West Coast Mountain Madness Adventure in BC Canada

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Canada, British Columbia, West Coast Mountain Madness

Biking, Hiking, Sea Kayaking, Rafting, Whale Watching, Via Ferrata & Zip-Lining

(9 Days)

Thirsting for an adrenaline rush and lots of active thrills as part of your vacation plans this summer? Look no further than this very special British Columbia multi-sport adventure. To celebrate its 15th anniversary in 2009, BikeHike created this fantastic trip that takes place right here in our own backyard. The itinerary is jammed packed with active pursuits. Some highlights include a glute-burning grind to the peak of the 4100 ft Grouse Mountain, a paddle around beautiful Victoria Harbour, biking in the Cowichan Valley with wine tastings at one of B.C.'s best wineries, zip-lining in Whistler - including a 2000 foot monster drop over 20 stories, mountain biking some of the best cross country trails in the world in Whistler, a rafting thriller blasting down class III-IV rapids on the Elaho River, and a whale-watching tour to view resident and transient Orcas. This adventure was originally a one-time excursion, but due to its popularity we now offer regular departures.

Trip Highlights

Sea Kayaking, Whale Watching and Wine Touring on Vancouver Island
Mountain Biking, Hiking and Zip-lining in tantalizing Whistler, home of the 2010 Winter Olympics
Whitewater Rafting on class III-IV rapids on the Elaho River

Detailed Itinerary

Day 1: Arrival Vancouver, Hike the Grouse Grind, Welcome Dinner

Upon arrival into Vancouver, make your way to the specified group hotel. For those who arrive into town by 2pm, we'll venture to the north shore mountains for a hike up to the peak of Grouse Mountain for a bird's eye view of Vancouver, home of the 2010 Winter Olympics. The Grouse Grind is a popular hike amongst fit locals, who time themselves to the 4100' peak. It's a steep climb, through a deciduous forest and once we reach the summit, the views are spectacular (weather pending) of the surrounding mountains, Pacific Ocean and the city skyline. We'll have some time on Grouse Mountain to visit the resident grizzly bears and falcons and then we'll take the gondola back down to the parking lot. We'll transfer back to Vancouver and head out for dinner and orientation meeting of the adventure that lies ahead.

Day 2: Victoria (Biking and Kayaking)

We'll have an early breakfast then transfer to the Tsawwassen Ferry Terminal to catch a ferry to Victoria, the capital of British Columbia. The scenic journey takes 1 1/2 hours and terminates in Schwartz Bay. We'll be met upon arrival by our guide, driver and hybrid bikes. From the ferry terminal we'll cycle along the Lochside Trail to Victoria. The Lochside Trail is part of the Galloping Goose Regional Trail, a combination of reclaimed railway line and commuter trails that has been transformed into a popular recreational corridor. We'll traverse past working farms, seaside trails, bird sanctuaries and train trestles. We'll stop for lunch along the way at Matticks Farm. We'll reach Victoria early afternoon and check into our hotel. The last leg of the day is a 2 hour paddling adventure along the Gorge Waterway and around the Victoria Harbour. It's a beautiful harbour filled with opulent yachts and float planes landing in the ocean. Once we take out of our kayaks, we'll head to the Canoe Brewpub for dinner and a brewery tour. (B, D)

Day 3: Victoria (Biking and Whale Watching)

We'll have an early breakfast and then head out for a 3-hour city cycling tour. We'll cycle around the famous island enclave, exploring the trails, mansions, gardens, seashores and unique marketplaces that make up the diverse cultural background of this port city. We'll be back in time for lunch and afterwards head out for a 3 hour whale watching tour. BC has a good number of resident and transient Orcas, and with some luck we'll see some of them breaching. (B)

Day 4: Cowichan Valley (Biking and Wine Touring)

We'll start with an early morning breakfast and then it's back on our bikes for a full day of biking to the Cowichan Valley Vineyards for a wine tour of some of B.C.'s famous wines. Today's journey is a picturesque ride along the eastern shoreline of Southern Vancouver Island. We'll be treated to wine and cider tasting, unique seaside villages, and the aboriginal cultures of Mill Bay and Cobble Hill. The day ends in a quaint and comfortable hotel in Cowichan Bay. (B)

Day 5: Whistler (Zip Lining)

Early this morning we'll transfer by vehicle up to Nanaimo where we'll catch another BC ferry, this time to Horseshoe Bay. Upon arrival into Horseshoe Bay we'll be met and transferred up to Whistler, one of the big sites of the 2010 Winter Olympics. We'll check into our hotel, freshen up and head out for lunch. Afterwards we'll make our way to the start of the Ziptrek to partake in the thrilling Eagle Tour. Secured in harnesses, helmets and pulleys, we'll traverse along a series of cables including a 2000' awe inspiring monster that drops over 20 stories. We end the adventure by zipping all the way back to Whistler Village! The evening is at leisure to explore the village or go out as a group for dinner. (B)

Day 6: Whistler Musical Bumps (Hiking)

We'll have a hearty Canadian breakfast and then head out to do one of Whistler's classic hikes. We start with a ride
up the Whistler Mountain Gondola to the high alpine and venture outside the Whistler Blackcomb ski area boundary along Piccolo and Flute summits. We'll hike along wild alpine meadows observing the flora and if we're lucky we'll spot some of the resident fauna such as a marmot or black bear! We'll picnic along the way with breathtaking views of Cheakamus Lake and across to magnificent Black Tusk. Hiking 6-8 hours. (B,L)

Day 7: Whistler (Via Ferrata)

Today is thrilling! We test our hands on Whistler's Via Ferrata, climbing to the summit of Whistler Peak. "Via Ferrata" is Italian for "Iron Way" and is an engineered vertical pathway with permanently fixed cables for protection and metal ladder rungs to ease your movement over the rock. This adventure is a combination of glacier hiking with mountain climbing. Before we ascent, our guide will give detailed instructions on the use of equipment and technique. We'll negotiate our way across Whistler glacier using crampons and an ice axe to the base of the Via Ferrata route. Safely secured on special lanyard system, we clip ourselves onto the cable while climbing the rock headwall using a series of ladder rungs that lead to the summit of Whistler Peak. Climbing a Via Ferrata does not require any special skills or prior experience. This thrilling activity is suitable for guests of all abilities. All technical equipment is included. The rest of the day is free in Whistler Village to explore, shop in all the outdoor stores, or sit on a patio with a cold beer and people watch. (B)

Day 8: Squamish/Vancouver (Whitewater Rafting)

We'll have a very early breakfast and then transfer 45 minutes to the mountain town of Squamish for a morning of whitewater adventure. We'll raft class III-IV rapids on the glacial fed Elaho River. The journey is 16 kms (10 miles) through some of British Columbia’s most pristine wilderness. We'll pass old growth forests, dormant volcanoes, towering glaciers, and stunning waterfalls that cascade hundreds of feet towards the river. If we're really lucky we might spot local deer, beavers and bears which often stop by the river's edge. Lunch is a BBQ back at the base and then we'll transfer back to Vancouver for our final night in British Colombia. We'll end by celebrating with a farewell dinner. (B,L,D)

Day 9: Departure

Make your way to the Vancouver International Airport for flights back home.


Hotel
8 Nights