July 6-12, 2024
August 3-9, 2024
September 1-7, 2024
$3,050.00 + 5% GST in Double Occupancy
$950.00 single supplement
Cancellation Insurance: $129.50
- Visit the the rugged mountains along the West Coast of British Columbia
- Local guides with fantastic knowledge of the region
- Short drives to trailheads
- Comfortable lodgings in Squamish and Whistler
- Gondola-assisted hiking
- Complete our online waiver here
West Coast of Canada – Sea to Sky Hiking Trip - Vancouver to Whistler
Hiking the glacier-clad Coast Ranges of British Columbia
The rugged mountains along the west coast of British Columbia feature some of Canada’s best walking and hiking trails. Various routes lead to glacial lakes, extinct volcanos and fabulous views over the waters of the Strait of Georgia. The change in vegetation from temperate rainforest in the Vancouver area to meadows of alpine wildflowers and stunted trees at Whistler gives one a sense of wonder at the variety of nature found here. Our guides will lead you on the most beautiful and rewarding hikes in the region; each one with its own unique character. Lodging is based in the coastal town of Squamish for 2 nights and then at the world famous mountain town of Whistler for 3 nights. Included in the program is easy access to alpine hiking on 2 days via mountain gondolas.
Itinerary
Arrival Day in Vancouver: Overnight accommodation at Best Western Sands is included on the night prior to trip start.
DAY 1 Starting from downtown Vancouver, hike the north shore mountains views of the city, mountains, and Burrard Inlet. Drive to Squamish. Overnight Squamish.
DAY 2 The Sea to Sky gondola carries you high up onto Mt Harbich where trails lead to the summit and to alpine meadows. Overnight Squamish.
DAY 3 From Squamish, a backcountry road takes us to the trailhead to Watersprite Lake and a full day alpine hike. Upon returning to the trailhead, we head to the mountain town of Whistler. Overnight Whistler.
DAY 4 The Whistler area is dotted with dozens of high mountain lakes. Hanging Lake is one of the most beautiful hikes in the area. Once at the lake further walking can you to beautiful ridges overlooking the lake.
DAY 5 Today’s final hike will fittingly take us up one of these mountains and down the other by way of the incredible Peak to Peak gondola. We’ll hike the flower filled Overlord Trail with its views deep into Coast Range mountains and their awesome glaciers and ride the Peak to Peak gondola across the valley to Whistler Mountain and then down. Farewell dinner in the village. Overnight Whistler.
DAY 6 Breakfast, followed by transfer to Vancouver
Cost Includes
- 6 breakfasts, 5 lunches, 1 Dinner
- 6 nights in hotels/lodges 3-star category
- Private transport in mini-van
- Professional hiking/interpretive guide
- National park entry fees and sightseeing as indicated
- All permits, sightseeing and National Park entrance fees
- Shuttle to Vancouver airport on final day
Cost Does Not Include
- Personal expenses
- Air fares
- Travel insurance
- Meals not indicated
- Tips
How difficult is it? How fit and experienced need you be?
This program is designed for fit hikers as it is rated as easy to moderate hiking. No previous hiking experience required. The Sea to Sky trip involves walking on average for 4 -6 hours per day. Distances are from 5 to 15 kilometers.
Guides and Group Size
Your guides are experienced professional hiking guides with certification from the Association of Canadian Mountain Guides and/or from the Interpretive Guides Association. They are chosen for their enthusiasm and interest in sharing their knowledge of these mountains.
The minimum group size will be 4, maximum 8.
Accommodation and Meals
Price is based on double occupancy. Please refer to the single supplement extra cost for single occupancy. You will make your own way to the Best Western Sands Vancouver Hotel where you can relax and spend time exploring this colourful city. Your guide will meet you in the morning and to go over the trip itinerary before heading out on your first hike. The Best Western Sands is located in a vibrant area of the city next to English Bay, Stanley Park and trendy Robson Street area.
All breakfasts and lunches will be included beginning with breakfast in Vancouver and finishing with breakfast at the Whistler Pinnacle Hotel on the final morning. Lunches are self made each morning using fresh breads, meats, cheese, vegetables, fruit, spreads and snacks provided by your guide. A farewell dinner is included on the final night. All dietary needs can be accommodated.
We will be happy to book rooms for you before and after the tour; please contact us for the most recent rates.
Transfers to downtown Vancouver from Vancouver International Airport
Since guests arrive at a wide variety of different times we do not include transfers from the airport to your hotel. Your best option to get from the airport to the joining hotel is by taxi. The taxi cost is around $35. Depending on your departing flight, we may be able to include a transfer to the airport. Please inquire.
Insurance
We offer trip cancellation insurance that can be purchased at time of booking that covers trip cancellation due to illness before the start of the trip. Please ensure that your health plan will cover you in case of illness or accident while here. Obtain extra travel insurance if necessary.
Detailed Itinerary
Arrival Day in Vancouver: Overnight accommodation at Best Western Sands is included on the night prior to trip start.
DAY 1 Meet your guide for breakfast at the hotel with introductions and briefing followed by a visit to Lynn Canyon and its giant trees and suspension bridge. From here it’s over to Hollyburn Mountain for a hike to its summit and spectacular views of the Vancouver city skyline. Afterwards, follow the Sea To Sky Highway along the coast to the town of Squamish. Overnight Executive Hotel. Hiking time: 4.5 hours, Distance: 8 kms. Elevation gain: 450 m.
DAY 2 It’s just a short drive from the hotel to the Sea to Sky terminal where a gondola ride takes us 870 metres up onto the shoulder of Mt. Harbich. From here trails lead in numerous directions to the summit and to views of Howe Sound, Mt. Garibaldi, and Sky Pilot Mountain. Overnight Executive Hotel. Hiking Time: 3-4 hours, Distance: 6 kms. Elevation gain: 350 m.
DAY 3 From Squamish, a backcountry forestry road takes us to the trailhead to Watersprite Lake and our first full day alpine hike. The trail climbs steadily through old growth forest and sub-alpine valleys till it reaches the confines of a narrow valley in which a stunning little glacier fed lake is nestled. Martin Peak and Dreadnought Peak tower over the lake. Upon returning to the trailhead, we now make our way to the mountain town of Whistler. Overnight Whistler Pinnacle Hotel. Hiking Time: 6-7 hours, Distance: 18 kms. Elevation gain: 660 m
DAY 4 The Whistler area is dotted with dozens of high mountain lakes, most along easy but very busy trails or at the top of very difficult hikes. Hanging Lake is neither but is still one of the most beautiful hikes in the area. Located west of Whistler and beginning at the Whistler Olympic Park the hemlock forested trail passes a few small lakes as it climbs the valley and offers views of Metal Dome and Brandywine Mountains as well as fields of blue lupine when the season is right. Once at the lake further walking can you to beautiful ridges overlooking the lake. Overnight Whistler Pinnacle Hotel. Hiking Time: 5-6 hours, Distance: 14 kms. Elevation gain 450 m
Day 5 Whistler Village is surrounded by mountains on all sides including famed Whistler Mountain and Blackcomb Mountain. Today’s final hike will fittingly 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 flower filled Overlord Trail with its views deep into Coast Range mountains and their awesome glaciers. From here we take the Peak to Peak gondola across the valley to Whistler Mountain and then down via a final chairlift. Farewell dinner in the village this evening. Overnight Whistler Pinnacle Hotel. Hiking Time: 4 hours. Distance: 8 kms. Elevation gain: 350 m
DAY 6 Breakfast, followed by transfer to Vancouver
Map
