Hey Luc. ..I also just moved to the island and am curious if you had any response.  I have my AST level 1 and would also like like to continue learning... came out here from the Okanagan.  LLooks like most of the terrain is near MT Cain or MT Washington. .

hey Dave,

hows it going? yes most of the backcountry touring is out in the mount washington and mount cain area. I have a pass for mount washington this year and i hope to start touring on the back side and later on getting out to mount cain and see how that goes.

perhaps we could meet up for coffee or at the hill and we could disuss a possible backcountry trip.

Cheers.

Luc.

hay guys im also new to backcountry but have lived on the island and in nanaimo for awhile. i dont have my AST yet but plan to asap. i have done alot of reserch into the backcountry seen on the island. the nanaimo area had a BC mountain not to far in the nanaimo lakes area known as Green Mountian and at one time was nanaimo former skihill. the T-bar pols still stand today but the old lodge is ruble but can still be found. i hiked the area afew weeks ago and it looks awsome but it can be a chore dew to timeberwest controling the road with a gate. (the trip just need to be well planed) there is also mount arrowsmith wich was also a former skihill in the port alberni area. 

my plan to get a start in BC is to start at forbidden plateau / mount becher also a former ski lodge but well know abd right beside mt. washington  

Cheers. 

Mark.