Where mountain adventure, natural beauty, and rural living meet.
The Forbidden Plateau Road area is the gateway to some of Vancouver Island's most spectacular natural landscapes. Stretching from the foothills above Courtenay toward the mountains of Strathcona Provincial Park, the area is known for its forests, rivers, trails, and breathtaking views. Residents and visitors alike are drawn to its unique combination of rural living, outdoor recreation, and close connection to nature.
The area's history is closely tied to forestry, recreation, and access to the Forbidden Plateau, one of Vancouver Island's earliest ski destinations. For generations, the road has served as a route to mountain adventures, connecting people to hiking, skiing, fishing, camping, and some of the Island's most treasured outdoor experiences. The surrounding forests and watersheds have also played an important role in supporting the region's resource economy and environmental stewardship.
Today, the area supports a mix of rural residential properties, tourism-related businesses, outdoor recreation providers, accommodations, trades, and home-based enterprises. Its proximity to both Courtenay and Mount Washington makes it an attractive location for people seeking a lifestyle centered on recreation, nature, and entrepreneurship.
Looking ahead, the Forbidden Plateau Road area is well positioned to benefit from growing interest in outdoor recreation, eco-tourism, wellness tourism, and nature-based experiences. Opportunities exist for tourism businesses, guiding services, accommodations, recreation enterprises, and small businesses that support the region's expanding visitor economy. As demand continues to grow for access to authentic outdoor experiences and rural lifestyles, the area's natural assets and strategic location will remain important drivers of economic opportunity and community vitality.