Short hikes as used here include day-hikes, trail runs and overnight trips. Much of the VIT is not suited to such short trips because of its remoteness and its linear nature and lack of trailheads in remote areas. Some sections of the VIT can only be accessed by way of active logging (haul) roads, which for safety are best avoided unless you have VHF radio capability. Hence, day-hikes and trail runs are limited to and best undertaken from one of the trailheads, many of which are close to Island communities and public roads.
Southern Vancouver Island, possibilities include day-hikes to attractive/interesting features/areas include:
- Suspended bridge over the Goldstream River from the Humpback Lake trailhead
- Kinsol Trestle from either the Sooke Lake Road trailhead or from parking areas on either Glen Eagles Road or Riverside Road
- Skutz Falls and the Marie Canyon Bridge, accessed from Highway 18 between Duncan and Lake Cowichan
Central Vancouver Island, good day-hikes include:
- Phase 1, 2 or 3 (or portions) of the Alberni Inlet Trail immediately south of Port Alberni, although these are best by arranging a vehicle at both ends.
- Several day-hiking or trail-running options from Cumberland up to or even past the Trent River ‘Potholes’ at the start of the Tsable Lake Trail
- Day-hikes (or overnight trips) into Strathcona Park starting from the former Forbidden Plateau Ski-hill (good winter snow-shoeing routes too)
- North of Campbell River, off the Menzies Main logging road, consider day-hikes on the Salmon River Trail, along the Grilse Creek Trail and along Glen’s Trail (overnight too)
On central Island, overnight or longer trips are feasible along the Vancouver Island Trail route through Strathcona Park, and:
- From Cumberland via the Tsable Lake Trail to Tsable Lake, possibly continuing south to Mt. Clifton
Northern Vancouver Island, day-hike or overnight possibilities include:
- From the Cluxewe River mouth and saltmarshes to the old Suquash coalmine site – at lower tide levels along the beaches and rock-shelves and at higher tides using the trail just inland of the shoreline.
- From Port Hardy, hike around Hardy Bay to the Fort Rupert (aka Commuter) Trail that leads to the First Nations (Kwakiutl) community of Fort Rupert and Storey’s Beach
So, best to look at the available maps and guidebook to determine what makes sense from your location.