Though Ladysmith isn’t exactly a bustling urban center, the Holland Creek Trail and attached Heart Lake Trail provide an easily accessible escape close to any amenities urban lovers could be looking for. Also, with Ladysmith close to Hwy 1, even if you were to stay in Nanaimo, these trails are only a quick drive away. The Holland Creek Trail, right in town, is an easy stroll along a creek great for any hiker/walker with a nice tranquil view of the creek and a lot of daily users. The Heart Lake Trail added a little more diversity to our day, climbing up a rather steep hill to a beautiful lake. Be warned, if you do the loop of this trail you will be walking through some newly planted clear cuts. We were surprised by this as we hadn’t read about it anywhere but felt a little at home…at work should I say…walking beside the 10 year old saplings. As well, just a little tip, if you are going to do the loop, do it counter clockwise, this makes the steepest part your downhill, not your uphill.
Location
From Victoria, the trailhead for Heart Lake Trail is only a 1 hr and 15 minute drive. We were coming from Duncan, having slept overnight in a WalMart parking lot after our visit to Camarah Walbran Provincial Park and this was only a 20 minute drive. Exit Hwy 1 (heading North) at Robert Street to get into Ladysmith. Follow Robert St into a residential area of town, make a right turn onto 6 Ave, then a left onto Malone Rd, and finally a left onto Mackie. On your left you will see a small wooded parking lot between the houses and a map of the trail to mark its start. This is not the only point to access the Holland Creek Trail, but it is the closets access to the Heart Lake Trail.
Difficulty
The Holland Creek Trail is an easy and accessible walking path. Most of the pathway is considered wheelchair and stroller accessible, though for wheelchairs you will want to start at a different trailhead because this one includes an initial, slightly steep (though smooth), descent from the roadway to the trail. This pathway is suitable for hikers of any condition, small children, and those with less mobility.
The Heart Lake Trail on the other hand includes a steep climb upward to the lake, from both sides, with one being particularly steep and difficult. The hike overall though is moderate to easy and rather short.
The Heart Lake Trail on the other hand includes a steep climb upward to the lake, from both sides, with one being particularly steep and difficult. The hike overall though is moderate to easy and rather short.
THe Holland Creek trail is smoother and better maintained than even this section which connects the two, Heart Creek Trail gets smaller and is more of a foot path
The Path
The pathway of the Holland Creek section of the trail is flat, wide, and smooth, making it accessible for hikers of any level, as well as people in wheelchairs or with strollers.
The pathway for the Heart Lake loop is a dirt trail that can be steep at times and has sections with obstructions like rocks and roots, though, it is easy to follow and well worn in.
The pathway for the Heart Lake loop is a dirt trail that can be steep at times and has sections with obstructions like rocks and roots, though, it is easy to follow and well worn in.
Length
The Holland Creek Trail is a total of 5.8km, with completion times varying; we didn’t hike this one its entirety, just a small portion of it.
Heart Lake Trail is a 6.4km loop and took us just over 2 hours to complete with a stop for lunch at the lake and a laid back attitude to the hike.
Heart Lake Trail is a 6.4km loop and took us just over 2 hours to complete with a stop for lunch at the lake and a laid back attitude to the hike.
Timing
This trail had a steady flow of people on it for the entire 4 hours we were there. Considering we visited in winter and on a weekday I imagine the visitors are even more plentiful come summer. We hiked from 11-2:30 and I thought this was an excellent time of day to be there. I wouldn’t hike Heart Lake when its too dark, only because of an amazing view it offers out to the sea and the steep climb up.
Highlights
Heart Lake was beautiful and tranquil, a great place to stop for lunch and take a few photographs. As well, the viewpoint looking out to the sea, including views of the Gulf Islands and Mount Baker, was incredible, I felt as though I could see forever and with such detail as it was a very clear day when we visited.
These Pictures hardly do justice to the view you get here
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