British Columbia Family Camp

British Columbia Family Camp

6-Day Multi-Sport Sky Camp Family Adventure

2008 Dates coming soon!

Customized trips available. Best time to travel with this itinerary is from Jul to Sep.

Day 1 : Vancouver - Whistler
Meet your guides in the lobby of the Granville Island Hotel in Vancouver. We will drive through scenic Stanley Park, over the Lion’s Gate Bridge and through posh West Vancouver. We will then head north along the rugged coastline of Howe Sound; stopping for a short hike to the foot of 1200 ft. Shannon Falls. From here, we ascend into the mountains and arrive in Whistler. This mountain town has developed into an outdoor enthusiast’s Mecca, with miles of wilderness hiking and biking accessible from your hotel. After checking into the intimate award winning Pan Pacific Whistler, you are free to explore Whistler Village. Bicycles will provide for those that want to explore the entire valley. This evening, attend a casual group dinner in the village at lively Monk’s Restaurant located at the base of Blackcomb Mountain. Overnight at the Pan Pacific Whistler.

Day 2 : Sky Camp
Enjoy breakfast at your leisure at the Pan Pacific Hotel before your guide meets you in the lobby for a 5-minute drive to the floatplane dock. Here, overlooking Green Lake, snow-capped Wedge Mountain and Armchair Glacier, you will see our private floatplane arrive to whisk us into the most pristine backcountry in North America – Sky Camp on Crystal Lake.

Shortly after arrival, tour Sky Camp, your home for the next few days. After we have had an opportunity to settle into our safari style tents, we will hike to the Heavenly Knolls. After a brief safety orientation and canoe operation overview, the hike begins with a short canoe/kayak ride across the lake to the beginning of today’s trail. We will hike to the summit of Heavenly Knoll and across a series of ridges consisting of rounded exposed granite. This is a perfect opportunity to learn some basic rock-climbing and bouldering techniques on the granite summit, while those looking to soak in the view may relax in the sun. The goal is to reach a granite outcropping from which we can view a 250 ft. waterfall tumbling off the slopes of Monmouth Mountain.

Upon arrival back at base camp, you can choose to relax in the wood-fired sauna or continue paddling around the lake while your guides prepare tonight’s dinner.

Day 3 : Sky Camp
Awaken to the call of the resident loons and eagles. If you raise your flag, coffee and juice will be delivered to your tent. Enjoy the magic of the quiet tranquility as you take a walk along the shoreline or push off in a canoe and glide through mist on the glassy morning lake surface.

After breakfast, we will hike to The Lord’s River. This is an 8-mile, round-trip hike through newly-made trails and paths in the woods. Eventually, we make our way to a granite outcropping above the Lord’s River. Here, lunch will be served while we relax at the foot of the 10,000 ft. snow-capped peaks rising abruptly from the river’s edge. The return hike includes a short detour to a waterfall, plus a beautiful pond where we frequently see moose feeding in the shallows.

Day 4 : No Moose Canyon Falls - Mount McClure Summit
Another peaceful morning begins with freshly brewed coffee waiting in the Sky Camp Lodge. Mornings are perfect for canoeing, kayaking, or fishing when the lake is calm, quiet, and crystal clear. Fish from the dock, belly boats, from shore or from one of our kayaks or canoes. You may bring your own rod and tackle or use some of the camp gear. After breakfast, we will have an opportunity to work off our meal with a hike to No Moose Canyon Falls and the Mount McClure Summit. Those looking for an epic challenge need to look no further than the backside of camp. Beginning at camp (elevation 4500 ft.), we will climb the slopes of 8100 ft. Mount McClure. Those looking for a long, but relatively easy day can return to camp after lunch at No Moose Falls (the waterfall tumbles into a deep granite gorge with sheer 400-ft walls). Those looking to test their limits may continue on towards the summit. Mount McClure’s top is a rounded scree slope instead of the jagged cliffs adorning the other local mountains, but that doesn’t mean this will be an easy day. The trek to the summit is long and it follows a mountain goat path most of the way (well maintained trails go only to No Moose Falls). Snow lingers on the summit year-round. The thrill of accomplishment, plus the views into the Chilcotin Mountains and across the glaciers of the Coast Range, makes this monumental effort worth every moment.

Day 5: Ponds of Youth
After another amazing breakfast, we will hike north of Sky Camp and Crystal Lake to a valley with amazing crystal clear ponds. Before the afternoon breeze picks up, these shallow, strange and picturesque ponds have such clear water that they appear to have no water in them at all. They are a great place to see moose wading in the shallow water. We will have lunch on the trail. Adventurous group members may continue on to a long sandy beach where the glacial Lord’s River enters enormous Taseko Lake, one of the longest lakes in British Columbia. It is home to traditional territories of the Xeni Gwet'in, or Nemiah people, of the Tsilhqot'in First Nation. One-quarter of the famous Fraser River salmon are born here.

After returning to camp, you can choose to relax in the Lodge, paddle around the lake in a canoe or kayak, or take one of the camp’s mountain bikes out on the newly developed trails. These clean and newly made trails have been cleared of branches and debris for your enjoyment! There are bridges over the creeks and wet spots, plus even a trail around the north end of the lake through the marshes (long bridge). The trails are very clear and well established!

Day 6: Sky Camp - Whistler - Vancouver
Relish in your last morning relaxing in our wood-fired sauna, enjoying a final hike or last paddle beneath the peaks. In the afternoon, it is time to return over the mountains and back to civilization. We will enjoy a celebratory lunch in the village on the patio of lively Monk’s restaurant, located at the base of Blackcomb Mountain. Following lunch, we will shuttle back to Vancouver and arrive at the Granville Island Hotel between 5:00pm – 7:00pm. (Hotel is not included this evening.)

Included:

Round-trip transportation from Vancouver
Professional, knowledgeable and safety certified guides and camp hosts
Crown land entry and overnight permits
Floatplane ride to/from Sky Camp in our specially designed DeHavilland Beaver floatplane
A scenic tour of the local glaciers, plus the Coast and Chilcotin Mountain ranges
Use of our private and luxurious Sky Camp facilities
All gourmet meals & snacks
Bottled water
1 nights lodging at the Pan Pacific Whistler – Double occupancy
All luxury Sky Camp amenities – Double occupancy eco-lodging
All activities and related equipment

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