5
Moderate

Traveler Rating

 

Activities
  • 5 day hikes
Accommodation
  • 6 nights hotels
Meals
  • 1 Dinner
  • 5 Lunches
  • 6 Breakfasts

Price

7 daysfrom

$2490USD

View Inclusions

Overview

Trip code: BCM

Trip highlights

  • Discover BC’s backcountry trails around Vancouver and Whistler
  • Immerse yourself within old-growth forests and high alpine landscapes
  • Admire one of the largest granite monoliths in the world in the “Adventure capital of Canada”
  • Hike through flower-filled meadows to surreal turquoise coloured glacial-fed lakes
  • Marvel at scenic views on the Sea to Sky and Peak to Peak gondola rides

Along the west coast of British Columbia, the Coast Mountains feature some of Canada’s best hiking trails. This one-week itinerary from the Vancouver area to the world-class mountain town of Whistler, focuses on the natural wonders of the region. A variety of carefully selected hikes take you through old-growth forests, alpine meadows filled with colourful wildflowers, and on mountain ridges to admire glaciated peaks and crystal-clear turquoise lakes. Experience scenic drives along the Sea to Sky Highway, and memorable walks in BC’s wild backcountry. Make the most of your adventure as our knowledgeable guide shares his passion for the history, flora and fauna, and great stories about places you will explore on this perfect mountain escape.

Itinerary

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Make your way to our central Vancouver accommodation, located steps away from Stanley Park, one of Canada’s largest urban parks and one of the most beautiful city parks in the world. Depending on what time you arrive, explore the forest trails, beaches or lakes, or go for a long walk on the Vancouver seawall, the most popular recreation location in the city. Experience fine dining with a view on English Bay, scout out public art, and learn about the rich history of this lively part of town.

Meals:  Nil

Join your guide for the trip briefing at the hotel and meet fellow travellers. After breakfast, it’s time for a big dose of fresh air as you enter the temperate rainforest of Lynn Canyon Park. Admire the canyon from its suspension bridge over 50 meters (160ft) above, looking down at pools and waterfalls, and stand beside a 600+ year old red cedar. Next, we’re heading to Hollyburn Mountain in Cypress Provincial Park for the perfect mountain escape. Take a deep breath as we reach the summit and enjoy the spectacular views of Vancouver city skyline and Burrard Inlet, a coastal fjord formed during the last Ice Age. Today ends with a drive along the coast on the Sea to Sky Highway to our accommodation in the town of Squamish, the “Adventure capital of Canada.”

Meals:  B,L

It’s only a short drive from our hotel to the Sea to Sky gondola, and a 10-minute ride up to 870m (2855ft) on the shoulder of Mount Habrich, the starting point of our hike. The network of trails takes us to the backcountry, on an alpine granite rock route, through primary forest and sub-alpine meadows, and across small creeks before reaching the summit. Life is about the journey, not the destination. Still, when your destination offers panoramic views of Howe Sound, the stratovolcano of Mount Garibaldi and the Sky Pilot Mountain, you don’t have to choose! Take it all in – from the scenic gondola ride to the wonders of nature up and down Mount Habrich. Tonight is our last night in Squamish. Go for dinner in the vibrant downtown and enjoy live music performances. The town features one of the largest granite monoliths in the world, the Stawamus Chief (also known as The Chief).

Meals:  B,L

Get ready for our first full day of alpine hiking which begins from the trailhead at Watersprite Lake. The out-and-back trail up to the lake climbs steadily through the forest and sub-alpine valleys, then flattens out with wide-open mountain views ahead of us. Catch your breath, drink some water, and marvel at this dramatic landscape. As we resume our walk, remember to watch your steps as there are quite a few creeks to cross, some with wooden bridges. When the trail gradually gets more technical and challenging, you’re getting closer. You know you are there when you see Martin Peak and Dreadnought Peak tower over the lake, reflecting on the crystal-clear glacial-fed waters of the Watersprite Lake. With this memorable picture in mind, you have a second chance to admire the alpine landscapes on your way back to the trailhead. Enjoy your evening in Whistler, a world-class mountain resort town located in the Coast Mountains.

Meals:  B,L

An outdoor enthusiast’s paradise, the Whistler area is dotted with dozens of high mountain lakes. Our hike today has been carefully selected to avoid the busier trails. Hanging Lake is one of the most beautiful hikes in the area. The trail takes us from Whistler Olympic Park, which hosted different competitions during the Vancouver Winter Olympics in 2010, through the hemlock forest. We pass some small lakes, and as the trail climbs, we are rewarded with some stunning views of Metal Dome and Brandywine Mountains. During the alpine wildflower season, usually from the end of July to mid-August, you can admire the fields of lupine flowers. We continue our hike to beautiful ridges that overlook the lake for the best viewpoints. After the hike, we return to our centrally located accommodation within Whistler Village, which is nestled at the base of Whistler and the Blackcomb mountains.

Meals:  B,L

Our final hiking day begins with a ride up Blackcomb Mountain gondola, before stretching our legs on the Overlord trail. We walk through old-growth forests and via alpine meadows filled with colourful wildflowers in majestic mountainscapes. Soak in the views deep into the Coast Mountains and the glaciated peaks before we make our way across the valley to Whistler Mountain via the Peak to Peak gondola. Take the time to enjoy the 360-degree views of Whistler Village before heading back down, which will conclude our BC’s hiking trails adventure from Vancouver to Whistler. Tonight, you can share your best memories and highlights with your fellow travellers at our farewell dinner in the village.

Meals:  B,L,D

After breakfast, the trip concludes with a transfer back to Vancouver.

Meals:  B

Map

Elevation

The map and elevation chart are for illustrative purposes only and meant to provide general guidelines.

Inclusions

What's included

  • 6 breakfasts, 5 lunches, 1 dinner
  • professional wilderness guide
  • double occupancy accommodation in comfortable hotels/lodges
  • private internal transportation during the trip
  • all permits, sightseeing and Park entrance fees
  • Sea to Sky gondola and Peak to Peak gondola tickets

  • international flights
  • travel to/from Vancouver
  • meals not listed in the itinerary
  • alcoholic beverages
  • items of a personal nature (i.e. phone calls, tips, etc)
  • gratuities
  • travel insurance (compulsary)
  • applicable taxes

About Your Leader

A local guide (who also drives) will accompany the group throughout the itinerary. The trip leaders are highly experienced wilderness certified guides, and you’ll benefit from their expert safety training, guiding and interpretation qualifications. All of our guides have strong local knowledge and a love and understanding of the natural history and native culture.

Suitability

Moderate

5

This itinerary is designed for active individuals who enjoy hiking in the alpine environment. Trails wind up and down through forests and mountains. Hikers must be comfortable walking on rough and rocky surfaces. No previous hiking experience required.

Departure dates


Notes

Note:
Some accommodations may not have twin rooms. If you do not wish to share a bed with your travel companion you will have to pay a single supplement on those nights. Rooms with two beds may require an additional fee.

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Priceper person from

$2490USD

* All prices subject to applicable taxes

Options & Supplements*
    * Prices listed are per person. All prices subject to applicable taxes.

Trip reviews

Why travel with us

Our Expertise

Everyone who works with us, from our office staff, ground staff and guides is the ‘’real deal’’. Our team is comprised of actual hikers and cyclists who have explored or live in the region in which you will be traveling. Our entire network is highly-specialised in active travel.

Great Value

Quality services at the best price make our active trips great value for money. Having essential items included like National Park fees, accommodations, most meals, bikes for cycling trips, maps and support for peace of mind. Our inclusions allow you to better budget for your big adventure.

Innovative Itineraries

We look beyond the horizon to find new and exciting adventures. We’re passionate about shaping the next generation of outdoor travel in North America, and constantly seek different ways, routes and alternatives to exceed our clients’ dreams.

Eco Friendly

We are committed to responsible travel and true sustainability, formed when the company was established, and in the face of a multitude of threats to the environment, our commitment is stronger than ever. We aim to "leave no trace" in both an environmental and cultural sense.