Hermit's Trails.

Hermit's Trails is a small network of garden walking paths exploring a forest in the heart of the community of Chemainus, BC on Vancouver Island, British Columbia, Canada. The paths explore gardens, forests and creeks.

The trails in the park were created by a local resident named Charlie Abbot. Charlie spent years building gardens and walking paths with very primitive tools. He built sitting benches, stone steps, bridges and retaining walls. He added color to the park with flowers and gardens. Charlie worked his park and gardens until 1989 when he passed away. He was 87 years old.

Charlie was not like most people. In fact Charlie was known to shun away from people. After he arrived in Chemainus in the 1970s Charlie took refuge in the forest next to the village. For long periods of time no one would hear from Charlie. He liked it that way. He was an alcoholic and wanted to be left alone.

Charlie Abbot was referred to as the hermit by the locals. It was during his time in the forest when Charlie said he was approached by God to do something good with his life. Soon later he was building trails and gardens. Many days he would move rocks, build walls, carry lumber and hammer nails. Which was amazing as Charlie was hunched over, slow moving and getting old.

The gardens in the park are both colorful and wild. Some areas of the park are overgrown now, covered with moss and lichens and surrounded by deadfall trees. Along the walking paths are some of the original sitting benches created by Charlie Abbot. Listen closely and you can hear birds singing and chirping to a tune.

The 3.5 hectare garden and walking paths is a popular route. Some of the trails follow the shores of the Askew Creek which is a protected riparian region. There are many opportunities to view the creek from the trails.

How to Get to Hermit's Trails.

Travel to the community of Chemainus, BC on Vancouver Island. Continue driving to the village and Waterwheel Park. Park here. From the park walk to the trailhead leading to the creek trails.