Mount Benson is a landmark spot for area hikers and one of the most famous treks on the central Island. (Ian Holmes/NanaimoNewsNOW)

By Ian Holmes

STEP IT UP

VIDEO: Mount Benson provides challenging trek with spectacular views

Aug 28, 2022 | 5:19 AM

Editor’s Note: This is the third in a three-part series from NanaimoNewsNOW reporter Ian Holmes explores local hikes.

NANAIMO — Over the course of the next week I’ll be on a 135 kilometre hike alongside renowned Hadrian’s Wall in northern England.

To conclude a series exploring local hikes as I whip myself into shape, I set out on the morning of Wednesday, Aug. 23 to the summit of Mount Benson.

It’s a legendary hike to the top of the 1,000 metre mountain overlooking the Nanaimo and surrounding area. The hike originating from Mount Benson Regional Park involves consistent incline in a forested setting with stunning views.

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I used the main trail at Mount Benson Regional Park on BensonView Rd., which took me about an hour and a half to reach the summit.

While I’ve hiked Benson many times in my life, I hadn’t been up in about three years and underestimated its difficulty (aging doesn’t help).

The first kilometre is especially difficult, with a steep incline shooting up from the base of Witchcraft Lake. Immediately following the first steep phase is a primary viewpoint provides motivation to keep going.

I wore trail running shoes and also had a hydro pack on, which helped immensely.

Some people use hiking poles for Mt. Benson, however I personally find them obstructive as I prefer to have my arms free for scrambling up steeper sections and to brace myself on the way down.

BensonView Regional Trail is about a four kilometer hike one way to the top on a well maintained and marked trail with improved signage in recent years.

I had the summit to myself for the 20 minutes where I relaxed and took in the views with the sun shining and wind providing relief from the heat.

On my way down I passed about 20 people from a few different groups, including several folks curious while approaching a plane crash wreckage site which killed 23 people in 1951.

A few remnants from the Queen Charlotte Airlines Canso Flying Boat remain beside a side trail built a few years ago.

For those who are able and haven’t gone up Mount Benson, go for it! Those concerned about the difficult nature of the hike can take advantage of amazing views by going part-way up.

Join the conversation. Submit your letter to NanaimoNewsNOW and be included on The Water Cooler, our letters to the editor feature.

ian@nanaimonewsnow.com

On Twitter: @reporterholmes