What is the Kusam Klimb?

The Kusam Klimb is a wild and rugged 23 km loop heading up and over the back of Mt. H’Kusam then down the Stowe Creek watershed. Starting at sea level, participants pass through some of the most spectacular scenery on Vancouver Island with views of mountain peaks and the Johnstone Strait as they negotiate their way over the well-developed trail. While the trail is open for year-round hiking, an organized event is held once per year on the summer solstice. The Kusam Klimb draws participants from around the world hoping to conquer the mountain! Are YOU tough enough? View our detailed trail guide, click here.

Exactly how hard is the Klimb?

Well, there are some folks who actually run much of the course, but the heart of the Kusam Klimb is to offer a challenge and an opportunity for a wonderful wilderness hike with support along the way (that's why it's called the Kusam Klimb – not the Kusam Race!).

Who can do the Klimb?

With the right training almost anyone can! Start with a test run: Hike up Bill's Trail to the first lookout at 1.5km. Yes, it is tough. (To give you an idea of distance, this is roughly one-quarter of the way up the mountain.) Don't get discouraged! Try the lookout hike again in a couple of days. Each time up, it gets a bit easier. Take your time -- on the brutally steep climb up it is better to pace yourself than race. Think slow and steady. During your test runs, remember that there will be a very steep decline going back down Bill's Trail, which can be difficult as well, but during the Kusam Klimb event the downhill route around the back is a much easier decline. You can make up some time there.

How Long Does It Take?