Whistler Backpacking
4 days from Delta Whistler Village to Hike Lake
From $ 849
Duration4 days

Explore the highlights of Whistler on this 4-day backpacking adventure. Vast, floral meadows, spectacular views, alpine lakes and jagged, snow-covered peaks; Whistler is an ideal destination for backpackers and adventure-lovers. Our journey takes us through the highlights in the company of expert, local guides who lead our excursion, providing us with knowledge of the area, backpacking tips and a positive attitude along the way. We begin by boarding the gondola in Whistler Village, soaring to the top of Whistler Mountain to hike beautiful alpine trails overlooking the valley below. When we arrive at the top, we continue along the High Note Trail, summiting the Musical Bumps through Singing Pass before reaching our high alpine, backcountry camp at Russet Lake. Here, magnificent views of Spearhead Range, Fissile Peak and Overlord Glacier tower overhead. We trade our heavy packs for day packs to explore this area, stopping for a quick dip and a delicious lunch. Our wilderness basecamp adventure is an excellent way to get up-close to the landscapes and diverse geological zones that make this area an unforgettable destination for backpacking adventure.

This tour is operated by

  • Duration: 4 days
    Service level: Standard
  • Starts in: Delta Whistler Village
    Physical Grading: Average
  • Ends in: Hike Lake
    Ages: 18+
Whistler Backpacking - Tour Map

Itinerary

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Day 1: Meet in Whistler Village for an orientation and dinner.

Start place: Delta Whistler Village

Your trip begins in Whistler Village, British Columbia, Canada. At 6pm we meet for dinner, then discuss the trip itinerary, group gear and packing techniques. Tonight's lodging is not included and must be booked on your own. Dinner included.
Meals: D
Day 2: Ride the gondola to the high country and begin backpacking.
​Our backpacks are packed and ready to go before we meet for breakfast at 8am. Immediately following breakfast we board the Whistler Mountain Gondola for a 25 minute ride to the high alpine (6,069'). The High Note Trail begins with some narrow, rocky and fairly steep ups and downs, and offers stunning views of the jagged peaks and hanging glaciers of the Fitzsimmons and Spearhead mountain ranges. Next we traverse Singing Pass via the Musical Bumps. The trail offers an undulating route through lush meadows to the peaks of Piccolo (6,703'), Flute (6,611') and Oboe (6,342'). Our goal is the high alpine backcountry camp at Russet Lake (6,168’). We spend two nights here, freeing up Day 3 for a day hike. All meals included.
Backpacking 6-8 miles; Cumalative elevation gain up to 2,460' depending on route.
Meals: B, L, D
Day 3: Set out from Russet Lake on an off-trail hike to Overlord Glacier.
A hot breakfast is prepared by the guides, then we discuss our hiking route. There are a number of great loop options, including exploring Overlord Glacier and Fissile Peak. We set out from camp with daypacks and enjoy the freedom and flexibility of the high alpine glacial flats of the Spearhead Range. We return to camp in the mid- to late afternoon and if the weather is warm, perhaps take a swim in Russet Lake. Dinner and the sunset over the peaks of Garibaldi Provincial Park round out our day. All meals included.
Hiking: 6-9 miles; Elevation gain/loss: 800’-1’500'.
Meals: B, L, D
Day 4: Hike the trail out, taking in more lovely vistas and forest scenery.
We pack up camp and begin our hike on the Musical Bumps and Singing Pass trails. Our route continues along the northern slopes of the alpine canyon, descending back to Whistler Village far below the Peak-to-Peak gondola. Traversing the base of Spearhead Peaks of Blackcomb provides stunning vistas of the towering peaks. We plan to return to Whistler Village by 2:30pm for a late lunch, followed by a sorting of group gear. Flights departing from Vancouver International Airport can be booked after 9pm. Breakfast and lunch included.
Backpacking: 10 miles; Elevation loss: 3,500'.

End place: Hike Lake

Meals: B, L

Inclusions

Included

  • Two nights camping in Whistler alpine
  • all meals as noted in the daily itinerary
  • selection of snacks to pack prior to leaving the trailhead
  • professional instruction and guiding
  • group cooking gear
  • group first aid kit
  • water filter
  • park and camping permits
  • Whistler gondola ticket to alpine access
  • Accommodation

    Backcountry camping, 2 nights

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