September 10-15, 2025
6 days:
$3000 CAD in Double Occupancy
$4200 CAD in Single Occupancy
- Gratuity included
- + 5% GST
- Great hikes in Squamish and Whistler
- Knowledgeable guides with a passion and experience hiking in western Canada
- Comfortable lodgings near Vancouver airport & Whistler, BC
- 1 evening of natural history presentation with guest speaker
This specially designed trip for the Detroit Hikers is made up of a selection of the best hikes found in the Sea to Sky corridor. On each day's itinerary there will be a choice of hikes at different difficulty levels so that there will be something suitable for everyone. The trip will be based out of the mountain town of Whistler, British Columbia.
The trails have been selected for their diversity of scenery, variety of terrain, easy accessibility and most of all, because they rank highest on our “reward for effort” index.
DETAILS
Classic Hikes in the Sea to Sky Corridor
This specially designed trip for the Detroit Hikers is made up of a selection of the best hikes found in the Sea to Sky corridor. On each day's itinerary there will be a choice of hikes at different difficulty levels so that there will be something suitable for everyone. The trip will be based out of the mountain town of Whistler, British Columbia.
The trails have been selected for their diversity of scenery, variety of terrain, easy accessibility and most of all, because they rank highest on our “reward for effort” index.
DAY 1 Arrive in Vancouver. Self-transfer by courtesy shuttle provided by the hotel
DAY 2 Scenic Journey to Whistler via the Sea to Sky Highway & Hiking in Squamish
DAY 3 Hanging Lake Trail
DAY 4 Squamish Lil’wat Cultural Centre, Nairn Falls and village of Pemberton
DAY 5 Whistler Mountain Adventure and Peak to Peak Gondola
DAY 6 Transfer to Vancouver and/or Vancouver Airport
Cost Includes
- 5 breakfasts, 4 lunches, 2 dinners
- 5 nights lodging: 1 night in Vancouver, 4 nights in Whistler
- Private transport in high roof van or bus beginning on Day 2 at hotel and ending on Day 6 at Vancouver city centre or airport
- Professional hiking/interpretive guides at 1:12 ratio
- Guide gratuities
- 1 evening guest speaker
- National Park entry fees
Cost Does Not Include
- Personal expenses
- Air fares
- Travel insurance
- Meals not indicated
How difficult is it? How fit and experienced need you be?
This program is designed for fit walkers. No previous mountain hiking experience required.
There will be 3 levels of hiking groups available designated as:
- Photo group - slower walking group looking for more photo ops or gentler walking.
- Regular group - hiking at standard walking pace and distance.
- Super group - hiking at a faster pace or on a slightly longer route.
This Sea to Sky walking trip involves hiking for up to 6 to 7 hours per day, usually with distances of 10-14 kilometres. Elevation gains will vary from 300 m (1,000 ft) up to 800 m. (2,800 ft). You will need to carry a daypack large enough for spare clothing, your camera, lunch and something to drink each day.
Guides and Group Size
Your guides are experienced professional hiking guides with certification from the Association of Canadian Mountain Guides and/or from the Mountain Parks Heritage Interpretation Association. They are chosen for their enthusiasm and interest in sharing their knowledge of these mountains.
Maximum group size per guide: 12
Accommodation and Meals
Accommodation is double occupancy. The lodgings we have chosen were selected for their unique character and relatively easy access to other amenities. Whistler is pedestrian friendly, so feel free to explore the shop, restaurants as well as people watch.
On the signup form you will be asked if you would like a single or double occupancy room. If you choose a double occupancy room and are travelling as a single, you will be able to request a specific person to share with.
All breakfasts are included as are picnic lunches, trail snacks and 2 dinners. Please specify any special dietary requirements you have on your application so we can incorporate them into our menus.
Transfers to and from Vancouver and Flight Arrangements
When arriving at Vancouver International Airport, there is a complimentary Airport Shuttle to the Executive Vancouver Airport (Operates 6:30am - 11pm). At the end of the trip, we will provide transportation to Vancouver/YVR.
We strongly suggest that you do not plan on an early return flight from Vancouver, unless you enjoy getting up at 3:00 am! Please plan on booking an afternoon flight otherwise you will be responsible for organizing your own transportation from Whistler back to Vancouver.
Climate
This trip will be operating in early September. The weather at this time of year is usually mild, but in the mountains, it is always unpredictable. Daytime highs will range from 50F - 70 F and nighttime temperatures can drop to freezing. As with alpine environments throughout the globe, the higher you go, the lower the temperature becomes. Ensuring that you have the correct clothing for an alpine environment is crucial. Please review the suggested clothing list you will receive carefully.
Insurance in the National Parks
Please ensure that your health plan will cover you in case of illness or accident whilst here. Obtain extra travel insurance if necessary.
ITINERARY
DAY 1 Arrive in Vancouver
After your arrival, a courtesy shuttle from the Executive Hotel will transport you to your accommodations. We’ll gather at 7:00 pm with the White Mountain Adventures guides for an introduction to the trip, review the itinerary, and explore maps of the region. This is also the perfect time to ensure you’re properly outfitted for the adventure ahead.
Overnight: Executive Hotel, Richmond BC
Meals Included: none
DAY 2 Scenic Journey to Whistler via the Sea to Sky Highway & Hiking in Squamish
Following breakfast, we’ll embark on a scenic drive along the breathtaking Sea to Sky Highway en route to Whistler. Our first stop will be the stunning Shannon Falls—a dramatic 1,000 ft high waterfall tumbling over granite cliffs. From there, we’ll head towards our first hiking trailhead at Brohm Lake. The Brohm lake Loops is a great introduction to Coast Mountain hiking and offers panoramic views of the majestic Tantalus Mountains. For those seeking a significant challenge, you can opt for the Stawamus Chief summit hike, a steep ascent that rewards with incredible views of the surrounding landscape.
We’ll enjoy a picnic lunch at one of the trail’s scenic viewpoints before returning to the trailhead. Then, relax as we continue our journey to Whistler, where you’ll have time to unwind before our welcome dinner at the Westin Whistler.
Elevation Gain: Tantalus View -1,000 ft.
Stawamus Chief - 1,950 ft
Distance: Tantalus View: 3.5 miles
Stawamus Chief: 4.3 miles
Time: Tantalus: 2 hours
Stawamus: 3-4 hours
Overnight: Westin Resort & Spa, Whistler BC
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 3 Hanging Lake Trail
After breakfast, we drive South of Whistler to the Callaghan Valley, site of the cross-country ski events of the 2010 Winter Olympics. We begin the hike by crossing a bridge over Madeley Creek and following the gently ascending forest trail. Appreciate the peacefulness of old growth forests with the final reward being Hanging Lake nestled inside a pristine alpine basin. After soaking in the lake’s beauty, we’ll enjoy a picnic lunch before retracing our steps back to the trailhead. If conditions allow, an optional Rainbow Lake extension offers a point-to-point hike through vibrant alpine meadows, concluding at a different trailhead.
Distance: 7.8 miles (Roundtrip)
Elevation gain: 2,034 ft. (high point 4642 ft.)
Time: 5 hours
Overnight: Westin Resort & Spa, Whistler BC
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch
DAY 4 Squamish Lil’wat Cultural Centre, Nairn Falls and village of Pemberton
After breakfast, we’ll take a short walk to the Squamish Lil’wat Cultural Centre, where you’ll immerse yourself in the rich history and cultural heritage of the two First Nations that have called this area home.
Following our visit, we’ll make our way to Pemberton, stopping for an easy, scenic hike to Nairn Falls. This peaceful trail along the green waters of the river leads to a stunning double waterfall—truly a hidden gem. After the hike, we’ll make a stop at North Arm Farm, a local favorite, for a delicious snack or perhaps a slice of homemade apple pie. Any time left upon our return to Whistler will be free for exploring and shopping along the many pedestrian only pathways in the village.
Distance: 1.7 miles (Roundtrip)
Elevation gain: 348 ft.
Walking Time: 1 hour
Overnight: Westin Resort & Spa, Whistler BC
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch
DAY 5 Whistler Mountain Adventure and Peak to Peak Gondola
Whistler Village is surrounded by mountains on all sides including famed Whistler Mountain and Blackcomb Mountain. Today’s final hike will take us up one of these mountains and down the other by way of the incredible Peak to Peak gondola. We’ll begin by taking the gondola up Blackcomb Mountain and hiking the spectacular Overlord Trail over alpine meadows and views deep into Coast Range mountains and their awesome glaciers. After we finish our hike we’ll board the world-famous Peak-to-Peak gondola which spans the valley between Whistler and Blackcomb Mountain and then head down to the mountain base via a final chairlift. Farewell dinner in the village this evening with a guest speaker.
Distance: 5 miles
Elevation gain: 700 – 1,000 ft.
Walking Time: 3-4 hours
Overnight: Westin Resort & Spa, Whistler BC
Meals Included: Farewell dinner
DAY 6 Departure
After breakfast, you’ll depart for Vancouver or Vancouver Airport, depending on your travel plans. Bid farewell to new friends and the stunning beauty of British Columbia as you begin your journey home.
Meals Included: Breakfast