Can You Do The Landslide Lake Hike in 1 Day? The Ultimate Guide

If you’re looking for an unforgettable hiking adventure on Vancouver Island, hiking the Elk River Trail to Landslide Lake is a must-do.

I recently tackled this trail, and let me tell you, the scenery was absolutely incredible. Nestled in the stunning Strathcona Provincial Park, this hike offers a perfect mix of challenging terrain and breathtaking views.

But can you do it in one day? Absolutely! While it’s a long and tough trek, it’s totally doable if you’re up for a full day of adventure. From the lush forests and clear rivers to the stunning mountain views and the peaceful beauty of Landslide Lake, every part of this trail shows off the natural beauty of Vancouver Island and makes every step worth it.

As someone who loves exploring the outdoors and sharing these experiences, I’m excited to guide you through everything you need to know about this hike. So, grab your hiking shoes, pack the essentials, and join me on a journey through one of the island’s most spectacular trails.

Landslide Lake Hike Stats

Start of trail to the 1st campsite

Time = 1 hr and 40 mins

Distance = 7.5 kilometres

1st campsite to 2nd campsite

Time = 45 mins

Distance = 2.5 kilometres

2nd campsite to Landslide Lake

Time = 1 hr

Distance = 3 kilometres 

Elk River Trail to Landslide Lake

A hiker stands on a log in the middle of the clear, turquoise waters of Landslide Lake, surrounded by towering mountains and dense evergreen forests on Vancouver Island.

Trailhead to 1st campsite

The hike to Landslide Lake starts on the Elk River Trail in Strathcona Provincial Park. The trailhead is easy to find, and right from the start, you’re surrounded by the lush beauty of Vancouver Island.

The first part of the hike to the 1st campsite is pretty gentle. It’s about 6 kilometres (3.7 miles) and takes around 2 hours, depending on your pace. Since we were doing this as a day hike and were powering through, we were able to do this section of the trail in an hour and 45 minutes. The path is well-maintained and gradually goes uphill, making it a pleasant walk through towering trees and alongside the scenic Elk River.

As you get closer to the 1st campsite, you’ll find a well-marked area that’s perfect for taking a quick break. We didn’t stop for too long since it was still early in the hike but we did have a quick snack and use the pit toilet available. 

1st campsite to the 2nd campsite 

Continuing from the 1st campsite, the hike to the 2nd campsite on the Elk River Trail becomes a bit more challenging. This section is about 4 kilometres (2.5 miles) and takes around 1 hour to complete. We were able to complete it within 45 minutes but again because we were doing this as a day hike our pace was quite fast and we wanted to enjoy as much time at the lake as possible! 

The trail gets steeper and more rugged after the 1st campsite but the terrain is still very manageable. The 2nd campsite area is a great spot to take a short break, with a crystal-clear river that’s perfect for refilling your drinking water or splashing your face to cool down a bit. There’s a pit toilet here too and I was pleasantly surprised to find it was well stocked with toilet paper.

If you aren’t doing this as a day hike and are planning on camping, I would recommend staying at the 2nd campsite because you’re closer to the lake and the tent sites were a lot better here. 

2nd campsite to Landslide Lake

The final stretch from the 2nd campsite to Landslide Lake is the most challenging part of the Elk River Trail, but it’s also the most rewarding. This section is where the hike really tests your endurance and determination, especially as a day hike.

As you leave the 2nd campsite, the trail becomes steeper and more rugged. Just before you reach the lake, you’ll gain a fair amount of elevation by walking up the rock face of the mountain. Prepare for your heart rate to spike! The rocky path can be tricky (I’m pretty new to hiking so I’m very much a beginner), but the anticipation of reaching the lake certainly helps keep you motivated.

A hiker poses in front of a cascading waterfall on the hike to Landslide Lake, framed by lush greenery and bright sunlight.

There was one part of this leg where we briefly lost our way. After coming out of the forest into a clearing, we weren’t sure which direction to go. If you find yourself in the same situation, look for the rock stacks (cairns) that previous hikers have created to mark the way. These rock piles will guide you in the right direction.

Despite the challenges, this part of the hike is incredibly rewarding. As you approach Landslide Lake, the scenery is nothing short of breathtaking. The turquoise waters of the lake surrounded by towering peaks make all the effort worthwhile. 

We reached the lake at around 11.30 am which was the perfect time for lunch, we were all starving by this point even though we had lots of snacks along the way! Bring more food than you think you need, that’s for sure cause you will burn through it pretty quickly. 

When planning out your hike, make sure you allow yourself plenty of time so that you can relax and enjoy the stunning scenery of the lake. We went swimming three times before we left the lake at 2 pm. It was the perfect amount of time for us to really enjoy it before making our way back down the trail.

Return trip

On the return trip, we were faster in some parts and slower in others as we started to fatigue. The first part of the trail heading back down the mountain you do need to watch where you put your feet so you don’t slip. I wore my hiking shoes and I would highly recommend them if you have a pair. 

As we were going downhill instead of up, we were faster getting down at the start while we felt relatively fresh after our big rest. It wasn’t until we made it back to the 2nd campsite that I realised how long this hike was…I was starting to feel pretty pooped! 

We refilled our water bottles in the stream at the campsite, it’s crystal clear so you don’t need a filter also it’s nice and cold which is super refreshing. I did splash myself down a bit here too because it was soo hot when we did this hike! 

You know how usually the return journey feels quicker than the journey there? Well on this occasion it didn’t haha. Once we’d made it back to the 1st campsite the stretch from here back to the carpark felt very long. It is the longest part of the hike, so that makes sense but since my legs weren’t conditioned for long hikes, my body was starting to hurt by this point…

BUT we made it!! And let me tell you, that feeling of relief when you see the car park is pretty great. It’s also incredibly rewarding to know you were able to hike all that way, see one of the most incredible untouched bits of scenery, all within a day!

Landslide Lake Hike Tips

A woman wades into the pristine, clear waters of Landslide Lake, with the rugged peaks of Vancouver Island's mountains towering in the background.
  1. Start Early: This hike is best done as a day trip if you start early in the morning. It’s a long and challenging trail, so giving yourself plenty of daylight hours will make the experience more enjoyable and less rushed.
  2. Pack Plenty of Water and Snacks: The hike is strenuous, especially in the final stretch, so make sure you have enough water and energy-boosting snacks to keep you fueled throughout the day. We packed muesli bars, nuts and dried fruit, and bananas which kept us going.
  3. Wear Proper Footwear: The trail has rocky and uneven sections, particularly as you approach Landslide Lake. Hiking boots with good ankle support are recommended but hiking shoes also work too and are what I walked the trail in.
  4. Be Prepared for the Elevation Gain: The last part of the trail involves a significant elevation gain as you climb up the rockface. Take your time and pace yourself but know that you’re almost there!
  5. Check the Weather: Weather conditions can change quickly, especially in the mountains. Check the forecast before you go, and be prepared with layers and rain gear.
  6. Leave No Trace: This trail is located in a beautiful and pristine area. Make sure to pack out all your trash and leave the environment as you found it.
  7. Know Your Limits: The hike to Landslide Lake is demanding, so know your limits and listen to your body. If you feel too tired or conditions aren’t favourable, it’s okay to turn back early. Don’t push yourself to hike to Berg Lake as well unless you feel comfortable, remember the hike from Landslide to Berg is the hardest part of the trail.
  8. Take Breaks: Don’t forget to take breaks, especially at the campsites. These spots are perfect for resting, refuelling, and enjoying the scenery.

These tips will help you have a safe and enjoyable hike to Landslide Lake. It’s a challenging trek, but the breathtaking views and sense of accomplishment make it all worth it!

FAQ: Landslide Lake BC

How long is the hike to Landslide Lake?

The hike to Landslide Lake via the Elk River Trail is about 14 kilometres (8.7 miles) one way, so you’re looking at a 28-kilometer (17.4 miles) round trip. The first campsite is 7.5 kilometres into the trail, and the second one is at the 11-kilometre mark. From there, reaching the stunning Landslide Lake is just another 3 kilometres.

The trail starts off relatively easy, but things get more challenging after the second campsite. This is where the real adventure begins, with steeper, rockier sections that will definitely get your heart pumping.

On average, the whole hike can take around 7 to 9 hours to complete as a round trip, depending on your pace, how many breaks and the amount of time you spend relaxing at the lake. 

Is it possible to hike to Landslide Lake and Berg Lake within a day?

It’s certainly possible, but would I recommend it? Probably not. Your time at Landslide Lake would be pretty rushed in order to make it up to Berg Lake as well so you wouldn’t have much time to relax and actually enjoy the scenery.

If you were a very fast hiker then maybe you could do it, it really comes down to your physical ability but for the average beginner hiker like myself, best to just stick with Landslide Lake and call it a day.

Final thoughts: Landslide Lake Vancouver Island

So, can you tackle the Landslide Lake hike in one day? Absolutely—you just need to be ready for an epic adventure! From the moment you set foot on the Elk River Trail to the final push up the rocky path to Landslide Lake, this hike is all about embracing the journey. And trust me, when you finally reach Landslide Lake and see those stunning turquoise waters, you’ll know it was all worth it.

The trail offers everything from peaceful forest walks to heart-pumping climbs, all leading to the stunning payoff of Landslide Lake’s turquoise waters. If you’re up for the challenge, start early, pack smart, and pace yourself. 

While it’s a tough trek, the sense of achievement and the incredible views make it all worth it. So yes, you can do the Landslide Lake hike in one day—just be ready for an epic adventure! Happy hiking!