Hiking and Snowshoeing

Hiking and Snowshoeing are the club’s main activities. Each weekend there is normally one and frequently two hikes of each Duration class (A,B,C,D). The Difficulty ranges from smooth trails to bush and serious scrambling. Many high elevation trips in the summer are done on snowshoes when snow blankets the mountains. The club does a lot of snowshoeing, as most areas nearby are not suited to skiing. We try to put on a wide variety of routes and destinations to suit all members.

In addition to local mountains, areas visited include Whistler, the Chilliwack Valley, Manning Park and Mt. Baker. Occasionally, usually on long weekends, we may even venture further into Vancouver Island and interior B.C.

Cycling

Cycling is scheduled on Saturdays year round. It’s mainly road cycling, with good trails and dikes included. A variety of urban and rural routes are done. Occasionally, multi-day cycles, such as the Gulf Islands, are scheduled.

Backpacking

Backpacking may involve a Saturday night or many days in the wilderness. Car camps are done for hikes that cannot be done in a day. The majority of backpacking occurs during the summer months, but some more adventurous members may organize winter camping. The size of the group is usually between 4 to 8 participants. Some locations for our backpacking trips are: Nootka Island, Spruce Lake, Tweedsmuir Park, Stein Valley, Tenquille Lake, Tonquin Valley and Rockwall.

Backcountry Skiing

Backcountry Skiing is mostly day trips, possibly to Garibaldi or Manning. Skins and transceivers are needed.

Trail Clearing

Trail Clearing is scheduled a few times a year on the 6 trails the club maintains (including Beth Lake, Petgill Lake, Shannon-Petgill, Mt. Fromme -South ridge, Deeks Lake and Lindsay Lake). We encourage members to do their part as we are frequent users of these routes. Active hikers are encouraged to help out at least once a year.

Classification of Hikes

These ratings are subjective. They vary with weather, trail or snow conditions and the strength of the party. Experience and fitness are important in coping with different conditions.

Meeting Places

The schedule refers to Departure Time, so be there 10 minutes earlier to sign up, arrange rides, etc.

Activity Abbreviations

Activity Guidelines

Phoning the CD

If you have not recently completed a similar hike or are concerned about the suitability, you should discuss your ability to participate with the CD. Do not call before 9:00 a.m., after 9:00 p.m. or on the morning of the hike.

Car Pooling

Please remember to reimburse your driver for gas and wear and tear at the end of a club trip. The suggested rate is $5.00 per person per hour of driving time on paved roads, and up to $8.00 per hour on rough logging roads or adverse conditions, at the discretion of the driver. Please put your muddy hiking boots in a clean plastic bag and change into runners after the hike. It is not the coordinator’s responsibility to arrange for your transportation to or from the meeting place. Drivers are reminded of their additional responsibilities and should drive defensively.

Group Hiking

Members are reminded that the club is primarily a group hiking club and does not encourage break-away groups. The club does not foster competitive hiking (fastest, longest, highest etc.) with all the associated risks. Members who wish to challenge themselves in this way should do so outside the club. People wishing to leave the group are asked to strike their names from the sign-up sheet, and initial the right-hand column as acknowledgement. At his or her discretion, the CD is at liberty to allow people who know the terrain to go ahead of the group, but people so doing are on their own regarding navigation, safety and recovery.

Mountain Etiquette

We do our best to keep our forests and trails unspoiled for everyone to enjoy. We ask that hikers carry home all litter (including biodegradable stuff like orange and banana peels) and leave plants and rocks where they are (except on trail clearing parties).

Safety

We have an excellent safety record. This is due to having an experienced Coordinator in charge of each activity, encouraging participants to be well-equipped and keeping together as a group. We tell participants about the hazards. We are cautious when faced with worsening weather conditions and unstable or icy snow. We are happy to advise and assist new hikers.

Hikes are carefully organized to be as safe as possible. Hikers are expected to come suitably clothed, with proper boots and equipment, and to be entirely self sufficient with adequate food and drink. It is the responsibility of individual hikers to choose hikes that best suit and do not exceed their capabilities. It is the prerogative of the CD to refuse or turn back any person who, in their opinion, is not properly equipped or fit enough.

Risks and Hazards

Hiking and related activities involve hazards and risk of injury.  Persons who participate in North Shore Hikers activities do so at their own risk.  In the event of accident or injury, the North Shore Hikers, its members or Executive, cannot be held liable per the signed Waiver.  Each member is responsible for his/her own health and safety.  Persons who need search/rescue services may have to pay the cost.

Hiker's Checklist Year Round

Hikers should be self-sufficient.  Will you have what you need if the weather turns bad or you get separated from the group?  Ill-equipped hikers may be turned away by the CD.

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Clothes

Extra Clothes

Food & Drink

Equipment