Mount Tzouhalem

Rising above the Cowichan Valley on Vancouver Island, Mount Tzouhalem delivers a sweeping panoramic view that stretches from Cowichan Bay in the south across the patchwork farmland and forested hills toward Duncan and beyond. The large white cross near the summit serves as a natural foreground anchor, and positioning yourself just below or beside it lets you frame the full valley below with a strong compositional element in the shot. A wide angle lens works well here to capture the full breadth of the scene, though a short telephoto helps compress the layers of hills and farmland into something more dramatic. Late afternoon light is ideal, bathing the valley in warm golden tones before sunset. The hike up is moderate but steady, taking roughly an hour, and the trail is shared with mountain bikers so stay alert on the way up and down. Sturdy footwear is recommended as sections can be rooty and uneven. (Mount Tzouhalem Ecological Reserve, Vancouver Island, British Columbia, Canada)