NEW Trip for Summer 2024Magdalen Islands Haven WalkView Trip Details
Duration
7 days
Activities
  • 4 day hikes
  • Indigenous art studio tour
  • Cultural experiences
Accommodation
  • 6 nights hotel
Meals
  • 2 Dinners
  • 5 Lunches
  • 6 Breakfasts

Price

$3790USD

* All prices subject to applicable taxes

Trip Code: CGH

Can-Geo-Adv-+-Travel-Partners-1

 

Overview

Trip highlights


  • Can Geo Collection Adventure
  • Escorted by Nancy Webb, Fellow of the Royal Canadian Geographical Society
  • Explore BC’s backcountry trails with day hikes in the Coast Mountains
  • Immerse yourself into the Indigenous art and culture of Vancouver and Whistler
  • Admire one of the largest granite monoliths in the world
  • Hike through old-growth forests and high alpine landscapes, flower-filled meadows and glacial-fed lakes
  • Marvel at scenic views on the Sea to Sky and Peak to Peak gondola rides

This one-week itinerary from Vancouver to the world-class mountain town of Whistler focuses on the region's natural wonders and Indigenous experiences. The adventure begins with an immersive experience into the creativity and cultural work of Vancouver’s Urban Aboriginal Community at Canada’s first Indigenous arts and culture hotel. We continue our exploration in Stanley Park with a local First Nations guide, learning how to better connect with nature. Taking the scenic drives along the Sea to Sky Highway, memorable walks in BC's wild backcountry await us. Along the west coast of British Columbia, the Coast Mountains feature some of Canada's best hiking trails. Various carefully selected day hikes take us through old-growth forests, alpine meadows filled with colourful wildflowers, and mountain ridges to admire glaciated peaks and crystal clear turquoise lakes. 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.

Activities:
Grading:
3

Introductory

More info about grading system


On arrival at the Vancouver airport, we will meet you for your transfer to the group hotel. There will be a trip briefing in the hotel foyer, at the time indicated in your final documents, where you will meet your fellow travellers.

Meals:  L,D

After breakfast, we have a guided visit of the artist studio at the hotel to learn more about the creative works of a number of different Indigenous artists in residence. Staying into the cultural history, we head to Stanley Park to reconnect with nature and be in harmony with our environment under the guidance of a local First Nations guide. Leaving the city behind, we enter the temperate rainforest of Lynn Canyon, where we admire the canyon from its suspension bridge over 50m above, looking down at pools and waterfalls, and stand beside a 600+ year old red cedar. Today ends with a scenic 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

It’s only a short drive from our hotel to the Sea to Sky gondola and a 10-minute ride up to 870m 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. 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

After breakfast, we leave Squamish and make a stop to take our daily dose of fresh air with a short hike through a flower-filled valley to the beautiful Brandywine Falls. A short drive then brings us to Whistler, where we enjoy a guided tour of the Squamish Lil’wat Cultural Centre (SLCC), showcasing the art, crafts and language of Whistler’s First Nations. All proceeds from the SLCC are invested in training and cultural revitalization programs for the Squamish Nation and Lil’wat Nation. We end the day in style at Fairmont Chateau Whistler, set against the backdrop of Blackcomb mountain, which will be our home for the next three nights.

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 path takes us from Whistler Olympic Park, which hosted 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 walk, we return to our iconic castle in Whistler, surrounded by stunning mountain views.

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. 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.

Meals:  B,L,D

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

Meals:  B


Inclusions

  • 6 nights accommodation, double occupancy
  • 6 breakfasts, 5 lunches, 1 dinner
  • Services of a local guide
  • Return airport group transfers
  • Private internal transportation during the trip
  • Sea to Sky gondola and Peak to Peak gondola tickets
  • Stanley Park tour with First Nations guide
  • Guided tour at Squamish Lil’wat Cultural Centre
  • All permits, sightseeing and park entrance fees

  • Flights
  • Meals not listed in the itinerary
  • Alcoholic beverages
  • Items of a personal nature
  • Tips and gratuities
  • Travel insurance (compulsory)
  • Applicable taxes

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Suitability

Introductory

3

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


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Priceper person from

$3790USD

* All prices subject to applicable taxes

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

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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 travelling. Our entire network is highly-specialised in active travel.

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Quality services at the best price make our adventures great value for money. Having essential items included like National Park fees, charming 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.

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

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