Paradise Meadows
Paradise Meadows is located in the southeast of Strathcona Park and sits at the entrance to Forbidden Plateau. The hike to Mt Albert Edward is the highest mountain of the Plateau at 2093 meters (6867 ft). Paradise Meadows provides great short hikes that are easier than the hikes to the mountains nearby.
Paradise Meadows is home to a large variety of flowering plants and low growing bushes. Many types of birds and wildlife frequent this area. During the spring and summer the meadows are a lush green.
Time and Distance:
Short Trail Options:
Centennial Loop Trail : 30 mins, 2 km
Wheelchair friendly, this section has boardwalks and hard packed gravel. The grade is 5-8% in some sections, but most of the trail is easy. This project took 14 years of volunteer time and fund raising. RThe trail took 5 years to construct (2005-2010).
Paradise Meadows Loop: approx 50 mins, 3.5 km return. Here is the map for both trails: http://strathconapark.org/w/wp-content/uploads/SWI-Flyer-FINAL1.pdf
Medium Trail options:
Helen Mackenzie/Battleship/ Lake Loop: 2.5 hours, 6.8 km
Once on the trail, take the second junction toward Battleship Lake. Coming towards the Lake there are some smaller paths that provide great lookouts to the lake.
Paradise Meadows Trailhead to Kwai Lake: Approx 3 hours, 7 km, Elevation gain: 250 meters. Here you can get some great photos of lakes, Castle Crag and Frink Mountain.
Paradise Meadows Trailhead to Canyon Lookout: 4 hours, 8.5 km: At the first intersection stay right and then follow the trail straight through several more intersections to Canyon Lookout.
