Beaufort Range (Mt Irwin) 

Elevation: Launch 3400" asl LZ 300' asl
Suitable for: HG (PG possible)
Location: Northeast of Port Alberni
Direction of Launch: SW
Type of Site: Inland Mountain
Type of Flying: Ridge ,Thermal
XC Potential: Good
Regulating Body: VIH/PGC

Primary Local Contacts:
HGer: John Haley Tel. 250-
HGer: Les Sainsbury Tel. 250-727-3819

Flying Season: 0,1,2,3, or 4 (highest)
Spring 3 Summer 3 Fall 2 Winter 0

Description of Launch:
Excellent rounded gravel slope beside road turnaround at the S end of Mt Irwin's peak. Launch is over a long ravine above a plateau. It is common to loose a lot of altitude working your way North to the front ridge (or the LZ which is a long 6 - 1 glide).

Description of Landing:
Huge field beneath Mt. Hal: a 6 - 1 Glide north of launch (NE of Stamp Falls Provincial Park). Other landing fields closer to mountain (permission not granted as of yet). Site is only suitable for Intermediate pilots with strong soaring skills as it may be necessary to work close to the hill in order to make the LZ. If crops are high, ensure you land on the long, unobstructed gravel road which runs the length of the field. Possible PG LZ at McMillan Mill Municipal Park below TO.

Vehicle / Transportation Requirements: Any Vehicle Rugged 2-WD, 4-WD Faster

HPAC Skill Level Requirements: (Student, Novice, Intermediate, or Advanced)
Mild Conditions = Intermediate, Moderate Conditions = Intermediate, Strong Conditions = Advanced

Skill Level Verification Requirements:
HPAC Rating: Log Book yes Demonstration at Training Hill
Site Regulation: Informal/HPAC Insurance/Local Club

Additional Information:
The huge field below launch is no longer an LZ. It has been completely planted with poplar trees and a 10 foot high deer fence encompasses the field. There is NO EXIT. (Too bad... it would have been great for Pgers and Novice pilots.) The last 2 Km into launch require HIGH clearance vehicles.

Radio Frequency 123.4 Mhz (Aircraft) & 173.640 Mhz

Launch Directions:
From Pt Albernie: Turn NE at Safeway onto Cherry Creek Rd., turn right at the school, take the left fork and drive to the Motorcross gate.Set your trip meter to "0" Head 'er up, crossing under the power lines. At 0.8kms take the left fork, cross the railway tracks andstay on the main Rd. At the 3.2 Km mark take the right fork followed by the left fork. After crossing the river (7.6 Kms), take the STEEP road heading west. Its a long drive - 45 minute plus. From Dunsmuir N of Qualicum Beach (fastest access for those familiar with Pt Albernie area and the LZ) Drive N. around Horn Lake past the Spelunking Caves, cross the bridge and take the first(steep) west fork.==>Set your trip meter (again) to "0" and jack up the suspension on "low riders". There are many deep drainage berms cutinto the road. Stay on the main road for 6.7 km then take the left major fork 0.4 km into launch. (1st time up tips: Avoid the 1st 2 L forks, the next 2 R forks, avoid the L, R, L forks and the next R fork. Confused yet? The next Major fork (take the left) is the one into launch. Total 7.1 km

Landing Directions:
From the west area of Port Albernie heading towards Tofino turn N onto Beaver Creek Road for about 5 Km. The designated LZ is just NE of Stamp Falls Provincial Park - a magnificent primitive campground famous for videos of salmon leaping up the falls. Turn right onto Bland Rd. Stop and check in with the landowners. Drive slowly to the center of the field and park behind the grove of trees. This may be one of the bigger LZ's you will ever land in. Many emergency fields in the valley. For alternate (emergency) HG LZ's, Turn right off of Beaver Creek Rd onto Smith Road. There is potential for a PG LZ's near McLeans Mill (turn left onto Granvill Rd.) From the
school turnoff (to the Motocross Gate and Launch) to the LZ(s) turn north off Cherry Creek Rd onto Cowley Rd. To follow the base of the ridge, take the Right fork onto Cypress Blvd and left onto Batty. Turn right onto Debeaux Rd which turns west and becomes Smith Rd.

Bruce Peak (Saltspring)  

Elevation: Launch 2300' asl (48 46.0 N 123 30.5 W), LZ 125' asl
Suitable for: HG, PG (possibly)
Location: Saltspring Island overlooking the Fulford Valley
Direction of Launch: NE
Type of Site: Coastal, Mountain
Type of Flying: Ridge, Thermal (may be lift over valley in winter)
XC Potential: Good (longest flight is 28mi/45km)
Regulating Body: VIH/PGC

Primary Local Contacts:
HGer: Rob Cannon Tel. 250-537-8733
Les Sainsbury Tel. 250-727-3819

Flying Season: 0,1,2,3, or 4 (highest)
Spring 4 Summer 4 Fall 2 Winter 2

Description of Launch:
Excellent Ramp. Wire assist above 10 MPH due to trashy air from rocks on both sides. Almost impossible to launch over 25 MPH.

Description of Landing:
Two landing fields in the Fulford Valley, Funks and the Maxwell Field (SE half only). The beach at the Fulford Harbour Pub can be used
at low tide.

Vehicle / Transportation Requirements: Rugged 2WD Better; 4WD Best

HPAC Skill Level Requirements: (Student, Novice, Intermediate, or Advanced)
Mild Conditions = Novice, Moderate Conditions = Intermediate, Strong Conditions = Advanced

Skill Level Verification Requirements: HPAC Rating, Log Book

Additional Information:
HPAC Insured Site. HPAC Insurance is mandatory. CYA Restricted Airspace. Maximum Altitude 2500' ASL. Because of very heavy jet traffic * NEVER * EXCEED 2500' ASL. Phone in advance because landing fields change from day to day as they are cropped or used as grazing fields. Supervised novice pilots may use the Funks' Landing field (#2). Winds can be very variable at both LZs in spring and summer. Currently the Fulfor Airstrip is available for landing - contact Rob Cannon prior to use.

Radio Frequency 123.4 Mhz (Aircraft) & 173.640 Mhz
Fulford Traffic Frequency 123.2 Mhz
Go XC from here through Maple Bay and you will join the "Island Hoppers" as you will have crossed a significant amount of open ocean.

Launch Directions:
From the Fulford Harbour ferry terminal take the left at the intersection and then Left again at the pub. Stay on this until gravel road forks right (up the hill) then stay right on all the forks (there is active logging currently so stay off of new forks).

Dallas Road*  

*This site is a club members only site.
Please contact club executive for further details.

Doran Lake

Elevation: Launch 2200' asl LZ 100'asl
Suitable for: HG
Location: Port Alberni / Sproat Lake
Direction of Launch: SW
Type of Site: Mtn
Type of Flying: Thermal
XC Potential: Fair
Regulating Body: VIH/PGC

Primary Local Contacts:
HGer: Les Sainsbury Tel. 250-727-3819

Flying Season: 0,1,2,3, or 4 (highest)
Spring 1 Summer 2 Fall 2 Winter 0

Description of Launch: 1/2 hour drive to launch. Ramp is in a clearcut

Description of Landing:
River bed mix of sand, medium gravel with varied sized rocks in it. LZ is only available during during low water periods.

Vehicle / Transportation Requirements: 4-WD

HPAC Skill Level Requirements: (Student, Novice, Intermediate, or Advanced)
Mild Conditions = Intermediate, Moderate Conditions = Advanced,. Strong Conditions = Advanced

Other Information:
Watch out for very strong westerly flow below 1000' SL picking up in the afternoon. Rotors off the trees are very bad when it is blowing.

Radio Frequency 123.4 Mhz (Aircraft) & 173.640 Mhz or: Emergency Ph #

Malahat

Elevation: 1670' asl (48 35.4 N 123 32.5 W), LZ 0' asl
Suitable for: HG & PG
Location: 20 Miles N of Victoria
Direction of Launch: ENE - ESE
Type of Site: Coastal Mountain
Type of Flying: Thermal, Ridge
XC Potential: Poor
Regulating Body: VIH/PGC

Primary Local Contacts:
HGer: Les Sainsbury Tel. 250-727-3819
PGer: Jayson Biggins Tel. 250-886-4165, Email: jayson@VIParagliding.com

Flying Season: 0,1,2,3, or 4 (highest)
Spring 3 Summer 3 Fall 1 Winter 1

Description of Launch:
Launch is accessed through a locked gate via VIHGC members only. The launch is off a recently widened ramp which carries on from a natural slope.

Description of Landing:
Provincial Park beach: land on the southernmost part. **Note: the old Tilbury Cement Plant is NOT a permitted landing area (the owners have requested that we refrain from landing there). **Note to PG pilots: NO TOP-LANDINGS PERMITTED (due to proximity of power lines).

Vehicle / Transportation Requirements: Rugged 2-WD, 4WD.

HPAC Skill Level Requirements: (Student, Novice, Intermediate, or Advanced)
Mild Conditions = Novice(HG), Intermediate(PG), Moderate Conditions = Intermediate, Strong Conditions = Advanced

Site Regulation: Formal

Additional Information:
This site was just recently reopened! It is CYA Special Use Airspace. Maximum altitude is strictly limited to 2500' ASL. The VIHGC must designate an on-site responsible person for each active period. The VIGHC must contact Victoria Tower (655-2866) at least one hour prior to each proposed active period and identify the duration of the active period. ONE violation of this rule will lose this site. You DO NOT want your name to go down in infamy. Hang/Para Gliding activity will terminate at the end of the active period. If Hang/Para gliding terminates for any reason more than one hour before the end of any active period, the VIHGC responsible person will notify Victoria
Tower. Insurance is required. Locked site. Keyed access for VIGHC member pilots and invited insured guests only.

The beach LZ is on the border of a Provincial Park As the tide comes in, a spit begins to appear at the NW end of the beach. This is the final warning that it is time to land. As the tide comes in, the spit at the N. End of the beach starts to submerge and it is TIME TO LAND. Land at the South end of the beach only, in front of the houses. Watch out for spectators. There is lots of beach at low tide but it is VERY tight at higher tide. Novice pilots must land at 3' or lower tides. Land as far south of the park as low tide permits.

Radio Frequency 123.4 Mhz (Aircraft) & 173.640 Mhz.
Spectacular Scenery and very enjoyable air.

Launch Directions:
Access via locked gate on the left a couple of kilometres past "Split Rock" along the Island Highway (stop here - great place to see what the wind is doing in the Saanich Inlet).. Follow road up to second gate (15mins) and park a bit before and off to the side (DO NOT block access to upper gate).

Landing Directions:
The LZ is immediately to the SE of Bamberton Provincial Park Beach, available only at low tide for HGers and low-medium tide for PGers.

Mt. Prevost

Elevation: Launch 2500' asl (48 50.0 N 123 46.0 W), LZ 300' asl
Direction of Launch: SE and W
Site Suitable for: HG & PG
Location: 5 miles N. of Duncan
Type of Site: Coastal Mountain
Type of Flying: Thermal, Ridge on west face
XC Potential: Fair
Regulating Body: VIH/PGC

Primary Local Contacts:
HGer: Les Sainsbury Tel. 250-727-3819
PGer: Jayson Biggins Tel. 250- 886-4165, Email: jayson@VIParagliding.com

Flying Season: 0,1,2,3, or 4 (highest)
Spring 4 Summer 3 Fall 3 Winter 2

Description of Launch:
Good S concrete ramp launch approx. 150 yards to the W. of the parking lot. There is a flat, 15 minute walk to the W launch area. W launch is shallow and is better in 8+ MPH winds.

Description of LZ:
varies due to crop conditions. Contact VIHGC for the current field. The field NE of the Motor-cross track is usually OK as an alternate LZ year round. Landing at the Golf Course is no longer permitted.

Vehicle / Transportation Requirements:Any Vehicle; Rugged 2-WD, 4-WD in Winter

HPAC Skill Level Requirements: (Student, Novice, Intermediate, or Advanced)
Mild Conditions = Novice, Moderate Conditions = Intermediate, Strong Conditions = Intermediate

Skill Level Verification Requirements:HPAC Rating, Log Book
Site Regulation: Informal/HPAC Insurance/Local Club

Additional Information:
CYA 118 (A) (H) Special Use Airspace for Aerobatics and Hang Gliding. Maximum permitted altitude is 3000'ASL. Class E to 3500' ASL (need HAGAR). Strong E or W winds set up in valley. No flying for July and August due to fire hazard. Strong sink on SE Side of Mt if it's crossing on SW launch. Resident thermal is to the NE of the satellite dish. There is rotor and a big sink hole in west winds. Leave for the LZ before getting below launch so as to clear the second ridge or you will need a helicopter. Beware of high power lines at base of mountain.

Radio Frequency 123.4 Mhz (Aircraft) & 173.640 Mhz Ambulance: 1-800-461-9911 FSS Nanaimo 250-245-5548 Fax: 250-245-7212

Launch Directions:
4 km north of Duncan turn west onto Hwy 18 to (Lake Cowichan) for 1 km. Then turn right on Somenos road (go staight 1 more km to LZ). After 1 more km turn left to climb the 2wd road to the top. Once on the gravel there are 3 forks -- right - left (at the clear Cut) and right. There is a 500 ft hike to the top from the upper parking lot.

Landing Directions:
4 km north of Duncan turn west onto Hwy 18 to (Lake Cowichan) for 2 km. (Go 1 km
past Somenos road to LZ). The LZ is on the North side of the road just before the bend in the highway. The alternate field is at the Motocross Track. Just past the main field, in the middle of the corner, take the gravel road which turns right. Go through the trees and turn left into the race track. The LZ is the field NE of the racetrack. We are no longer permitted to land at the golf course.

Youbou 

Elevation: Launch 3400' asl (48 53.5 N 124 12.0W), LZ 550' asl
Direction of Launch: SSW
Site Suitable for: HG (PG)
Location: Hwy 18 over Cowichan Lake above the town of Youbou /Lake Cowichan
Type of Site: Mtn
Type of Flying: Thermal
XC Potential: Good (longest flight is 28mi/45km)
Regulating Body: VIH/PGC

Primary Local Contacts:
HGer: Les Sainsbury Tel. 250-727-3819

Flying Season: 0,1,2,3, or 4 (highest)
Spring 4 Summer 4 Fall 3 Winter 0

Description of Launch:
Launch Access is through a gate which may be locked (same key for LZ) followed by a 45 minute drive. Clear launch from narrow elevated ramp off the side of the road. Wire assistance is required in moderate conditions.

Description of Landing:
Main LZ is a cleared air strip established by the VIHGC under an agreement with Fletcher Challenge. Access is through a locked gate. Alternate LZ is an advanced approach into a small wood chip pile which is rarely flat.

Vehicle / Transportation Requirements: 4-WD (good clearance)

HPAC Skill Level Requirements: (Student, Novice, Intermediate, or Advanced)
Mild Conditions = Intermediate, Moderate Conditions = Intermediate, Strong Conditions = Advanced

Skill Level Verification Requirements:
HPAC Rating: Log Book Demonstration at Training Hill

Site Regulation: Formal/HPAC Insurance/Local Club

Additional Information
You must have Insurance and sign a liability waiver for the landowner. The landing field and the mountain are privately owned and have a locked gate. Key access can be arranged through contacts above. The launch is reasonably unobstructed and is very easy in 5-10 MPH winds. Above that assistance is required. You must go up with one of the local pilots. Strong West winds can develop with little notice.

Radio Frequency 123.4 Mhz (Aircraft) & 173.640 Mhz Ambulance: 1-800-461-9911
FSS Victoria Harbour: 250-363-0192 Fax: 250-363-0169

Launch Directions
Driving west from Duncan, go straight west past the Lake Cowichan town turnoff. Road to launch forks north at the incinerator plant. Approaching the summit of the mountain, take the second left major turn. Drive along the ridge to the ramp.
A new alternate launch under development is Mt Brownzie: The (Locked gate access) road directly up from the landing field takes you up a 15 minute drive to Mt Brownzie.

Landing Directions:
Driving west from the launch turnoff proceed past the town of Youbou on the N. Shore of Lake Cowichan and take the gravel road which forks left (South) just after the bridge. Gate is locked VIHGC members have one key which is shared by the club. Strong west winds can develop with little notice, making it difficult to reach the LZ in intermediate gliders and impossible in Paragliders.

Main LZ is a cleared air strip along the lakeshore west of the Youbou mill which was established by the VIHGC under an agreement with Fletcher Challenge. Thee tree line along the lakeshore creates a renouned rotor / low level turbulence encountered on final. Access to the LZ is through a locked gate. You have a huge hike out if you don't have access to the key.

Alternate LZ is an advanced approach into a small wood chip pile just west of the mill and is rarely flat - and is surrounded by trees.