Activities
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
Each year club volunteers snip away bushes, remove wind-fallen branches and clear trees that block our trails. We maintain the Beth Lake, Deeks Lake, Petgill Lake, Mt Gardner, Lindsay Lake/Mt Beautiful, Stawamus Slhaney, Eric the Red and Mt Fromme South Ridge trails. In 2011 we have expanded our role, collaborating with BC Parks to help maintain the Upper Shannon Falls, Chief, Stawamus Slhaney, and Howe Sound Crest trails. Most trail clearing trips are organized by the trail clearing coordinator, but any hike leader can organize a trail clearing trip or to include clearing in a regular hike (a “Hike and Snip”). Trail clearing trips are listed in our hike schedule.
Working on a trail is fun. You may notice things you could easily miss walking more quickly: plants, animals, original signs and markers. You can find history and marvel at the work of individuals such as Halvor Lunden, Lorne Johnson, and Paul Binkert, dedicated volunteers who built our network of local trails. And if that isn't enough, trail clearing is good exercise plus you have the satisfaction of giving something back to the hiking community.
If each club member participates at least once a year, it will make a real difference to the condition of our trails. Non-members are welcome too. The club provides loppers and hand saws, but volunteers should bring their own work gloves, eye protection and sturdy hiking boots. All participants must have some hiking experience and be able to hike the full distance of the trail. Non-members must have guest insurance and should contact the hike coordinator in advance.
Contact Natasha Suvorova, Trail Clearing Coordinator, at 778-327-9232 or by email to organize trail clearing events, access the club’s trail clearing tools or for more information.