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.