What a grind on the Tikwilus Trail! Beautiful view from the top, though.

5.5 hours for the whole trip, with stops for views and lunch.

Must bring a water filter next time, for the cold stream about 40 minutes in. VERY refreshing — and a welcome way to cool off on the way up or down. (Kelly Pearce says it runs as a trickle in the fall. Otherwise, it's lake water at the top. Boil or filter, to avoid illnesses.)

If you don't haul a few litres of water — or filter your own — you'll be very thirsty when it's done. Perhaps leave and extra 2-4 Litres per person in the car, for recovery.

To me, the view is the BIG feature of the hike, so If you're going to do the whole loop trail, I'd recommend going to the right at the junction first. That way, the view will be your treat on the way back to the junction. The other way, you're going from glorious views to back into the forest.

Lakes: they can be seen from the trail — but you'll need to put in some effort to get down to them. Okay, if you're camping or spending the whole day.