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Hiking in the Canadian Rockies: 

Whistler and the Coastal Mountains of British Columbia

Guided and Self-Guided Departures Available June through September

Trip Overview

Whistler is 75 miles from Vancouver along the Sea to Sky Highway, considered one of the most scenic drives in North America.  Located in the spectacular Coast Mountains of British Columbia, Whistler is consistently voted the number one resort in North America.  It is a premier summer destination offering hundreds of miles of hiking trails, many accessed by knee-saving lifts, and numerous other recreational facilities.

Our hotel is nestled at the base of Blackcomb Mountain and a five minute walk from the village of Whistler.  We’ll spend five days exploring this beautiful region, including Garibaldi Provincial Park, on hikes with such lyrical names as Musical Bumps.  We have also planned a  moderate half day rafting outing, and have scheduled some free time for you to enjoy whatever other optional activities suit your fancy such as mountain biking, golf, heli hiking, zip/tree trek,  via ferrata, glacier hikes, horse back riding, or simply hanging out in the hotel spa or in Village cafes.  We are also looking into a mountain top barbeque for one night, depending upon that restaurant’s schedule.  We are also checking into a Native American themed event, perhaps a story teller.  On Friday, we’ll transfer to Vancouver, stopping en route to enjoy one of the classic hikes of the region, Stawamus Chief.  We’ll spend our last night in Vancouver.

Highlights

• The spectacular Coast Mountains of British Columbia
• Fabulous hiking in and near Whistler, a rafting outing, and time and opportunity to experience other fun activities
• A chance to unpack and relax in a luxurious hotel
• An exploration of the alpine resort of Whistler and the beautiful city of Vancouver

Rating

Moderate difficulty with high energy alternatives.  We will walk along trails that are mostly well-graded but can sometimes be narrow, uneven, rocky and steep in places.  Because we will have a second, and potentially a third, guide, we will have the flexibility to modify all hikes based on the group’s needs.

Sample Itinerary

Day 1:   Whistler

Arrival in Vancouver and transfer to Whistler in time for a welcome drink and orientation. 

Day 2 :  Joffre Lakes

After breakfast in the hotel we’ll travel by van to stunning Joffre Lakes, a series of three teal lakes with the spectacular Matier Glacier at the third lake in a glacier-gouged basin beneath inspiring peaks.  The scenery is instantly strikingly beautiful because the trailhead is relatively high at Cayoosh Pass.   You’ll be rewarded with the sight of the first lake after only 10 minutes.  The Matier Glacier will draw you onward toward the other two lakes.  6.8 miles with shorter options.  1200 feet elevation gain and loss.  A picnic lunch will be provided.  

Day 3 :  High Note/Musical Bumps and Garibaldi Provincial Park

Today we’ll take the Whistler Express Gondola to the Round House Lodge and then switch to the Peak Chairlift to arrive at the famous path that traverses the northwest end of the Fitzsimmons Range, from Whistler Mountain to Singing Pass.  Actually, these are two interconnecting trails:  the High Note, and the Musical Bumps.  These ridge trails are in the Alpine Zone high above Whistler Village and that’s where you’ll spend the day, spared the effort of the ascent and the descent by the lifts.  5.8 miles; 425 feet altitude gain/1300 feet altitude loss.  There are a range of alternatives today, including a lift ride for whose who are not hiking, a 2.6 miles shorter version of the hike, the advertised hike itself, and a 13 mile go-for-it option.  In this latter option, those who would like to do a really big day can continue from the High Note Trail through Singing Pass and all the day down to Whistler Village.  A picnic lunch will be provided today.  We are hoping to engage a representative of the Native American Center for a performance in our hotel this evening.  

Day 4:  Garibaldi Lake

After a short transfer, we’ll return to Garibaldi Provincial Park for a hike to Garibaldi Lake, a large turquoise lake with glaciers flowing into it.  We’ll enjoy wild mountain scenery, volcanic landscapes, and colorful flower meadows.  This is the most challenging hike of the week at 11.5 miles and an altitude gain and loss of 3020 feet.  A shorter option is available. Picnic lunch provided. Dinner and overnight in the Fairmont Chateau.

Day 5:  Rafting and a Free Afternoon to Enjoy a Range of Optional Activities

Today we'll enjoy arafting expedition,  a moderate, half day adventure on the Cheakamus River.  We’ll float down the scenic the river interspersed with just enough stretches of rapids to have a yippee factor.  Wedge Rafting (http://www.wedgerafting.com/) will transport us 45 minutes to our put-in point and provide everything we need to have a safe and fabulous adventure.  Time on the river will be 1 ¼ hours. Today lunch and the afternoon’s activities will be on your own.  Deborah and your local guide will assist you in making any arrangements for the afternoon, selecting from the incredible array of activities available in Whistler, some of which are noted in the overview of this itinerary.  There is an extensive, paved valley bicycle trail in Whistler and there are lakes along the way in which to take a dip; there is also a renowned mountain biking park.  One of Whistler’s most exciting experiences is the zip line. TreeTrek is an ancient rainforest canopy walk with treetop viewing platforms, suspension bridges, forest boardwalks and interpretive signage.  Those interested in a nice local hike this afternoon will enjoy the 2.5 mile Ancient Cedars trail.  The new peak to peak gondola will be open by summer 2009.  Then again, there is the spa and the pool to relax in at the hotel, lest we ignore these wonderful facilities.

Day 6:  Stawamus Chief and Vancouver

We’ll tear ourselves away from Whistler today, realizing that we have just scratched the surface of all the beautiful places and fun activities that this town and the surrounding region have to offer.  Our adventure continues south to Squamish where we’ll spend 3-4 hours hiking Stawamus Chief, one of the most famous hikes in the area.  Stawamus is the great rock mass that towers over the highway just south of Squamish.  This is a short, steep hike:  4.3 miles and 1640 feet elevation gain and loss.  As always, we will provide a moderate alternative.  We’ll then transfer to Vancouver and check into tonight’s hotel, the Diamond four star rated Westin Grand Vancouver (www.westingrandvancouver.com) in the popular Yaletown district.  We’ll have our farewell dinner in the hotel or at a restaurant in Vancouver.

Day 7:  Depart

After breakfast we’ll transfer to the airport.

Please bear in mind that this is a typical itinerary, and the actual walks and sites may vary due to season, special events, weather or the group’s experience level. We may alter the itinerary to improve the tour and your experience, and to customize it to your group’s needs.

Transportation

A private van or car will pick you up at the Airport, transport you to and from daily hikes, and return you to the Airport at the end of the trip.

Cost

The cost of this trip will vary depending upon the specific itinerary we develop for your family or group of friends. Please contact us for a quote for your trip.

Included in Price

• Double room accommodations in a four or five star hotel
• Welcome drinks on the first night
• Private van transportation to and from daily hikes; transportation to/from the airport
• All meals
• Expert guide services
• Cultural and historical information shared informally during walks

Questions or to Design Your Group's Trip

Please contact Deborah Lewis at 866-533-4361 (toll free in the U.S.), 203-840-0295 or dlewis@bredeson.com.

We hope you'll join us on this grand adventure!

Contact us toll free (U.S.) at 866-533-4361 or

+203-840-0295 (outside the U.S.)

info@bredeson.com