Canada
Canada - Trekking in the South Chilcotin Mountains
Canada - Trekking in the South Chilcotin Mountains
Duration
7 days
Start/End
Vancouver
Tour type
Group
Level
Very demanding
Accommodation
Zeltcamps
Overview
A floatplane takes you to Trigger Lake, in the heart of the largest unprotected wilderness in southern British Columbia. With a full pack you hike to Deer Pass and Spruce Lake and over Windy Pass onto a ridge walk – very strenuous, for experienced hikers.
The South Chilcotin Mountains are considered the most important unprotected wilderness area in southern British Columbia. Glaciers have shaped the landscape, time has sculpted it, and nature has adorned it: valleys, flowering meadows, alpine terrain, and abundant wildlife. Since few people venture here, the area is ideal for those seeking solitude and seclusion. A seaplane will take you right into the heart of this wilderness, and over the following days you'll hike across mountain passes and through high valleys, whose meadows burst into a sea of wildflowers in summer. The tour is operated by Sea to Sky Expeditions, the sister company of Coastal Bliss Adventures.
Tour Code
Tour language
EnglishItinerary
Day 1
From Vancouver to Trigger Lake
Tent camp, dinner
Transfer, flight, hiking
From Vancouver, we drive for about 5 hours to our starting point north of Pemberton. The route along Howe Sound and the Coast Mountains is breathtaking. We'll stop for lunch in Whistler, the famous ski resort. Afterwards, we'll take a magnificent seaplane flight to Warner Lake and from there continue to Trigger Lake.
From Vancouver to Trigger Lake
Day 1
Tent camp, dinner
Transfer, flight, hiking
From Vancouver, we drive for about 5 hours to our starting point north of Pemberton. The route along Howe Sound and the Coast Mountains is breathtaking. We'll stop for lunch in Whistler, the famous ski resort. Afterwards, we'll take a magnificent seaplane flight to Warner Lake and from there continue to Trigger Lake.
Day 2
Day hike to Deer Pass
Tent camp, full board
Day hike
Today a magnificent day hike awaits, leading up to Deer Pass. The trail alternates between forest, grassland, and wildflowers alongside small streams. Deer Pass is a window between two mountain ranges: on one side lie the snow-capped Coast Mountains, and on the other, the rust and ochre-colored mountains of the interior gleam.
Day hike to Deer Pass
Day 2
Tent camp, full board
Day hike
Today a magnificent day hike awaits, leading up to Deer Pass. The trail alternates between forest, grassland, and wildflowers alongside small streams. Deer Pass is a window between two mountain ranges: on one side lie the snow-capped Coast Mountains, and on the other, the rust and ochre-colored mountains of the interior gleam.
Day 3
To Spruce Lake
Tent camp, full board
Hike
Our destination today is Spruce Lake. We will pass Hummingbird Lake and cross unique grasslands with rustling aspen trees and countless flowers.
To Spruce Lake
Day 3
Tent camp, full board
Hike
Our destination today is Spruce Lake. We will pass Hummingbird Lake and cross unique grasslands with rustling aspen trees and countless flowers.
Day 4
Day hike above Spruce Lake
Tent camp, full board
Day hike
Today we're taking the opportunity for another beautiful day hike and climbing into the hills behind Spruce Lake. From the top, you have a fantastic view of the surrounding landscape, and of course, even more wildflowers await you along the way.
Day hike above Spruce Lake
Day 4
Tent camp, full board
Day hike
Today we're taking the opportunity for another beautiful day hike and climbing into the hills behind Spruce Lake. From the top, you have a fantastic view of the surrounding landscape, and of course, even more wildflowers await you along the way.
Day 5
Over the Windy Pass into the Highlands
Tent camp, full board
Hike
With lighter provisions now, we climb over the Windy Pass into the highlands. There are two options for camp: either we cross a second pass into the Taylor Basin, or we stay on an alpine meadow in the Eldorado Basin. On the high meadows, you have a second chance to see wildflowers if they've already faded further down.
Over the Windy Pass into the Highlands
Day 5
Tent camp, full board
Hike
With lighter provisions now, we climb over the Windy Pass into the highlands. There are two options for camp: either we cross a second pass into the Taylor Basin, or we stay on an alpine meadow in the Eldorado Basin. On the high meadows, you have a second chance to see wildflowers if they've already faded further down.
Day 6
Walking a tightrope
Tent camp, full board
Hike
On our last full day in the region, we hike to our last campsite and in the afternoon take a hike along a mountain ridge.
Walking a tightrope
Day 6
Tent camp, full board
Hike
On our last full day in the region, we hike to our last campsite and in the afternoon take a hike along a mountain ridge.
Day 7
Descent and return trip to Vancouver
Breakfast
Hiking, transfer
The last morning hike takes us downhill, downhill, and downhill again to our vehicle. Then we drive back to Vancouver.
Descent and return trip to Vancouver
Day 7
Breakfast
Hiking, transfer
The last morning hike takes us downhill, downhill, and downhill again to our vehicle. Then we drive back to Vancouver.
Services
What's included
Transfer to/from Vancouver
Seaplane flight to Warner Lake
6 nights in a tent (double occupancy)
All meals, snacks and drinks during the trekking tour
Cooking equipment, stoves, tents and tarps
First aid equipment and emergency radio or satellite phone
All parking and camping fees
Professional English-speaking guides
Detailed preparation guide with maps and equipment list
Small group with a maximum of 6 guests
What's not included
Individual travel to and from the destination (we are happy to put together a suitable offer)
Travel insurance (we are happy to put together an individual offer)
Personal equipment
Visa and vaccinations, if required (eTA required for Canada)
Tip (recommended: 10–20 CAD per day and guide)
Overnight stay before and after the tour
Hiking boots (should not be older than 5 years)
Backpack, sleeping bag and sleeping mat (can be rented on site)
Meals during travel days
Single tent available for an extra charge
Character of the trip
Fitness
Very demanding
Altitude
Gentle
Culture / nature
Pure nature
This tour is very strenuous and suitable for experienced hikers in excellent physical condition and with sure footing. You'll spend 5.5 days hiking with a full backpack on day hikes in the mountains, over passes, through forests, grasslands, and alpine meadows. This is in addition to 1.5 days for travel, including a seaplane flight. You'll be camping in tents in the wilderness. You'll help with setting up and taking down camp and preparing meals. Be prepared for changeable mountain weather and bring a love of basic conditions in the wilderness.
Dates and prices
Group dates
Notes on the trip
Program adjustments depending on weather conditions
Since we'll be traveling in the wilderness, the itinerary may change depending on the weather, trail conditions, and the group's fitness level. Your safety is always our top priority. You'll receive a detailed itinerary with maps, as well as a clothing and equipment list, after booking.
Walking option
The tour can also be booked with the organizer as a version without the seaplane, where you hike to the starting point. Price and dates on request.
Arrival and departure
It's best to arrive in Vancouver the day before and plan your departure for the day after the tour. The tour starts and ends in Vancouver.
Notice in accordance with EU Directive 2015/2302:
This trip is not suitable for people with reduced mobility.