British Columbia Multi Activity Trip

An Inn-to-Inn Hiking, Biking, Sea Kayaking, Whitewater Rafting, and Ziplining Adventure featuring the best of the Pacific Northwest

From the balmy shores of Howe Sound to the alpine village of Whistler, we've wrapped the best of British Columbia into one amazing trip.

In what the Canadians call “Sea-to-Sky Country”, we hike through lush forests and above the clouds, raft rapids through sheer canyons, bike along cascading streams, and sea kayak the fjord of Indian Arm. But mostly, we'll discover why British Columbia is considered one of the most spectacular destinations in the world!

+1 604-323-1141

Itinerary / Highlights

Day 1. Sea kayak Indian Arm, The Howe Sound Inn
After meeting in Vancouver at 8:00 a.m., we head northeast to the fjord of Indian Arm for our kayaking excursion.
After we learn the fundamentals of sea kayaking, we paddle down Indian Arm's steep-sided, glacially-carved coastline exploring the wildlife and small islands inhabiting this area.

At day's end, we continue on to nearby Squamish, a town known as a mecca for outdoor enthusiasts. We stay that night at the Howe Sound Inn that was declared by National Geographic Adventure magazine to be the “best place to stay in Squamish”.

• Sea Kayaking in Indian Arm fjord [mileage variable, 5 hours]

Day 2. Hiking Squamish area, The Howe Sound Inn
Today we take a heart-pumping hike on the “Stairmaster” up the backside of the 2,139-foot Stawamus Chief, one of the largest free-standing granite monoliths in the world. This is one of the most popular day hikes in British Columbia and for good reason: spectacular 1100' Shannon Falls and astounding views of Howe Sound, Mount Garibaldi and the town of Squamish.

• Stawamus Chief Summit [4 miles roundtrip, 1,980-foot elevation gain / loss, strenuous]

Day 3. Rafting the Elaho River, Mountain Biking Cheekeye Fan, Chalet Luise
Today's whitewater rafting adventure takes us down the upper section of the Elaho River, where we pass glaciers and waterfalls that cascade hundreds of feet to the river. Winding through a deep canyon, we tackle Class III-IV rapids, known as the "Devil's Elbow", while passing through some of British Columbia's most pristine wilderness.
After lunch we continue on to Cheekeye Fan, where we enjoy some easy mountain biking. These trails are a maze of both single- and double-track geared for the beginning to intermediate rider.

Our home away from home for the next three evenings is the alpine resort village of Whistler. Here we stay at the secluded Swiss-style Chalet Luise Inn which offers colorful flower gardens, a fireside lounge, and both a sauna and jacuzzi. In the early evening you can explore the trails surrounding Whistler, shop for arts and crafts in one its many galleries or simply relax.

• Rafting [Class III-IV; approximately 3-4 hours]
• Mountain Biking Cheekeye Fan [distance variable, rolling terrain]

Day 4. Hiking Garibaldi Provincial Park, Whistler, Chalet Luise
This morning we are whisked up 3,800 feet from Whistler village via Whistler Mountain's Express Gondola to an alpine world of majestic mountain peaks and glaciers. At the top we begin our hike into the famed Garibaldi Provincial Park, renowned for its awe-inspiring landscape formed by both glaciers and volcanic activity.

We hike the ridge top trail which traverses the "Musical Bumps"—Piccolo, Flute and Oboe—and eventually leads to Singing Pass, named for the sound of the wind whistling through the trees. Our route will lead us through fields of wildflowers such as lupine, Indian Paintbrush, arnica and snow lily and offer us dazzling views of Blackcomb Mountain and an eagle's eye view of Cheakamus Lake nestled 3,600 feet below.

• Hiking to Singing Pass via The Musical Bumps [approximately 8 miles, lots of elevation gains and losses]

Day 5. ZipTrek or TreeTrek/ Mountain Biking Cheakamus Lake or Free Time, Chalet Luise
Experience the exhilaration of flying as you glide along steel ziplines suspended high above the breathtaking white-water river that divides Whistler and Blackcomb Mountains. Ziplining involves gliding along a suspended steel cable, using a pulley and climbing harness. Guided tours include five incredible zipline rides that gain progressively in height and length with the
longest spanning over 1100 feet. The ziplines are joined by a network of ground based boardwalks and trails, and by aerial stairways and bridges at heights of over eighty feet in the tree canopy!

A little less adventurous? Opt for the TreeTrek EcoTour and explore the treetops of Whistler's ancient forests on a spectacular network of suspension bridges, boardwalks and observation platforms. Enjoy a bird's eye view of Whistler's natural wonders from nearly 200 feet above the forest floor in the magnificent cedars, firs and hemlocks that host your adventure.
After lunch we mountain bike through beautiful old growth forest along the shore of turquoise Cheakamus Lake. This ride is flat and consists of wide singletrack suitable for beginner to intermediate riders. Alternately, if you're looking for a little down time, stroll the streets of Whistler and explore its many shops.

• ZipTrek [5 ziplines, 2-1//2 hours] or TreeTrek EcoTour [7 suspension bridges, 1-1/2 to 2 hours]
• Mountain Biking the Cheakamus Lake Trail [relatively flat, 4 miles roundtrip] or Free Time in Whistler

Day 6. Mountain Biking Whistler, Vancouver
On our last day, we return to our mountain bikes and embark on a ride on the Whistler trail system. The 30-kilometer paved Valley Trail offers a great introduction to the area. This scenic and relatively flat route accesses several municipal parks and is the jumping off point for a myriad of more ambitious rides on trails such as Cut Yer Bars, Rebob, Whip Me Snip Me, Bart's Dart Trail, Emerald Forest, Mel's Dilemna and more. The trails of Lost Lake Park offer excellent beginning to intermediate singletrack mountain biking. There are trails for all abilities in this area.

Our tour concludes in Vancouver at approximately 6:00 p.m.

• Mountain Biking in Whistler

Other Details

Accommodation Details

Day 0: Holiday Inn, Vancouvewr Airport (not included)
Day 1 and 2: The Howe Sound Inn in Squamish
Day 3, 4 and 5 : Chalet Luise in Whistler