Century Sam Lake

The next time you have the opportunity, I recommend you pay Century Sam Lake a visit. This short day hike complete with a spectacular emerald green lake, towering rock cliffs and summer snow caves make this a 'must do' for mid Island adventurers.

This day hike is a well kept secret – and often well kept behind a locked gate. Access to Century Sam is at the end of a private road owned and secured by Timberwest Forest Co. Access to the road is limited to a few weekends during hunting season (October) and Comox District Mountaineering Club trips who have permissions to access the road on set dates throughout the year. If you are lucky enough to time it right, you can gain access to three trails at the end of the Comox Logging Road: Alone Mountain Trail, Century Sam and the Comox Glacier route itself.

To access the trail head of both Century Sam and the Comox Glacier route, follow the Comox lake Main, then Cruickshank Main, about 17.5km to the junction with South Main. Head left on South Main for approximately 7kms, then keep right for approximately 2kms until you reach Datsio Creek. Park here unless you are driving a 4 by 4 vehicle with high clearance as there are cross ditches beyond this point and very few places to turn around (if any). From here, take the right fork for approximately 2kms to reach the trail head on your left.

A few metres into the hike, there is a fun log crossing and then the trail splits shortly after. Take the right fork to Century Sam (or left if you were heading up to the Glacier). The trail is beautiful in it's own right, taking hikers on a tour through massive moss covered boulder fields, big timber and multiple rock slides. The trail works it's way steadily upwards covering 400m of elevation over approximately 5kms and follows Comox Creek to the outflow of Century Sam Lake. Most hikers can expect the trip up to the lake to take between 1.5 and 2.5 hours.

The lake is a mind blowing emerald green. Fed by snow melt, the temperature is chilly, but refreshing on a hot summer day. There is a nice rocky outcropping above the lake, that makes an inviting spot to sit in the sunshine and enjoy lunch. A cairn sits on the edge of the lake in memory of Sid Williams, a local adventurer who was also an actor and lived in the Comox Valley:

“Honouring Sid Williams of Courtenay, who played the role of ‘Century Sam’, the old prospector, during our 1958 British Columbia Centennial celebrations. Sid was an actor and comedian, a tireless volunteer who enriched the community. In 1984, he was awarded the Order of Canada for his lifetime of irrepressible humour and his service to others. Sid was also a keen hiker and skier who loved these mountains. Remembered by family and friends. 1992.”

But don't stop at the lake.

Carry onward on the path, over the rocks and to the back of the lake where you will enter a magical amphitheater. Complete with rock walls, cascading waterfalls and a massive snow cave, this magical spot is loaded with natural energy. Directly above, atop the rock walls, sits the Comox Glacier's south summit. The snow cave appears in summer, after the collection of winter snow has melted enough to create the huge arch. Depending on the season, the snow may cover the lake right until the end of summer. This year, after a poor snow pack and hot summer, it had retreated nearly all the way to the towering rock behind. The cave boasts a 30-40 foot ceiling and spectacular shimmering ice blue walls. Use caution if you choose to approach the ice cave as there is no telling when it may crumble and large chunks of ice are seen collapsed on the ground of the tunnel. Enter at your own risk.

I have lived on Vancouver Island my entire life and only just now discovered this magical place. These magical places fill me with a sense of wonder as to what else is out there. And remind me to keep exploring, right in my back yard.

Happy Trails!

More Information:Beyond Nootka – A Historical Perspective of Vancouver Island Mountains, Lindsay Elms, Misthorn Press, 1996, ISBN 0-919537-29-4For route information further into the backcountry, refer to Island Alpine – A Guide to The Mountains of Strathcona Park and Vancouver Island, Philip Stone, Wild Isle Publications, 2003, ISBN 0-9680766-5-3Backroad Mapbook. Volume III: Vancouver IslandTimberwest Forest Co. Recreational Access InformationComox District Mountaineering Club