Mount Prevost facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Mount Prevost |
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Highest point | |
Elevation | 788 m (2,585 ft) |
Prominence | 605 m (1,985 ft) |
Geography | |
Location | Vancouver Island, British Columbia, Canada |
Parent range | Vancouver Island Ranges |
Topo map | NTS 92B/13 |
Mount Prevost is a cool mountain located on Vancouver Island in British Columbia, Canada. It's just northwest of Duncan and stands out with its unique shape and two rocky cliffs. At the very top of the highest cliff, you'll find a special war memorial. This mountain reaches an elevation of 788 meters (about 2,585 feet) above sea level.
Discovering Mount Prevost's Past
Mount Prevost has a rich history, especially for the Cowichan First Nation. Their legends say that during a huge flood, one man found safety on top of this mountain, which they called Swuqus or Swukas. Meanwhile, two women from Sooke also survived the flood on high ground. After the waters went down, they traveled north and met the Cowichan man. These three people are believed to be the ancestors of the entire Cowichan tribe!
The mountain's current name, Mount Prevost, honors Captain James Charles Prevost. He was a captain in the Royal Navy and played a role in a disagreement called the Pig War. This "war" was a border dispute between the United States and Great Britain in 1859.
In 1946, the forests on Mount Prevost became part of a special Municipal Forest. This means the local government helps manage and protect the trees and land.
Exploring Mount Prevost Today
Mount Prevost is open to visitors all year round. However, it might close sometimes if there's a high risk of forest fires. Some roads on the mountain have gates that can be closed at certain times.
There are many trails for hiking and exploring on the mountain. But remember, these trails are not built or maintained by the local government of North Cowichan.
From the top of Mount Prevost, you can enjoy amazing views! You can see the beautiful Gulf Islands and the wide Cowichan Valley. The mountain has even been used as a launching spot for hang gliding, which is like flying with a special fabric wing. There's even a wind sock to show the wind direction for gliders.
You can reach Mount Prevost by taking Mt. Prevost Road, which turns off Somenos Road. The drive to the summit is about 8 kilometers (5 miles) long and usually takes around 20 minutes.