Canada’s West Coast tour is eight unforgettable days of hiking wild trails, swimming in glacier-fed lakes, chasing waterfalls, and soaking in jaw-dropping mountain and ocean views. We’ve got all the details covered—camping gear, campsite bookings, driving, and even moving your luggage—so you can just relax and enjoy. Come solo, bring friends, or make new ones along the way. Whether you’re brand-new to hiking or a seasoned trekker, our local guides will make sure every step is a highlight.
We’ll pick you up at 10am from your downtown Vancouver hotel and drive to the North Shore. From there, we’ll catch a tram up into the mountains for a 45-minute hike, followed by lunch at Altitudes Bistro, with stunning views of Vancouver and English Bay 1,130 m (3,700 ft) below. After lunch, we’ll take the tram back down and drive up the Sea-to-Sky Highway to Squamish, where we’ll set up camp, enjoy a feast, and discuss the days ahead.
Meals: Dinner
Hiking: 45 minutes
Accommodation: Camping
After breakfast, we’ll take a short drive to the Sea to Sky Gondola and ride high above Howe Sound and Squamish to the start of our hike. From the top, we’ll enjoy sweeping views back along Howe Sound toward Vancouver and up the valley into the Coast Mountains and Whistler area.
Meals: Breakfast, picnic lunch, dinner
Typical hike: Al’s Habrich Trail, 8.5 km (5.3 mi), +340 m (1,115 ft)
Optional trip: Helicopter drop on Goat Ridge for a long scenic traverse before dropping back down to the gondola to exit
Accommodation: Camping
The Stawamus Chief, a massive granite dome rising 700 m (2,300 ft) straight from the ocean, towers above Squamish with three stunning summits offering incredible views. Our hike, known to few locals, starts behind the Chief and takes us to all three peaks via an exciting network of trails and ladders.
Meals: Breakfast, picnic lunch, dinner
Typical hike: 3-Peak Trail, 7 km (4.3 mi), +690 m (2,264 ft)
Optional trip: Whitewater rafting the Elaho River
Accommodation: Camping
Over these three days, we hike into Garibaldi Provincial Park and set up camp on the shoulder of the northernmost Cascade volcano, near the base of an immense glacier system. The next day offers the choice to hike up onto the glacier for a walk on the ice or head down to Mamquam Lake for a refreshing swim in its pristine waters beneath the striking Mamquam Mountain.
Meals: Breakfast, picnic lunch, dinner
Typical hike in: Red Heather Trail to Elfin Lakes, 10 km (6 mi), +850 m (2,800 ft)
Typical middle day hike: Opal Cone to Mamquam Lake, 10 km (6 mi), +700 m (2,300 ft)
Typical hike out: Hike back out to the Red Heather Trail, 10 km (6 mi), +100 m (330 ft)
Accommodation: Camping
After leaving the Squamish area, we make our way to the stunning shores of Callaghan Lake, a hidden gem just outside Whistler. This area boasts fascinating geology, including a rare tuya mountain, sparkling tarns, waterfalls, and hanging valleys. From camp, we paddle canoes across the serene lake to reach the Cirque Lake trailhead, then hike into a secluded alpine valley surrounded by towering cliffs and a glacier.
Meals: Breakfast, picnic lunch, dinner
Typical hike: Cirque Lake, 3.5 km (2.2 mi), +350 m (1,150 ft)
Canoeing: 2 km (1.2 mi)
Optional trip: Journeyman Lodge hike & lunch
Accommodation: Camping
On our final day, we break camp in the morning and load up the van for the drive back to Vancouver, ready for hot showers and comfy beds—but not before stopping at the famous Fergie’s for a well-earned breakfast.
For those craving a little extra adventure, we can tack on side trips like Anvil Island, where a water taxi takes us across Howe Sound for a hike to one of the most spectacular lookouts around, followed by a night camping on its serene shoreline. Let us know if interested!
Included:
Not included:
This Canada West Coast tour is open to everyone! While no hiking or camping experience is required, good fitness and being ready to be active for a week is a must. The trip can be strenuous for some, so your guides offer alternate itineraries during that portion of the trip.
There will be optional hikes or other activities (such as a heli drop or rafting) during this West Coast tour, so you’ll oftentimes be able to adapt the trip to your liking. Check out the itinerary for day-by-day activities and hikes, but the most you’ll hike within a day is 10 km (6 mi) with 850 m (2,800 ft) of elevation gain.
Clothing
Personal equipment
Liability waivers are a standard part of all guided outdoor adventures. Recently, the requirements have become a bit more rigorous for ACMG guides—meaning that you’ll need to agree to the signing of the waiver at the time of booking.
Prior to booking, we ask you to review the waiver. During the checkout process, you’ll have to acknowledge the risks and agree to the signing of the waiver. You are required to bring a printed copy on the trip.
Please note that signing and agreeing to the terms of the waiver is required in order to join this adventure. If you have any questions or concerns, please reach out to us prior to booking.
Group sizes and pricing
Canada West Coast tours can be arranged for larger groups. Contact us to make arrangements.
Min. age requirements
If your group has participants under the age of 18, contact us prior to booking to make arrangements.
The starting point of your Canada West Coast Tour is Vancouver. To get there, most people fly into Vancouver International Airport (YVR). You can take a shuttle or a taxi to reach downtown.
You will meet your guide at 10am on Day 1 at your downtown Vancouver hotel. Since your adventure begins on the morning of Day 1, we recommend arriving at least one day early if you’re flying in.
We highly recommend that you cover all your bases with insurance. To make your booking and traveling experience as carefree as possible, you’ll be offered to simply insure your trip with Redpoint at checkout.
Redpoint—the official 57hours insurance partner—tailors protection packages for adventure travel, offering a comprehensive travel program, even in remote locations! Trip cancellation, natural disasters, pandemic coverage, medical evacuation, primary medical expenses—regardless of the travel interruption that may happen, Redpoint will have you covered.