Elkhorn
$750.00 / person
(at 2:1 ratio)
Next Trip: Jul 1 - 3, 2011
- STRENUOUSNESS
- TECHNICAL DIFFICULTY
The second highest peak on Vancouver Island, Elkhorn is the "Matterhorn of the Island Alps". The classic North West Ridge was the line of first ascent by an Alpine Club expedition led by A.O Wheeler in 1912. While the first ascent was made nearly one hundred years ago, the six thousand foot ascent from the valley floor to the summit as well as some low fifth class rock climbing, mean this trip is still challenging today. Some hiking and scrambling experience are recommended. The trip is best done as a three day outing but can be done in two days by very fit parties. Guest to guide ratio up to 2:1.
TRIP INFO
Tantalus Ascents
$1,265.00 / person
(at 2:1 ratio)
Next Trip: Aug 26 - 28, 2011
- STRENUOUSNESS
- TECHNICAL DIFFICULTY
Join us for some superb climbing on big glaciers and clean granite in the spectacular Tantalus Range. A short helicopter trip from Squamish drops us in the amazing Serratus/Dione Col, the site of the ACC Jim Haberl Hut. The hut makes for a comfortable stay while we spend three intensive days climbing objectives such as Mount Serratus, Dione and Alpha to name a few of the possibilities. These trips are
done at lower ratios than our instructional trips to Tantalus to allow guiding of more ambitious objectives than we can mange on higher ratio instructional trips.
TRIP INFO
Washington Back Country
$150.00 / person
(at 4:1 ratio)
Next Trip: Jan 20, 2012 (day trip)
- STRENUOUSNESS
- TECHNICAL DIFFICULTY
Mount Washington offers some fine powder stashes on the shady aspects out side the ski area boundaries. Join one of our guides as they let you in on the secrets of the Mount Washington back country. Tours can be done simply on your regular alpine skis using the lifts and vehicle shuttles to get back up for another run. Or if you are interested in doing a little uphill touring as well we can incorporate touring skis or inserts on your alpine skis plus skins and optional lift access for a more traditional touring day.
TRIP INFO
Mt. Cain Back Country
$150.00 / person
(at 4:1 ratio)
Next Trip: Jan 6, 2012 (day trip)
- STRENUOUSNESS
- TECHNICAL DIFFICULTY
Mount Cain offers some of the quickest access to excellent back-country skiing on Vancouver Island. The west, east and north bowls, Dream Chute, Mounts Able and Hapush are all possible destinations as part of a fun filled day of ski touring. The lifts can be used to up the amount of vertical skied or you can choose to do a more traditional back country day. Whether you use the lifts or not, epic north island powder, stunning mountain scenery and the friendly culture of Mount Cain will ensure an unforgettable day, or join us for a week end with overnights in a comfortable chalet on the mountain.
TRIP INFO
Day Hikes
/ person
(at :1 ratio)
- STRENUOUSNESS
- TECHNICAL DIFFICULTY
For those who enjoy their hikes one day at a time we have some great places to show you. Whether it is an alpine experience you are after, a coastal walk or a stroll in the rain forest, we will show you the best that the island has to offer. Join us for one day or come to stay for a while at one of the areas fine resorts taking day trips to explore. Destinations for alpine day hikes include: Rogers Ridge and Mount Adrian, Alexandra Peak, Crest Mountain, Mount Arrowsmith and Peak 5040 to name but a few of the possibilities. We also have some excellent coastal day hikes to offer.
TRIP INFO
Rambler Peak
$750.00 / person
(at 2:1 ratio)
Next Trip: Aug 26 - 28, 2011
- STRENUOUSNESS
- TECHNICAL DIFFICULTY
Set in the dramatic wilderness of the upper Elk Valley, Rambler peak offers one of the finest moderate technical rock routes anywhere. The west buttress offers 650 metres of clean basalt climbing directly to the summit. Awesome as it is, the difficulty rating never exceeds 5.6. After enjoying the breathtaking view from the top, you make a dramatic descent into the vast granite slabs of Elk pass. Alternatively less experienced parties can choose to ascend the more straightforward "Ramblers Route". Either way it is a strenuous 3 or 4 day trip requiring reasonable fitness. Island Alpine Guides intro rock or equivalent and some scrambling experience are recommended for the west buttress whereas no experience is required for the Ramblers Route. Client to guide ratio up to 2:1.
TRIP INFO
Comox Glacier Hike
$405.00 / person
(at 3:1 ratio)
Next Trip: Aug 6 - 8, 2011
- STRENUOUSNESS
- TECHNICAL DIFFICULTY
For many who have gazed up from sea level to the Comox Glacier the lure of standing on top of it is irresistible. Join our guides on a three day hike to the summit of the glacier. The views looking down from the top back to sea level are amazing. Although mostly a hike, some hikers may need the additional security of a rope on some of the rock steps and across the top of the Glacier. The trip is best done as a three day adventure though very fit parties may choose to do it in two days.
TRIP INFO
Colonel Foster - Full Traverse
$1,800.00 / person
(at 1:1 ratio)
- STRENUOUSNESS
- TECHNICAL DIFFICULTY
While the east face of "The Colonel" is perhaps it's most well known aspect, the truly all-encompassing approach to this impressive mountain is to claim all its summits. A superb alpine traverse with huge exposure and varied and interesting climbing, this is without a doubt an Island classic. Most of the climbing is fourth and low fifth class with a few moves up to 5.8. All the climbing can be done in mountain boots. You need to be very fit, have scrambling experience and be comfortable soloing on 4th class ground. Island Alpine Guides Mountain Skills course or equivalent, comfort with exposure, and a willingness to bivouac in the open are all pre-requisites to join us on this climb. The trip takes four days and is done at a maximum client to guide ratio of 1:1. Contact us to arrange a date to climb the Colonel!
TRIP INFO
Week end Ski Tours
$295.00 / person
(at 4:1 ratio)
Next Trip: Mar 31 - Apr 1, 2012
- STRENUOUSNESS
- TECHNICAL DIFFICULTY
Mount Myra offers relatively quick access on foot to some excellent ski terrain. Skiing on all aspects is available as is some lovely tree skiing options making it a great location to get in some fabulous turns in virtually all weather conditions. Conditions permitting, we will descend the full thousand metres of the north face. Other excellent locations for foot access ski tours include Mount Adrian, Alexandra Peak, Mount Cain, Mount Tom Taylor and a few other secret spots known to us!
TRIP INFO
Auger Point Traverse
$500.00 / person
(at 4:1 ratio)
Next Trip: Jul 29 - Aug 1, 2011
- STRENUOUSNESS
- TECHNICAL DIFFICULTY
This is our most popular mountain traverse for a reason. It is a spectacular hike with no technical difficultly at all and in a relatively short (four day) time frame you get to experience the full wilderness spleandour of Strathcona Park which you get on the longer and more committing traverses. Starting at Paradise Meadows gives us the altitude advantage as we head up and over Mount Albert Edward and through the headwaters of the Oyster River before taking in the summit of Augerpoint Mountain and making our way down to Buttle Lake. A beautiful four day hike perfect for any reasonably fit person who loves mountain wilderness.
Strenuousness: Moderate. Done as a four day hike the elevation gains and distances travelled are not onerous however you must be prepared to carry a three night pack.
TRIP INFO
Comox Glacier Climb
$600.00 / person
(at 3:1 ratio)
Next Trip: Jul 23 - 25, 2011
- STRENUOUSNESS
- TECHNICAL DIFFICULTY
While our normal Comox Glacier Hike takes the standard hiking route on which there is a little scrambling at most, this trip reaches the glacier from a secret valley in behind and then via a rarely climbed couloir! Hike the amazing and rarely visited Kweishun Valley to spend your first night at Mirren Lake. Then climb the snow couloir to just beside the summit of the Glacier and follow the normal route back down via the frog pond. This climb travels over 2 glaciers and covers some of the most impressive terrain in Strathcona park.
TRIP INFO
Heli Accessed Touring
$495.00 / person
(at 4:1 ratio)
- STRENUOUSNESS
- TECHNICAL DIFFICULTY
With a helicopter for access great ski touring is possible on Vancouver Island without a long slog from the valley taking up most of the trip. We know of some fine locations outside of Strathcona Park from which a quick (and cost effective) lift will whisk you into the alpine where the fun begins right away. Fly in early Saturday morning and enjoy a full day of exploring and skiing the slopes of the area. Overnight in a camp in the alpine is followed by another full day of skiing. Ultimately a long descent to waiting cars finishes the perfect Island Alps ski touring week-end. Alternatively use the heli for flights in and out and choose whether to make it a day trip or a longer outing. Locations include Alexandra Peak, Mount Adrian, Mount Matchlee and few secret locations known to our IAG guides.
TRIP INFO
Secret Valley Hike
$125.00 / person
(at 4:1 ratio)
- STRENUOUSNESS
- TECHNICAL DIFFICULTY
Experience rugged mountain vistas, Waterfalls cascading all around you from above, Island glaciation and the beauty of subalpine lakes. We discovered this hidden gem recently and are sure that this trip will become a classic destination. The hike takes you behind the Comox Glacier to an area that sees few visitors. From lakes and waterfalls to massive mountain walls and beautiful wildflowers this trip has it all. With the quickest access to big peaks and glaciers anywhere on the Island if you are going to do one alpine day trip, this is the one to do. Hiking times can vary from a few hours to a full day depending on group wishes. No matter how far or near up this valley you go, you will be rewarded with amazing scenery.
TRIP INFO
Lodge Ski Week
$1,950.00 / person
(at 4:1 ratio)
Next Trip: Mar 31 - Apr 7, 2012
- STRENUOUSNESS
- TECHNICAL DIFFICULTY
For many of us the ultimate ski touring trip includes epic days skiing soft fluff in spectacular surroundings but it also includes a hot shower, a fine meal and a comfortable bed each night. If ski touring this way in a beautiful wilderness setting appeals to you why not join us for an epic week at legendary McGillivray Pass in the spectacular the Coast Range this winter? Helicopter access to masses of awesome ski touring terrain and comfortable wilderness digs combine to make this a ski touring week not to be missed!
TRIP INFO
Glacier Triple Crown
$1,000.00 / person
(at 2:1 ratio)
Next Trip: Aug 19 - 23, 2011
- STRENUOUSNESS
- TECHNICAL DIFFICULTY
The Comox Glacier dominates the skyline above the towns of Courtenay and Comox. This gleaming mass of alpine ice is a tantalizing goal for the fit hiker. Accessible from the Comox Glacier are some significant alpine features, including Mount Argus, Mount Harmston and the Red Pillar. A spectacular traverse from the Ash River to the Comox Glacier to climb all three of these peaks makes a wonderful four day mountain adventure if you're fit and have some hiking and scrambling experience. The views from these peaks are panoramic and unforgettable.
TRIP INFO
Spearhead Traverse
$725.00 / person
(at 4:1 ratio)
- STRENUOUSNESS
- TECHNICAL DIFFICULTY
This classic coast mountain "Haute Route" starts on Whistler Mountain and works it's way around the spectacular Spearhead Range. Traversing awesome terrain, bagging peaks and of course making ski descents are all features if this wonderful five day trip. This trip can be combined with the Mystery Creek trip to make an amazing and committed 10 day mountain ski traverse.
TRIP INFO
Victoria Peak
$490.00 / person
(at 2:1 ratio)
- STRENUOUSNESS
- TECHNICAL DIFFICULTY
The islands third highest peak stands somewhat alone between the White River and the Gold River offering splendid views to the peaks of Strathcona Park to the south and the north island peaks to the north. Aside from offering some interesting climbing, being outside the park this peak offers relatively easy access on forestry roads making for a pleasant week end or three day trip depending on fitness and desires.
TRIP INFO
Nootka Trail
$1,170.00 / person
(at 4:1 ratio)
Next Trip: Sep 12 - 17, 2011
- STRENUOUSNESS
- TECHNICAL DIFFICULTY
Imagine all of the features of the famed west coast trail, put them in an even wilder and more remote setting, remove the massive numbers of tourists and you have the Nootka Trail. This remote and beautiful coastal walk takes in stunning long white sand beaches, rocky headlands, coastal rain forest and ancient first nations settlements. Abundant wildlife and a superlatively rich coastal ecosystem make this an unforgettable six day trek.
TRIP INFO
Heli Access Climbs
$595.00 / person
(at 2:1 ratio)
- STRENUOUSNESS
- TECHNICAL DIFFICULTY
With the use of a helicopter for access a number of very exciting alpine ascents on Vancouver Island become accessible in a single day trip. These include Mount Matchlee, Victoria Peak and Rugged Mountain to name a few. All of these peaks have a number of routes from straightforward scrambles to more technical lines. Guest to guide
ratios will depend on the technicality of the route chosen. Contact us for more information and a quote.
TRIP INFO
Island Heli Skiing
$895.00 / person
(at 4:1 ratio)
- STRENUOUSNESS
- TECHNICAL DIFFICULTY
If you have ever gazed at the pristine, un-tracked snow on the peaks visible from Mount Washington and yearned to carve it up, this could be your winter! Join us for a day of heli skiing right here in the Island Alps. Start the day by meeting your guide for safety briefings. Then it’s into the helicopter and up into the mountains for a great day of wilderness skiing. The guide, transceiver, shovel and probe as well as lunch are all provided. Just bring your advanced/intermediate or above skiing ability and be prepared to be a pioneering heli skier on Vancouver Island!
When do we heli ski?
To go heli skiing we need the right combination of weather suitable for flying and good stability in the snow. Typically this happens right at the same time that you've finished carving up the fresh stuff at the ski hill and are yearning for more!
How it woks:
If you are interested in heli skiing with us send us an email at info@islandalpineguides.com or telephone us on 250 400 2870. We will put your name on a list of people who are keen to go heli skiing when conditions are just right. When that time comes we'll contact you and offer you the chance to join us for a day of heli skiing. Decisions to go will be based on weather forecasts and avalanche hazard forecasts done by our expert guides. You'll usually have somewhere between one and three days notice that it's "game on"!
TRIP INFO
Kings Peak
$270.00 / person
(at 3:1 ratio)
Next Trip: Jul 23 - 24, 2011
- STRENUOUSNESS
- TECHNICAL DIFFICULTY
For those who love the mountains and especially standing on mountain peaks, but who prefer to avoid technical climbing, King's peak is a superb alpine outing. A strenuous two day hike takes you through beautiful valley bottom forest up into a rugged alpine setting on the summit of King's peak with superlative views of the highest peaks of Strathcona Park.
TRIP INFO
Manatee Base Camp
$2,550.00 / person
(at 4:1 ratio)
- STRENUOUSNESS
- TECHNICAL DIFFICULTY
Come and spend 6 days in the shadow of the massive Wahoo tower skiing 1000 meter plus runs and touring in big mountain and glacier country. Accessed by a quick flight from Pemberton, BC our base camp allows you ski out in a new direction everyday and return to great meals every night back at the "Manatee Village".
TRIP INFO
Mount Septimus
$1,000.00 / person
(at 2:1 ratio)
Next Trip: Jul 8 - 11, 2011
- STRENUOUSNESS
- TECHNICAL DIFFICULTY
Mount Septimus is perhaps the most dramatic alpine feature in Southern Strathcona Park. Rising above the park's most famous alpine body of water, Cream Lake, a climb of Mount Septimus during a traverse from the Bedwell Valley to the Price Valley makes a wonderful four-day outing. Some hiking and scrambling experience are recommended.
TRIP INFO
North Coast Trail
$1,335.00 / person
(at 4:1 ratio)
- STRENUOUSNESS
- TECHNICAL DIFFICULTY
The recently opened North Coast Trail takes in Cape Scott and a beautiful remote stretch of the North Coast of Vancouver Island. This is our most demanding and remote coastal hike and is best suited to the more adventurous hiker. This 7 day trek has more elevation gain and loss than our other coastal hikes and is more rugged in general. But the rewards are great on a hike that takes in tremendous coastal wilderness in a remote setting which few people have seen.
TRIP INFO
Waddington Ski Mountaineering
$3,300.00 / person
(at 4:1 ratio)
- STRENUOUSNESS
- TECHNICAL DIFFICULTY
Ski mountaineering in the crown of the Coast Mountains. Seven days of world class ski touring with a chance at the NW summit of Mount Waddington make this one of the greatest ski mountaineering adventures anywhere. Peak objectives include Mounts Munday, Jester and Cavalier amongst others combined with long glacial ski runs on a scale found only in the high mountains.
TRIP INFO
Golden Hinde
$1,200.00 / person
(at 4:1 ratio)
Next Trip: Aug 6 - 13, 2011
- STRENUOUSNESS
- TECHNICAL DIFFICULTY
The lure of the highest peak is always a strong one. But with the Golden Hinde the appeal is even more so because of the remoteness of this, the highest mountain on Vancouver Island. Really more of a committed hiking journey the trip does include terrain where a rope and perhaps an axe or crampons may come into use. Back-packing and scrambling experience are recommended. The walk to and ascent of the Hinde combine to make a magical 8 day traverse on foot of some of the finest mountain wilderness anywhere from Philips Ridge all the way to the Elk River. And to top it off the summit of the island as a reward. A must do for any island mountain enthusiast. Client to guide ratio 4:1.
TRIP INFO
Mount Waddington
$3,700.00 / person
(at 2:1 ratio)
- STRENUOUSNESS
- TECHNICAL DIFFICULTY
The highest mountain in BC has a lure of course but Waddington is a very special peak for reasons beyond it's place at the top of the elevation list. Set in a vast and dramatic wilderness the height of Waddington is particularly noticeable when you stand on it's
4015m summit and gaze upon the ocean! Our week long trip into the Waddington area aims to climb a few other peaks in the area before heading for the main objective. If you have some mountaineering experience and Waddington has been on your list (as it is
for mountaineers the world over!) then perhaps now is the time! Contact us to check available dates.
TRIP INFO
Juan de Fuca Trail
$660.00 / person
(at 4:1 ratio)
- STRENUOUSNESS
- TECHNICAL DIFFICULTY
Stunning coastal scenery, roaring surf, abundant marine and forest wild life and spectacular hiking are all features of our 4 day Juan de Fuca hike. This is the shortest, least demanding and most accessible of our coastal hikes yet it still offers a fine wilderness experience.
TRIP INFO
Washington/Comox Glacier Traverse
$1,050.00 / person
(at 4:1 ratio)
Next Trip: Aug 30 - Sep 5, 2011
- STRENUOUSNESS
- TECHNICAL DIFFICULTY
A stunning week long traverse of the dramatic eastern edge of the mountains of Strathcona Park. Once we leave the forest in Paradise meadows to head into the alpine, we barely touch tree-line again for the entire trip. To the west the mountains of Strathcona Park, to the east the Ocean and the Coast Mountains. This is an arduous and very rewarding trip for fit people with a sense of adventure.
TRIP INFO
Ski Washington/Comox Glacier
$1,050.00 / person
(at 4:1 ratio)
- STRENUOUSNESS
- TECHNICAL DIFFICULTY
Traveling this traverse in the summer is a delight but as a winter ski traverse is when it really shines. Staying above tree line essentially for the entire traverse this ski tour takes in the height of land on the eastern edge of Strathcona Park taking in countless summits and all with superlative views of the Island and Coastal Mountains and the Straight of Georgia. Previous ski touring experience is recommended for this 7 day trip.
TRIP INFO
