Mount Benson — Local services in Area C (Arrowsmith-Benson)

This is not a well documented mountain. We found zero materials about Mt Benson's trail map or how to get there online, making it difficult for out-of-town visitors like us to hike.

For example, the parking lot from Benson View Rd and Kilpatrick Rd only provides access to a Difficult trail, but none of the Moderate or Intermediate trails. And because there's no trail maps online, you don't realize this limitation until you've arrived at the parking lot in person.

Furthermore, unless you're a local, it's not clear how to access the Moderate or Intermediate trails. There's no parking lot or area marked as the entry point on Google maps or on a website. That's right - Google maps can't be counted on for Benson.

If you somehow manage to find the entry point, the Moderate path is crazy bumpy with large rocks, making it difficult to descend without almost twisting one's ankle every few dozen steps. Also, the entry point is gated, so you'll have to park on the side of the road.

If you're here in April, beware that there's snow 2/3 way up to the summit. Slippery conditions!!!!!!!

Lastly, highly HIGHLY recommend you drive to the park. Mt Benson is not transit friendly. Don't be like us and take the bus to Jingle Pot Rd to walk 45 mins to the parking lot - save your energy for reaching the summit.

Overall, great forest, beautiful views of Nanaimo, well-marked trails but paving is non-existent. Could be an amazing hike if park authorities post the trail maps they have on sign posts up online so hikers can do research beforehand. I've included a photo here of the map - you're...

Tried hiking up Bensen from the new parking lot by Witchcraft lake on Easter Sunday. The parking lot was easy to find with lots of parking spaces! Though the lot was fairly busy, I’d say it was half full when we parked.

The parking lot had a good trail map for the surrounding trails and a single stall toilet by the trailhead.

The trails are well marked with orange markers and lots of signage to the summit. The hike up to 1/2 mark was pretty tough (400m elevation gain in 2km). Although the trail had lots of elevation, it was in good condition and without ice/snow until the half way point.

From the half way point onward, spikes/crampons are pretty much needed for traction. Although we saw people attempt the trail without, the snow/ice conditions made it very unsafe. Would not recommend without spikes.

We made it 3/4 up and decided to call it because of time constraints (had an appointment later) and the trail conditions. It was slippery and not ideal. Although it was sunny out, it was pretty breezy and cold. Will have to try again...

June 2020. This was my first “big” hike. I still can’t believe I even made it to the top, if I’m being totally honest. It took my group about 2 hrs to reach the summit from the parking lot. I do have a couple of recommendations. I wouldn’t be bringing little kids on hike, as there were steep inclines, ropes, got muddy in a couple of small areas and roots sticking out. I also would make sure you are wearing the proper socks, I wore these socks called “trail” socks which I thought would be appropriate and I recommend taping your toes or provide some kind of padding as my toenails were no more when I got home. 😬 Also on the way down it is really hard on the knees and I came ill prepared without poles- about a 2 hr descent. Make sure you bring snacks and lots of water.

However, the views of the City of Nanaimo were absolutely spectacular, and well worth the hike up. The ever so friendly whiskey jacks are at the top to say hi and to try and take some of your food, just...