Golden Hinde

As low as:

$1,675.00 / person

(at 2:1 ratio)
  • STRENUOUSNESS
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  • TECHNICAL DIFFICULTY
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Add-ons

Mountaineering Kit Rental $75.00

Ice Axe, Crampons, Helmet, Harness, Carabiners, Cords and Sling. All these items are required to participate in the course. See the precise technical gear requirements in the 'Gear List' tab within this course information webpage. Once purchased - our rentals are non-refundable.

About 


As the highest peak on Vancouver Island, the Golden Hinde holds a certain allure. The remoteness of this trek only adds to the appeal, offering a wonderful wilderness experience to anyone who endeavors to climb it. This trip can be done as a five day out and back or as an eight day traverse from Phillips Ridge to Elk River. The route combines the immersive experience of a hiking journey with the fun of some technical terrain once we start the ascent of the Hinde itself. A must-do for any island mountain enthusiast. Best completed June through September.

Price quoted as a five day out and back from Phillips Ridge. Please contact us if you would like to take a different route. 

Included in the price:

  • 5 days with an ACMG guide
  • Group technical gear

Not included in the price:

  • Transportation to and from meeting point
  • Food
  • Personal equipment (camping and technical equipment available as rental add on)

Questions? Check out our FAQ page for details about our booking and cancellation policy, and other commonly asked questions or send us an email. 

Location 


The Phillips Ridge/Arnica Lake trailhead is the standard meeting point for this trip. It is located in southern Strathcona Park, approximately 1.5 hours away from Campbell River. Please note that there is no cell service past Campbell River. For logistical reasons, we will likely meet participants at a convoy point in Campbell River on the first morning of the trip and convoy to the trailhead together. 

Itinerary 


A typical day starts at 08:30 and ends around 16:30, but the pacing of this trip will be entirely dependent on the group, guide, weather and conditions. Below is a general idea of what to expect. 

  • Day 1 - Meet either at the trailhead, or at a convoy point in Campbell River around 8:30 am. Once at the trailhead, you will begin your way up to Phillips Ridge where you will camp either at Arnica Lake or on the ridge. 
  • Day 2 -  Make your way to the base of the Hinde, likely aiming to camp either at Schjelderup or the tarns above Burman Lake. 
  • Day 3 - Summit the Hinde with day packs and return to the campsite from the night before. 
  • Day 4 - Hike to a campsite at Phillips Ridge or at Arnica Lake.
  • Day 5 - Hike out

Exact meeting details will be provided in a pre-trip email sent one-week prior to your trip. 
 
Questions? Check out our FAQ page for details, or send us an email. 

Requirements


This route requires fitness and comfort with some exposure. To join this trip, we recommend that you: 

  • Have scrambling experience 
  • Are comfortable gaining up to 1200m vertical gain with a load of approximately 25kg 

Preparation


The best training for hiking and climbing is to go hiking and climbing. Regular hikes going up-hill with a load on will get you in shape for this trip. 

Questions about the suitability of this trip? Send us an email. We’re happy to help you find or customize trips to suit your needs. 

Gear List

 
Temperatures on this trip could range from -5°C at night to around 25°C (+) during the day. Ensure all clothing and equipment are in good repair, and fitted properly to you:
 
Technical:
 
Available as a “Mountaineering Kit” rental add on ($75) when you book.
 
  • Helmet – UIAA approved and adjustable
  • 2x locking carabiners – at least one should be pear-shaped
  • Harness – a simple, lightweight alpine seat harness
  • Belay/rappel device
  • 7mm accessory cord – 5 metre length
  • Double shoulder length sewn sling – should be rated to 22kn
  • Crampons – simple, 10-point general mountaineering crampon (either step-in or strap- on are fine depending on your boots)
  • Ice axe – general mountaineering tool, 60-80cm depending on your height


Clothing:

  • Long underwear (top and bottom), poly-pro, wool or silk
  • Mid-weight jacket, wool, fleece, synthetic or down
  • Rain gear (jacket and pants)
  • Toque, wool or fleece
  • T-shirt or long-sleeved shirt (white or other light colour), synthetic
  • Lightweight hiking pants, nylon or similar
  • Gloves

Footwear:

  • Mountaineering boots (suitable for carrying a 30 lb. load over rough terrain) 
  • 2 x pairs of socks, wool or synthetic blend
  • 2 x pairs of liner socks, poly-pro or silk (optional)
  • Gaiters that fit your boots (optional)
  • Lightweight camp shoes (optional)

Sleeping:

  • Sleeping bag (warm to -5°C)
  • Therm-a-rest or other sleeping pad (available for rent)
  • 3-season tent (available for rent)

Cooking:

  • Small cooking pot (available for rent)
  • Fuel canister (available for rent)
  • Stove (available for rent)
  • Lighter
  • 4 breakfasts, 5 lunches (ready to eat), 4 dinners, various snacks (keep these as lightweight as possible).  For tasty, nutritous and locally pre-made dinners check out https://wildedgeketo.com/
  • Eating vessel and utensils

Other:
 
  • Sun hat
  • Sunglasses with 100% UV block
  • Sunscreen, SPF lip balm
  • Toothbrush and a small container of toothpaste
  • Toilet paper and Ziplock bags to pack your toilet paper out
  • Hand sanitizer
  • 2 x 1 litre water bottles (or a 2L bladder) (please pack 2 litres of water for the start of your trip, to ensure you have water to drink before the first water source for refills)
  • Water purification system
  • Pocket knife
  • Head-lamp with spare batteries
  • Small first aid kit (optional)
  • Hiking poles (optional)
  • Camera (optional)
  • 50L+ backpack with waist belt

Group Gear Logistics

Your guide will bring along group emergency (first aid, communications device) and technical gear (the rope, the rack). You are only required to bring the items on this list.

Rentals

 
The following items are available for rent as an “Add On” when you book (or upon request). These are available on a first come, first serve basis:

  • Mountaineering Kit - Includes all items on the technical gear list ($15/day)

If you require other items from the personal gear list such as mountaineering boots, you can check out Sports Rent based out of Victoria.

Questions? Send us an email or read our blog for advice on choosing appropriate gear. 


Testimonials

There are currently no testimonials for this trip yet.