Founded in 1911, the park was named for Donald Alexander Smith, 1st Baron Strathcona and Mount Royal, a wealthy philanthropist and railway pioneer.

The Clayoquot Sound Biosphere Reserve, established in 2000, includes three watersheds in the western area of the park.

In 1890, the British Columbia government conducted a survey to define the boundaries of the E&N Railway land grant.

The grant, given to Robert Dunsmuir's company in exchange for the construction of the railway, extended from Muir Creek, near Sooke at the southern end of Vancouver Island, in a straight line to Crown Mountain.

McBride's Minister of Lands, Price Ellison, lead an expedition to explore the new park reserve which included the first ascent of Crown Mountain on July 29, 1910.

W.W. Urquhart led a survey party, which included photographer W.R. Kent and Einar Anderson, throughout the park area in 1913 and 1914.

The Friends of Strathcona formed a blockade which attracted significant media attention and resulted in the arrest of 63 protesters.

There is an extensive network of hiking trails in the park; visitor facilities are located at Buttle Lake and Forbidden Plateau.

Mount Washington Alpine Resort, which offers downhill and cross-country skiing, is located adjacent to the park.

The Strathcona Park Lodge also offers weekend camps for tourists or international students with activities such as rock climbing, kayaking, hiking, swimming, etc.