https://seekingthesummit.squarespace.com/home daily 1.0 2026-07-02 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/61101085357010220936ee7b/1632628796990-NFQ5J0E1OIQC9VLEF0HH/580FE946-2412-43B7-B941-C0745FAC033D.jpeg Home - YOUR ADVENTURE BEGINS NOW… With information on our favourite places and bucket list destinations, you will want to grab a friend, lace up your shoes and head to the mountains. We have also included a few of our fav summer and winter activities you can do with your family. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/61101085357010220936ee7b/1628487417478-FTBEZEBTT1G0PAYHYELA/F58CBC3A-33B3-4BFB-94A7-725C3CE038AA.jpeg Home - HIKE Whether we’re heading to the local North Shore mountains or exploring the sea to sky corridor, there are endless trail options to choose from. We have bagged many peaks, but our bucket list remains long. Here are some of our favourite hikes we have done to date and ones that we are looking to conquer. For those we have completed, we have provided you with our stats for distance, elevation gain and time. We have also given you the link to Alltrails, which can be used to navigate you to your destination. It is a wonderful tool whether you’re online or without service. Vancouver Whistler Other https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/61101085357010220936ee7b/1628489044021-HYR4C91HHN3HOMMRM28K/ACC23592-F918-415C-8403-6B4C3095165B.jpeg Home - CYCLE Our cycling season isn’t very long, but we make the most of it. Here are a few of our favourite routes and pit stops along the way. Cycling Favs https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/61101085357010220936ee7b/1628486674213-C8COINGO65LJJN09G6T6/D16B21B4-01AB-4396-B75B-283D350A3946.jpeg Home - SKI Most of our skiing is done in Whistler, but given the size of the mountain there is a lot of terrain to be covered. Here you will find our favourite winter memories as we’re forever in search of epic views. Whistler Weekends https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/61101085357010220936ee7b/1628496655142-0D2QDECPZ24RIKKJBFGR/B597229C-22AC-4CE6-B5F4-4839A387610E.jpeg Home - WITH KIDS As much as we love to explore the mountains on our own, we love adventures with our families and kids. Here are a few of our favourites near Vancouver and Whistler. Family Adventures https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/61101085357010220936ee7b/393849f5-a19e-450f-825f-73003cd776d5/IMG_7058.jpeg Home - BUCKET LIST ADVENTURES Our bucket list is growing daily as we chat about all the incredible adventures out there. Some are local, but many are international. We have made a decision to take at least one trip a year and work on this list which will create incredible memories and get us to discover the world. Bucket List Adventures https://seekingthesummit.squarespace.com/cycle daily 0.75 2023-05-26 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/61101085357010220936ee7b/1633615903443-9VEM93MT66SRHQ5UWNOS/CA1EA05E-7FA4-40AA-BBA1-D82D2D8AD71D.jpeg Cycle - Deep Cove 50 km | 800 m | 4 hours Our favourite ride mostly because of our pit stop at Cafe Orso. Best avocado toast and oat milk american misto in town. We tend to ride out there on the low road, stop for our treat and head back via Mt. Seymour Parkway. To avoid traffic and gain extra elevation, we like to ride up Lilloet Road and over to Lynn Valley via Rice Lake Road. There’s a very unpleasant hill along Dempsey just past Mountain Hwy that we sometimes tackle or avoid. Then if we’re really feeling good, we like to rip up to Grouse for one final hill. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/61101085357010220936ee7b/1633615962075-F90F31VV24PDX3H57MRD/EFD9F60A-C286-47BE-A1F5-690CBCC66CAD.jpeg Cycle - Cypress 24 km | 565 m | 1:20 hours If we don’t have time for the full ride, we sometimes only go to the first lookout. From the lower British Properties we tend to ride up Stevens Drive to Kenwood and across on Eyremount and Chippendale, which takes us to a steep unpleasant hill before hitting Cypress Bowl Road. 30 km | 700 m | 1:40 hours The second lookout will take an extra 20 mins and provide us with 6 extra km and 135 m elevation. 45 km | 990 m | 2:30 hours The full Cypress ride is a tough but fantastic workout. We will ride up Stevens Drive to Kenwood but go across on Groveland, Chartwell and Chippendale instead of going up to Eyremount to make things a bit easier. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/61101085357010220936ee7b/1633615991260-D1DDKVJDKVE5ULO039X1/ECC6E611-57C1-43F2-A770-C64DA1B50DFB.jpeg Cycle - UBC 46 km | 520 m | 2:45 hours Once in a while we like to leave the North Shore and venture into the city. It’s pretty incredible that we can ride all the way over to UBC and barely ride on a busy street. The Hadden Drive bike path will take you down to Keith Road then you can cut through Fullerton Ave over to North Vancouver which will give you access to Lionsgate Bridge through Klahaine Park. We ride out along the water on Cornwall and Point Grey road and return on 8th Ave which is a designated bike street. We love stopping in Kits at Turf for lunch before heading back home. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/61101085357010220936ee7b/8efe9e2b-8e79-4edc-b6f2-08b91a84f870/IMG_9639.jpeg Cycle - Whytecliff Park 48 km | 850 m | 2:45 hours We began by riding through the upper British Properties then cutting down Chairlift Road, across the bridge over the HWY and down to Marine Drive. The ride out to Whytecliff Park is rolling and you feel like you’re somewhere on vacation. For the apes stop at Isetta Cafe and Bistro for a well deserved lunch and coffee before you make your way back home. https://seekingthesummit.squarespace.com/ski daily 0.75 2024-12-30 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/61101085357010220936ee7b/c71d5fd4-df4e-4ce2-9ba4-670f774e39d1/D2AF9A24-055C-4C4D-BBA5-1AD1C26236D3.jpeg Ski https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/61101085357010220936ee7b/75c3a4fe-2628-4f97-8ea4-a4394624e3fa/0578BB3E-1F09-43E0-AE21-5E24B9312501.jpeg Ski https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/61101085357010220936ee7b/2f16832c-6b53-46b3-9767-93b98bf9ea43/344A9DDC-478A-4B5C-B786-3C88DD5A9582.jpeg Ski https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/61101085357010220936ee7b/bf39d696-fff2-4b61-8b5b-c99e4332d97b/7EE901B0-1E26-49F9-A244-8F545BD94900.jpeg Ski https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/61101085357010220936ee7b/14c93ea5-80c0-45f8-b5fb-56ab836f5ad4/74C78215-71B6-434E-AEC9-23027DC93C91.jpeg Ski https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/61101085357010220936ee7b/f7b06a1d-25ec-4682-b90c-99c0fea35e62/IMG_6720.jpeg Ski https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/61101085357010220936ee7b/dd9c1285-44a2-491f-825c-5e9c8f01fae5/23BC7DDA-3D24-43B5-927D-91CB88D5DC88.jpeg Ski https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/61101085357010220936ee7b/38fdb04e-6c9c-4872-9547-0cacc90fc914/IMG_8693.jpeg Ski https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/61101085357010220936ee7b/0463546c-3522-49e6-b9cb-e022fc59d3cb/IMG_8683.jpeg Ski https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/61101085357010220936ee7b/1633616687214-6R47NFULLG5RMHBGO89W/B82BA77D-39E2-43FF-B688-97E342461AC6.jpeg Ski Our weekends in Whistler during ski season are pretty special. Our kids head to their respective ski lessons every Saturday, which gives us a chance to spend the day with friends doing what we love. Exploring the mountain and getting to know it better while pushing our limits just a little more each day. Whether it’s hiking up to Flute Summit, having a picnic at the ice cave or watching the sunset from Peak, our options are endless. Looking forward to this year’s season and the new adventures and memories it will bring us. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/61101085357010220936ee7b/483d88ca-5c1b-45c1-8caa-47c145e57729/F08E9687-AA35-45F8-9443-26300B7FC531.jpeg Ski The hike up to Flute Summit may be short, but it’s no cake walk with ski boots on while carrying your skis. Neither of us is a very strong skier so skins and back country adventures will have to wait. For now a little hike up and dropping into Flute Bowl via an easy black run is our limit. https://seekingthesummit.squarespace.com/eagle-bluffs daily 0.75 2023-10-23 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/61101085357010220936ee7b/1632146303069-N046MXATNWD2X42URPYU/B499CC89-D291-4698-AC50-B19AF494555F.jpeg Eagle Bluffs 8.5 km | 480 m | 2.5 hours Eagle Bluffs is a very popular hike in Vancouver due to its proximity to the city, moderate difficulty and stunning views of the Howe Sound. Most people tend to access the viewpoint as an out and back hike from Cypress mountain lodge via Black Mountain. Black Mountain may sit higher than the Bluffs, but has less promising views and not worth the climb. This section of the trail is quite busy during the summer months so we tend to hike it this way in the winter. The Black Mountain and Cabin Lake portion is well maintained and inbounds. The section out to Eagle Bluffs is considered out of bounds, but on a nice day the trail is doable for a stunning view. Avalance risk is usually low in this area given it’s location. Directions by Alltrails https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/61101085357010220936ee7b/1629130146568-YU4QNGIFJ2JO9LG27G3P/668223F5-DFFA-42B3-A597-158ABCAA2236.jpeg Eagle Bluffs 9 km | 1,190 m | 3.5 hours Since we are always looking to maximize our elevation gain and avoid busy trails, we have found a better way to access the Bluffs. We prefer to complete it as a destination hike from Horseshoe Bay via the Baiden Powell Trail. This of course requires a car to be dropped at the top of Cypress, but it’s worth it on days we have the time for a longer adventure. This is clearly more challenging as the distance is less than 1 km longer, but you are climbing almost three times the elevation. But it’s definitely worth is as you will have the trail up to the Bluffs pretty much to yourself and feel like a million bucks when you’re done since you have climbed an entire mountain! Below is the directions by Alltrails. Instead of an out and back to Black Mountain, continue to Cypress Lodge. Directions by Alltrails https://seekingthesummit.squarespace.com/bowen-lookout daily 0.75 2026-07-17 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/61101085357010220936ee7b/30efe7ef-6651-45fc-b1f9-4cbb7a980c0b/IMG_4765.jpeg Bowen Lookout https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/61101085357010220936ee7b/1629426307176-GILXIBH8G4EOM4D535GM/8F7A07C1-5411-413E-8647-7B6704CE16FB.jpeg Bowen Lookout 5.5 km | 145 m | 1 hour This is another winter favourite that we rarely hike in the summer unless it is a quick stop on the way to St. Mark’s Summit. It is a short, easy trail that is perfect for microspikes or snowshoes, depending on the conditions. Passing Yew Lake when it is frozen and covered in snow is always beautiful. My birthday falls in the winter, and during COVID there were not many opportunities to celebrate, so we came here instead. There is nothing better than a hike with great friends, stunning views, and a little bubbly at the top. This would also be an incredible place to watch the sunset. We have not experienced it yet because we had small kids with us, but it is definitely on the bucket list. Directions by Alltrails https://seekingthesummit.squarespace.com/grouse-mountain daily 0.75 2023-10-23 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/61101085357010220936ee7b/e9e2b029-8b0d-4df4-9277-c6f748a83ffc/7EA6584A-337B-41B4-81E4-E88CDF128A78.jpeg Grouse Mountain https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/61101085357010220936ee7b/730a0158-111e-4912-b897-3c6150030768/IMG_7277.jpeg Grouse Mountain https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/61101085357010220936ee7b/e394e2c0-0d0a-48aa-96d3-5264c8499348/IMG_4014.jpeg Grouse Mountain https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/61101085357010220936ee7b/1631802021044-H4QL1PELDKPONWN4MKWN/2EF96BB5-C97E-4AFB-9FAA-4B81720A6FE5.jpeg Grouse Mountain - BCMC & Grind 3 - 3.5 km | 790 m | 1 hour The Grouse Grind is a popular Vancouver tourist destination, which frankly I don’t get. It is no walk in the park and you will find tourists in flips flops, carrying designer handbags, huffing and puffing on their way up. For this reason, we much prefer the BCMC which provides a slightly longer route, but with less people and the same elevation gain. We also prefer the rugged trail with its switchbacks over the stairs that lead you up the grind. Hands down this is the best bang for your buck from a workout perspective. Whether you’re pressed for time or it’s pouring rain, you can always rip up the mountain and be done in under 90 mins, including your skyride down. You will always feel the burn no matter how many times you do it and how fit you are. Directions by Alltrails https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/61101085357010220936ee7b/1631802264080-UMNYN9SG19C22WU526CZ/2A379108-9694-441B-AA54-AF01080DB370.jpeg Grouse Mountain - Jet Boy 8 km | 900 m | 3 hours If you have time for a longer adventure or don’t want to pay for the sky ride, you can make your way back to your car by walking down. Since we like loops we like coming down Jet Boy which runs parallel to the Skyline Trail and is also the site of a US Airforce F-86 Sabre Jet crash that happened in 1954. This trail will hit the Baden Powell which then leads you back to the Grouse parking lot. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/61101085357010220936ee7b/4a0f950c-1d76-47b4-8c0e-a1ca3907648e/IMG_1382.jpeg Grouse Mountain - Goat Mountain 7.5 km | 400 m (from Lodge) Some days the BCMC just isn’t enough. You still have energy, it’s a nice day, you’re not ready for your workout to be over, so you keep going. There are two trails that lead you up towards Damn, Goat and Crown Mountains. The Ridge Trail takes you via Damn Mountain, while the Alpine Trail bypasses it heading straight to Goat. Damn Mountain isn’t worth the climb and the Ridge Trail isn’t maintained well, so if you are headed to Goat, take the Alpine Trail both ways as an out and back. Little Goat Mountain may appear on the map, but it isn’t actually anything worth stopping for. Once the Alpine Trail ends, head towards Goat Mountain. From here the trail becomes quite steep in certain spots. Put away your poles and get ready to scale some rock walls gripping onto chains. We never went past the Goat Mountain viewpoint, but you do have the option of keeping going on the Goat Ridge Trail. Directions by Alltrails https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/61101085357010220936ee7b/1631830283338-FCAWTLSQJ28O98N0FDAE/7B7BB24C-959C-40A2-BA95-C57C351ABA23.jpeg Grouse Mountain - Thunderbird Ridge On your way back down from Goat, if you still have some energy in the tank and time on your hands, head out to Thunderbird Ridge. It’s about a 2 km out and back from the Alpine Trail. On a clear day you will have full views of the city below and the peak of Grouse above. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/61101085357010220936ee7b/1631830318316-MEFL3O2ZGWFP3XO3VXF2/FD8873EF-4323-4EBF-A48C-FA249746AC3C.jpeg Grouse Mountain - All the Peaks 12.5 km | 1,355 m | 5.5 hours One day we had time and the weather was nice so we hiked it all - BCMC, Damn Mountain, Goat Mountain, Thunderbird Ridge and took the tram back down. Please note that we did run into 3 bears along the way. They don’t want to see you any more than you want to see them, but you need to be prepared. We’re always talking and we both have bear bells on our packs and bear spray just in case. Directions by Strava https://seekingthesummit.squarespace.com/hollyburn-peak daily 0.75 2023-10-23 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/61101085357010220936ee7b/db5d5e9a-86cb-4278-b346-8852cde81c1b/643A3211-40E1-450A-B146-2CF88DDFB5A0.jpeg Hollyburn Peak https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/61101085357010220936ee7b/47630411-3d73-4363-b05b-720f6f80eb65/916EAD9B-C655-431C-BFC1-B819F25DC05B.jpeg Hollyburn Peak https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/61101085357010220936ee7b/fc139e27-993f-401b-b876-83c2612827a0/669F15EB-5204-42DB-B953-78FFBC6FC764.jpeg Hollyburn Peak https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/61101085357010220936ee7b/cfff2764-f45e-40f1-a94b-6f5f4b38dea0/ABE31C2F-EC8A-41B0-81C6-F3303A81B434.jpeg Hollyburn Peak https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/61101085357010220936ee7b/cd73d262-f601-45c5-93c2-c6c8d24ddbd5/IMG_8945.jpeg Hollyburn Peak https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/61101085357010220936ee7b/3e6b25e4-9aec-42b4-a75a-1786f375c745/IMG_7322.jpeg Hollyburn Peak https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/61101085357010220936ee7b/b10776d7-2584-4478-8456-075be1fac19a/IMG_7331.jpeg Hollyburn Peak 6.5 km | 450 m | 2.5 hours Given our photos, you have probably guessed that this too tends to be a winter favourite rather than a summer go to. In the summer our options are endless and this isn’t a very exciting choice. In the winter however, it is a well marked, well maintained, inbounds trail in the Nordic Area of Cypress Mountain. This is the only trail in the Nordic Area that doesn’t require a paid pass and provides the best workout with its steep climb. It is perfect on winter days when it’s raining in the the city, but snowing in the mountains. Directions by Alltrails https://seekingthesummit.squarespace.com/mount-strachan daily 0.75 2023-10-23 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/61101085357010220936ee7b/0c6e300a-f238-4617-84dd-25ce503e0d19/A7F42725-F3B9-47F1-BDF9-1121F9A13850.jpeg Mount Strachan https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/61101085357010220936ee7b/43a6a378-b73e-4237-8106-f8730649feea/5466B330-1ED3-4C49-8127-94E62082316F.jpeg Mount Strachan https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/61101085357010220936ee7b/5b0ccc91-ffc3-4b44-99f5-4313069d3042/IMG_3705.jpeg Mount Strachan https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/61101085357010220936ee7b/1631597883136-YRDUFY4T08P04DZP9I0O/F14E458B-6828-4650-B0CF-9F51472E5533.jpeg Mount Strachan 8.5 km | 600 m | 3.5 hours Despite the fact that we have bagged this peak, I can’t quite say that it’s been completed. We may have found snow in mid October, but there was no view and so it must be repeated on a clear day to get the full experience. It was definitely a lot more than we were expecting, making the scramble up Christmas Gully a memorable one. Snow can be dangerous when unexpected as it can wipe out the trail and steer you off course. We should have climbed up the river rock in order to stay on the trail and not be hanging from tree branches while our feet dangled off the mountain. Lesson learned! https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/61101085357010220936ee7b/1631597912160-WKESWP24CE6TURAS2F2X/61B1A62E-5DC2-4BEB-A721-5BEF707AE997.jpeg Mount Strachan Our second attempt was a success. We started the hike in the fog, but by the time we scrambled up Christmas Gully the sun was out and the views with the clouds spectacular! We did however forget how awful the return trail was. We didn’t want to go down the Collins ski run as suggested by Alltrails, and so decided to take the Mt. Strachan trail which runs parallel to it before meeting up with the Baden Powell trail. Filled with roots, rocks, mud, bugs, and being narrow and overgrown, it wasn’t the best choice. Needless to say, we now feel like we are able to cross this off our list and move onto better options. Directions by Alltrails https://seekingthesummit.squarespace.com/vancouver daily 0.75 2023-10-23 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/61101085357010220936ee7b/1632274129049-RO3J9ZWMKSHEQVZ6RNXF/6FE9DDA4-E1B7-4E6B-B17D-D516C3764BCE.jpeg Hike - Vancouver - CYPRESS MOUNTAIN Black Mountain & Cabin Lake - 6 km | 380 m Bowen Lookout - 5.5 km | 145 m Eagle Bluffs - 8.5 km | 480 m Hollyburn Peak - 8.5 km | 450 m Mount Strachan - 9 km | 575 m St. Marks Summit - 11.5 km | 550 m Unnecessary Mountain - 16 km | 1,100 m The Lions - 19 km | 1,450 m Howe Sound Crest Trail - 26 km | 1,700 m https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/61101085357010220936ee7b/1632274205154-0S6UBFOUWBZ5B00RI8CA/062127D5-7D9D-47FD-B89F-78FB136949C7.jpeg Hike - Vancouver - GROUSE MOUNTAIN Grouse Grind - 3 km | 790 m BCMC - 3.5 km | 790 m Dam Mountain - 4.5 m | 270 m Little Goat - 6 km | 250 m Goat - 7.5 m | 400 m Thunderbird Ridge - 6.5 km | 370 m Crown Mountain - 9 km - 875 m https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/61101085357010220936ee7b/9e5ef39e-221e-4e9b-bb90-4115603e4a5d/IMG_0135.jpeg Hike - Vancouver - SEYMOUR MOUNTAIN Mystery Lake - 5 km | 255 m Dog Mountain - 6 km | 165 m Pump Peak - 8.5 km | 530 m Tim Jones Peak - 10.5 km | 600 m Mount Seymour - 12 km | 650 m De Pencier Bluff - 7 km | 450 m Mount Elsay - 12 km | 1,190 m Elsay Lake - 18 km | 1,120 m https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/61101085357010220936ee7b/1632274330990-FDJMTYINXDYQX0UINUXJ/0CC1FFDD-8165-4983-8E87-9BADA8D8D9CF.jpeg Hike - Vancouver - WEST VANCOUVER Cypress Falls - 6.5 km | 460 m Lighthouse Park - 5 km | 250 m Capilano Canyon - 6 km | 220 m Brother’s Creek - 7 km | 365 m Blue Gentian Lake - 9 km | 485 m Whyte Lake - 10.5 km | 375 m https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/61101085357010220936ee7b/1632274446308-EMUTQNV8IXJGZM31VNNS/1BFB65B4-2DC0-4789-B130-446AC251B612.jpeg Hike - Vancouver - NORTH VANCOUVER Kennedy Falls - 11.5 km | 360 m Norvan Falls - 17 km | 375 m Hanes Valley - 19 km | 1,480 m South Lynn Peak - 10 km | 800 m Lynn Peak - 12 km | 1,020 m South Needle - 14 km | 1,360 m Middle & North Needle - 17 km | 1,800 m Coliseum Mountain - 24 km | 1,360 m https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/61101085357010220936ee7b/1632274509405-166O9709DPIY1L5J334K/30F53A88-8B10-4825-A1B6-3A220ABE8E2F.jpeg Hike - Vancouver - DEEP COVE Quarry Rock - 10 km | 575 m https://seekingthesummit.squarespace.com/black-mountain daily 0.75 2026-07-19 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/61101085357010220936ee7b/36e20f60-b25c-474e-9651-17e8bc2bd637/IMG_6947.jpeg Black Mountain 6 km | 380 m | 1.5 hours Black Mountain and Cabin Lake offer a beautiful alpine loop at Cypress Mountain, with forested trails, mountain viewpoints, and a peaceful lake surrounded by snow in the winter. I love this loop when it is covered in snow. It is one of the few trails in the Cypress Alpine area that remains well marked, well maintained, and in bounds throughout the winter months. Best of all, it is free. While most people tend to snowshoe in the Nordic Area, where tickets are required, here you only need to pick up a complimentary day pass so Cypress can track who enters the area. We usually wear microspikes whenever conditions allow, switching to snowshoes when the snow becomes deeper. When you are short on time, it is raining in the city, and snowing in the mountains, this is the perfect loop to start your day. It offers stunning views of the city below, along with enough elevation and distance to feel like a solid workout without turning into an all-day adventure. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/61101085357010220936ee7b/da020c4b-d9d6-40f7-9625-2c138c40757b/371E77CA-CDD5-43A6-A144-910F879C19CE.jpeg Black Mountain The trail to the summit of Black Mountain is not maintained during the winter, and in my opinion, the views are not worth the extra effort. I would avoid attempting it in snowy conditions. The second lookout beyond Cabin Lake, however, is a true postcard moment, with sweeping views of the ocean below and the Lions rising above. When the weather and trail conditions allow, you can continue toward Eagle Bluffs for extra distance and even more spectacular views of the city. Keep in mind that this section travels beyond the maintained winter boundary, so proceed cautiously and only continue when conditions are safe. Directions by Alltrails https://seekingthesummit.squarespace.com/cypress-falls daily 0.75 2023-10-19 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/61101085357010220936ee7b/1632070221431-3DHOAUYLKXED0VANKGFK/361F6EA2-DF96-494F-9B79-B772E075B725.jpeg Cypress Falls 3 km | 125 m | 1 hour Generally, Cypress falls is an out and back quick hike with scenic views perfect for little feet. Only thing we should mention is that if you do have kids with you, please keep them at arms length as the cliffs are high with steep drop offs and the fast river moving below. At the beginning of the trail there is a spot where you can take the kids down to the river to climb and trow rocks. This of course provides hours of entertainment on a nice day. Directions by Alltrails https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/61101085357010220936ee7b/1628560494604-FOK2EPYBIQ8FUPAB9HWI/0397506F-3BE6-465E-9B26-0BE8080501B8.jpeg Cypress Falls 7 km | 465 m | 2 hours We like to approach Cypress falls a different way. We do it as a destination hike from Whyte Lake. Drop a car at the Cypress Falls lot and begin our journey from Whyte Lake. We like to park on Cranley Drive, but you can start from the main Whyte Lake parking lot. Nelson Creek Trail takes you up towards the Lake. When you get to the junction, stay on Nelson Creek Trail to the right instead of taking the Whyte Lake trail to the left. At your next junction stay on the Nelson Creek Trail to your left and head up towards the Eagle Lake access road. You can come back down via this access road, but there is a trail that runs parallel to the road that we prefer to take. Don’t forget to stop at the Falls viewpoint before heading back to your car. Directions by Strava 19 km | 740 m We have never done this, but if you’re keen to make this one big loop this would be a great option. Directions by Alltrails https://seekingthesummit.squarespace.com/mystery-lake daily 0.75 2023-10-23 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/61101085357010220936ee7b/97a6c419-86ca-434f-9887-62885ae094d7/62D53E75-2735-4B51-8A46-DF2E3C1365C7.jpeg Mystery Lake & De Pencier Bluff https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/61101085357010220936ee7b/2d9b6ee0-ec8a-49ba-a034-6f5ab6c4603c/B57B2959-1E5C-411E-8893-46B5D7FE07A4.jpeg Mystery Lake & De Pencier Bluff https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/61101085357010220936ee7b/1628547084172-7XK35Y1UTVIKNQ2WKPS3/687BF0D1-1A21-4356-BE68-6BA664D9E25C.jpeg Mystery Lake & De Pencier Bluff - Mystery Lake 2.5 km | 145 m | 30 minutes On a hot summers day this is the perfect hike with kids and a few blow up toys. The climb up to the lake is manageable and the lake is warm for a mountain top dip. You can also cliff jump across the lake, which is always a hit with the kids. The shoreline provides shallow and crystal clear water with tadpoles that look like salamanders swimming by your feet. Pack a picnic and head up here for an afternoon with your family. Directions by Alltrails https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/61101085357010220936ee7b/1632584103172-78DDSIQ55EQZK67Z9Q0M/EC0B1789-7E12-4DE3-A0D6-BCB9B7364A29.jpeg Mystery Lake & De Pencier Bluff - De Pencier Bluff 10 km | 570 m | 3.5 hours We began our climb up to the Bluff from the Deep Cove Lookout parking lot via the Perimeter Trail. This trail is a bit rooty and rocky, but well maintained. From the fork in the trail, the Upper Perimeter Route to the right will take you to the Bluff while the Perimeter Trail to the main Seymour parking lot. The route up to the bluff is steep, quite overgrown and not the most enjoyable trail. Once you see the Bluff on your right open Alltrails and keep a lookout for the trail that takes you up to it as it is very easy to miss. You get both mountain and city views from up there and it’s worth the climb. Instead of an out and back, we did a loop. We stopped at Mystery Lake on our way back down from the Bluff, took the Mystery Lake Trail back to the main parking lot, then back via Goldie Lake and Perimeter Trails. Here are the directions by Alltrails and you will see how we altered it. Directions by Alltrails https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/61101085357010220936ee7b/1632584432519-OSX8IYD1AYR40HKG0YY4/54A4D99B-1717-46B9-AF2A-9AAD410A5B00.jpeg Mystery Lake & De Pencier Bluff 5 km | 275 m | 1.5 hours A shorter option is to just park in the main parking lot, head up to Mystery Lake then onto the Bluffs and back if you’re just going for the views and not the workout. Directions by Alltrails https://seekingthesummit.squarespace.com/norvan-falls daily 0.75 2023-10-19 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/61101085357010220936ee7b/1632435155766-U60BG4CXLQHCCZEIC1ZN/88BD2FB9-87CE-4DAE-8E2B-297BF82DE56C.jpeg Norvan Falls 17 km | 375 m | 4 hours When we hiked Hanes Valley we never stopped to see the falls, so we had to see what the hype was all about. It is a long hike, but with limited elevation gain. We parked in the second last parking lot, went out via the Upper Lynn Loop Trail and back via the Lower Lynn Loop Trail. This gave us a bit more elevation and made it into a slight loop rather than a straight out and back. This is a trail well suited for trail running and less exciting for a hiking adventure. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/61101085357010220936ee7b/ad437af2-9316-4c99-b326-02a5486af013/0C3B59DB-8722-4A85-95EF-928BD94FCF3D.jpeg Norvan Falls The falls was beautiful and the trail to get there not at all technical! We went in the winter when it was quote chilly so the rocks and logs were very slippery near the falls with all the mist. Would like to return when it’s a bit warmer and enjoy a picnic lunch at the base of the falls. Directions by Alltrails https://seekingthesummit.squarespace.com/mount-seymour-peaks daily 0.75 2023-10-23 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/61101085357010220936ee7b/8990e2f9-b9bf-426b-8030-eb434d35c314/04436D87-586A-4DD5-B524-C4CAF7E88DC6.jpeg Mount Seymour Peaks https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/61101085357010220936ee7b/42eb027f-9c08-4737-a471-0ba5da51bd28/5530F0FB-ED5D-456C-ACEE-6A512DB61847.jpeg Mount Seymour Peaks https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/61101085357010220936ee7b/9e269eda-6f06-4ca1-83c9-0db38cc0a1b2/E6C8DB9E-84A4-487A-8023-E288A450A95E.jpeg Mount Seymour Peaks https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/61101085357010220936ee7b/3f1f0b39-5dca-4d87-96ce-87e6040f5f64/80EED488-3095-4FA5-8344-920431AA154D.jpeg Mount Seymour Peaks https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/61101085357010220936ee7b/08d32f64-61be-44ba-9528-c7b09ebb3595/7C753A69-4615-4DFF-82F6-E1197325C737.jpeg Mount Seymour Peaks https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/61101085357010220936ee7b/87f68881-fa2f-4d4c-970d-3801391ec727/IMG_7237.jpeg Mount Seymour Peaks https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/61101085357010220936ee7b/4d596308-9817-4440-a4cf-a65a74b8a52a/1A225347-D3F9-4466-9A98-F8C11C7153D1.jpeg Mount Seymour Peaks - Pump Peak 8.5 km | 530 m | 2.5 hours Mount Seymour is a special place with 360 degree views of mountains and the city as you’re climbing up to its peaks. The bugs are pretty bad from May to August so we tend to hike in this area during the fall and winter months. Pump Peak is the first peak, which can be accessed all year round. Most people make this their destination so if you do go past this point, it’ll be pretty quiet. Looking at alltrails, there is a trail that runs down from Pump Peak towards Brockton Point west of the suggested route. We have attempted coming down this trail as it is a shortcut, but do not recommend it. It is a steep rock face and not well marked making it a quite dangerous ascent. Directions by Alltrails https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/61101085357010220936ee7b/edf5f723-a1f2-47fc-b747-9ba4193b3498/IMG_7213.jpeg Mount Seymour Peaks - Tim Jones Peak 10.5 km | 600 m | 3.5 hours In the winter, the trail is well maintained and monitored up to Pump Peak, but if the weather is nice and there is no risk of avalanche, you can easily continue onto Tim Jones Peak for extra distance, elevation and stunning views. Past Pump Peak, you will descend into a gully then back up again to Tim Jones Peak so you do need to be aware of the avalanche risk. This is the farthest we have gone in the winter. We prefer using spikes and given this trail’s popularity, the snow does tends to be packed down not requiring snow shoes for the journey. Directions by Strava For the apres, we like to stop at Buddha Full on our way back to home. Their bowls and coffee are amazing and a perfect way to cap of your workout. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/61101085357010220936ee7b/75b66e8e-7182-4046-9a47-59ca358cfe7b/2FB44502-585E-433F-B442-04FBB64582C2.jpeg Mount Seymour Peaks - Mount Seymour 12 km | 650 m | 4 hours Just beyond Tim Jones Peak lies the peak of Mount Seymour. This is only accessible safely when there’s no snow on the ground. Sections of this trail are quite challenging so we only recommend it on sunny and dry days. Directions by Alltrails https://seekingthesummit.squarespace.com/petgill-lake daily 0.75 2021-09-23 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/61101085357010220936ee7b/1628872157713-76S9P5V3TR0DY92KHQDS/1EA82C6C-35E7-4B6F-B005-C937FC4F482B.jpeg Petgill Lake 12.5 km | 680 m | 4 hours We chose to do this hike en route to a ladies hiking weekend in Whistler. Based on alltrails it was supposed to be much shorter with less elevation. Not so! The day was overcast so we didn’t get the views this trails has to offer. We never went around the lake, but did go to the Howe Sound Viewpoint to see absolutely nothing. So we will need to repeat this on a bluebird day. You need to park at the Browning Lake parking lot, which fills up fast on warm sunny days. From here you will cross the hwy on foot and walk along the road for a short distance before getting to the trail head. Climb up a steep rock face before disappearing into the trees and beginning your way up to the lake. The trail is often muddy and known to be home to black bears so be prepared! Directions by Alltrails https://seekingthesummit.squarespace.com/parkhurst-ghost-town daily 0.75 2023-10-23 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/61101085357010220936ee7b/05f1cf4f-a201-47df-a49c-ba120df821fe/1371A75E-3750-4C31-A90B-47A65009F78F.jpeg Parkhurst Ghost Town https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/61101085357010220936ee7b/99d13b6f-6823-4282-8d05-97888cbf1a71/387BB134-8C8E-40FC-B461-2AFFC4FE698F.jpeg Parkhurst Ghost Town https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/61101085357010220936ee7b/e7eec265-0224-4e3a-99d0-f7ad68b3ed4b/C99A7E5B-6B87-49ED-A207-D19DFC455AB1.jpeg Parkhurst Ghost Town https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/61101085357010220936ee7b/1628522154840-W4HLNZNAQ3N9JGU457OI/72F914A9-49AD-48B2-8CC1-0AC7E831A204.jpeg Parkhurst Ghost Town 8 km | 225 m | 2 hours This abandoned former logging town is off the beaten path just north of Whistler. With abandoned cars and spray painted cabins, it is a hit for adults and children alike. Make sure you have alltrails downloaded before you venture out as there are a lot of junctions and the town can be a bit difficult to find. Follow the signs to Whistler Paintball and park by the two locked yellow gates to start your journey. Directions by Alltrails https://seekingthesummit.squarespace.com/whytelake daily 0.75 2023-10-20 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/61101085357010220936ee7b/69309b96-8d4a-4178-abc6-795e129c8dfa/CB233D41-C2A9-4FA3-817B-5370E9D411FD.jpeg Whyte Lake https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/61101085357010220936ee7b/8e1d69db-ea6f-449f-a087-e8ff6e83f3bd/37C89C74-9081-4CDF-97BA-E3637036E226.jpeg Whyte Lake https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/61101085357010220936ee7b/69f342c9-cb09-4c4b-b26f-ef29e52c9ba1/IMG_9273.jpeg Whyte Lake https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/61101085357010220936ee7b/1628534864140-RE9GLVY4SRR26UHXIW03/2F1515C8-1F81-4BA9-AAD7-3D2837C092A6.jpeg Whyte Lake 10.5 km | 375 m | 2.5 hours There are a lot of trails and loop options in the area, but as usual we like to maximize our elevation gain while in search for epic views. And so this has become our favourite loop. From Cranley Drive head towards the Old Helipad Route, but instead of going straight up to the lake, keep left until you end up at the bottom of the Baden Powell Trail. These trails aren’t named, but you’ll know you’re in the right place when you end up on a ridge with stunning views of Eagle Island and Harbour. From here you can head up to the lake and out the normal Whyte Lake Trail or the Old Helipad Route. Partial directions by Alltrails https://seekingthesummit.squarespace.com/capilano-canyon daily 0.75 2023-10-23 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/61101085357010220936ee7b/ea4e362c-a37f-476f-bc61-a2de2bcdd981/E336C472-9AEE-49A0-B037-C50400189BC6.jpeg Capilano Canyon 6 km | 220 m | 1 hour This is our most hiked and favourite loop. There’s something about getting out every morning and starting your day off in the fresh air with your favourite person. If you’re pressed for time or the weather isn’t great, this is the perfect, quick yet satisfying workout. We tend to enter the trail system from the West Vancouver side and do a loop up to the Damn and back, but you can do it any way you like depending on where you live. Entry from the North Vancouver side is more common since there’s a big parking lot at the Damn and by the Hatchery. Directions by Alltrails https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/61101085357010220936ee7b/1632320141269-ZBNFLDSYZRKYRHEEU35S/BCF60DD5-7571-4A7B-9CDB-4DE2C8EBF11E.jpeg Capilano Canyon We also love to do destination hikes. There is something psychological about loops and destination hikes, which somehow seem so much more enjoyable than out and backs. Here are a few favourites. Canyon to Cypress Nordic - 15 km | 920 m | 3 hrs Canyon to Cypress Alpine - 16 km | 1,095 m | 3.5 hrs Automall to Canyon - 8.5 km | 245 m | 2 hrs Lynn Valley to Canyon via BP - 13 km | 580 m | 3 hrs https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/61101085357010220936ee7b/1631977804164-HTF6D848Q1GI0LJ4A8JV/DCD717FC-CC18-44BF-905D-EBEEDF13E686.jpeg Capilano Canyon This area is great for dogs and kids. We like to go down to the river, skip rocks and jump around. The Hatchery is a great pit stop to watch the salmon climb the fish ladders. https://seekingthesummit.squarespace.com/brothers-creek daily 0.75 2023-10-23 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/61101085357010220936ee7b/8cc92ec6-0bb4-461b-85b7-97c025c7719a/7246C4FD-060E-450A-93D9-E889AB9ECDFB.jpeg Brothers Creek https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/61101085357010220936ee7b/2f829b0a-9d20-4159-94f9-24ea4b49fc02/EA63DC9E-C81A-4925-9C65-4EADE450C45B.jpeg Brothers Creek https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/61101085357010220936ee7b/4d64530d-e716-4bfb-a96e-caf08ac8885a/4E2A3086-30DA-4989-9858-44F0140172D9.jpeg Brothers Creek https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/61101085357010220936ee7b/1631853481880-3S6KCFFYSCRCOOW1TY43/577BA747-6D02-4314-9315-38088B7909F7.jpeg Brothers Creek 5 km | 250 m | 1.5 hours We love this hike for its variety. There are endless trails and loop options in this area and these three are our favourites. Whether you have the kids and only want to do the 5 km loop or the time and energy to keep going, the choice is yours. This is a beautiful trail with bridges and waterfalls and is mostly low traffic. Great for dogs and peace and quiet. For this short option, begin the loop as per Alltrails but cut across the crossover trail to return rather than going all the way up and around. Directions by Alltrails https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/61101085357010220936ee7b/1628548711866-Q3G94M63LA4QUZVECZYF/E51481E1-A7E1-4966-B5ED-F4E4D8CC1944.jpeg Brothers Creek 7 km | 365 m | 2 hours This tends to be a favourite to bring friends on who are just beginning to hike. Decent distance, not too much elevation and very picturesque. In the past, we needed to watch out for is the water level as only the 5 km loop had a bridge to cross the river. Finally in the bridge that has been promised for years has been installed so the loop can be completed at any time. We like to go up on the west side of the river as the terrain is rooty and rocky and descend on the east side. Directions by Alltrails Note: Currently the lower bridge by the falls is out and detour is required! (fall of 2023) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/61101085357010220936ee7b/1631853610321-64TS7WG9JPRMUN2L5XLQ/F9709A1C-370D-40BD-B420-780A6F83A1D7.jpeg Brothers Creek 9 km | 485 m | 2:45 hours If you’re up for the longest loop, you do need to bear in mind that there is no bridge to cross the river by Blue Gentian Lake so you do have to watch the water level and cross the river on foot. This photo is proof that last winter we may not have made the best choice in hiking this. Rivers are often difficult to access in the winter and getting wet and cold can be dangerous. If you don’t think you can cross safely, please turn around and go back to the bridge below. Directions by Alltrails https://seekingthesummit.squarespace.com/jurassic-ridge daily 0.75 2021-09-22 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/61101085357010220936ee7b/24b27691-7921-4660-8970-6b26eb051f61/031E9EAF-0419-4FB5-9129-ED896A0A683E.jpeg Jurassic Ridge https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/61101085357010220936ee7b/005f0fcf-ba73-4e8b-9d9b-d864936e1eb5/DF977A94-47D9-4CBF-9215-D0EE641BDE13.jpeg Jurassic Ridge https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/61101085357010220936ee7b/f6398238-6467-4b1b-9c4c-3508848abe4b/0D060EDE-0D8C-4AFB-99ED-DC963CD13720.jpeg Jurassic Ridge https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/61101085357010220936ee7b/1628872128933-GY6T1GJAA6DFUY4XR72P/1D1610F4-71AC-4843-AD49-8418D98D0F64.jpeg Jurassic Ridge 2.5 km | 170 m | 2 hours You don’t do this hike for the workout, you do it for the incredible views. We tried making it longer by adding the Cedars Trail, but I don’t recommend this. It isn’t a well maintained or overly pretty trail. Some days it is ok to just have a low key adventure and not climb a mountain. Head up to the view point and just enjoy the day. Directions by Alltrails For the apres head to Locavore Bar & Grill for lunch. You can put in your order as soon as you’re done your hike. That way your food will be waiting for you upon arrival. For dessert and coffee your choice is between Cloudburst Cafe and Alice + Brohm Ice Cream. This may be the most expensive ice cream you ever have, but I guarantee you it will be the best you’ve ever had! https://seekingthesummit.squarespace.com/lighthouse-park daily 0.75 2021-10-09 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/61101085357010220936ee7b/c42dac53-87ba-4793-ad9a-574eb8f50219/1245442B-722E-44FF-B714-8BD671EDA090.jpeg Lighthouse Park https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/61101085357010220936ee7b/1e9e8a2c-5953-4559-acbe-f2921b867cb2/1DB88C1F-5ED2-452F-8E1F-081AA795C8B9.jpeg Lighthouse Park https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/61101085357010220936ee7b/1628539087617-6UDXPR9GFR5NKPSH71NT/2AA4907F-E31E-4608-862C-64784453342B.jpeg Lighthouse Park 5 km | 250 m | 1 hour Lighthouse park is a busy place filled with both locals and tourists. Being close to sea level it is a great option all year round with incredible ocean and city views. It is a little bit out of the way, so we don’t tend to hike it often, but it is definitely a great choice for a quick workout. We tend to add the Arbutus Trail to our loop to maximize distance through the park. Directions by Alltrails https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/61101085357010220936ee7b/1633796549961-8H8NXBO0FUB8BB20ZHD9/D022C660-C457-49F9-AF05-72ACEF87FD93.jpeg Lighthouse Park This is also a great place to take your kids. Quite a few places where you can go down to the water to throw rocks, balance on big washed up trees, and look for animals. https://seekingthesummit.squarespace.com/crater-rim-loggers-lake daily 0.75 2026-07-17 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/61101085357010220936ee7b/a5d2e135-2e45-4650-8efe-13c73de5d0ab/35CFDBE7-4441-45BF-A4BB-E861DFDF4314.jpeg Crater Rim & Loggers Lake https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/61101085357010220936ee7b/76572abd-d694-45cb-a878-59185d7f3dc9/0215FCD6-C2E8-4762-B36F-E1DCFF981677.jpeg Crater Rim & Loggers Lake https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/61101085357010220936ee7b/77ab5651-8294-4bb9-a9e9-56f3db10e081/IMG_2388.jpeg Crater Rim & Loggers Lake https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/61101085357010220936ee7b/c5b09144-a2b0-42f8-95a7-56595a6213bb/F862D0BD-C6B5-46A9-86A9-264BF9F379FD.jpeg Crater Rim & Loggers Lake https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/61101085357010220936ee7b/1b9b3391-8fa9-424c-9905-d7a7e284d7cd/6B2F007F-6ACB-45B4-8160-1BE45C5931F1.jpeg Crater Rim & Loggers Lake https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/61101085357010220936ee7b/e417ad15-10f4-4ebc-acea-153d4ca1e146/ABE52F24-589C-411B-AE5C-D0EDE73E84EA.jpeg Crater Rim & Loggers Lake https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/61101085357010220936ee7b/1631979170634-Z1GPAOTA8WT4IOLKLWMH/DE72D978-5B4B-4ACB-8671-ADB874D856AC.jpeg Crater Rim & Loggers Lake Loggers Lake and the surrounding Crater Rim trails offer so many different options that no two adventures need to be the same. You can keep things short with an easy walk around the lake, climb higher for views from the crater rim, or connect several nearby trails to create a longer and more challenging loop. The network of forested paths makes this a great destination for families, trail runners, mountain bikers, and hikers looking to customize their route. Whether you have an hour or most of the day, there is an option that works. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/61101085357010220936ee7b/1631979340101-WK6QX2Q7PNMWASBGRAQK/C80A4047-0B5D-4D70-8210-014A436E1A78.jpeg Crater Rim & Loggers Lake - Crater Rim (short) 7.5 km | 400 m | 2 hours Crater Rim from Cloudburst Drive This tends to be our most common route when we simply want to get outside and fit in a quick workout. There is a small parking area near the intersection of Cloudburst Drive and Mount Fee Road. Look for the bus stop on Cloudburst Drive, and you will find the trailhead just behind it. Begin your hike on the Lower Ridge Trail and keep right when you reach the first junction. From here, you will start the first climb of the route. As you make your way toward Loggers Lake, keep an eye out for the Crater Rim junction on your right, as it is easy to miss. Once you make the turn, you will cross a boulder field and begin the ascent to the ridge. This is the most difficult section of the hike, but the views are incredible, with the valley below and snow-covered peaks stretching into the distance in every direction. The trail is well marked and eventually loops around before descending toward Loggers Lake. From here, turn right and continue toward the suspension bridge. You will cross Cheakamus Lake Road before connecting with the Riverside Trail. When you reach the suspension bridge, you have two options. Continue along the Riverside Trail, or cross the bridge and return via the Farside Trail. Taking the Farside Trail adds approximately 1 kilometre to the original route and creates a slightly longer loop. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/61101085357010220936ee7b/1629237494992-41VS674NRIU5U4DP9MDI/01868F9F-9C4D-4CBA-A4F4-032C8B5708F8.jpeg Crater Rim & Loggers Lake - Crater Rim (long) 11 km | 415 m | 2.5 hours Crater Rim from Sea to Sky Hwy Directions by Stava Should you have more time and want to extend your hike, park at the main Interpretive Forest parking lot near the highway and complete Crater Rim via the Riverside Trail, returning along the Farside Trail. This option adds approximately 3 kilometres to your journey, along with a little more elevation. In terms of scenery, you are not missing anything by choosing the shorter route described above. This longer option is simply a good choice when you want to cover more distance and enjoy a more challenging workout. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/61101085357010220936ee7b/1631979242313-CYQSXNGCNE5DH8AINRAU/4AEFFE22-C6D4-45DF-BED6-532707267FC4.jpeg Crater Rim & Loggers Lake - Loggers Lake Swim Heading up to Loggers Lake for a swim on a hot summer day is the perfect afternoon activity for the whole family. There is a small parking lot along the logging road, and from there it is only about a 10-minute walk to the lake. We like to continue around to the opposite side from where most visitors tend to gather. The sun reaches this side earlier, and it is usually much quieter. There is a small area where you can spread out a blanket, enjoy a picnic, and relax by the water. You will also find a log that makes it easy—and a little more fun—to walk into the lake. The water is surprisingly warm, so do not be afraid to jump right in! https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/61101085357010220936ee7b/1632067691936-U428KOLHT8DP906E4DVI/AA56800E-FE58-4EB3-B280-10F64F08F672.jpeg Crater Rim & Loggers Lake - Farside & Riverside Snowshoe 6.4 km | 135 m | 1.5 hours Most people tend to snowshoe around Lost Lake, where the trails are groomed and clearly marked. We usually prefer to get off the beaten path and explore areas that are quieter, more scenic, and completely free. With views like these, there is no need to pay for a snowshoe trail. We begin at the main Interpretive Forest parking lot near the highway and complete the Farside and Riverside loops. This route takes you through peaceful forest and along the Cheakamus River, with the suspension bridge creating a natural connection between the two sides. When the snow is too deep to follow the regular trails comfortably, you can use Cheakamus Lake Road on one side and Cheakamus Forest Service Road on the other, crossing the river at the suspension bridge to complete the loop. Directions by Alltrails https://seekingthesummit.squarespace.com/train-wreck daily 0.75 2026-07-17 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/61101085357010220936ee7b/38e3ad84-439c-467f-bf29-87240e34ae4c/77B7924A-EBEB-4D16-A253-E991049311B2.jpeg Train Wreck https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/61101085357010220936ee7b/4e1dd9f6-d76e-4523-8219-5e3b20d6a6a2/89FFE053-7A13-4D1C-9669-B64A4B09D344.jpeg Train Wreck https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/61101085357010220936ee7b/e545b854-7c75-4356-8b85-ec521c2aaa4e/5F4F4C4C-59E0-4191-B190-F2C25485C2D2.jpeg Train Wreck https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/61101085357010220936ee7b/989e7743-3b27-434f-a20a-96dc98242635/A8EBA7A8-3C2C-4B4A-8204-03FADA1B9C1E.jpeg Train Wreck https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/61101085357010220936ee7b/778c020f-7226-4041-a483-66b31d094c38/6EBDD39F-F32C-4DEE-AA5B-D4BE27849F9E.jpeg Train Wreck https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/61101085357010220936ee7b/6070e01a-ba1f-40f4-81fd-e4513ed99664/39263884-0ACC-4142-8D9F-7D63B4C48E16.jpeg Train Wreck https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/61101085357010220936ee7b/1628524192693-MTM3GOBQJBAKAX2Y9N55/020115AC-36ED-4B97-9776-CA422DF7572E.jpeg Train Wreck - Cheakamus Waterfalls 4 km | 100 m | 1.5 hours Directions by Strava Before the suspension bridge was installed, this stunning section of the Cheakamus River—with its powerful waterfalls and rushing turquoise water—was easy to spot on the way to the Train Wreck. Since the bridge and new access trail were added, however, it has become a hidden gem that most visitors completely miss. The Trash Trail follows the Cheakamus River and offers several beautiful viewpoints of the falls and other dramatic sections of the water. Because it is unknown to most hikers, it is usually much quieter than the main Train Wreck trail and provides a more scenic and peaceful alternative route. Park near the Whistler BMX Park, cross Jane Lakes Road, and access the Trash Trail from there. The trail follows the river before bringing you out directly beneath the Train Wreck suspension bridge. We usually return along the main trail through Bayly Park, turning the hike into an enjoyable loop. AllTrails only shows the standard Train Wreck route as an out-and-back, but the Trash Trail is visible on the map and is well worth adding to your adventure. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/61101085357010220936ee7b/b51e0fb1-5662-41cb-960d-ab76f33df0c1/A823C01F-9BCA-4AEE-9266-C5A2FE8607F8.jpeg Train Wreck - Train Wreck These boxcars were involved in a train derailment in 1956 while travelling from Lillooet to Vancouver. For years, it remained a mystery how the cars had ended up so far from the railway tracks without causing noticeable damage to the surrounding trees. In 2013, an article about the “mysterious train wreck” encouraged people with knowledge of the accident to come forward and explain what had actually happened. The derailment caused several cars to become jammed in a narrow rock cut, blocking the railway line. A logging family that had recently moved to the area was asked to use its equipment to clear the wreckage. The damaged boxcars were pulled into the forest, where they remain today. For many years, the site was difficult and unsafe to access because visitors had to walk along the active railway tracks. As the Train Wreck became increasingly popular, a suspension bridge was constructed over the Cheakamus River to provide a safer and more direct route. Today, the colourful boxcars and surrounding forest are enjoyed by hikers, trail runners, families, photographers, and local graffiti artists, making the site one of Whistler’s most unusual attractions. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/61101085357010220936ee7b/1632630415626-0W4O4PWQ5K9V4G3G5K0H/B0A26761-CC5A-4CBC-BDD8-B20708283B2B.jpeg Train Wreck - Winter Option This is a perfect place to bring friends all year round. There isn’t much elevation gain, so you don’t need to worry about slippery hills during the winter months. On those days when you don’t feel like skiing, this is the perfect activity. Depending on how much snow where is, spikes or snowshoes may be recommended. Directions by Alltrails https://seekingthesummit.squarespace.com/sea-to-summit daily 0.75 2022-02-28 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/61101085357010220936ee7b/e7bfca04-ab19-4796-8d78-6a6a1cf86bbb/224FD271-4448-4767-A8D9-3EAEC15446CA.jpeg Sea to Summit https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/61101085357010220936ee7b/457c1517-f33d-45d0-bba8-332389e7e8c9/B69D9696-9D41-4216-B2BC-59602E9AC6EA.jpeg Sea to Summit https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/61101085357010220936ee7b/753eba17-16ae-48ca-97ef-70eb317ebe0b/170BC011-267A-4E95-BF48-9F3AB4E35A78.jpeg Sea to Summit https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/61101085357010220936ee7b/8fdb608c-c932-4518-85ae-eb042f557446/A6F1711C-FAA6-4AE7-B169-3EEA331CF953.jpeg Sea to Summit https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/61101085357010220936ee7b/3b23b8a5-0a66-49bc-8a81-ae472fa99c2b/85EA2C39-1425-4C8F-A5D4-007856CB9289.jpeg Sea to Summit https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/61101085357010220936ee7b/5b49c8ad-fbc4-4ba3-aa68-2c152f30d581/F669726C-62AF-4828-AE22-0EFE8F819F84.jpeg Sea to Summit https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/61101085357010220936ee7b/87d7871c-408f-4184-9fa9-6f0757152c24/535736B3-A823-4E5F-91F4-247EF5583CF1.jpeg Sea to Summit https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/61101085357010220936ee7b/c270308f-89e5-45d0-a43b-ed9a4e276683/40D42B29-5186-43EC-92DA-913F0D154CEF.jpeg Sea to Summit https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/61101085357010220936ee7b/3788d345-4f86-4339-b99d-71573a465e3c/93E33DFC-46D2-4492-92DC-D94C845F1058.jpeg Sea to Summit https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/61101085357010220936ee7b/1632584933279-TMF67X774O4IVKW53N69/15F15FD4-B98F-4E2E-80B4-301621AC2F79.jpeg Sea to Summit 7.5 km | 1,150 m | 3 hours Oh how much we missed this trail when the Sea to Sky Gondola was closed. I guess you could go up and down, but that would make for a long day and very tired legs. It’s always nice to do a big climb and have the gondola take you back down. We tend to park either in the Chief’s parking lot or the Shannon Falls lot and take the connector over. The main parking lot is busy and meant for tourists taking the gondola up and down. The Shannon Falls connector will add about 2 km to your journey. The beginning of this trail is shared with the Stawamus Chief trail and it tends to be busy with steep stairs that get your heart rate pumping immediately. Once you get to the junction, most people stay left to head to first, second or third peaks of the Chief. You are to keep right and stay on the Sea to Summit Trail. This part of the trail isn’t very busy and it’s filled with beautiful rivers, waterfalls and view points of Howe Sound and Squamish Harbour. You will require a downloading ticket, but these can be purchased at the summit. Directions by Alltrails https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/61101085357010220936ee7b/1632584861863-ZK40D8MFLYCAWBRHT6E3/B51D97E0-00DA-48B5-B3B1-0A94BA2091F8.jpeg Sea to Summit There are also endless trails to discover at the peak, which we have never done, but would love to do one day soon. The views are incredible regardless of where you turn. For the apres there is a restaurant at the summit, but we tend to head to Locavore Bar & Grill for lunch. You can put in your order as soon as you’re done your hike. That way your food will be waiting for you upon arrival. For dessert and coffee your choice is between Cloudburst Cafe and Alice + Brohm Ice Cream. This may be the most expensive ice cream you ever have, but I guarantee you it will be the best you’ve ever had! https://seekingthesummit.squarespace.com/dog-mountain daily 0.75 2023-10-19 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/61101085357010220936ee7b/1628548164336-68T6VAM2630PFQ1BI3H6/63238088-2478-4F34-A093-59F9DE6C6E32.jpeg Dog Mountain 6 km | 165 m | 1 hour Dog mountain is a short out and back hike that is perfect for beginners who want the view, but not quite in shape to climb a mountain. This is a busy trail for locals, tourists and families. In the winter it is a well maintained in bound snowshoe trail that is free of charge. You won’t be able to park in the alpine lot unless you have a ski pass, so park along Seymour Road on the left as you approach the ski area. Directions by Alltrails https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/61101085357010220936ee7b/1632071729127-5MPIZS308WACP4PBK6HL/C8D6908D-D5F4-4769-991B-50AEC9C1F8E9.jpeg Dog Mountain 7 km | 315 km | 2 hours Should you want to make it a loop, you can head out to Dog Mountain and return via Suicide Bluffs. Be aware that Suicide Bluffs isn’t a very well maintained trail so use at your own risk. This option is not accessible during the winter months. Directions by Alltrails https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/61101085357010220936ee7b/bbd9a049-fded-433e-8cba-a0fee3e21a21/4F0C8260-6A9D-4ECD-B692-0722835B8670.jpeg Dog Mountain 11.5 km | 430 m | 3 hours In the winter, parking can be chaotic and if you end up far below the main lot, you will need to hike up on the road. One way to avoid this is to start at the Deep Cove Lookout and head up to Dog Mountain via the Perimeter Trail. This option will provide you with signifiant more distance and elevation. Directions by Strava https://seekingthesummit.squarespace.com/mount-gardner daily 0.75 2023-10-23 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/61101085357010220936ee7b/491910cd-b469-4edf-9c0e-d6956b865b02/BAFF9F52-F248-4B83-9A2B-84592CDDB643.jpeg Mount Gardner https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/61101085357010220936ee7b/1628872293613-V7TCZ2C3KAUNCOUE3WQM/01489C11-C637-4163-A1E7-54A00A174128.jpeg Mount Gardner 12 km | 820 m | 3.5 hours This hike is on Bowen Island so you need to clear your schedule for the day and make your way off the mainland. It’s a quick ferry ride over and a short drive to the trail head. There are limited parking spots, but it isn’t a busy trail so you shouldn’t have any issues leaving your vehicle. The hike is pleasant with great elevation gain, but not the best marked. Have alltrails open so you stay on track. We missed the turn off to head up towards North Peak and had to back track. The one disappointing factor about this hike is the huge cell tower that sits at the view point. The views of Vancouver, Howe Sound and the Sunshine Coast however are absolutely stunning. Directions by Alltrails For the apres, head to Snug Cove Cafe for lunch and coffee while waiting for your ferry to return you to reality. https://seekingthesummit.squarespace.com/diez-vistas daily 0.75 2021-09-22 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/61101085357010220936ee7b/ae37f808-f8a1-45bc-b21e-44d1cc0f9856/60203792-C508-4F67-B0CB-788DFEC582DA.jpeg Diez Vistas https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/61101085357010220936ee7b/3ee414aa-5272-4768-9e1f-7cadf8534a85/F066BDB8-2D70-47FF-A9A9-C5909A2CA5D0.jpeg Diez Vistas https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/61101085357010220936ee7b/2704cc06-846a-4e00-8dce-1c15f2daf5f5/405C034F-7202-4C23-93B6-E09C66AB6108.jpeg Diez Vistas https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/61101085357010220936ee7b/1628872355707-1RIO53J61UESNN2IBKTQ/9584F19F-78B0-4FE1-BF05-B3CF875F8F0D.jpeg Diez Vistas 14.5 km | 480 m | 3 hours This is an adventure away from the city and gives you a different perspective of the views of Indian Arm. Instead of sitting on Quarry Rock looking out into, you’re looking into Deep Cove from the other side. Buntzen Lake is a beautiful area with various other hikes that we have yet to discover. This is a favourite and accessible all year round as it isn’t too far above sea level. Some of the other peaks around here are too high and covered in snow during the winter months. Alltrails suggest doing the loop counterclockwise, but we like to do it clockwise. That way you get all your climbing and elevation out of the way and walk back on the mostly flat busy side of the lake flushing out your legs. Directions by Alltrails https://seekingthesummit.squarespace.com/brandywine-meadows daily 0.75 2026-07-17 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/61101085357010220936ee7b/1628524319760-4ZOVY3X9CVGXTWX8P5XI/69D4F6FB-F7C9-469A-912C-BFB9840806CB.jpeg Brandywine Meadows 10 km | 670 m | 4 hours The logging road to the trail head is not in the best condition and you will need a 4x4 vehicle to get up there. There are two parking lots and trail head options. We chose the lower lot as we were told the road to the upper lot was not only filled with potholes, but quite steep in certain sections. This made our hike longer, but worth the climb. The trail runs parallel to Brandywine Creek and is deep in the forest. Have your bug spray ready in the spring and summer months, as you will need it! The steep trail will spit you out at the Meadows, which will be filled with stunning alpine flowers from about mid July to mid August with Brandywine Mountain perched in the background. Unfortunately with the heat wave this summer, even though we went in July we seemed to have missed the flowers or perhaps we were too early for them. Directions by Alltrails https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/61101085357010220936ee7b/1631852680296-D2W3AKDH38HVUG7OFI4F/3E89387A-5491-439E-B3A7-3CE6EC4175DA.jpeg Brandywine Meadows 16 km | 1,500 m From the meadows, experienced hikers can continue toward Brandywine Mountain for a much longer and more demanding adventure. This extension involves significantly more elevation, rough alpine terrain, and route-finding, so it should only be attempted with enough time, proper equipment, and suitable conditions. We tried continuing toward the summit once, but there was still enough snow that we could not clearly follow the trail and never made it to the top. In my opinion, the scramble was not worth the extra effort. My recommendation would be to continue to the far end of the meadows, stopping before the river crossing and where the climb toward Brandywine Mountain begins. From there, turn around and enjoy the already spectacular views as you make your way back down. Directions by Alltrails https://seekingthesummit.squarespace.com/whistler-peak daily 0.75 2023-10-23 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/61101085357010220936ee7b/99e77da2-351c-49b3-860e-46c8464b6a00/76E86DCF-42F1-4F06-895D-21548225A462.jpeg Whistler Peak https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/61101085357010220936ee7b/1628491418502-H3A9XA0JGMLM84P7C4SI/71318749-72B2-4B7E-94A4-6990D28815D5.jpeg Whistler Peak This is more of a tourist destination rather than a hike and so a perfect place to take your guests on a hot summer day. However there are several ways to access the peak from the village or function junction if you want to hike up the mountain rather than taking the gondola. From village via Singing Pass, Musical Bumps & High Note From Function Junction via Kyber Pass. Alltrails has you starting from the parking lot by the Hwy and hiking the Farside Trail first. You can ask to be driven up the forestry road towards the Cheakamus Lake trail head and dropped at the Highside Trail junction to reduce your distance probably by about 4 km. This shouldn’t effect much of the elevation. https://seekingthesummit.squarespace.com/erinmoore daily 0.75 2023-10-23 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/61101085357010220936ee7b/fdbf32f1-bea1-4ec9-9819-f8faeb77b425/8363DF4F-0692-403D-89DC-093D198D5926.jpeg Erin Moore https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/61101085357010220936ee7b/b3315209-001a-4e67-a3dd-dcde6cfde49e/A20510F2-C31C-4BCE-9561-EABA7D91401F.jpeg Erin Moore https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/61101085357010220936ee7b/bea21812-6dea-4d8b-ab55-14908ec393c1/E58C5507-F15D-48A0-A44D-785E0301451B.jpeg Erin Moore https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/61101085357010220936ee7b/81dce0c4-e31f-463d-98ae-ba05600da590/1BE9C0AE-66C3-4555-870A-3D30586F266F.jpeg Erin Moore https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/61101085357010220936ee7b/fc0a3f9e-e18d-4201-81c3-0469942ad8e8/010FC47C-BA9B-435B-A40A-01A90EC64460.jpeg Erin Moore https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/61101085357010220936ee7b/72eea157-0879-4a5b-8928-64c7bb154681/13DBB3E9-FD10-42C5-880C-3A7A9B673F55.jpeg Erin Moore https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/61101085357010220936ee7b/1633615467646-A5CFUT3O2OD3IUPNFYFY/1769F552-1128-478D-B608-F0D308AFE57D.jpeg Erin Moore 8.5 km | 460 m | 3 hours Another favourite! Off the beaten path, a local hidden gem, yet to be discovered by the masses. Really do hope that it stays that way for a while longer. We love this hike from every aspect…great distance and elevation and the views are simply magical. We met two of the men (now in their late 70s) who built this trail and many others in their back yard with their bare hands. They started this one in 2000 and it took them almost 7 years to complete. Thanks to their hard work, we get to have epic days like these. The Trailblazers were formed in the late 1990s and since then they have built over 20 km of trails in Lions Bay, this trail being the first. The initial plan was to build a trail from Lions Bay to Horseshoe Bay to link up with the Trans Canada Trail, but due to the number of watersheds along the way, it was made into a big loop instead. The trail was renamed to the “Erin Moore Trail” after her tragic death in 2014. At the age of 7, she was killed in a rockslide while walking with her family doing what they love the most. At the beginning of the trail, there is a memorial garden for Erin that is magical. In 2021, Rudy, one of the trail blazers, passed away and his friends built a memorial bench for him. The hand carved wooden bench that represents Rudy’s long time service to Air Canada is perfectly positioned to face “the three sisters” stand tall three Douglas firs. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/61101085357010220936ee7b/1632147378455-83HIKRPFOG3ABUH7L1GG/AD979304-3E36-405E-B1E4-A7414AC68F8F.jpeg Erin Moore Given the elevation, this trail is accessible in the winter as well. It is not maintained, but if there isn’t much snow you can head up there with spikes. You won’t always get a view especially when it’s actively snowing, but it is magical and a nice change from the usual local trails. Alltrails starts you from below the hwy, but we prefer to drive up Oceanview Road to the end and begin from there. There are very limited parking spaces here and please respect the signs and not bother the locals. Directions by Alltrails Please help us keep this a hidden gem and respect all the hard work that was put into creating such an incredible place and the memories this place holds. If you do post photos, please only share it’s location with trustworthy people and never tag it on social media. https://seekingthesummit.squarespace.com/highnote daily 0.75 2026-07-17 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/61101085357010220936ee7b/d221633d-5034-4a84-a025-6f73c43961f5/F24A6560-7415-4AD0-99C5-2F2B0E841FF1.jpeg High Note Trail https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/61101085357010220936ee7b/6888b683-7b7a-4cd7-9c3f-617211b194e9/330F0AF2-4235-4F61-884E-F7D50645CDD6.jpeg High Note Trail https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/61101085357010220936ee7b/31cda1aa-4b5b-46aa-9f25-653022fa5a25/E6AAA225-323D-4146-97F5-8EF1AF79435E.jpeg High Note Trail https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/61101085357010220936ee7b/ecf728ee-ba00-43c9-b855-4ba6c62a32a5/0C48807A-E8E2-4DF0-B728-168C4967182B.jpeg High Note Trail https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/61101085357010220936ee7b/71c636bf-ee0c-424c-9e04-b61b402014cf/98CBB4AE-3C97-4EB4-AF81-F595E8A858B6.jpeg High Note Trail https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/61101085357010220936ee7b/9c71653e-5c77-48ca-b761-55f2fd9da09c/5242BF75-2BBF-4DD3-8A54-269BC2ECEEAC.jpeg High Note Trail https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/61101085357010220936ee7b/8ac06e65-0dda-4147-93e8-e375019a5410/4B7830F1-B74C-4214-80F8-AC743AAFC4D2.jpeg High Note Trail https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/61101085357010220936ee7b/2a7ba8fc-6c01-463f-b892-880844169b6d/DE6C0127-70B8-46EB-8E56-E6D6C65BC664.jpeg High Note Trail https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/61101085357010220936ee7b/9d8b172a-0d8d-4bc8-91f6-e6585033b5cc/D8AFB158-1161-4CFF-94BE-00221D5989D6.jpeg High Note Trail https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/61101085357010220936ee7b/9f6d59ba-65b3-428d-bb91-82898b8b2e6e/DA51154A-80B0-4F67-A027-C4171393902F.jpeg High Note Trail https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/61101085357010220936ee7b/9391d6d6-e31f-44e4-9e41-220a185f3ce6/195B200D-BC0E-49A5-B3A1-3A3DC84FFA68.jpeg High Note Trail https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/61101085357010220936ee7b/11f8dac8-e00a-4a4c-b679-43a5f708f8d1/9A7381BF-30BE-4C7D-A62E-55BB957BBE73.jpeg High Note Trail https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/61101085357010220936ee7b/9637394c-a544-4c22-8166-f9f17f284b28/8323E24B-6605-49CE-8B1E-F6051E8E5CE8.jpeg High Note Trail https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/61101085357010220936ee7b/72946f35-cb6d-4a0d-be88-0d3334e29afb/4E2BAD8E-EF54-4D49-8139-95D056083E9A.jpeg High Note Trail https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/61101085357010220936ee7b/0ec397b0-598b-42ae-9b62-8f6a933d08fb/7942660F-756F-4DC9-87E9-65F9A1EF44CC.jpeg High Note Trail https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/61101085357010220936ee7b/94271354-fe50-43ac-8aed-f4c1e2f71f7c/7168F2BF-8348-4E78-B55A-22D16AA137B0.jpeg High Note Trail 9 km | 700 m | 3 hours The High Note Trail is one of the most scenic hikes in Whistler, taking you through open alpine meadows and along exposed mountain ridges with incredible views throughout. Turquoise Cheakamus Lake stretches out below, while Black Tusk and the surrounding peaks dominate the skyline. Although much of the route is above the treeline, rocky sections, short steep climbs, and several ups and downs still make it feel like a solid workout. Choose the direction of your hike based on whether you prefer better views or a stronger workout. Starting at the Peak Chair and following the trail in its suggested direction keeps Cheakamus Lake in front of you as you travel along the ridgeline. This route also involves less elevation gain, making it the easier option. The downside is that you will likely be hiking with the crowds, as most people begin from the Peak Chair. Keep in mind that the chair does not open until 11:00 a.m., so you will not be able to begin your hike before then. Starting the trail in reverse, which is our preference, offers a quieter experience, a more challenging workout, and the option to begin as soon as the gondola opens. The only downside is that the best views of Cheakamus Lake will often be behind you rather than directly ahead. Directions by Strava - High Note in reverse https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/61101085357010220936ee7b/cc7e8748-c452-478e-80c6-335dfc311101/IMG_1441.jpeg High Note Trail - Harmony Lake From the Roundhouse, head toward Harmony Lake. You have the option of taking the lower Harmony Lake Trail or the upper Harmony Meadows Trail. The lower trail brings you down to water level and includes the scenic boardwalk along the lake. The upper trail stays higher through the meadows and offers beautiful views of Harmony Lake from above. The two trails eventually meet and connect with the Musical Bumps Trail, which continues over the ridge toward Flute Summit. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/61101085357010220936ee7b/21c81e85-06df-4bc5-a954-91944d68b723/IMG_1489.jpeg High Note Trail Flute Summit Flute Summit sits above the main trail and can be added as an optional extra climb. We usually skip the summit, turn right at the junction, and continue directly onto the High Note Trail. Half Note - 9 km | 515 m It is approximately 6 kilometres with 395 metres of elevation gain to reach the Half Note junction. If you are pressed for time or the Peak Chair is not operating on the day of your hike, you can exit via the Half Note Trail. Your total distance will remain about the same at 9 kilometres, but this route saves just under 200 metres of elevation gain, making it the easier option. Whistler Peak The High Note Trail traverses along the ridgeline and is one of the most scenic and enjoyable sections of the hike. The terrain is relatively easy as you make your way toward the base of Whistler Peak, with incredible alpine views throughout. Once you reach the base of the peak, the trail becomes much more challenging. The final scramble is rocky, fully exposed to the sun, and a tough climb. This is the last major push of the day, so take your time and enjoy the final part of your workout. https://seekingthesummit.squarespace.com/wedgemount-lake daily 0.75 2026-07-17 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/61101085357010220936ee7b/6711c9d6-cf8f-4f89-978c-294d4544a630/69871BE7-AEFF-454D-9007-95AA2B13B07C.jpeg Wedgemount Lake https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/61101085357010220936ee7b/79bbd4f4-8069-4685-b8c2-307dad2dc0a1/844149EE-0E36-4484-A8B0-B446856BDEC2.jpeg Wedgemount Lake https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/61101085357010220936ee7b/d70f1b2f-981d-4eb6-a3d7-bd8dd60c6ed1/9CCEC051-CCA4-4916-A4E0-027653447434.jpeg Wedgemount Lake https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/61101085357010220936ee7b/fdb72042-691c-46e1-9a92-5e6f9a8faf9a/95F60B41-1B5B-45F8-968A-A0ECDF51E747.jpeg Wedgemount Lake https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/61101085357010220936ee7b/33604e6b-d8e2-462a-b7c7-bbceb32fea80/5B578B0C-4545-4319-8B17-EDC2861BA456.jpeg Wedgemount Lake https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/61101085357010220936ee7b/26be7193-43ad-44d4-b435-b997588a97e1/B976F7C1-18EB-4437-BB33-5F59F148BA6A.jpeg Wedgemount Lake https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/61101085357010220936ee7b/1628489454278-OWEGGQTAGXL2TXP1K96X/600C9589-5861-4E1F-8447-E153285B81B1.jpeg Wedgemount Lake 14 km | 1,200 m | 6 hours Wedgemount Lake is one of the toughest day hikes in Garibaldi Provincial Park. The trail climbs relentlessly for approximately 7 kilometres, gaining more than 1,200 metres of elevation before reaching the lake. Its relatively short distance makes it possible to complete in a day, but do not let that fool you—this is one of the steepest and most physically demanding hikes in the Whistler area. The trail becomes increasingly technical as you gain elevation. The final approach involves a steep scramble through a rocky boulder field, where careful footing is essential. Hiking poles are highly recommended, particularly for the long and demanding descent. As the saying goes, “The best views come after the hardest climb,” and that is certainly true here. At the top, you are rewarded with a breathtaking turquoise, glacier-fed lake surrounded by towering peaks. Wedgemount Glacier and Armchair Glacier rise dramatically above the water, while Wedge Mountain—the highest peak in Garibaldi Provincial Park—dominates the surrounding landscape. The round trip typically takes six to eight hours, depending on your pace and how much time you spend at the lake. Start early, carry plenty of water and energy-boosting snacks, and be prepared for rapidly changing alpine conditions. The first time we completed this hike, I wanted to cry when we reached the top and discovered that the lake was completely hidden by clouds. We went into the hut, changed into dry clothes, and stopped for a snack. By the time we came back outside, the clouds had cleared, the sun was shining, and the lake looked incredible. It was the perfect reminder of how quickly conditions can change in the mountains. Directions by Alltrails https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/61101085357010220936ee7b/789f55f7-70de-4903-8606-ed63ffad697f/D04043F2-5B42-40DE-A785-75B46A8F37A4.jpeg Wedgemount Lake - Mount Weart 19 km | 2,140 m Wedgemount Lake alone is a pretty big day hike with stunning views, but if you’re camping overnight or super ambitious you can keep going. Above the Lake lies both Mount Weart and Wedge Mountain. To access both of these peaks, you need to go around the Lake and head up above the glacier. Directions by Alltrails https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/61101085357010220936ee7b/c63b3811-a69e-4d4e-bd71-c0b3bbd190b6/923778E4-6F4F-4DE1-BEA9-58A4C03E7271.jpeg Wedgemount Lake - Wedge Mountain 21 km | 2,500 m As mentioned, Wedge Mountain is the highest peak in all of Garibaldi Provincial Park and lies at over 2,900 m above sea level. Based on reviews this trail is quite difficult and dangerous even for experienced hikers/climbers. There is a lot of loose rock you need to scramble up and back down. Directions by Alltrails https://seekingthesummit.squarespace.com/harmony-lake daily 0.75 2021-09-21 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/61101085357010220936ee7b/4447a003-aef7-4c7b-a478-ef82813feb28/1A157250-0626-4A51-BA78-101669C70BCB.jpeg Harmony Lake https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/61101085357010220936ee7b/78568a6d-cc32-4bf3-8cd4-c367beb1f8c3/657D5F1F-46B2-4D31-A02A-C629DD12BD33.jpeg Harmony Lake https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/61101085357010220936ee7b/1628493273624-9BWYS710W8E2YKKR5AAH/915158A9-D7B6-451D-9225-3327B8AB2DC5.jpeg Harmony Lake 3 km | 130 m | 1 hour If you want to hit the Alpine, but don’t have the High Note or Half Note Trail in you or you have your kids to consider, this is your destination. You descend down to the small lake while enjoying stunning mountain views. Directions by Alltrails https://seekingthesummit.squarespace.com/hanes-valley daily 0.75 2026-07-17 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/61101085357010220936ee7b/18a17c0c-e4fc-4c28-84a2-8a20538a5c9f/486AAC83-5E64-4D42-B5E4-63F6528565F0.jpeg Hanes Valley https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/61101085357010220936ee7b/f2b05961-0c99-4183-b963-aec3a2f4cb34/B50BAAC4-1E74-4215-885F-3AEF00EC4128.jpeg Hanes Valley https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/61101085357010220936ee7b/5971c9a2-5179-4ecf-8f3b-ee50942db595/DC5508E3-6CE4-456F-88AE-F41F8B5D3969.jpeg Hanes Valley https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/61101085357010220936ee7b/1628546958472-XYGSS5E1RGU1EMFLYVSB/3A20580F-9D7E-4027-A07B-9E16132E93F0.jpeg Hanes Valley 19 km | 1,480 m | 6 hours Prepare for a serious, but rewarding challenge. Hanes Valley is a rugged backcountry route intended for experienced hikers only. This is a strenuous, full-day, point-to-point adventure that begins gently before revealing its true nature. Since this is a one-way hike, you will need to leave a vehicle at the Grouse Mountain parking lot or arrange transportation in advance. Starting from Lynn Headwaters Regional Park, the first section lures you in with relatively easy terrain. From Lynn Valley to Norvan Falls, you will cover approximately 13 kilometres while gaining only about 300 metres of elevation. From there to the top of Grouse Mountain, it is only another 6 kilometres, but you gain more than 1,200 metres. Norvan Falls is slightly off the main route, but it is a beautiful viewpoint and worth the short detour. From the falls junction, stay left, cross the metal bridge, and continue toward Hanes Valley. This is where the trail becomes increasingly remote and technical. Before long, you will begin a steep, demanding climb through the massive Hanes Valley boulder field. The route gains roughly 500 metres over exposed rocks with no shade, so careful footing, plenty of water, and suitable weather conditions are essential. The wild scenery is breathtaking, but this section is physically exhausting and should not be underestimated. Once you reach Crown Pass, you may think you are almost finished—but you most certainly are not. By this point, you will likely be tired, yet there are still approximately 3 kilometres and plenty of elevation between you and the Grouse Mountain tram. Turn left toward Goat Mountain and prepare for another highly technical section featuring exposed terrain, chains, and rope-assisted passages. Once you reach the Goat Mountain junction, there are approximately 2 kilometres remaining. Thankfully, the most difficult part is finally behind you. For most people this is a bucket list hike. Once completed, it’s never repeated. Having said that, it is hard work, but absolutely stunning and definitely worth it. We found it to be much longer with more elevation than what Alltrails states. https://seekingthesummit.squarespace.com/quarry-rock daily 0.75 2023-10-23 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/61101085357010220936ee7b/1632492320353-N2C9E0URK28UUZNLF559/E8565591-872C-4E57-B64C-2684C9984EC1.jpeg Quarry Rock 4.5 km | 220 km | 1 hour This trail has become a very popular out and back hike over the last few years. The view from Quarry Rock is spectacular into Deep Cove, across to Belcarra and up Indian Arm. Directions by Alltrails 10 km | 575 m | 2.5 hours Again we prefer loops and slightly longer hikes so once we reach the view point we like to continue on the Baden Powell trail across Indian River Drive and Mt. Seymour Road. Once you reach the Old Buck junction head down parallel to Mt Seymour Road, cross back and return via Boundary Trail and the mountain bike trails. Directions by Alltrails Best Part? Going to Cafe Orso after for avocado toast! https://seekingthesummit.squarespace.com/brandywine-falls daily 0.75 2026-07-19 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/61101085357010220936ee7b/36f04dba-9b22-4c0a-884e-0e37ea61cded/IMG_2623.jpeg Brandywine Falls 3.5 km | 120 m | 1.5 hours Brandywine Falls is one of the easiest and most impressive stops along the Sea to Sky Highway. A short, well-maintained trail leads from the parking lot to the official viewpoint, where you can look across the canyon toward the 70-metre waterfall plunging over a dramatic volcanic cliff. The view from above is spectacular and makes this a great stop for families or anyone looking for a quick adventure. For a completely different perspective, it is possible to hike toward the base of the falls. Do not attempt to access it from the official viewpoint, as this takes you beyond a “Do Not Enter” area and can leave you dangerously close to the top of a cliff. Instead, begin from the Sea to Sky Trail. After crossing the train tracks, turn left, then take a right before reaching the river that flows down from Swim Lake. The hike is relatively short, but the final approach is rugged and requires extra caution. As you near the falls, you must traverse along the base of the mountain beside the river, where the terrain is steep, slippery, and uneven. This section can be especially dangerous when the water level is high or the river is flowing quickly. Wear proper footwear, keep children close, and turn around if conditions do not feel safe. The view from beneath the falls is dramatic, but the official viewpoint remains the safest option for most visitors. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/61101085357010220936ee7b/1632068414736-O55LHLX2VLPQHM5CV265/96B8493C-472A-480B-AAF2-4DAA14DA41D2.jpeg Brandywine Falls This is a short walk or snowshoe on a winter day when you don’t feel like skiing. The trail is quiet mainly because the Brandywine parking lot is closed. We left our car on the side of the hwy by the entrance to the lot like many others, but note that there are tow away signs, so do this at your own risk. You can also park north of the park on McGuire Road and snowshoe in on the Lava Lake Trail. We have never done this, but the trail looked pretty maintained and we ran into people that were coming from that direction. The Sea to Sky Trail can loop you back to your car, which we have done in the summer but again, not in the winter. Directions by Alltrails https://seekingthesummit.squarespace.com/ascent-trail daily 0.75 2026-07-17 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/61101085357010220936ee7b/1fcc1765-4dae-4e25-83e9-11d159e441f2/0B07A9FF-2818-41EF-96D9-001E8F7CDD2B.jpeg Ascent Trail https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/61101085357010220936ee7b/00f68765-9b32-494a-a327-f103186ed487/5DC74C24-153D-4EA5-8798-2F9D815B2F77.jpeg Ascent Trail https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/61101085357010220936ee7b/72868a0b-d531-4df9-a6f5-35f3678f4ad8/C662AAF4-C025-441B-BC72-0E781BEB7047.jpeg Ascent Trail https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/61101085357010220936ee7b/1631801139647-9AVTVBRKGDHSRKFMFJQ0/2F5D20C9-AFCB-4AF8-B009-61089987990F.jpeg Ascent Trail - 3 km | 500 m | 40-50 mins (half) If you're up for a serious challenge with incredible rewards, tackle the Ascent Trail on Blackcomb Mountain. This tough, uphill-only hike takes you through beautiful old-growth rainforest, gaining 1,200 meters over 6.2 kilometers. The trail is split into three increasingly steep sections—Little Burn, Big Burn, and the notorious Heart Burn—so you can pace yourself. Once you conquer the summit, you're rewarded with stunning valley views and the satisfying option of a relaxing gondola ride back down, which is highly recommended for saving your knees. The climb begins at the base of Blackcomb Mountain. If you are not feeling up to completing the full route, you can exit at the mid-station and take the gondola back down. Keep in mind that a valid pass is required to download, so make sure you have it ready for the attendant. The first half is roughly the same distance as the second, but includes about 200 metres less elevation gain because Little Burn is not as steep. This section is also less scenic, as most of the trail remains in the trees, aside from a few openings where you briefly emerge onto the ski runs. Even so, it is a great option for a quick workout when you are pressed for time or do not want to commit to the full climb. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/61101085357010220936ee7b/1631801191707-970S3IN0IIXXGU3AFDHL/1E277849-AC20-4106-811A-232314BF5A6D.jpeg Ascent Trail - 6.1 km | 1,200 m | 1:45-2 hours (full) The second half of the Ascent Trail is where the real climb begins. From mid-station, the trail becomes noticeably steeper and gains roughly 200 metres more elevation than the first half. The terrain is more demanding, but it is also the more scenic section of the route. As you climb higher, the trees begin to open up and you are rewarded with wider views of Whistler, the surrounding mountains, and the valley below. This section feels much more challenging, especially toward the end, but reaching the top makes the extra effort worthwhile. Once you reach the top, you can take the Blackcomb Gondola back down. Unlike at mid-station, they do not check for a valid pass here. I guess they figure that if you climbed all the way up, you have earned a free ride down. Directions by Alltrails https://seekingthesummit.squarespace.com/kennedy-falls daily 0.75 2023-10-23 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/61101085357010220936ee7b/78fcf427-ad69-448a-85d4-dfc797500ddc/IMG_7894.jpeg Kennedy Falls 11.5 km | 360 m | 3.5 hours This out and back trail leading to the falls isn’t overly exciting. It’s a typical north shore trail with rolling hills and average terrain. The falls are beautiful, but quite wet and chilly as you get close, so take your photo and run! You do pass a huge 600+ year old cedar tree with over 4 m in diameter, which is quite spectacular and rare on the North Shore. We have never tried this, but apparently you can make this into a loop by returning on the Cedar Mill Trail if the water level in Lynn Creek is low enough to cross on foot. Directions by Alltrails https://seekingthesummit.squarespace.com/stawamus-chief daily 0.75 2023-10-20 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/61101085357010220936ee7b/8083ba2f-1f33-48aa-ab6c-58457adcdfb2/89A201F2-EAC9-437B-8686-C9CD25D01B7C.jpeg Stawamus Chief https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/61101085357010220936ee7b/208be78f-5601-4fc3-b043-c2271e864b71/IMG_4260.jpeg Stawamus Chief https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/61101085357010220936ee7b/7643be42-ec0e-4d1d-b6ac-1a3021fb518b/IMG_4267.jpeg Stawamus Chief https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/61101085357010220936ee7b/649293fa-f398-4e80-9839-a62f21db5b13/IMG_4286.jpeg Stawamus Chief https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/61101085357010220936ee7b/2bac5e14-5b7c-4042-acd2-648da4519403/IMG_4776.jpeg Stawamus Chief https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/61101085357010220936ee7b/9d7cd835-e4c3-4831-8d77-3dab9f5545ab/IMG_4784.jpeg Stawamus Chief https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/61101085357010220936ee7b/897827ed-5a63-4d41-96de-674079bb7bb1/IMG_4294.jpeg Stawamus Chief 8.5 km | 830 m | 4 hours This hike is no walk in the park. It’s significant elevation up and back with ropes, chains, ladders and rock steps along the way. It is technical, yet tourist show up unprepared for the adventure, slowing seasoned hikers down. They however tend to only go to first peak making that the busiest part of the hike. For this reason we like to do the loop backwards heading to third peak first then back tracking to second then to first. If you’re pressed for time and not in the mood for people, you can even skip the first peak altogether. The views are incredible from everywhere and you won’t feel like you’ve missed out. Having said that we can never not fully complete a loop so skipping anything isn’t an option for us! https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/61101085357010220936ee7b/1632628848271-V9G6NEBSY5HL55UKSNOG/E1CBFC5A-3A04-49E8-AFF0-380E1E050ED1.jpeg Stawamus Chief - Second Peak The section from third to second peak isn’t very busy or technical. There is a section however with metal steps set in the rock face leading you up to another hidden lookout. This part is steep and slightly dangerous. Going up is easy, back down a little more difficult. And you do have to come down the same way. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/61101085357010220936ee7b/1632629277253-ZW27OLLRTX7OTZLVOP8K/C375BD07-D214-4328-BAC6-DD3DCCE14D0C.jpeg Stawamus Chief - First Peak From second to first peak it’s still relatively quiet then once you reach first peak you meet up with the masses. There is a way to approach first peak from the back, but we keep missing it and going up from the front. We will definitely pay more attention next time we go. The view point is large so there is no shortage of space for you to sit and enjoy the stunning view, but be ready for the crowds and your busy descent. Coming down from first peak is the most technical part of the hike and the most busy. There are steep and narrow sections with both stairs and chains. You won’t be moving very fast so make sure you leave enough time to get back to your car. Again, actual distance and elevation is significantly more than what is indicated by Alltrails. Directions by Alltrails https://seekingthesummit.squarespace.com/rainbow-falls daily 0.75 2023-10-20 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/61101085357010220936ee7b/1628489309640-VJTJV2DSGADWP4OXY1ZD/A85F8E3E-A5F2-417A-9AC4-659D4471E358.jpeg Rainbow Falls 3 km | 140 m | 1 hour The perfect afternoon outing with your family. The loop is short with minimal elevation gain and stunning scenery. Pack a picnic and enjoy your lunch beside this beautiful waterfalls. The falls is slightly off the main Rainbow Lake Trail so keep an eye on your alltrails to make sure you don’t miss the falls view point. You will hear the rushing water of the creek below and you’ll see the unmarked trail that will lead you to it. This trail can be hiked all year around and can be perfect on sunny winter days when you just don’t feel like skiing. Directions by Alltrails https://seekingthesummit.squarespace.com/tunnelbluffs daily 0.75 2026-07-19 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/61101085357010220936ee7b/01c1664f-366b-43ce-a8d1-898471a4886e/C27FAFE1-7B62-4A29-BF28-4252D0C236A3.jpeg Tunnel Bluffs https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/61101085357010220936ee7b/0b1d2ac3-f95f-4533-9dc3-695ea6de264c/19A2B96A-3D7F-4BF8-86C0-F635CD92A3C2.jpeg Tunnel Bluffs https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/61101085357010220936ee7b/82123e02-6850-4f52-8a6f-9847922c9ba5/IMG_9165.jpeg Tunnel Bluffs https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/61101085357010220936ee7b/2d1e251f-4e1c-475d-8d38-a943a2f73123/2F48EEC5-C61F-4386-83D1-F982AA353EB2.jpeg Tunnel Bluffs 11.5 km | 490 m | 3 hours Tunnel Bluffs was once one of our favourite hidden gems—a great workout, an incredible find, and a trail that felt like a true local secret. The view is still there and remains as magical as ever, with sweeping views over Howe Sound and the surrounding islands. Unfortunately, the hiking experience is no longer quite the same. Much of the route now follows a busy access road, making the journey feel less scenic and far less adventurous than it once did. The viewpoint is still worth seeing, especially if you have never been before, but for those who remember the original experience, some of the magic has definitely been lost. You used to be able to access Tunnel Bluffs directly from the highway, which created a steep, scenic climb and made the hike feel like a much better workout. That access is no longer a practical option. A 20-minute parking limit is now enforced to discourage hikers from crossing the highway illegally. The last thing you want after a long day on the trail is to return and find that your vehicle has been ticketed or towed. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/61101085357010220936ee7b/5cbe54bc-8759-42a6-b33d-054ac17cfe97/IMG_9165.jpeg Tunnel Bluffs As a result, the only practical access to the viewpoint is now from the Sunset Drive trailhead in Lions Bay. What was once a beautiful 7.5-kilometre grind has become an approximately 11.5-kilometre hike, with much of the route following a less exciting access road. The parking lot is small and fills quickly, so arrive early if you want a spot. On busy summer weekends, you may be able to park near the school and walk to the trailhead instead. Most of the elevation is gained within the first 2.5 kilometres, which climb steeply up a loose, gravelly access road. Neither the ascent nor the descent is especially pleasant. After this section, the trail becomes more enjoyable, crossing several log bridges over flowing creeks before eventually bringing you out above the bluffs. The viewpoint itself is much larger than the one at St. Mark’s Summit, so even when the trail is busy, you should still be able to find a place to sit, enjoy your lunch, and take in the panoramic views over Howe Sound. Although Tunnel Bluffs can be crowded in summer, it is often much quieter during the shoulder season and winter months. Unlike many other winter mountain routes, it does not travel through avalanche terrain, making it a safer seasonal option with beautiful, misty views. Directions by Alltrails https://seekingthesummit.squarespace.com/sunflower-maze daily 0.75 2022-08-21 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/61101085357010220936ee7b/a6c79886-e124-4d72-93a4-5ceb84053157/E450958B-E317-4C47-96D7-E45CB49EF546.jpeg Sunflower Maze https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/61101085357010220936ee7b/23383f17-e3c0-49fb-8e59-8dcf79098b59/82F5B71E-BA5B-45B8-BA7F-212DC300F1BE.jpeg Sunflower Maze https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/61101085357010220936ee7b/f8773646-104e-4834-bc76-6f7369d79389/3A2C5BBE-C598-4A76-9977-77B9B72BA826.jpeg Sunflower Maze https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/61101085357010220936ee7b/1629902949622-XYTBEFOISVCKURJTN5RE/23FDA332-D3FF-4F0C-A9C7-1F8E17F3A9BD.jpeg Sunflower Maze A summer isn’t complete without a trip to the Sunflower Maze in Pemberton. It’s a short drive from Whistler and a perfect way to spend your afternoon on a sunny day at the end of the summer. We tend to stop at One Mile Lake for a quick hike and swim before heading to the farm. It’s an easy and beautiful walk around the lake that the kids love. When you arrive at the farm, you will find The Beer Farmers Brewery where you can enjoy locally grown and locally crafted lagers and ales. My personal favourite is their cider. The tasting room is open 12-8 pm daily and is family and dog friendly. Most days, the Miller's Food Truck will be serving “from our field to your face” French fries, made from potatoes harvested from their 4th generation farm. Tickets to the Sunflower Maze can be purchased online and presented at the gate. Each ticket is valid for 1 entry anytime between 10 am to 7 pm. https://seekingthesummit.squarespace.com/family-adventures daily 0.75 2023-07-25 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/61101085357010220936ee7b/1633704166553-4LGDWS6YA5NMW93IT0NX/5ED8C853-A94C-4ECB-9A13-7FD5CE4D5FA8.jpeg Family adventures - Whistler Beach Day Blackcomb Ice Cave ❄️ Brandywine Falls Hike Cloudraker Sky Bridge Loggers Lake Hike & Swim Pemberton Slow Food Cycle Rainbow Falls Hike Snow Walls in the Spring Snowmobiling ❄️ Sunflower Maze in Pemberton Train Wreck Hike Vallea Lumina ❄️ Ziplining https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/61101085357010220936ee7b/556af77a-13e8-4c7c-9857-7fa85560df8a/BF387854-35FD-4FF8-AE06-8DADFCDFC789.jpeg Family adventures - Squamish Jurassic Ridge Sea to Sky Gondola https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/61101085357010220936ee7b/1633617485653-EBK44RQR5TNABK3EUTF0/18A63307-5255-4EC7-874D-6144A5448CE9.jpeg Family adventures - Vancouver Brothers Creek Hike Capilano Canyon & Hatchery Cypress Falls Hike Eagle Coaster Lighthouse Park Mystery Lake Hike & Swim https://seekingthesummit.squarespace.com/blackcomb-alpine daily 0.75 2026-07-17 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/61101085357010220936ee7b/ef0bd6bc-a614-49af-951d-bdbd828094c5/939D94AF-6C7B-42AD-9896-41B23033E2CE.jpeg Blackcomb Alpine https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/61101085357010220936ee7b/5a27f5a0-bbb6-4967-b2b1-03058922ac26/4B5D84BD-26DD-44C2-929D-A5561CA644DE.jpeg Blackcomb Alpine https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/61101085357010220936ee7b/37101d08-e444-4209-8336-6a5a3ed05f91/EAF564C4-7ECC-466E-B86A-5F1B5161B253.jpeg Blackcomb Alpine https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/61101085357010220936ee7b/0c0ccfab-58e6-4a6c-a6e6-672d8da84a39/306928F7-264B-4FB0-826D-31A483420EBC.jpeg Blackcomb Alpine https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/61101085357010220936ee7b/89a39429-0cb1-4758-a0e9-88d5a98d7b0f/1B8EB996-6545-4AFE-B4C1-992F84329018.jpeg Blackcomb Alpine https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/61101085357010220936ee7b/9200c5ac-b199-49cd-8b2e-f49468691d42/D9D3BF13-38B2-4FA5-93C5-51E72FBDEED3.jpeg Blackcomb Alpine https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/61101085357010220936ee7b/2496973f-828a-41c1-965f-417af004074d/C8D2E715-5B5C-4E99-B1E7-2914550D17D9.jpeg Blackcomb Alpine - Overlord Trail to Lakeside Loop 6 km | 255 m | 2 hours Welcome to Blackcomb Mountain, one half of North America’s largest ski resort. When the snow melts, the mountain transforms into an alpine hiking paradise. Ride the gondola up and explore trails winding through meadows filled with wildflowers, from the easy Alpine Loop to the more challenging Overlord Trail, where stunning mountain and glacier views await. Begin your hike by following the Alpine Walk from Rendezvous. Blackcomb Lake is a beautiful place to stop for a picnic, and the loop is easy enough for kids to complete without too much difficulty. There is nothing better than enjoying lunch with a view. We recommend staying left at the junctions and completing the loop clockwise. Most hikers tend to travel in this direction, so you will avoid walking against the flow of traffic. Directions by AllTrails https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/61101085357010220936ee7b/1632407781074-UPCE1EBD5U0M10WMB5KS/8B06B143-A16D-4176-A4D6-B18ACDF78887.jpeg Blackcomb Alpine - Decker Loop 10 km | 520 m | 3 hours My favourite section is the Decker Loop. It is a big climb and an excellent workout, but the rewards are even bigger. The views of Blackcomb Mountain, Decker Mountain, and across to Flute and Oboe summits are truly spectacular. Hike the loop clockwise so that you climb the steeper side and descend along the more gradual section. Watch your footing, take your time, and enjoy the incredible 360-degree views along the way. Directions by Alltrails https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/61101085357010220936ee7b/1632407811090-JJXNW37XFUIME4KPWDD3/D2A50B34-4140-4488-A029-075DF26DCDA0.jpeg Blackcomb Alpine - FULL ASCENT & DECKER LOOP 16 km | 1,710 m | 5 hours You will need a pass/ticket to access this loop unless you’re hard core and wish to do the full Ascent Trail first to access the trail head. This will add 6.5 km and 1, 200 m elevation gain to your journey. You can also consider doing half the Ascent and taking the gondola the rest of the way. The gondola doesn’t open until 9:30 am so this was a great solution for me when I did it. I rather be hiking than waiting around for it to open. https://seekingthesummit.squarespace.com/singing-pass daily 0.75 2026-07-17 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/61101085357010220936ee7b/08f8884b-96b5-45a0-82fa-70dafd55c0a8/06A17C34-DFFE-4801-A253-FA3AFC9A6589.jpeg Singing Pass https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/61101085357010220936ee7b/b6f0c4e3-cc87-43ab-b48a-ab8cef87e8d9/2B7483A3-B911-4CF0-823E-17AD2CD87958.jpeg Singing Pass https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/61101085357010220936ee7b/aa6c5b19-325b-4e9c-ad7b-849f9d7a84ba/1ABAD5A3-D07B-436E-8399-17C3366B3139.jpeg Singing Pass https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/61101085357010220936ee7b/cfa29762-bc44-4f23-a4b6-3e22c0ca8104/AABD1AA5-DCFD-486D-8032-71C133CB87F9.jpeg Singing Pass https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/61101085357010220936ee7b/307f0f5b-cfe7-4ee5-b089-85050905f9b1/IMG_1824.jpeg Singing Pass https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/61101085357010220936ee7b/72dd7508-8c7e-4883-8ee2-b888eff5eb82/IMG_1864.jpeg Singing Pass https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/61101085357010220936ee7b/4a01b677-1021-48e2-87da-d483f2f76180/IMG_1889.jpeg Singing Pass https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/61101085357010220936ee7b/526e8e96-63ee-41d8-91c7-abf91f1bae11/IMG_1921.jpeg Singing Pass https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/61101085357010220936ee7b/57b2b87c-905d-4407-b984-af6b99709a2d/IMG_1913.jpeg Singing Pass https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/61101085357010220936ee7b/1632627086360-CXC34BW2F3XFOI35QCKN/59B45DF5-00F9-42DA-A468-E9F2B151169A.jpeg Singing Pass - Singing Pass 21 km | 1,640 m | 6 hours Singing Pass is a long, but beautiful hike that begins near Whistler Village and follows Fitzsimmons Creek through the forest before climbing into the alpine. The lower section is steady and shaded, but the real reward comes near the top, where the trail opens into wide meadows surrounded by dramatic mountain peaks. Wildflowers cover the slopes during the summer, and the pass offers incredible views toward the Musical Bumps, Russet Lake and the surrounding Coast Mountains. The distance and elevation make this a demanding full-day adventure, so start early and come prepared with plenty of water, food and layers for changing alpine conditions. Singing Pass is also within Garibaldi Provincial Park, where hikers should be prepared for backcountry terrain and wildlife. Park in one of the Whistler day lots and make your way toward the trailhead, located just beyond the village bus loop. There are several mountain-bike trails near the beginning, but avoid turning onto them and remain on the narrow access road that leads toward Singing Pass. Continuing to Russet Lake adds approximately 6 kilometres to your day, so plan for the extra distance and time before deciding to carry on from the junction. Singing Pass - 12 km | 1,040 m (to Russet Lake junction) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/61101085357010220936ee7b/1632627120341-3VVBJBXUS7KMYDA1YD99/CEE78935-A3A4-48A5-A09C-B164885CB58E.jpeg Singing Pass - Musical Bumps We did not have the extra distance to Russet Lake in us, so at the junction we turned right and continued toward Flute Summit instead. As you climb above the treeline on the Musical Bumps Trail, the views open up in every direction. The constant ups and downs make this section more tiring than it first appears, but each climb reveals another beautiful viewpoint and keeps you wanting to continue. This was easily one of our favourite parts of the hike. As you reach Flute Summit, you are rewarded with panoramic mountain views and an incredible view of Cheakamus Lake below. It is another perfect place to stop, take in the scenery, and refuel before continuing on. Musical Bumps - 3.5 km | 380 (from the Russet Lake junction to Flute Summit) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/61101085357010220936ee7b/1632627237791-KJYSZZS30SFDKU0LEFVI/512DAF41-1398-47E2-B644-5DDA95762783.jpeg Singing Pass - Flute Summit Once you reach Flute Summit, the hardest part of the hike is behind you, although you still have approximately 6 kilometres remaining before you return to the gondola. Walk behind the Flute Summit sign for incredible views of Cheakamus Lake below and Black Tusk rising high above. This is the perfect place to stop, have a snack, and take in the scenery before beginning the final section of the hike. From here, you have two options for returning to the gondola. You can remain on the Musical Bumps Trail and return via Harmony Ridge, or connect with the High Note Trail, climb toward Whistler Peak, and take the Peak Chair back down. We returned via Harmony Ridge because the Peak Chair was only operating from Friday through Sunday, and we completed the hike on a Thursday. The High Note option would likely involve slightly more elevation, but the overall distance should be similar. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/61101085357010220936ee7b/1632627278248-QRQX5K5G4HU8KKI96FXM/1D6E70E2-15D1-44C1-A002-C657183D6610.jpeg Singing Pass - Harmony Ridge By this point, you will probably be feeling tired, but you will still be loving every minute of the hike. This is the final stretch. We actually hit a bit of a wall before reaching Flute Summit, but nothing a short break and a good snack could not fix. From Flute, you will descend back into the valley before climbing again toward Harmony Ridge. You will then make your way down toward Harmony Lake and continue on to the gondola. Take your time through this section, and do not forget to look back—the views behind you are just as impressive as those ahead. Directions by Strava https://seekingthesummit.squarespace.com/snow-walls daily 0.75 2026-07-19 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/61101085357010220936ee7b/51335dce-c5ae-4a78-a292-dfe08486ec34/FFFB9C56-29E6-47EB-A2C6-D8C04455D852.jpeg Snow Walls https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/61101085357010220936ee7b/4a649f56-fba2-42b7-b359-2f63ad3aea8f/D541527B-9066-4FB3-88DE-D76B3DA5984F.jpeg Snow Walls https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/61101085357010220936ee7b/6b0d165e-e519-4a64-98eb-99ee1332a9ae/F3696BE0-079A-4119-B947-9325348FE85E.jpeg Snow Walls https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/61101085357010220936ee7b/ebcf15f3-4a48-4039-b1ee-f8a19a183916/74C2C4E6-AF08-464D-9202-D613896E8B49.jpeg Snow Walls Each year, a path is cleared through the deep winter snowpack along Pika’s Traverse, creating towering corridors of snow that rise high above the trail. The walk is not especially difficult, but it feels completely different from a typical summer hike. The snow walls can be reached by hiking up Pika’s Traverse from the Roundhouse. To avoid too much complaining from the kids, we recommend taking the Peak Chair up and hiking down instead. You can enjoy warm sunshine while still being surrounded by massive walls of snow—a perfect example of how quickly the seasons change in the alpine. The snow walls are temporary and gradually disappear as summer progresses, so visit in late spring or early summer for the best chance of seeing them. These photos were taken in late June, by which point much of the snow had already melted. Go early before they disappear for another year. Directions by Alltrails https://seekingthesummit.squarespace.com/alexander-falls daily 0.75 2026-07-19 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/61101085357010220936ee7b/57305ce5-1ea9-4681-8128-944a76992609/D68857B5-205C-45BA-BF26-B37C41802507.jpeg Alexander Falls https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/61101085357010220936ee7b/1631599271243-5X79K8571WHQWWXTQWHR/0FBD960A-4A3B-45BA-A371-4DB5D6F4C71E.jpeg Alexander Falls - Alexander Falls 2.5 km | 120 m | 1 hour Alexander Falls is a beautiful multi-tiered waterfall in the Callaghan Valley, surrounded by dense forest and dramatic mountain scenery. In winter, the frozen falls create an especially impressive sight, with massive walls of ice and snow covering the rock face. Whether it is too cold or you simply do not feel like skiing, some days it is perfectly fine to stay away from the alpine and explore the valley instead. That is one of the best things about Whistler—there are always so many options. The base of Alexander Falls is easily accessible in winter using one of the Callaghan Valley’s snowshoe trails. We have only completed this route during the winter, so we are not sure whether the same access is possible during the summer months when the falls are no longer frozen. Follow the loop in the direction shown on the trail map. Falls Express is quite steep and is much easier to climb than to descend while wearing microspikes or snowshoes. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/61101085357010220936ee7b/1631599321889-HWUBNK1X85VSPWN2QNXU/C5CC6428-09CC-483A-AD8E-A1D54396E753.jpeg Alexander Falls - Finger Lakes and Real Life Loop 12 km | 310 m | 4:30 hours We have also completed the Finger Lakes and Real Life loops in addition to Alexander Falls, and it turned into quite the adventure. Note to self: a 12-kilometre snowshoe through knee-deep snow is definitely not the same as a 12-kilometre hike. There were moments when we honestly wanted to cry, but we made it. Next time, we will be much better prepared. The views along the Finger Lakes Trail were absolutely stunning and made the effort worthwhile. Real Life follows part of the cross-country ski trail, so the snow is usually more firmly packed. It makes for a long but relatively easy route back once you reach it. Callaghan Snowshoe Trail Map Other trails in the area: Journeyman Lodge https://seekingthesummit.squarespace.com/blackcomb-ice-cave daily 0.75 2023-10-23 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/61101085357010220936ee7b/9dd2ed2b-97a3-4534-82c3-66fc3166c443/A6F0D7DC-E567-4BF8-86D8-B14F735062E9.jpeg Blackcomb Ice Cave https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/61101085357010220936ee7b/a3cdbeca-802f-4704-9b7b-357d799a2327/CB522717-9628-45BD-AF7F-3D78D63A1465.jpeg Blackcomb Ice Cave https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/61101085357010220936ee7b/1630855153331-V7S3GVEJYZLXAGH10FUK/EA169B3E-BBB8-4BD5-AAA7-7CC119CD7916.jpeg Blackcomb Ice Cave Wow is all I have to say. What an absolutely incredible wonder created by Mother Earth. I truly felt like Elsa in the depth of this deep blue glacier ice cave. The cave appears differently every season and I can’t wait to see what we will find this upcoming winter. Head out on this adventure with your family and friends and enjoy a picnic on a sunny winter day. This cave is accessible by skis only on the Blackcomb Glacier. Take Glacier Express up then ski down to Showcase T-Bar. At the top of the T-Bar you will need to remove your skis and begin your short hike up to the right. From here you will see the tracks that traverse across the mountain, which can be seen in one of our photos below. Traverse about half way across then cut down the mountain to access the cave from above. You pretty much end up dropping right into it. You will see the shadow of the cave and tons of people out in front. The key is to traverse far enough so you don’t have to remove your skis and walk back to it. It’s much better to ski right to it. https://seekingthesummit.squarespace.com/vallea-lumina daily 0.75 2026-07-19 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/61101085357010220936ee7b/e290d685-d74b-459f-a498-03e6e0cdbe44/87A23488-449A-42FA-8299-2FD19432788A.jpeg Vallea Lumina https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/61101085357010220936ee7b/009f5e9e-87ed-47c2-be4c-d1936c7b913f/951876FE-D7DD-43EE-9004-74D3878BCE37.jpeg Vallea Lumina https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/61101085357010220936ee7b/bededd55-9b77-4488-baba-d70f5e7854d9/FAC36660-B309-401C-8935-A982DA77D45B.jpeg Vallea Lumina https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/61101085357010220936ee7b/e46ef95b-f59d-43fe-a836-506286d2048a/1B0B17B4-9444-4DCA-8E97-B3E25EF62096.jpeg Vallea Lumina https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/61101085357010220936ee7b/fb737461-a13d-44ed-a43e-d946d979c6fa/E8DD4741-E0E0-4B18-8F5D-E68F0F4C26AE.jpeg Vallea Lumina https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/61101085357010220936ee7b/0240c3ac-3f99-48d6-8bdc-e6882f9ffd18/815F5CD9-DFDD-48C6-8364-88B252905AD6.jpeg Vallea Lumina https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/61101085357010220936ee7b/1630812667820-RG2VSBSYA4XAOF1I1EX0/A92DEA37-9EC2-44E3-A56B-54102E3DC649.jpeg Vallea Lumina Vallea Lumina is a magical nighttime walk through the forest at Cougar Mountain, where lights, music, projections, and storytelling transform the trees into an enchanted world. The experience follows a 1.5-kilometre trail and usually takes about 45 minutes to an hour to complete. This is one of my favourite Whistler activities in both summer and winter. The experience feels completely different depending on the season, with warm summer evenings creating one atmosphere and snow-covered trees making it especially magical in winter. It is a great evening activity for families and a fun change from Whistler’s usual hiking and mountain adventures. The trail includes moderate inclines and several sets of stairs, so wear comfortable shoes and bring an extra layer once the temperature drops. It can feel a little touristy and is not inexpensive, but the lighting effects are beautiful and children will love following the story through the forest. After your adventure, get your smores kit and sit by the fire with your family before heading back to the village. The Story Old stories tell of the wondrous things that happen near Whistler. Between the trees, in the shadow of mountains, legends say there’s a hidden valley where stardust falls from the sky, filling all living things with its pure light. It’s a place that’s filled with unexpected enchantment. There’s a way to get there, but few know how to find it. Those who visit and witness its secrets remember it long after they leave. Join an evening excursion and follow cryptic radio transmissions and the lingering traces of two long-ago hikers to find the scenic trailhead where the real journey begins… This pathway leads toward a place filled with beauty, and proof that the legends of Whistler are true. Tickets https://seekingthesummit.squarespace.com/ziplining daily 0.75 2026-07-19 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/61101085357010220936ee7b/1630857705887-C1VXU0E1Z40J2ES8KLBZ/DE655DDE-42E4-4031-9B04-5868BF045F3F.jpeg Ziplining There are two main ziplining experiences to choose from in Whistler: Ziptrek Ecotours, which crosses the valley between Whistler and Blackcomb (our favorite), and Superfly Ziplines on Cougar Mountain. Families with younger children should pay close attention to the minimum age and weight requirements before booking. Ziptrek offers several different tours, with the Bear and Eagle tours being the best options for families. The Bear Tour has a minimum weight requirement of 55 pounds, while the Eagle Tour requires participants to be at least six years old and weigh a minimum of 75 pounds. We completed the Eagle Tour and absolutely loved it. The experience includes five ziplines and four treetop bridges and takes approximately three hours to complete. Superfly offers one main ziplining tour on Cougar Mountain. Participants must be at least seven years old and weigh a minimum of 60 pounds. The tour is operated by The Adventure Group, which also offers several other activities in Whistler, so it is worth checking out their full range of experiences before booking. Both are great options, but your choice will likely depend on the ages and weights of your children, the type of scenery you prefer, and whether you want to combine ziplining with other activities on Cougar Mountain. https://seekingthesummit.squarespace.com/beach-day daily 0.75 2021-09-27 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/61101085357010220936ee7b/fdf8d0b1-b9a8-4e6c-81f1-805b32123f8b/DC12C3B3-88F8-452A-9DF7-2EEBDC551391.jpeg Beach Day https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/61101085357010220936ee7b/94996d8c-0a79-4654-a7bd-ec2074a571df/3465FA55-4D70-4CBC-9E7E-B1E3F708FC2A.jpeg Beach Day https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/61101085357010220936ee7b/9e03dda8-f546-4e88-9d50-119b78651e97/714AD37B-1F0A-4FEB-9423-B45551DD075F.jpeg Beach Day https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/61101085357010220936ee7b/1630965747348-LH0HLRKDGQNVY9UYCG2Y/E5289CBC-F4F5-4B14-B72F-61459184D924.jpeg Beach Day On a hot, sunny, summer day nothing beats spending the day at the lake. Pack up your wagon with blow ups, sand toys, paddle boards, kayaks, snacks and hit your favourite beach. Our fav spot is Alpha Lake Park, but we do sometimes venture over to Rainbow to meet up with friends. Alpha isn’t as busy as the rest of the parks and the kids love paddle boarding across the lake and cliff jumping. There’s also a lagoon behind Twin Lakes that we like to venture over to. https://seekingthesummit.squarespace.com/crown-mountain daily 0.75 2023-10-19 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/61101085357010220936ee7b/1633027083188-NURQVOEQAW2NARFWLV7S/890670D8-BA80-4446-B273-ED47D93D4003.jpeg Crown Mountain 9 km | 875 m The closest we have come to Crown Mountain is Crown Pass when we came up from Hanes Valley. This route doesn’t take you up to the peak so we feel like we need to do this on its own from Grouse Mountain. And it looks like quite a climb up to the peak from the Hanes Valley junction. Over 400 m in about 1.5 km. Looking forward to this in the near future. Directions by Alltrails https://seekingthesummit.squarespace.com/howe-sound-crest-trail daily 0.75 2023-11-01 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/61101085357010220936ee7b/1632279577755-VIXLHB8G5O9W9ROBB2ZA/0F1E0B9E-ACB2-46E8-8E4D-01C574603A25.jpeg Howe Sound Crest Trail - St. Marks Summit 12 km | 600 m | 3.5 hours The hike itself may not be the most exciting of hikes, but the view is definitely worth the climb. The summit does feel like you’re on top of the world with its panoramic views of the Howe Sound while you’re sitting on the edge of a cliff. Unfortunately the view point is quite small and since this is a very busy hike, you won’t be having the most relaxing picnic. It’s a go in, take a photo and get out kind of experience. As a result, we tend to gravitate towards less busy areas that have similar views and ease of access. Directions by Alltrails https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/61101085357010220936ee7b/1632279848152-72CIV1JAE2R0KSOS7EE0/5A9DE3F1-59C4-4756-9EFA-16AC7A7DC8F5.jpeg Howe Sound Crest Trail - Unnecessary Mountain 18 km | 1,150 m If you continue on past St. Marks Summit, your next major peak and view point is Unnecessary Mountain. Up to St. Marks you’re gaining 600 m in 6 km and from St. Marks you’re gaining another 350 m, but in only about 3 km. So get ready for a challenge. This remains on our bucket list so more info to come once we complete it. Directions by Alltrails 12 km | 1,400 m Unnecessary Mountain is also accessible from Lions Bay. It is a shorter but steeper option. Directions via Alltrails https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/61101085357010220936ee7b/1632276306186-9T40BQ8GLPVUI1FUWBOW/9EE9C91F-220C-48A0-B0E5-2E304D607BCA.jpeg Howe Sound Crest Trail - West Lion 21 km | 1, 400 m The lions, also called the twin sisters, are easily spotted from many parts of the city, but getting to it is one of the most challenging hikes around. It is less than 2 km past Unnecessary, but it will take you a while to scramble up there. This one still remains on our bucket list and we do hope to complete it soon. They do look absolutely magical from a distance especially under a blanket of snow. Directions by Alltrails 13 km | 1,765 m or 15 km | 1,440 m You can also access the Lions from Lions Bay. It is just past Unnecessary Mountain and it is a shorter but steeper option. via Unnecessary Mountain or the Binkert Trail. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/61101085357010220936ee7b/1633027168640-OGIOQB591F15GNKJVUQH/DB1AE7FF-CB95-4C1A-9BE7-185CD5445BFB.jpeg Howe Sound Crest Trail - Howe Sound Crest Trail 28 km | 1,750 m Once you pass the Lions, you’re a third of the way through the Howe Sound Crest Trail, which is a destination hike from Cypress Bowl to Porteau Cove over 19 peaks. It’s not the climbing, but rather the cumulative downhill of over 2,500 m that terrifies us the most. Since we don’t love the idea of camping, our plan is to complete this in one day in about 12-13 hours. A few things to know is that there is no water source until you get to Magnesia Meadows, where there is also an emergency shelter. So make sure you have enough water to get there. The later you wait in summer, the less the water. Having said that you should wait until at least early July for the snow to be fully melted at which point the trail may still be quite wet. Depending on weather, mid to late July is likely the best time to go. From Magnesia Meadows you will pass the Mount Brunswick trail but you do not have to hike up to the summit. That would be an extra 250 m scramble in under 1 km. Cypress to St Marks Summit - 6 km | 600 m (50 m loss) St Marks Summit to Unnecessary - 3 km | 350 m (150 m loss) Unnecessary to West Lion - 1.5 km | 150 m (100 m loss) West Lion to James Peak - 2 km | 200 m (350 m loss) James to David Peak & Magnesia Meadows - 2.5 km | 250 m (200 m loss) Magnesia Meadows to Brunswick Lake - 4 km | 150 m (200 m loss) Brunswick to Deeks Lake - 3 km | 50 m (300 m loss) Deeks Lake to Hwy 99 - 6 km (1,050 m loss) Ultimate Guide Directions by Alltrails https://seekingthesummit.squarespace.com/lynn-headwaters daily 0.75 2021-09-30 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/61101085357010220936ee7b/1633027270909-9ERMP0SJ9A04DE2QS5J8/1EC9D0CF-9814-4EE5-B976-06897F441084.jpeg Lynn Headwaters - South Lynn Peak 10 km | 800 m Directions by Alltrails Lynn Peak 12 km | 1,020 m Directions by Alltrails South Needle 14 km | 1,360 m Directions by Alltrails Middle & North Needle 17 km | 1,800 m Directions by Alltrails For a shorter but much steeper option you can access all the Needles via the Seymour Demonstration Forest. Ride your bike to the trail head and begin your steep climb up to the peaks. https://seekingthesummit.squarespace.com/957588773980 daily 0.75 2021-09-27 https://seekingthesummit.squarespace.com/elsay-lake daily 0.75 2021-09-30 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/61101085357010220936ee7b/1633027118418-FBDZDL48JKB6H5NRUXI6/B4D4C5F7-6A31-4D3A-9176-6F91D8A38102.jpeg Elsay Lake 12 km | 1,190 m Mount Elsay lies beyond Mount Seymour Peak. Looks like you can make it a loop by going to Mount Seymour and returning via the Elsay Lake trail. The peak is closer than the lake but with more elevation of course. I’m assuming you will have a view of the Lake from the summit but we will know more once we complete this trail. Directions by Alltrails 18 km | 1,120 m This needs to be done as an out and back as the trail traverses around Mount Elsay rather than going over it. Directions by Alltrails https://seekingthesummit.squarespace.com/coliseum-mountain daily 0.75 2021-09-30 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/61101085357010220936ee7b/1633027009020-OZEX73VRTHFZC5GZODNV/0FD4C0AD-C201-455D-A4E4-3A21AD4182FC.jpeg Coliseum Mountain 24 km | 1,360 m Most people access Coliseum Mountain via this route. It’s quite long with significant elevation making it difficult to complete between school drop off and pick up. You head toward Norvan Falls and Hanes Valley. Before you hit the junction you head right up to Coliseum Mountain just before Norvan Falls. There are signs and the trail is well marked. Directions by Alltrails 10 km | 1,360 m This would definitely be my choice of route to access Coliseum Mountain. Less than half the distance with the same elevation makes this is a much steeper, but much quicker option. You do however need to bike to the trail head. Take a bike that you’re comfortable stashing in the bushes while you’re out on your hike. The trail head is at about the 11 km mark along the Seymour Demonstration Forest Trail. There’s a picnic area right before you hit the Seymour Mainline Road. If you’re at the yellow gate, you’ve gone too far. Directions by Alltrails Should you want to keep going, Mount Burwell is about a 1 km or so past Coliseum Mountain and you’ll just need to climb another 125 m or so to get there. https://seekingthesummit.squarespace.com/hike-whistler daily 0.75 2026-07-19 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/61101085357010220936ee7b/1633012716523-CQ4ETMB1AG7KQO2TP356/CA28DA85-80E7-4A16-93C0-FBEEF6FF5834.jpeg Hike - Whistler - WHISTLER NORTH Rainbow Falls - 3 km | 140 m Parkhurst Ghost Town - 8 km | 225 m Wedgemount Lake - 13.5 km | 1,200 m Rainbow Lake - 16 km | 880 m Iceberg Lake - 22 km | 1,375 m Rainbow Mountain - 25 km | 1,750 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/61101085357010220936ee7b/1633012753871-VGOUS88LN1TIFJZOCPET/36278C66-1303-4E2C-8EFC-90FD0B184596.jpeg Hike - Whistler - WHISTLER & BLACKCOMB ALPINE Harmony Lake - 3 km | 130 m Ascent Trail - 6.1 km | 1,200 m High Note Trail - 9 km | 700 m Lakeside, Overlord & Decker Loops - 10 km | 510 m Whistler Peak via Kyber Pass - 16 km | 1,650 m Whistler Peak via Singing Pass - 21 km | 1,650 m Russet Lake - 26 km | 1,800 m https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/61101085357010220936ee7b/1633012806965-KMDHWM7XTV6T8B8EN2Y6/975A0C40-E0CD-4E49-AD78-1721C97EEA0C.jpeg Hike - Whistler - WHISTLER SOUTH Alexander Falls - 2.5 km | 120 m Brandywine Falls - 3.5 km | 120 m Train Wreck - 4 km | 100 m Cirque Lake - 3.2 km | 350 m Cheakamus Lake - 7 km | 200 m Hanging Lake & Gin Peak - 9 km | 575 m Brandywine Meadows - 10 km | 670 m Crater Rim and Loggers Lake - various Brew Lake - 17 km | 1,050 m Journeyman Lodge - 19 km | 880 m Tonic Peak - 18 km | 1,170 m Garibaldi Lake - 19 km | 980 m Brew Hut - 22 km | 1,300 m Black Tusk - 25 km | 2,000 m Mount Price - 27 km | 1,600 m Panorama Ridge - 30 km | 1,600 m Helm Creek Traverse - 30 km | 1,600 m https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/61101085357010220936ee7b/d7524bb6-da61-4036-b114-2e5bc10133dc/IMG_5295.jpeg Hike - Whistler - LOST LAKE The Lost Lake Trails are perfect for beginners and families with stunning views of the frozen lake and surrounding forest. This area is patrolled and offers rentals. Because we prefer longer distances, we tend to always hike the Molly Hogan and Donkey puncher trail when in this area (6.5 km | 210 m). From day lot 5 head towards the Passivehaus to purchase your daily trail pass. You will see the red snowshoe trail sign on your right which will take you to the Lake via the Nature Walking Trail. Here keep right and follow the orange signs to loop around the lake and back to your starting point. After completing your adventure, the Four Seasons is a great spot to stop and enjoy a well deserved lunch. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/61101085357010220936ee7b/a1f006e5-3ec3-434a-b462-6eaa696aed96/IMG_6500.jpeg Hike - Whistler - CALLAGHAN LAKE Callaghan Valley offers over 30 of marked snowshoe trails including peaceful forest paths and wide-open meadows. You can start from either the Alexander Falls parking lot or from Olympic Park. This area is also patrolled, offers rentals and requires a ticket for entry. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/61101085357010220936ee7b/e5dbfd85-8179-4150-9120-0e6ff2a42342/IMG_6722.jpeg Hike - Whistler - RAINBOW FALLS Rainbow Falls is quiet, serene and great for nature lovers. There is a short easy trail with beautiful views of frozen waterfalls, or you can opt to continue on a more difficult back country adventure. This trail is not maintained and it is free to use, but you do need to come prepared with your own gear. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/61101085357010220936ee7b/d72feee0-23ff-4252-b53e-14b54ff8c085/IMG_6573.jpeg Hike - Whistler - CHEAKAMUS RIVER Along the Cheakamust River and beyond, there are a number of trails that can be accessed all year round. They are a bit more off the beaten path, but worth the adventure. With gorgeous views of the turquoise river, old-growth forests, frozen lake and two suspension bridges. This area is also free to use and it is not patrolled. https://seekingthesummit.squarespace.com/iceberg-lake daily 0.75 2026-07-17 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/61101085357010220936ee7b/9c4fc5f3-fc5c-4b0f-94f3-8b91c94c7c00/IMG_2477.jpeg Iceberg Lake https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/61101085357010220936ee7b/6a91b3ad-e91b-418a-9ac2-a7d5cfbae6e0/IMG_2483.jpeg Iceberg Lake https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/61101085357010220936ee7b/b1638527-7f24-4dea-b327-368de196067c/IMG_2496.jpeg Iceberg Lake https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/61101085357010220936ee7b/4091387b-126b-45c8-a1d5-5c3c1ba2461e/IMG_2536.jpeg Iceberg Lake https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/61101085357010220936ee7b/1258ddbd-0a73-4028-a5d0-5c211827d37b/IMG_2538.jpeg Iceberg Lake https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/61101085357010220936ee7b/1176be64-26ea-4188-b7d7-f0cfa3cc9f7f/IMG_2540.jpeg Iceberg Lake https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/61101085357010220936ee7b/b78ab8dc-5996-49de-817b-949149210a55/IMG_2534.jpeg Iceberg Lake https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/61101085357010220936ee7b/5e36d277-aa71-434d-9a2e-43f0f3a823ed/IMG_4854.jpeg Iceberg Lake https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/61101085357010220936ee7b/027c651d-2f63-4cc9-b52c-c42673de3b4d/IMG_2505.jpeg Iceberg Lake https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/61101085357010220936ee7b/d0fd8a24-0fc1-42c0-9390-6212e458cc8d/IMG_2508.jpeg Iceberg Lake 18 km | 1,175 m | 5 hours Iceberg Lake is located directly beneath Rainbow Glacier and is a serious day hike that requires good fitness, careful route planning, and awareness of wildlife conditions. However, the combination of forests, waterfalls, alpine meadows, rugged mountain terrain, and a glacier-fed lake makes it one of the most unforgettable hikes in Whistler. The hike begins in Alpine Meadows and follows 19 Mile Creek as it steadily climbs toward the lake. The standard out-and-back route is approximately 15 kilometres and usually takes between six and eight hours to complete. The final approach involves navigating a boulder field before reaching the breathtaking lake beneath the glacier. Our original plan was to hike to the lake and return the same way to keep the day relatively short. Once we arrived, however, we decided to continue and complete the full loop. We were so glad we did because the climb above Iceberg Lake toward Rainbow Mountain ended up being our favourite section of the entire trail. The only downside to completing the loop in this direction was that many of the best views were behind us rather than directly ahead. For that reason, I would suggest hiking the loop counter-clockwise so you can enjoy the views of Rainbow Glacier and Iceberg Lake in front of you. Screaming Cat Lake itself was not particularly exciting, so rather than following the full loop shown on AllTrails, I would recommend taking the shortcut via Kevin’s Home Run. Directions by Strava https://seekingthesummit.squarespace.com/cirque-lake daily 0.75 2021-09-30 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/61101085357010220936ee7b/1633027083188-NURQVOEQAW2NARFWLV7S/890670D8-BA80-4446-B273-ED47D93D4003.jpeg Cirque Lake 3.2 km | 350 m We attempted this adventure at the end of June in 2021, but the forestry road leading up to Callaghan Lake was still covered in a lot of snow and we couldn’t even get a 4x4 truck up there. This is a road less travelled, a hidden gem, a rarely visited spot, deep in the wilderness. This trail is only accessible by boat, which ensures that it remains deserted most of the time. Our plan was to canoe across Callaghan Lake, but you can also paddle board or canoe….whatever you desire. My guess is that it’s about 3 km each way or so of paddling. The trail leading up to Cirque lake is short, but apparently very steep including having to get up a boulder field. The lake with its emerald water is nestled inside an old volcano surrounded by grassy meadows. Can’t wait to get up there and see it for ourselves. Directions by Alltrails https://seekingthesummit.squarespace.com/cheakamus-lake daily 0.75 2023-07-25 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/61101085357010220936ee7b/1633027083188-NURQVOEQAW2NARFWLV7S/890670D8-BA80-4446-B273-ED47D93D4003.jpeg Cheakamus Lake 7 km | 200 m We have seen Cheakamus Lake from above, but have yet to hike to it. The trail is supposed to be quite flat and easy. Looks like you reach the lake itself in about 3.5 km. Directions by Alltrails 14km | 300 m Should you wish to keep hiking, Singing Creek Campground is another 3.5 km away. Directions by Alltrails Don’t forget that Day Use Passes are required for vehicles to park at the trail head. Visit BC Parks to reserve your free pass. https://seekingthesummit.squarespace.com/rainbow-lake-mountain daily 0.75 2022-03-22 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/61101085357010220936ee7b/1633027306607-Z8WJR9IDWPDOP8KU0P9F/1D5B5067-CA48-47FF-B000-D671E887D0C8.jpeg Rainbow Lake & Mountain 16 km | 880 m Rainbow Lake is again on the side of the HWY where it’s more likely to be running into a grizzly. So we will be going with a larger group and will be prepared when attempting this hike. Directions by Alltrails 24 km | 1,740 m Rainbow Mountain lies up above Rainbow Lake if you have the energy to keep going. It’s only an extra 8 km or so return but in the 4 km you will climb just under 1,000 m so that’s basically a grouse grind. Directions by Alltrails https://seekingthesummit.squarespace.com/brew-lake daily 0.75 2021-09-30 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/61101085357010220936ee7b/1633027083188-NURQVOEQAW2NARFWLV7S/890670D8-BA80-4446-B273-ED47D93D4003.jpeg Brew Lake 17 km | 1,050 m There seems to be endless number of alpine lakes hidden everywhere in Whistler. Looks like you can hike this from Porter Way which is a paved road just off the HWY before Brandywine Falls Provincial Park. The trail head is just before the Whistler RV Park. There is also the Roe Creek FSR, but reviewers say that the bridge before the R100 spur has been removed so you cannot shorten your hike by driving closer. You might as well just begin as per Alltrails below. If you want to keep going, Brew Hut is another 2km or so past the lake and a great place to spend the night. Directions by Alltrails https://seekingthesummit.squarespace.com/journeyman-lodge daily 0.75 2023-10-23 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/61101085357010220936ee7b/43b16694-6414-41ad-85f8-55d0285b6518/90B051D5-4758-478D-A732-27454E90D4BD.jpeg Journeyman Lodge 19 km | 880 m Journeyman Lodge is a chalet set deep in the heart of Whistler’s Callaghan wilderness, 13km from the Alexander Falls Touring Centre. Whether you’re staying over night at the lodge or visiting for the day, it’s an amazing area to explore. We wanted to make it a day drip and decided to snowshoe in. Once at the Lodge we were greeted by their friendly staff and served a wonderful lunch. Given the distance and time it takes to get up there, especially in the winter, hiking back out would have been too much. The Lodge offers a cat ride out, which was the perfect way to end our day. The cat does not pick up at the lodge, instead you have to keep hiking another 5km to Callaghan Lake and you need to be there by 3pm the latest…so plan accordingly. It took us about 4.5 hours to get up to the lodge and then an hour from the lodge to the cat pick up point. There are a couple of ways to get up to the lodge, but again, you have to be mindful of the distance and ensure you reach the cat pick up point by 3pm to catch your ride down. They recommend you taking the Real Life xc trail all the way up, which is groomed and the easier and faster option. We took Finger Lakes which is much more scenic, but a snowshoe trail which is longer, slower and harder as it’s in deep snow. Depending on your fitness ability, this route adds about a 1km and 1 hour to your journey. We only had about 20 mins to sit and eat our lunch and then had to run back down to the lake to get to the cat by 3pm. So taking the Real Life trail is probably the better option. You do need to make a reservation for lunch and book the cat ride down. Trail maps are available at guest services. https://seekingthesummit.squarespace.com/black-tusk daily 0.75 2021-10-01 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/61101085357010220936ee7b/1633027083188-NURQVOEQAW2NARFWLV7S/890670D8-BA80-4446-B273-ED47D93D4003.jpeg Black Tusk 26 km | 1,660 m Black Tusk is another popular hike that remains incomplete. It can be accessed both from Garibaldi Lake and from the Whistler Interpretive Forest via Microwave Towers. Alltrails has you starting right from HWY 99 but you can drive to the end of Cheakamus Lake Road to cut a good 10 km or so off your hike. Not sure there is a parking lot at the end of the road, the farthest we have driven is to the Loggers Lake parking lot. So perhaps plan on being dropped off. The distance should be about the same from both directions, but if looks like it may be more of a cumulative elevation gain from Whistler (2,100). The same as Panorama Ridge, you can make this a destination hike from Whistler to the Garibaldi Trail head if you have time to drop a car or have someone come and pick you up. https://seekingthesummit.squarespace.com/tonic-peak daily 0.75 2023-08-16 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/61101085357010220936ee7b/1633027083188-NURQVOEQAW2NARFWLV7S/890670D8-BA80-4446-B273-ED47D93D4003.jpeg Tonic Peak 18 km | 1,170 m Mount Sproatt via into the mystic, on the rocks and lord of the squirrels is a very popular mountain bike loop that is 31 km in length and almost 1,600 m in elevation gain. This may be a bit long for a day hike and probably quite busy with bikers, so our bucket list destination is Tonic Peak. Alltrails has you starting from Alta Lake Road, but it looks like you can also head up via pigs on the wing from Function Junction. Directions by Alltrails https://seekingthesummit.squarespace.com/garibaldi-lake daily 0.75 2026-07-19 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/61101085357010220936ee7b/1633027083188-NURQVOEQAW2NARFWLV7S/890670D8-BA80-4446-B273-ED47D93D4003.jpeg Garibaldi Lake Directions by Strava - 30 km | 1,445 m Garibaldi Lake is one of the most iconic hikes near Whistler, rewarding you with brilliant turquoise water surrounded by mountains, glaciers, and dense alpine forest. The trail begins at the Rubble Creek trailhead and climbs steadily through a series of long switchbacks before reaching the lake. The standard out-and-back route is approximately 18 kilometres with about 900 metres of elevation gain and usually takes six to seven hours. The trail is well maintained and not overly technical, but the continuous climb makes it a solid full-day workout. This part of the hike is also very busy and quite boring. Once you reach the lake, continue along the shoreline to find a quieter place to stop for lunch and enjoy the views. The scenery is beautiful from water level, but hikers with more time and energy can extend the adventure toward Taylor Meadows, Panorama Ridge, or Black Tusk. There is also something about out-and-back hikes - i always rather try and do it as a loop or a point-to-point to make it more interesting and not hiking on the same trail twice. If you are fit and want to hike this the best possible way, do it as a point-to-point hike from the Cheakamus Lake Trailhead to Panorama Ridge, down to Garibaldi Lake and out to Rubble Creek. Panorama Ridge - 15 km | +1,365 m From the Cheakamus Lake trailhead to Black Tusk Lake, which also marks the beginning of the climb to Panorama Ridge, the route covers approximately 13 kilometres with 995 metres of elevation gain. From there, the final climb to Panorama Ridge is only about 2 kilometres, but it gains another 370 metres. This is the toughest section of the hike, with a steep and demanding push to the top. Once you reach the ridge and see the full expanse of Garibaldi Lake below, you will not be disappointed. The panoramic views make every difficult step worthwhile. Garibaldi Lake - 15 km | -1,440 m From Panorama Ridge, descend toward Garibaldi Lake and continue out to the Rubble Creek trailhead. This makes the route point-to-point, so you will need to arrange a car shuttle or transportation at the end. On the way out, you can choose to follow the Garibaldi Lake Trail or take the Taylor Meadows Trail. The Garibaldi Lake route brings you directly to the shoreline and gives you another chance to enjoy the lake from water level. The Taylor Meadows option stays higher and does not approach the lake, but it offers a quieter route through the meadows before reconnecting with the main trail to Rubble Creek. For summer 2026, a day-use vehicle pass is required at the Rubble Creek trailhead from Friday through Monday and on holidays between June 12 and October 12. https://seekingthesummit.squarespace.com/hike-other daily 0.75 2023-10-19 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/61101085357010220936ee7b/1633794736366-PGQUL4FCLBDO56LAVK8D/4C4966FE-671D-4272-8432-7DE419EEBFD6.jpeg Hike - Other - SQUAMISH Jurassic Ridge - 2.5 | 170 m Crooked Falls - 6.9 km | 490 m Al’s Habrich Ridge Trail - 6.5 km | 405 m Neverland Falls - 7 km | 515 km Sea to Summit - 7.5 km | 1,150 m Stawamus Chief - 8.5 km | 830 m Petgill Lake - 12.5 km | 680 Sky Pilot Trail - 15 km | 1,205 m Watersprite Lake - 19 km | 740 m Elfin Lakes - 20 km | 820 m https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/61101085357010220936ee7b/1633794647213-3SH7O4PM4EJAYHCOOCAL/A5A81226-4FC5-41A6-9534-E75F0941F095.jpeg Hike - Other - LIONS BAY Erin Moore - 8.5 km | 460 m Tunnel Bluffs - 11.5 km | 490 m Mount Harvey - 12 km | 1,410 m Deeks Lake - 12 km - 970 m Unnecessary Mountain - 12 km | 1,400 m Brunswick Mountain - 15 km | 1,550 m The Lions - 15 km | 1,440 m Windsor Peak - 17 km | 1,535 m https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/61101085357010220936ee7b/1633197436276-VZHB7UTKVK4KW0OZUDX5/F858982A-08EF-401E-B1DE-CB8464292776.jpeg Hike - Other - BUNTZEN LAKE Eagle Mountain - 10 km | 875 m Tangled Summit - 14 km | 1,100 m Diez Vistas - 14.5 km | 765 m Mount Beautiful - 16 km | 1,300 m Eagle Ridge Loop - 16 km | 1,035 m https://seekingthesummit.squarespace.com/watersprite-lake daily 0.75 2021-10-03 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/61101085357010220936ee7b/1633027083188-NURQVOEQAW2NARFWLV7S/890670D8-BA80-4446-B273-ED47D93D4003.jpeg Watersprite Lake 19 km | 740 m There appears to be two routes to the lake Summer and Winter. The summer route is 19 km while the winter route is only 15 km with the same amount of elevation gain. Reviewers say that the winter route is overgrown and not very well marked so you shouldn’t try it thinking it’s an easier and shorter option. We’re hoping to complete the summer route soon as views of the lake are stunning. https://seekingthesummit.squarespace.com/elfin-lake daily 0.75 2021-10-03 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/61101085357010220936ee7b/1633027083188-NURQVOEQAW2NARFWLV7S/890670D8-BA80-4446-B273-ED47D93D4003.jpeg Elfin Lake 20 km | 820 m Elfin Lake is known to be an easy and rewarding hike. It’s tough to fit it in during school drop and pick up so we haven’t had a chance to cross it off our bucket list. You can also continue on to the Gargoyles for incredible 360 degree views. It’s just over 5 km return and 430 m of extra elevation gain from the Elfin Lake shelter. The add on should take about 2 hours to complete. https://seekingthesummit.squarespace.com/mount-harvey daily 0.75 2021-10-02 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/61101085357010220936ee7b/1633027083188-NURQVOEQAW2NARFWLV7S/890670D8-BA80-4446-B273-ED47D93D4003.jpeg Mount Harvey 12 km | 1,410 m Mount Harvey is one of the peaks along the Howe Sound Crest Trail. It isn’t one you would go over when hiking the HSCT and it’s best accessed from Lions Bay. Alltrails has you parking at the lot at the end of Sunset Blvd and taking the gravelly access road up towards Harvey. This parking lot fills up fast as it’s also the trail head for Tunnel Bluffs, so our plan is to park on Mountain Drive and take Trudi’s Trail and Sleepless Nights up to the Harvey Trail as a more scenic and quiet option. Directions by Alltrails https://seekingthesummit.squarespace.com/deeks-lake daily 0.75 2021-10-02 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/61101085357010220936ee7b/1633027083188-NURQVOEQAW2NARFWLV7S/890670D8-BA80-4446-B273-ED47D93D4003.jpeg Deeks Lake 12 km | 970 m Deeks Lake lies along the end of the Howe Sound Crest Trail assuming you are completing it from Cypress to Porteau Cove. The beauty about the HSCT is that you can complete some of its peaks and lakes as smaller day hikes. The lake isn’t supposed to be very exciting “a bog standards lake…no idea why it’s so popular”. Looks like you can also access the HSCT trail via Deeks Bluff Loop. 17 km | 1,535 m Should you have the time and energy to make it a longer hike, you can keep going and head up to Windsor Peak which lies above the Lake. As per reviews, this hike is long for the payoff. Most of the hike is in the trees with no views until the summit. A reviewer did Deeks Lake and Windsor Peak and returned via Deeks Peak and Lost Lake. The trail past Deeks Peak is unmarked and overgrown so not recommended. Return via HSCT is you plan on going up this far. https://seekingthesummit.squarespace.com/crooked-falls daily 0.75 2023-10-23 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/61101085357010220936ee7b/44f48a0c-0bfb-4248-8481-7b167d5a7893/92805B88-143B-4691-81BD-684945C5AE6C.jpeg Crooked Falls https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/61101085357010220936ee7b/93d5effe-4571-4ba1-9f2a-b669ca274c51/30BC4D36-A9B9-42E0-80E9-49AC0444AB21.jpeg Crooked Falls https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/61101085357010220936ee7b/da34a598-1c9f-402f-8441-c5606f827aff/DF2D7306-1957-49D5-9D61-1E38135EAAB7.jpeg Crooked Falls https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/61101085357010220936ee7b/a5c94d87-f2cb-4b87-a6d7-52d4fe076f1a/9DA2F2B1-DF24-488F-AA31-C33644664C64.jpeg Crooked Falls https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/61101085357010220936ee7b/361f87c9-a349-48b8-bb37-88890bb060ef/BF5C5734-2DF5-4EA3-9EC3-DC4EF8281958.jpeg Crooked Falls https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/61101085357010220936ee7b/ed71c874-1109-4e2b-9f38-80ba8dd1d516/CEFAE8BF-94CE-43DC-9DC2-88EC7CE40AF7.jpeg Crooked Falls https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/61101085357010220936ee7b/f08c9198-4031-4af5-a890-400079467b50/43A79F23-CE12-4CD5-975D-F90EDCF9264B.jpeg Crooked Falls https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/61101085357010220936ee7b/9c3f125b-f32b-4025-b965-a4646dd23718/73679D5F-87E8-4C22-99B6-D26AC26E8FA3.jpeg Crooked Falls https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/61101085357010220936ee7b/f8fce43e-7957-4858-9372-937fc18ebb33/D4D59958-8612-449C-8A2D-B4943066D509.jpeg Crooked Falls https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/61101085357010220936ee7b/db1c2f2c-a972-4e81-8ea9-26aaeb0fc6fd/4F4525FB-8E99-4A4E-A5CF-5D19E5C75A22.jpeg Crooked Falls 6.9 km | 490 m | 2.5 hours Crooked Falls is a short hike, but it’s quite an adventure getting to the trail head. It’s a good 20-30 min drive off the HWY from Brackendale. Most of the road is paved so you only need to go off roading for the last 3 km or so. The road is gravel, but in good condition so any car will make it just fine. This is grizzly country so make sure you are prepared. Cross the bridge from where you parked and your trailhead will be to the left just. It isn’t well marked so have Alltrails open so not to miss it. The rest is easy and the the view of the falls beautiful. For the apes make sure you stop at Fergie’s Cafe on your way out. Brunch is served 7 days a week up until 3pm. Nothing like a gourmet meal after a long hike. Directions by Alltrails https://seekingthesummit.squarespace.com/summit-lodge-trails daily 0.75 2021-10-03 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/61101085357010220936ee7b/1633027083188-NURQVOEQAW2NARFWLV7S/890670D8-BA80-4446-B273-ED47D93D4003.jpeg Summit Lodge Trails We have done the Sea to Summit Trail many times, but we have never gone beyond the Summit Lodge. There are quite a few trails above the lodge that lead you up to the alpine. These are a few that we have put on our bucket list. Al’s Habrich Ridge and Neverland Falls can be combined into one loop. Al’s Habrich Ridge Trail - 6.5 km | 405 m Neverland Falls - 7 km | 515 m Sky Pilot Trail - 15 km | 1,205 m https://seekingthesummit.squarespace.com/buntzen-lake-area daily 0.75 2021-10-03 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/61101085357010220936ee7b/1633027083188-NURQVOEQAW2NARFWLV7S/890670D8-BA80-4446-B273-ED47D93D4003.jpeg Buntzen Lake Area We have done Diez Vistas several times over the years, which lies up on the ridge between Buntzen Lake and the Indian Arm. There are several trails on the other side of the lake that we would like to explore. We did head up towards Eagle Mountain this spring, but didn’t make it all the way up due to snow, so must repeat it to see what the views are all about. The first peak you can access is Eagle Mountain and your view point is from Spahats Rigg. Doing this as an out and back is about 10 km and 875 m. You can make it a loop by going up to Eagle Ridge and around for 16 km and 1,035 m. On your way back you will go by about half a dozen Lakes which will also provide you with spectacular views. You can bypass Eagle Mountain’s view points and head straight up to Tangled Summit, which is your second peak as an out and back for 14 km and 1,050 m. The third and highest peak is Mount Beautiful. In the past you were able to do this as one big loop, but in the spring of 2021 there was a landslide just below Mount Beautiful and the trail has been closed indefinitely. So if you do head up to Mount Beautiful you will need to do it as an out and back. Our guess is that distance wise it would be about the same. All of the above options will provide you with similar views as from Diez Vistas, but from a much higher elevation, making it that much more special. You will be looking into Deep Cove and over Balcarra. Deciding which route you take will depend on how much time you have. https://seekingthesummit.squarespace.com/brunswick daily 0.75 2023-10-23 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/61101085357010220936ee7b/2d115034-44b6-424c-8e1c-386d2e2cf218/IMG_3342.jpeg Brunswick Mountain https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/61101085357010220936ee7b/be1fa76f-d3f0-4f4d-8e5d-4805628e8489/IMG_3352.jpeg Brunswick Mountain https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/61101085357010220936ee7b/45428aa4-0121-46f9-932f-540ae735985e/IMG_3368.jpeg Brunswick Mountain https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/61101085357010220936ee7b/ff3978c9-e2f5-4ab8-a4ac-dbf8e0766910/IMG_3378.jpeg Brunswick Mountain https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/61101085357010220936ee7b/e0db3fc1-07b9-4be9-877c-5810d60387f4/IMG_3395.jpeg Brunswick Mountain https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/61101085357010220936ee7b/1c425aa5-afb4-4bb8-9fd6-8c98f7261ca5/IMG_3387.jpeg Brunswick Mountain https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/61101085357010220936ee7b/27654c71-3252-4812-bbcd-0e4cdab0ca24/IMG_3421.jpeg Brunswick Mountain https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/61101085357010220936ee7b/dadb28ed-8e02-4ad9-b917-879afc37060b/IMG_3446.jpeg Brunswick Mountain https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/61101085357010220936ee7b/6d222bc3-d568-4f47-817d-c64869754246/IMG_3441.jpeg Brunswick Mountain https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/61101085357010220936ee7b/532f377e-ddd6-4823-876e-d364d5383c8c/IMG_3416.jpeg Brunswick Mountain 15 km | 1,550 m | 7 hours Brunswick Mountain lies just above the Howe Sound Crest Trail with its iconic views that are well worth the gruelling climb and descent. The hike itself isn’t anything special, mostly in the trees until the scramble up to the summit which is exposed and rocky. This part is very technical and challenging. The rocks are loose and sharp so you really have to watch your footing. Gloves are also helpful as your hands are needed. We had a dog with us so we couldn’t go all the way to the end. It is a very narrow path with a drop off on each side, not meant for those who are afraid of heights 16 km | 1,850 m The ultimate option is doing a full look and bagging Mount Harvey on the way back. Given the distance and elevation, this will need to be done as a weekend adventure when we’re not pressed for time. Directions by Alltrails https://seekingthesummit.squarespace.com/snowmobiling daily 0.75 2023-10-23 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/61101085357010220936ee7b/1633795843208-5GENZTR19FHPOUR0N2RZ/A9D3B675-9DD8-4FBA-AF57-53C6CB929144.jpeg Snowmobiling Experience snowmobiling through the Callaghan and Brandywine Valley with Blackcomb Snowmobile. Your kids are always more excited about these adventures than we are and on this tour they will be able to drive around on their very own mini snowmobiles (if they are 100 lbs or less). Your guided tour will lead you up to the mini snowmobile track, which will be the highlight of their day. The two hour tour includes a hot drink and a snack and the three hour tour a light lunch. This will be served in their backcountry cabin and while you’re waiting for your lunch, the kids can go sledding. This is the perfect winter activity with friends and family. https://seekingthesummit.squarespace.com/hanging-lake daily 0.75 2022-03-22 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/61101085357010220936ee7b/c91416ad-8293-4d15-aafe-f10ec6364578/2ED45529-A2A5-41AE-A216-FB0868F330B0.jpeg Hanging Lake & Gin Peak https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/61101085357010220936ee7b/13bdadd7-dfb4-4452-949a-c62e22483b99/6059178E-84CC-48C1-979A-909199FAE850.jpeg Hanging Lake & Gin Peak https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/61101085357010220936ee7b/5eb024a3-11d4-4e92-b023-105bcdc8114e/25A3DF33-4E92-4BE5-95F4-4B339833CE46.jpeg Hanging Lake & Gin Peak https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/61101085357010220936ee7b/13f7c48b-a896-4264-bb56-631cf4018128/4326FE5F-B8D3-415C-84C0-89F6D75BA556.jpeg Hanging Lake & Gin Peak https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/61101085357010220936ee7b/4642aeae-b37f-4690-a818-8d82d1f255e3/815B24B7-120A-441B-865B-7231F94EDCD0.jpeg Hanging Lake & Gin Peak https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/61101085357010220936ee7b/2d8582cb-3f7a-4f1c-af12-f0c646936171/237EA578-CCC2-4F40-939C-DE1D7B293225.jpeg Hanging Lake & Gin Peak https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/61101085357010220936ee7b/eb07432f-80d9-4b18-9487-e05af7bc6011/E242607C-6C77-4D4B-8C8B-4EBE7BF2DCCE.jpeg Hanging Lake & Gin Peak - 9 km | 575 m | 3 hours Hanging Lake is a popular backcountry skiing area in Callaghan. Depending on snow conditions, this could be a moderate to a difficult snowshoe. The day we did it there was 20 cm of fresh snow, making the climb challenging. Our intention was to hike all the way up to Gin Peak, but we only made it to the lake. You have to be mindful of the fact that the park gate closes at 4:30pm so you do need to be back down and out of the park by that time. It took us just under 2 hours to get up and 1 to get down. We took reusable shopping bags with us and slid down the steep slopes making the decent faster and rather enjoyable with endless laughter. The trail is well marked up to the lake and remains below the tree line so Avalanche risk tends to be low. Having said that, ensure you are aware of the conditions and practice proper safety measures. Most people tend to hike this area over the winter as it is known as grizzly territory. We like to avoid the Mount Sproatt and Rainbow Lake trail network over the summer months for this reason. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/61101085357010220936ee7b/d760ed36-ca64-4100-a8ba-09219ce0dfcb/5F88A988-55C4-4B47-A434-0A200ED7F1A8.jpeg Hanging Lake & Gin Peak 13 km | 970 m Alltrails says the return trip to Gin Peak is only 10.5 km. Given it was a 9 km return to Hanging Lake our guess is that Gin Peak is at least another 2-3 km climb from the lake making this more like a 13-15km adventure. This remains on our bucket list for a blue bird day. They say the climb up to the peak is worth the views. Directions by Alltrails https://seekingthesummit.squarespace.com/eaglecoaster daily 0.75 2023-10-23 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/61101085357010220936ee7b/90d4191a-acb1-4d73-99fe-0b4386cae766/E841D389-B7A2-4E09-83C9-9BF744327DAF.jpeg Eagle Coaster Enjoy the longest mountain coaster in Canada in our very own back yard. For someone who isn’t a fan of actual roller coasters, I did love this one as you have the ability to control your speed. You can go as slow as you want by breaking or up to a thrilling 40km per hour. This option is also amazing for the kids who may not want to rip down the mountain and enjoy the forested vistas and spotting wildlife along the way. Tickets to the Eagle Coaster can be purchased online and picked up at guest services. You have an option to purchase one or two rides. I do recommend getting two as your kiddos will most definitely be asking you to go again. https://seekingthesummit.squarespace.com/cloudraker-sky-bridge daily 0.75 2026-07-19 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/61101085357010220936ee7b/fa4e9b0b-e8b0-43ec-8aee-3f07ee532b70/E92A62C5-5599-4390-81E2-AAAF1FC86491.jpeg Cloudraker Sky Bridge https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/61101085357010220936ee7b/d314b2f1-be7c-47a4-9135-035ea1a282c0/B48FE0C4-DDD2-4FCA-8962-448D607723E3.jpeg Cloudraker Sky Bridge https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/61101085357010220936ee7b/83516137-6a17-48a7-ac40-b881e3c7013f/5FEE2E44-E0FE-4D6A-8BBB-F34BC9DCA37D.jpeg Cloudraker Sky Bridge https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/61101085357010220936ee7b/dd862746-59db-486a-9c0b-acf871dcdb19/85451722-4C27-4BAD-B0AC-C3AC32B34C43.jpeg Cloudraker Sky Bridge The Cloudraker Skybridge is one of the highlights of a summer visit to Whistler Mountain. Ride the gondola to the Roundhouse and then take the Peak Chair to Whistler Peak, where the 130-metre suspension bridge crosses high above Whistler Bowl to the West Ridge. The bridge sways slightly as you cross, and the grated walkway lets you look straight down into the bowl below. On the other side, continue to the Raven’s Eye viewing platform for panoramic views of the surrounding peaks and valleys. It is a quick experience, but definitely worth adding to your day on the mountain—provided you are comfortable with heights. Access is included with the required summer sightseeing or lift ticket, and the bridge is generally only accessible during the summer alpine season when the Peak Chair is operating. If you’re planning this adventure for early summer, don’t forget to check out the Snow Walls. Hike up to the bridge rather than taking Peak Chair. https://seekingthesummit.squarespace.com/sea-to-sky-gondola daily 0.75 2022-06-25 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/61101085357010220936ee7b/019a7646-6150-40d4-936b-0a45e5987127/IMG_0034.jpeg Sea to Sky Gondola https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/61101085357010220936ee7b/c680e6c1-75a0-47b7-88b2-46f60a1809e6/FC350A24-6F68-4DF0-945D-DA5D2E04DC91.jpeg Sea to Sky Gondola https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/61101085357010220936ee7b/db8583d9-71fe-48bb-bf2b-f57c571318a0/938D898D-B8C9-4C9C-8FA7-0212A843FFC0.jpeg Sea to Sky Gondola https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/61101085357010220936ee7b/be1128ca-e9a5-411a-864f-83ab7fe0f60b/27E21B4C-379B-4E3C-801C-A0BD8571EDC5.jpeg Sea to Sky Gondola https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/61101085357010220936ee7b/5de1f865-8dcc-4004-a54c-60948b52d521/5FFF4C67-DAD2-4DCB-9B48-2E40F350E3C3.jpeg Sea to Sky Gondola https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/61101085357010220936ee7b/ffe83940-ecdd-4fb9-bb68-4a310503c920/F0679A67-66DC-41E2-ABBB-4804FDD230A1.jpeg Sea to Sky Gondola https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/61101085357010220936ee7b/dba68db2-a33c-4c74-9cae-95c34b4d0708/41AB76CE-F36A-43B6-AAFC-969762A17230.jpeg Sea to Sky Gondola We love the Sea to Summit hike up the mountain, but that is not a kids activity. So instead start you adventure with a thrilling gondola ride up the mountain and enjoy the sweeping views of beautiful Squamish. Upon arrival cross the suspension bridge and meander through the various Summit Lodge Trails. Some are more difficult but others are perfect for little feet. We looped around the Spirit Trail from the bridge and continued onto the Panorama Trail. For the apres head to Locavore Bar & Grill for lunch. You can put in your order as soon as you’re done your hike. That way your food will be waiting for you upon arrival. For dessert and coffee your choice is between Cloudburst Cafe and Alice + Brohm Ice Cream. This may be the most expensive ice cream you ever have, but I guarantee you it will be the best you’ve ever had! https://seekingthesummit.squarespace.com/pemberton-slow-food-cycle daily 0.75 2022-08-21 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/61101085357010220936ee7b/4ffb48a9-24ea-4ec7-a9df-41590cf6b6cb/D1E21BC5-BD4D-4A0C-A64E-E25AF27A74AC.jpeg Pemberton Slow Food Cycle https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/61101085357010220936ee7b/d488dbad-c9da-4429-8c8f-8564234c1b27/B5638CEE-CB2F-480A-8FDA-24736CA3328A.jpeg Pemberton Slow Food Cycle https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/61101085357010220936ee7b/63bf5286-6250-4c71-98bd-2ccc75134e04/AFDF5CB0-A923-4460-8D20-1DDB8846E3CB.jpeg Pemberton Slow Food Cycle https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/61101085357010220936ee7b/0983a339-863e-4cc2-9060-01fde668db13/7B04F9D0-9C93-49E6-8EBF-E62A72A3D1BD.jpeg Pemberton Slow Food Cycle https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/61101085357010220936ee7b/f09ff383-d35b-45f6-8bba-c5f998ba9f14/2C5319BE-2FDF-464D-8BB1-BED464F14CBD.jpeg Pemberton Slow Food Cycle https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/61101085357010220936ee7b/5d1a9444-ead2-4f72-8046-cc667b682070/6487B044-B0ED-4000-AED1-394D1D0F6F3A.jpeg Pemberton Slow Food Cycle https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/61101085357010220936ee7b/8201076c-9a74-4b8e-93af-2d05deb48e82/5533D4DF-FFA4-43EA-B151-0CF09914B97C.jpeg Pemberton Slow Food Cycle The Pemberton slow food cycle gives you an opportunity to cycle 40 km up and down Pemberton Meadow Road. Choose your own pace and do as much or as little of the route as you like. The road is closed to cars from 9am to 3pm on the day of the event so it is perfect for families. Visit the farms and purchase local produce, crafts and much more along the way. We got there early to ensure we were able to find parking. We rode all the way to The Beer Farmers without stopping to beat the lines, get our fav cider and the best local lunch. We got a large table in the barn for our crew and enjoyed the shade and quiet before everyone else showed up. On the way back make sure you stop at Millar Creek to cool off and grab a snow cone before you reach your car. Don’t forget to purchase your tickets online before the event. https://seekingthesummit.squarespace.com/tuscany daily 0.75 2023-08-24 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/61101085357010220936ee7b/f1e6719c-b1c1-487a-9f3c-7a250363fa5f/IMG_3415.jpeg Tuscany https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/61101085357010220936ee7b/3aa65b0a-86fd-4166-b6fe-3d7baa4f5304/IMG_3412.jpeg Tuscany https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/61101085357010220936ee7b/715db4f4-efa0-4d6c-bea2-779aa9aae26f/IMG_3407.jpeg Tuscany https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/61101085357010220936ee7b/0a8edfee-cc10-4eea-a5cd-fd7104a02c03/IMG_3326.jpeg Tuscany https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/61101085357010220936ee7b/8df24be0-21f5-4f0a-a106-7dfe832a07f0/IMG_3271.jpeg Tuscany https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/61101085357010220936ee7b/e122d77d-b78a-43ae-a2e1-85d565ac13a7/IMG_3259.jpeg Tuscany https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/61101085357010220936ee7b/f2c82089-f10f-4e22-9e00-ed021669ac6b/IMG_3216.jpeg Tuscany https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/61101085357010220936ee7b/d3b355dc-6e24-4c01-9da9-17479fef0cdd/IMG_3471.jpeg Tuscany https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/61101085357010220936ee7b/456e224d-863c-4763-8b8a-0e04d52d3743/IMG_3443.jpeg Tuscany https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/61101085357010220936ee7b/56436104-4472-433b-82ad-7f01457efec6/IMG_3437.jpeg Tuscany This was our first Duvine trip, which has led to many more. Duvine is truly an incredible company who will make your cycling adventure unforgettable and wanting to complete many more. This was the classic Tuscany Tour which may be one of Duvine’s most incredible tours. It is a level 3 making it the perfect challenge without it being too difficult. The views, hotels, food and wine in this area cannot be beat! Tuscany Bike Tour https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/61101085357010220936ee7b/e25e5970-cec8-4118-af70-7b8fb1da3b95/IMG_3252.jpeg Tuscany Each morning starts off with a mouthwatering breakfast buffet that you indulge in to fuel your body for the day. The rides vary in length and elevation each day depending on whether it is a local loop or a destination ride to your next hotel. Regardless, you don’t just hop on your bike and ride all day. It’s about the experience. The key component of Duvine cycling is stopping for coffee and ice cream along the way. Riding through UNESCO designated World Heritage Sites, climbing up to craggy medieval fortresses, then enjoying an endless downhill through the olive groves. And let’s not forget about the most amazing lunches along the way. Whether it is a picnic at large Benedictine monastery, a home cooked meal at an olive mill or a gorgeous tasting lunch at the Brunello winery, your riding effort are highly rewarded. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/61101085357010220936ee7b/505a1987-f8b9-490f-8138-ee32d06a6e34/IMG_3269.jpeg Tuscany One of the best parts of a Duvine trip is that everything is taken care of. All your accommodations and meals are booked and reserved. You just need to show up and enjoy the experience. The hotels chosen are all unique, absolutely luxurious and off the beaten path. We got to stay at a renovated fortress dating back to the XIth century, located on a hilltop overlooking the entire Val d'Orcia. An old village converted into a hotel, spa and winery set amidst 685 acres of pristine woods and Chianti hills, acclaimed for its discreet luxury. The spas were a true oasis of wellness and relaxation where we could fully regenerate our bodies after a long ride. The dinners included home cooked meals with wine parings or dining experiences at Michelin starred restaurants. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/61101085357010220936ee7b/663a115b-e78b-4d53-888c-f173733aaff8/IMG_0887.jpeg Tuscany MEMORABLE MOMENTS TUSCANY Castello di Velona Borgo San Felice FLORENCE Hotel Lungarno Enoteca Pinchiorri ROME Splendid Royal Hotel a Roma Ristorante il Piccolo Mondo https://seekingthesummit.squarespace.com/bucket-list-adventures daily 0.75 2026-07-02 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/61101085357010220936ee7b/124bd88d-9fde-4aa5-a44c-7105d807bb97/IMG_4521.jpeg Bucket List Adventures - Duvine Cycling Trips Corsica Costa Brava Croatia Douro Valley Mallorca Puglia Family Tour Sicily Tuscany Utah https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/61101085357010220936ee7b/6878ed0a-761c-469a-a323-22a5da722a90/IMG_3975.jpeg Bucket List Adventures - Hiking - USA Arizona - Grand Canyon Arizona - Phoenix Arizona - Sedona California - Palm Springs Hawai - Maui Nevada - Red Rock Canyon Nevada - Valley of Fire Oregon - Portland Utah - Moab Utah - Bryce Canyon Utah - Zion National Park Hiking - International Australia & New Zealand France - Nice Peru - Salkantay Trek Portugal - Azores - São Miguel Portugal - Madeira https://seekingthesummit.squarespace.com/957588773980-1 daily 0.75 2023-05-26 https://seekingthesummit.squarespace.com/957588773980-1-1 daily 0.75 2023-06-21 https://seekingthesummit.squarespace.com/costa-brava daily 0.75 2023-08-26 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/61101085357010220936ee7b/1cae9801-a300-4d86-8302-def67f5e47bb/IMG_0607.jpeg Costa Brava https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/61101085357010220936ee7b/2a484787-0d33-4099-b2f8-70d350777f51/IMG_0597.jpeg Costa Brava https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/61101085357010220936ee7b/d3747a4e-6b73-4430-bdf6-3ec84d792b00/IMG_0644.jpeg Costa Brava https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/61101085357010220936ee7b/c224da62-8936-4c8d-ab67-d039aa5a13a4/IMG_0710.jpeg Costa Brava https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/61101085357010220936ee7b/8a6af085-2be1-40f1-a4fb-9a139bfb7cca/IMG_0616.jpeg Costa Brava https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/61101085357010220936ee7b/acca3666-8f2e-4f1b-8065-957b5a874713/IMG_1011.jpeg Costa Brava https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/61101085357010220936ee7b/53077001-cac2-4d4f-936c-72e5fb23b35a/IMG_0660.jpeg Costa Brava https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/61101085357010220936ee7b/90e66cc9-e2c9-42a4-a52b-8aefe2466cda/IMG_0734.jpeg Costa Brava https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/61101085357010220936ee7b/d84bfeac-4a29-4a8d-a6f8-bee719efda1a/IMG_0736.jpeg Costa Brava https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/61101085357010220936ee7b/7371da6b-06e3-40f7-bd4c-c2060dbe2030/IMG_0810.jpeg Costa Brava https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/61101085357010220936ee7b/401cdd51-7381-41a3-98c7-4fd30d37802b/IMG_0814.jpeg Costa Brava https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/61101085357010220936ee7b/7fe101f2-deb6-431d-bd84-24a80ad7b1ad/IMG_0783.jpeg Costa Brava Now obsessed with Duvine trips, we have chosen our second one. Admittedly it was chosen based on photos. The views from the dramatic coastal roads seemed breathtaking. This trip was only a level 2 which was a first for us. Despite the fact that you have the ability to chose longer ride options, it wasn’t quite the challenge we love. Going forward we will always choose level 3 tours. Spanish food may not be my favourite, but Duvine’s restaurant choices and top notch picnics never disappoint, Costa Brava Tour https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/61101085357010220936ee7b/c05a79d3-5568-4e9e-9b9e-8a4b672d83a0/IMG_0707.jpeg Costa Brava Welcome to Catalonia! Our warmup ride followed quiet, tree-lined country roads with views of the Pyrenees. The days that followed consisted pedalling through country villages, pastoral farmlands, past bunkers dating back to the Spanish Civil War and a long, glorious descent that brought us right into a seaside town for a well-deserved drink at the beach. Most of the riding was quite easy other than my favourite day that was short, but with challenging sections peppered with chic holiday homes, spectacular vistas, and small seaside villages. There’s something just so magical about riding along a seaside road overlooking the beaches below. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/61101085357010220936ee7b/80ec18dd-8c6c-411d-921c-e8c7d8a41f08/IMG_0715.jpeg Costa Brava The hotels in Tuscany were pretty tough to beat, but this one did it for me. Hidden among the peaceful fields of the Ampurdan stands this secret gem. A noble house perfectly restored is one of the most recognized luxury hotels in the country. Complete with stunning rooms, beautiful gardens, a swimming pool and a magnificent spa with several treatment cabins, it was the perfect place for relaxing when not out on a ride. Mas de Torrent Hotel & Spa Speaking of Hotels…if you’re staying in Barcelona for a few nights before you begin your tour, check out Hotel Monument. Perfect location, amazing service and rooftop breakfast buffet. https://seekingthesummit.squarespace.com/corsica daily 0.75 2023-10-23 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/61101085357010220936ee7b/ed96ae3a-e887-4f36-b971-ed415c1a3f1c/IMG_4350.jpeg Corsica https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/61101085357010220936ee7b/abb80739-1595-4f65-ad0c-b4fb98e3982a/IMG_4345.jpeg Corsica https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/61101085357010220936ee7b/e8ced97e-d32b-4544-9c9b-a4608c4ec92c/IMG_4376.jpeg Corsica https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/61101085357010220936ee7b/a83a81b5-fe03-437c-b812-6c1ecd2b4d1d/IMG_4446.jpeg Corsica https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/61101085357010220936ee7b/c471076b-f433-45fb-9779-7ad65e0ab269/IMG_4452.jpeg Corsica https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/61101085357010220936ee7b/b90f39d6-808d-4d6c-92e6-39e75278c86f/IMG_4466.jpeg Corsica https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/61101085357010220936ee7b/a8b36a4c-f944-4137-ab9f-1a0e6d64006f/0934c400-782e-4ca9-b948-659a0dcd2ed1.jpeg Corsica https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/61101085357010220936ee7b/fe6df740-ca0b-4ad7-833e-f3caddde0bbd/34871327-6f95-44a4-8e50-0ae74a706617.jpeg Corsica https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/61101085357010220936ee7b/9e1f2891-52eb-4246-8bb2-9a26d5aaaee4/e6ebd237-9426-4c4e-9ec0-3c32b879f60a.jpeg Corsica https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/61101085357010220936ee7b/82072b60-ce95-4a57-b561-e141daf6a0b0/IMG_4301.jpeg Corsica Back to level 3 tours, we have chosen Corsica to be our next adventure. Corsica is a mountainous Mediterranean island between Italy and France which is a car-free playground of varying terrain that’s paradise to cyclists. Corsica Bike Tour Before each trip we find a new place to visit and get used to the time change. This time we stayed in Nice for a few days before heading over to Corsica for our ride. A day trip to Monaco is a must and along the way make sure to stop and hike up to the enchanting hilltop Village of Eze. This beautiful village dates back to the middle ages and clings impressively to the mountainside above the Mediterranean Sea, between St Jean Cap Ferrat and Monaco. Panoramic views, ancient façades, and an unbelievable attention to detail are some of the most memorable features of this lovely village. The hike up from the train station is a mini grouse grind with stunning views of the sea below. Directions by Alltrails https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/61101085357010220936ee7b/bc6b8f30-f10f-4678-85f8-257a50e8f75d/IMG_4436.jpeg Corsica - Our guides met us at the airport in Bastia, then transferred us to lunch by the sea in Erbalunga. This ancient village is known as a “painter’s nest” for the way artists seem to gravitate to its charms. Our scenic warm up on Cap Corse, a finger of the island that points toward France was the perfect way to start the tour. The ride is filled with crumbling Genoese watchtowers and the air carries the scent of wild thyme and mint. At the end of the ride we settled into our five-star hotel, Hotel Misincu, where we took a dip in the pool and sea before heading to dinner. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/61101085357010220936ee7b/56443163-1baa-4d63-9fdf-828392b34659/IMG_4487.jpeg Corsica Every tour has the best of food, hotel or cycling. They are all amazing, but one always stands out to be most memorable. On this tour the quality of the cycling and scenery cannot be beat. It was our most challenging tour until Mallorca. Two thirds of the whole territory are mountains. Plus, nearly half of the island is a National Park. This, and the very low population density, characterize the inland, making for glorious mountain rides. It was a challenge as you were always either going straight up or straight down. In 2013 the Tour de France started in Corsica before heading to the Pyrenees. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/61101085357010220936ee7b/09576426-fb45-497c-9267-8ab1e8e977f1/IMG_4581.jpeg Corsica Aside from cycling there was French wine. Need I say more? My favourite and most memorable lunch spot was at this seaside restaurant where our private table was perched just above this perfect swimming spot. Nothing like a quick dip post ride before being handed a cold glass or rose and refuelling on a tapas-style lunch. https://seekingthesummit.squarespace.com/portland daily 0.75 2024-04-22 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/61101085357010220936ee7b/43150c3e-fe11-4af7-8ce2-cf9229addf09/IMG_9060.jpeg Portland https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/61101085357010220936ee7b/d5df0437-da73-4f7d-9897-af525a2f3b20/IMG_9029.jpeg Portland Multnomah Falls is the most visited natural recreation site in the Pacific Northwest with more than 2 million visitors stopping by each year to take in the views. Fed by underground springs from Larch Mountain, the flow over the falls varies, but is usually highest during the winter and spring seasons. There is a narrow trail that leads up to the top of the falls with stunning views everywhere you looked. The trail with its uneven surface is close to the edge of the cliff making it difficult for people with a fear of heights. I recommend parking off I-84 as per Alltrails rather than entering through the Historic Columbia River Hwy. That area is very busy and the parking lot at the base of the falls tiny. Directions by Alltrails https://seekingthesummit.squarespace.com/croatia daily 0.75 2026-04-17 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/61101085357010220936ee7b/a10569b6-b2c2-4bf2-a743-c07c7c612afe/IMG_1333.jpeg Croatia https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/61101085357010220936ee7b/80c6360d-82dc-41dd-82fe-e4737ef9fcdd/IMG_1817.jpeg Croatia https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/61101085357010220936ee7b/1db3517d-5633-43c3-8a43-2f08087e9ac3/IMG_1225.jpeg Croatia https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/61101085357010220936ee7b/c577b12b-e3a4-48a1-b505-34e3ccec3ff5/IMG_1223.jpeg Croatia https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/61101085357010220936ee7b/e4305c63-42e3-4c63-a172-e3b1afc1b11a/IMG_1213.jpeg Croatia https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/61101085357010220936ee7b/8bc11fa3-c221-4770-8208-962638960e67/IMG_1809.jpeg Croatia https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/61101085357010220936ee7b/7f6f0f5a-37f2-4786-8744-4d498154cbdd/IMG_1208.jpeg Croatia https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/61101085357010220936ee7b/60dc6d67-98af-422d-bbd6-d56576550ac2/IMG_1186.jpeg Croatia https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/61101085357010220936ee7b/072ccdbd-2603-4621-9c0b-289216bc7c4a/IMG_1806.jpeg Croatia https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/61101085357010220936ee7b/c42c0deb-98b8-4bee-b1d8-fc613c6f7de0/IMG_1784.jpeg Croatia https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/61101085357010220936ee7b/951572c6-479a-49e6-ba43-14b203bde11f/IMG_0862.jpeg Croatia https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/61101085357010220936ee7b/c9f3e217-62fb-4f8d-bc36-14c93df6004c/IMG_1761.jpeg Croatia https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/61101085357010220936ee7b/7d9cfeda-241d-4185-9878-45b3afe4924c/IMG_1009.jpeg Croatia https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/61101085357010220936ee7b/8edd805e-0d67-4fd6-aac4-584d7307a325/IMG_1074.jpeg Croatia https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/61101085357010220936ee7b/73925f4c-d743-4e00-9db2-6a2540fc565c/IMG_1051.jpeg Croatia https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/61101085357010220936ee7b/db0e7c63-fed2-4109-b326-ce00f91c0b3f/IMG_1807.jpeg Croatia Our annual Duvine trips came to a halt in 2020. The one trip we looked forward to each year was taken along with many other things when the world shut down. Sadly we had to reschedule twice and didn’t travel for two years. We are so happy to be back in Europe doing what we love! Eastern Europe is truly one of my favourite places. Fresh European food, amazing people and off the beaten path. It is getting more and more popular with tourists, but it still remains less busy and less expensive than a lot of other European cities. Croatia Bike Tour https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/61101085357010220936ee7b/e779d903-27c5-4c75-bed4-9e803dba31bd/IMG_1765.jpeg Croatia - Split A visit to the Diocletian’s Palace is a must! This is the historic heart of Split, where Roman ruins, little alleys, cafés, and shops are all built into the old palace complex. We had a private tour of the castle, which was definitely a highlight. Take a stroll on the Riva waterfront — Split’s palm-lined promenade, perfect for walking, grabbing a drink, and taking in the harbour atmosphere. Marjan Hill is the big green hill above the city is best for views, a scenic walk or in our case our first day or riding. The climb, the coastal views, and seeing the city from above made it such an unreal way to start the trip. If you have time and happend to be a Game of Thrones fan, make sure to head out to Klis Fortress — just outside Split. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/61101085357010220936ee7b/2c1cc7a8-48e1-40a5-9a5a-d17c7cf87260/IMG_0882.jpeg Croatia Island of Brač Brač is the largest island in Dalmatia where our ride started on the coastal roads alongside olive groves and vineyards. The precious white marble seen here was excavated and used in the building of the White House, Diocletian’s Palace, and the Budapest Parliament. After lunch, we stoped into the Jakšić family gallery. The family is proud to keep ancient stonecutting traditions alive, and eager to share their personal style that keeps their craft timeless. After this inspiring visit, we biked back to Supetar from where we took a water transfer back to Split. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/61101085357010220936ee7b/66bdab19-19be-4bcf-b44b-976f80de1e5e/IMG_1045.jpeg Croatia - Island of Hvar My favourite transfer was the breathtaking boat ride from Split to the island of Hvar watching a pod of dolphins around our boat. Arriving in Stari Grad we pedalled to Jelsa for a lunch within the old walls of this colorful seaside village. Our day ended at our hotel, only steps away from the city’s most emblematic attractions, Palace Elisabeth elegantly combines the beauty of its past with its luxurious present. Distinguished by unique architecture and exceptional design this landmark hotel captures the true essence of Hvar heritage. Tonight, we enjoyed dinner at the charming restaurant Macondo, famous for traditional Mediterranean cuisine. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/61101085357010220936ee7b/0a48a97e-1dc7-46fd-a25b-3dfe0693a57c/IMG_1165.jpeg Croatia Hvar Lavender Road Today’s ride took us through abandoned villages that historically were prominent producers of the lavender products and oils that were once a trademark of Hvar Island. The most memorable moment of this trip was our dinner off the coast of Hvar at Zori Restaurant. Our private boat took us to the Paklinski Islands, where we we enjoyed dinner in one of the most beautiful bays. On the way there we got to watch the sun set and dip into the ocean, while on our return there were millions of stars twinkling in the sky. The bay was filled with beautiful yachts, music and laughter as we pulled in to dock our boat. Our table was set at the edge of the restaurant overlooking the endless blue seas. Not only was the setting absolutely incredible, but the service and food was tough to beat. This has definitely made my list of places to revisit in the future. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/61101085357010220936ee7b/fcf4cba9-8c32-49a4-b828-e3161d2f8e6f/IMG_1820.jpeg Croatia The Vineyards of Korčula While Hvar is the party capital of Croatia, Korčula offered a much different vibe as we passed through miles of vineyards. Like most of Croatia, Korčula is brimming with natural beauty. But Korčula is also home to a spectacular wine culture, a stunning old city, a collection of hidden beaches, endless olive groves, and some unique dining specialties. Korčula is well known, but it’s not as busy or overcrowded as other Croatian islands. Our hotel for this evening was the Lešić Dimitri Palace. In the heart of old town Korčula this boutique hotel has just six unique suites, a Michelin star restaurant and Spa. Our final dinner at LD Restaurant was definitely unforgettable. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/61101085357010220936ee7b/ab571ef2-8ceb-426d-896d-16a2586e5d1d/IMG_0952.jpeg Croatia Korčula to Dubrovnik On most tours you’re riding only 5 days. On the last day you have breakfast together then get a transfer to your final destination. Here we got a bonus riding day. Not a very long one, but incredible none the less. Oh Dubrovnik. Where do I begin? It is truly one of my favourite places. A sense of awe will descend when you see the beauty of Dubrovnik's old town, with its ancient city walls, baroque buildings and the shimmer of the Adriatic. There are many hotels to chose from and we have stayed at a few. If you’re traveling with family Hotel Bellevue would be a great choice. It is walking distance from Old Town, set on a spectacular cliff above Miramare Bay, offering splendid sea views from all rooms. While you’re lying on the pebbly beach you can watch you kids swimming and cliff jumping in the bay. For a fancy dinner out head to Proto Restaurant located at the edge of Old Town. Those in the know head to the lovely hidden roof terrace to enjoy the carefully prepared seasonal Mediterranean dishes. For mountaintop views of the city head up to the top of Mount Srd via the Dubrovnik Cable Car. The Sky Bike was installed after we were there but if you’re not afraid of heights it may be a unique experience. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/61101085357010220936ee7b/c18baa72-bc66-4c0a-9be9-eeeeab52b120/IMG_1125.jpeg Croatia Montenegro If you have time, drive south and visit Montenegro. Herceg Novi (the “old) is a lovely tourist destination with stunning panoramic views along the bay of Kotor, a winding bay on the Adriatic Sea. Nestled between the Orjen Mountains you will find the Lazure Hotel & Marina perfect for your stay. Further down the coast, you will reach Portonovi (the “new”) with luxurious homes, a world-class marina and a destination hotel from One & Only. Spend your day like a local by taking a water taxi to Rose Beach, Luštica for a lunch at Knoba Adriatic. Montenegro is home to many Submarine Tunnels, which are former military structures where Yugoslav submarines were based. These sites are perfect for diving and one is located just west of Rose Beach. https://seekingthesummit.squarespace.com/utah daily 0.75 2025-05-19 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/61101085357010220936ee7b/74b132c1-ea93-4c4c-a031-729c4fe178ae/IMG_4530.jpeg Utah https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/61101085357010220936ee7b/122e5bc8-9f6b-4629-95d5-90162586b19a/IMG_4509.jpeg Utah https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/61101085357010220936ee7b/f827d499-f8c0-4aa8-a644-fb093fc11020/IMG_4468.jpeg Utah https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/61101085357010220936ee7b/be124e19-4187-463e-b391-e65555f7f4ab/IMG_4386.jpeg Utah https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/61101085357010220936ee7b/9019b0e5-0ef7-457e-b78c-7320ea1438fb/IMG_4322.jpeg Utah https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/61101085357010220936ee7b/557879a6-211a-4d59-a6fd-1af0492e0261/IMG_4232.jpeg Utah https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/61101085357010220936ee7b/04c32243-f58e-477b-b5a9-41114391c76d/IMG_4224.jpeg Utah https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/61101085357010220936ee7b/22703505-dd9c-4490-bd62-568468221b4c/IMG_4229.jpeg Utah https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/61101085357010220936ee7b/d892b498-904f-4069-a7ff-be3b71bb6dd7/IMG_4202.jpeg Utah https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/61101085357010220936ee7b/c0a35721-8da0-437f-b522-efb033c71bce/IMG_4127.jpeg Utah https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/61101085357010220936ee7b/a1d8bc9c-861f-4b70-9539-ebc386b98791/IMG_4033.jpeg Utah https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/61101085357010220936ee7b/14ef8596-8423-4456-a77f-1552e9fc40ae/IMG_3935.jpeg Utah https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/61101085357010220936ee7b/b1e53ce6-6c26-48b9-bab4-028118eb9ad0/IMG_4005.jpeg Utah https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/61101085357010220936ee7b/2153dd47-4215-4475-a655-d2d151c8cbfc/IMG_3907.jpeg Utah https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/61101085357010220936ee7b/156b788b-4e19-4f7b-b70b-6031f94f4cd6/IMG_2527.jpeg Utah https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/61101085357010220936ee7b/bb40de26-b160-4329-88c6-43d6039b1fe0/IMG_3686.jpeg Utah https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/61101085357010220936ee7b/01024ea5-c402-4d37-999c-6fd1c37bedaa/IMG_3578.jpeg Utah https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/61101085357010220936ee7b/bdcaa5ad-5a41-4a98-9680-835e7d61210f/IMG_1178.jpeg Utah https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/61101085357010220936ee7b/daf46f3a-76e0-4d93-830a-10fb767e1d5d/IMG_4521.jpeg Utah I have now done four Duvine trips to date. Constantly raving about it to friends, so my bestie chose this adventure for her 50th birthday celebration. She brought us seven ladies together and we headed to Utah to begin this incredible tour. Another amazing feature of a Duvine trip is that you can invite anyone who is up for an adventure regardless of their level of physical ability. You have a choice between a road bike where you bring your own shoes and pedals and clip in, a hybrid or an e-bike where you pedal with your runners. Some of the ladies were a little worried at the beginning, but as soon as they got on their e-bikes and headed out on their first ride there were smiles ear to ear. “Everyone should have a friend like you! You make us laugh a little louder and smile a little brighter. Life is meant for good friends and great adventures!” Zion Cycling & Adventure https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/61101085357010220936ee7b/3d1c5363-ec6c-48f9-af54-2ca709f6efb0/IMG_3497.jpeg Utah - Snow Canyon Our adventure began in St. George. From here we set off to Snow Canyon, a lesser-known state park that boasts perfectly paved roads and pristine views of the surrounding purple-red mountains. Most of the hotels on European tours are 5 star and very high end, but this is not possible in State Parks so on this tour the hotels were more rustic, but incredible none the less. Inn on The Cliff St. George The Inn at Entrada The lunch today at Xetava was rather memorable with the most amazing lemonade ever. It was so good that on our next trip to Utah we had to stop here en route to Springdale. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/61101085357010220936ee7b/0ab22a21-0700-4a0a-8356-577496f4facb/IMG_1216.jpeg Utah Entering Bryce Canyon In Europe you tend to be able to ride between your hotels, but again in the US with these large State Parks, transfers are needed. This morning we took a two-hour shuttle to Bryce Canyon National Park. Just outside of Bryce, we began riding on the beautiful Red Canyon bike path that leads into the park. Our guides made us the most incredible picnic which we got to enjoy at Sunrise Point. Here we had a choice to head to our new hotel or get in some extra riding with a challenging climb to Rainbow Point. Of course we took the challenge which was incredible. We did get up to very high elevation making this even that much harder, but so glad we did it! Under Canvas Bryce Canyon https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/61101085357010220936ee7b/332e8e1e-6be7-42fb-9270-617640163883/IMG_3975.jpeg Utah - Hiking Bryce Canyon This was my first “adventure” tour with Duvine. You’re not only riding each day, but exploring areas as they meant to be experienced….on foot. The classic Queens Garden and Navajo loop in Bryce Canyon lead us into the valley to get up close and personal with these staggering rock spires. The loop combines the open views and unique hoodoos with the iconic switchbacks and towering canyon walls. Walking along these trails felt like walking through a movie set. Nothing like we have ever seen or experienced before. After the hike and another quick transfer later we got back on the bike for an epic ride that took us into Zion’s Checkerboard Mesa. We pedalled through Navajo Sandstone, a stunning formation built by nature over millions of years before arriving a the Zion-Mount Carmel tunnel. The tunnel is long and dark and as a result bikes are forbidden through it. Up they went on the van for the short drive through, before we could continue our ride on winding roads that led us to our hotel that nestled within the majestic cliffs of Zion beside the Virgin River in Springdale. Desert Pearl Inn https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/61101085357010220936ee7b/b06a6fde-25bb-4347-b2af-90d6c0f7d04a/IMG_4448.jpeg Utah - Zion Valley Zion National Park has so much to offer, including the famous Narrows Hike. The trail is not maintained as you are hiking in the cold water of the Virgin River on slippery rocks. With proper equipment (sturdy hiking shoes and walking sticks available for rent) and good judgement, dangers can be minimized. Flash floods are the most serious hazard in the Zion Narrows. August is the month with the heaviest precipitation while June is the driest. The monsoon season begins in mid-July and continues through mid-September, so if you are considering hiking the Narrows during this time period, get the most updated weather information possible before you begin. If you’re hiking from the bottom and back, no permit is required. We turned around at the 5km mark making the total hike 10km long. Truly an incredible and unique experience! https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/61101085357010220936ee7b/15c598b4-fef2-4425-92d6-585b070dfdac/IMG_4207.jpeg Utah - Final Morning in Zion On our final morning in Zion, we cycled the road that takes you to the Narrows Hike. You get to see so much more when you’re on a bike vs being in a car or bus. Other than the shuttle buses, no cars are allowed in this part of the park making the ride very quiet end enjoyable. We enjoyed our final brunch together before a transfer that returned us to St. George. On to Vegas for the birthday celebration! https://seekingthesummit.squarespace.com/red-rock-canyon daily 0.75 2025-05-19 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/61101085357010220936ee7b/a4530998-5d9d-4c58-99a5-3f43db2829a5/IMG_0095.jpeg Red Rock Canyon https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/61101085357010220936ee7b/1b271a75-5581-4c85-ae42-0784fa6921a1/IMG_0058.jpeg Red Rock Canyon https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/61101085357010220936ee7b/63229d05-d000-4b1b-8de8-fca8ae52a9f5/IMG_6755.jpeg Red Rock Canyon https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/61101085357010220936ee7b/52200a04-ba98-440f-8d45-f51d01973915/IMG_6751.jpeg Red Rock Canyon https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/61101085357010220936ee7b/5e1dff92-4464-40fe-9813-90f98e2fb165/IMG_6736.jpeg Red Rock Canyon https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/61101085357010220936ee7b/c69cb8e5-8cd5-4279-8429-471c011de499/IMG_6726.jpeg Red Rock Canyon https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/61101085357010220936ee7b/cc8437b6-235a-4b44-8b39-22d6d4eaf6b0/IMG_6831.jpeg Red Rock Canyon Most people don’t go to Vegas to hike, but while you’re there and looking for something to do, this is pretty amazing. Red Rock Canyon National Conservation Area is situated approximately 30 minutes west of Las Vegas. It is a captivating destination renowned for its vibrant red sandstone formations, diverse hiking trails, and rich geological history. Encompassing nearly 200,000 acres within the Mojave Desert, it offers a plethora of outdoor activities suitable for all ages and skill levels. The Canyon features a one-way 13 mile scenic drive and 26 numbered hikes and trails so there are plenty of options to choose from. Hiking Trails https://seekingthesummit.squarespace.com/mallorca daily 0.75 2024-02-15 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/61101085357010220936ee7b/2adac4a2-5400-4476-a4d8-fa56511a8db6/IMG_3655.jpeg Mallorca https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/61101085357010220936ee7b/d5790b55-c433-464e-9d9d-8d750156a059/IMG_3673.jpeg Mallorca https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/61101085357010220936ee7b/c7ab3256-3b41-4704-95a7-766584c6daa1/IMG_3695.jpeg Mallorca https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/61101085357010220936ee7b/0dedff3b-27f0-4377-b384-e78b7fe01a41/IMG_3709.jpeg Mallorca https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/61101085357010220936ee7b/db80c82e-8d63-4b72-a132-86bbc5e8cc29/IMG_3687.jpeg Mallorca https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/61101085357010220936ee7b/e141fd41-67cd-4d5e-b4c7-9e070910abe1/IMG_3721.jpeg Mallorca https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/61101085357010220936ee7b/6f1ec650-9696-4fa5-aac4-bed856a48912/IMG_3773.jpeg Mallorca https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/61101085357010220936ee7b/f3589230-3370-4ad9-b943-75b0a7f08266/IMG_3792.jpeg Mallorca https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/61101085357010220936ee7b/316be9c4-5b22-40fd-8315-4b8aa41bf6fa/IMG_3787.jpeg Mallorca https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/61101085357010220936ee7b/6d7c4f6d-c4b1-445c-acbf-d685c6271704/IMG_3820.jpeg Mallorca https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/61101085357010220936ee7b/cc1afe6a-a1dc-4796-99f0-48e6a7baefd6/IMG_3824.jpeg Mallorca https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/61101085357010220936ee7b/60265ee7-6a07-44fd-befc-af7f790f29dd/IMG_3888.jpeg Mallorca https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/61101085357010220936ee7b/2a65528a-5886-4dc2-9ba3-4e63e6ca975a/IMG_3949.jpeg Mallorca https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/61101085357010220936ee7b/120af894-8024-4073-aca9-b1a50bbacc48/IMG_3940.jpeg Mallorca https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/61101085357010220936ee7b/d73dff5d-cfd3-45eb-b0d8-7bad284f839f/IMG_4051.jpeg Mallorca https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/61101085357010220936ee7b/8b79817e-1fdb-41a3-ae7d-06163b1c5bd9/IMG_3959.jpeg Mallorca https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/61101085357010220936ee7b/f6f7d825-6fa5-4101-b416-0d3c7eba8099/IMG_4053.jpeg Mallorca https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/61101085357010220936ee7b/431be6cc-19d9-4a9e-aa96-7cf8fc968728/IMG_3956.jpeg Mallorca https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/61101085357010220936ee7b/88b58b73-bf2c-413b-8a0a-edf0256563e5/IMG_4072.jpeg Mallorca https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/61101085357010220936ee7b/885dd395-4a19-4fd2-8841-56e05ee429af/IMG_4110.jpeg Mallorca https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/61101085357010220936ee7b/f712b09a-0b2f-4d98-8a0f-a1da0ea1e6d3/IMG_4114.jpeg Mallorca https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/61101085357010220936ee7b/864fedf2-b70f-411a-bb58-8b1a31e74d26/IMG_0357.jpeg Mallorca Mallorca is considered the pinnacle of cycling for all types of riders. It is the largest of Spain’s Balearic Islands with sun-drenched beaches, secret swimming coves, and seaside restaurants. The UNESCO-protected Tramuntana Mountains and excellent paved roads along the Mediterranean, making this a cycling paradise. Over 300km and 5,300m of elevation gain in 5 days, we rode through mountain passes, vineyards, olive groves, ancient towns and charming seaside villages. We also tackled the epic Cap de Formentor lighthouse ride, one of Mallorca’s legendary roads. Mallorca Bike Tour https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/61101085357010220936ee7b/848cb438-a433-40cf-82a1-75729e63627f/IMG_3721.jpeg Mallorca Our adventure began in Palma de Mallorca. Gothic churches, scenic squares and century-old interior patios are plentiful. An early morning visit to the Cathedral is one way of enjoying the sunshine filtering through the spectacular rose windows. From Michelin-starred restaurants to typical Spanish bars serving hearty lunches, there is something for every palette and budget. For cocktails or a casual dinner, stop in at Nola and make sure you get a table in the secret garden at the back of the restaurant. We only had drinks before heading to dinner a block away. Loved our dinner at Wasabi Palma. Traditional japanese cuisine dishes and fusion recipes are just some of the references of a delicious menu. Palma is a very walkable city and I would recommend staying in old town. We stayed on the edge at Es Princep which is a small luxury hotel with an amazing roof top terrace. The pool is tiny so not really suitable for kids, but it was absolutely perfect for a couples getaway. We had initially wanted to stay at the Hotel Sant Francesc, but it was sold out. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/61101085357010220936ee7b/b07055a2-4c02-41df-9aaf-4074ecaf6cd5/IMG_3738.jpeg Mallorca Day 1 - Orient to Pollença With Duvine you’re never riding on very busy roads. This morning we got a transfer out of Palma and began our journey in the small village of Orient. We pedalled through Mallorca’s heartland peppered with vineyards, olive groves, and ancient towns before stopping in Pollença for lunch. This historic little town is well worth a visit for its cute winding streets and the fabulous Calvari Steps, a set of 365 steps that lead up to a tiny church. The Son Brull Hotel and Spa is a sanctuary of relaxed luxury in the heart of the Serra de Tramuntana. Surrounded by 32 hectares of vineyards, orchards and centuries-old olive trees, just 2 km from the town of Pollença and 6 km from the sea. This historic 18th century monastery is the perfect place to enjoy Majorca. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/61101085357010220936ee7b/98488859-a8e3-4bd3-920f-e7f5f1705b16/IMG_3792.jpeg Mallorca Day 2 - Cap de Formentor Of all the tours we have done, this was the most challenging and definitely my favourite! Today we tackled the epic Cap de Formentor lighthouse ride, one of Mallorca’s legendary roads. Riding this peninsula, it was tough not having our cameras out constantly to capture the scenery, which was absolutely jaw-dropping. The winding road takes you through tunnels with views of the shimmering blue sea below. Note that car access to the Formentor peninsula is restricted during the summer months (1st of June to 30th of September), being limited to just residents, public transport, specially authorised and emergency vehicles, as well as cyclists. Upon completion of this ride, we stopped in Port Pollença for lunch. There are many amazing restaurants lining the beach any of which would be a great choice. We chose Tolo’s which I would highly recommend. The Hugo Spritz is a must have, perfect on a hot summers day. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/61101085357010220936ee7b/25f8060d-2835-48ae-8b70-18fe2e587f58/IMG_3890.jpeg Mallorca Day 3 - Tramontana Classic Today we rode from Pollença to Deià through dramatic mountain passes. The terrain was captivatingly diverse, from rocky lunar landscapes to magnificent coastal cliffs that plunge into the azure sea. Riding through hand-hewn tunnels, mountain lakes, shady forests, and quaint sandstone villages, it was one of my favourite days. Upon completing a huge climb we arrived at the Restaurante Coll de Sa Bataia offering the most amazing coffee and sandwiches. It was like a mirage appearing out of nowhere. For lunch we stopped in Sóller, which is a beautiful old traditional town that sits in the heart of the ‘valley of gold’ and is worth spending a day exploring. The La Residencia Hotel may be the most incredible property we have ever set foot on. Located in the tiny mountain village of Deià, it is an intimate mountainside enclave. Embark on a journey in their fine-dining restaurant El Olivo or enter into breezy Café Miró, a mountain-facing venue that celebrates the region’s vibrant artistic heritage. Undoubtedly, La Residencia is home to some of the best restaurants Mallorca has to offer. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/61101085357010220936ee7b/46d9a05f-e68d-4a95-94aa-2ee13b4cc838/IMG_4025.jpeg Mallorca - Day 4 - Fornalutx & Port de Sóller Today we got to explore the villages around Deià. The authentic mountain village of Fornalutx is nestled high up the Tramuntana mountain range overlooking Sóller. Often referred to as the ‘Prettiest village in Spain’, the stone buildings and red tiled roofs combine with the scent of the surrounding orange and lemon groves to provide a traditional rustic charm. The remote Port de Sóller is a picturesque, small coastal village which has become well known and popular particularly due to its historic tram, large bay with protected harbour and scenic surroundings. As an old fishing harbour, it is also a great place to eat fish and seafood. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/61101085357010220936ee7b/e4928fac-d7ba-492c-bcb6-651f3957d888/IMG_4088.jpeg Mallorca - Day 5 - Deià to Es Capdellà Today was our final ride with a coffee stop in Valldemossa and lunch in Port d’Andratx. Another 72km day with almost 1,500m elevation gain. The legs were definitely feeling it, but with views as incredible as these it was thought to think of anything else. Valdemossa is perched on a hilltop, surrounded by terraced terrain. With its car-free cobbled alleys and rich cultural heritage, the town is a treat to visit. Port d’Andratx is considered to be the loveliest harbour in the Mediterranean with its stylish port and well-maintained yacht club. Although it has many restaurants to suit the yachting set, Port d’Andratx is still a working fishing port where you can sit outside one of the many cafés and bars watching the bustle of daily maritime life. At our destination our new hotel Castell Son Claret was waiting. It is located on the outskirts of the beautiful inland village of Es Capdellà in one of the biggest private estates in Mallorca. Only 30 minutes from Palma city centre, this Leading Hotel of the World sits within 326 acres of unspoiled countryside. The former 19th century castle, meticulously renovated in 2013 welcomes guests to a unique experience with 43 magnificent rooms and suites. https://seekingthesummit.squarespace.com/palm-springs daily 0.75 2023-07-25 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/61101085357010220936ee7b/05835667-33fe-40e9-8df2-d6645034b291/IMG_5712.jpeg Palm Springs https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/61101085357010220936ee7b/94b750c9-d44f-46bb-88bd-81a8a8066b5d/IMG_5666.jpeg Palm Springs https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/61101085357010220936ee7b/9b7f7987-86c4-4985-a0fe-0279fe3d5dd6/IMG_5662.jpeg Palm Springs https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/61101085357010220936ee7b/d0a44114-507e-46cf-9e11-8298c42a3e1a/IMG_5652.jpeg Palm Springs Palm Springs is a popular hot destination over the winter months for those living in the Vancouver area. It is a quick and direct flight and there are plenty of activities for all ages to enjoy. This of course meant that I was looking for an area to hike. Love that you can pull up Alltrails anywhere you go and find nearby trails. We decided to head to Painted Canyon and try the Ropes and Ladders trails. The access road leading to the trail head is in terrible condition with huge potholes and not meant for your rented minivan. We made it about 1km short of the trail head and decided to pull over and hike the rest of the way. There are two sides to the Canyon…the Ropes side and the Ladders side. If you are hiking with children I would recommend avoiding the Ropes side as there is a 20 foot rope through a narrow slot. We hiked the Ladders side first and thought we would go back through the Ropes side. Once we got the the 20 foot rope and looked down, no way were we able to continue. We had to back track and make our way out through the Ladders making our hike much longer than planned. Directions by Alltrails https://seekingthesummit.squarespace.com/maui daily 0.75 2023-07-25 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/61101085357010220936ee7b/b096632c-f34d-451f-92a2-dd2dad487fde/IMG_5964.jpeg Maui https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/61101085357010220936ee7b/364e5c32-032e-4cbb-b260-f00265f410be/IMG_5945.jpeg Maui https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/61101085357010220936ee7b/f90016a3-d1c6-434f-81b3-5aa914bca919/IMG_5935.jpeg Maui https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/61101085357010220936ee7b/18674e84-c16c-4090-8cee-5c61eed81914/IMG_5912.jpeg Maui https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/61101085357010220936ee7b/6767a3b9-d660-4d3e-8c3b-d110df7b3e54/IMG_5923.jpeg Maui https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/61101085357010220936ee7b/443bd8e2-52d3-40b9-a971-1ae6b70141c7/IMG_7099.jpeg Maui https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/61101085357010220936ee7b/f6c3bad5-bec7-416f-b319-96c282ff9602/IMG_7128.jpeg Maui Forever searching for epic adventures and beautiful scenery…wherever we are. I can’t just sit on the beach for days and do nothing. It’s not who I am. I always need a good morning adventure to start the day. When your bestie happens to be on vacation with you, you grab her and go and explore. This hike begins at La Pérouse Bay which is at the end of the road in South Maui beyond Wailea and Makena. The trail passes through an area of overgrown Kiawe trees near the shoreline where you will probably see several feral goats. After passing through the forest, you’ll come to a barren expanse of lava. The lava field is completely exposed so make sure you take plenty of water. We didn’t make it all the way to the Lighthouse. Instead we cut right over to the edge of the ocean to be greeted with this incredible view. Directions by Alltrails https://seekingthesummit.squarespace.com/sicily daily 0.75 2024-10-02 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/61101085357010220936ee7b/9e2b422f-998e-4d64-8c61-42d812ebfac4/110342bb-bfad-4a3f-ba1f-6a92c25e2040.jpeg Sicily https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/61101085357010220936ee7b/439d3f3c-beb5-46aa-b8e0-f7f2a9b53737/IMG_3309.jpeg Sicily https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/61101085357010220936ee7b/9077837e-f01f-411d-b65b-063b6af8ac14/IMG_3354.jpeg Sicily https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/61101085357010220936ee7b/2d2c9b49-bb64-4be0-aa32-a6bc95328d60/IMG_2663.jpeg Sicily https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/61101085357010220936ee7b/ed4b3370-70f9-4f8d-a492-56c8acbf858c/IMG_2760.jpeg Sicily https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/61101085357010220936ee7b/f57ee45d-56ae-41a5-9fa9-7a162a591f33/IMG_2801.jpeg Sicily https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/61101085357010220936ee7b/e680f37e-124b-4838-9baf-8729af578507/IMG_2846.jpeg Sicily https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/61101085357010220936ee7b/f98d46f3-c5f4-4cbe-b737-0b0bc3cb6a9b/IMG_7412.jpeg Sicily https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/61101085357010220936ee7b/1e4c50b5-8cef-4afd-b898-4325fa1e0d28/IMG_2986.jpeg Sicily https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/61101085357010220936ee7b/2d548813-bb96-4003-be43-cc9d03ab566c/IMG_2990.jpeg Sicily https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/61101085357010220936ee7b/b587ac8f-06a5-4631-83ec-081e67ed61e1/IMG_3001.jpeg Sicily https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/61101085357010220936ee7b/f00d2d50-e606-4177-b721-56cf1652829b/IMG_7550.jpeg Sicily https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/61101085357010220936ee7b/2366b8e4-bbc5-4116-abef-12fd73775385/IMG_2497.jpeg Sicily - London This trip was a special tour as 8 of our closest friends joined us for the adventure. I love introducing Duvine to friends and seeing how scared they are about the riding piece at first and how much they love it once they arrive. Seeing the world on two wheels while getting exercise is my absolute favourite thing to do….besides hiking of course! Sicily Duvine Tour Sicily isn’t easy to get to so the planning took a while. We settled on a direct flight to London for an overnight stay before making our way to Catania. London is always a fabulous place for a quick stopover. Our dinner at Roka was definitely memorable! https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/61101085357010220936ee7b/eb807d72-b391-4956-91e8-dbb243d66fc1/IMG_2621.jpeg Sicily - Syracuse We arrived in Catania a few days before our tour was scheduled to begin. We were greeted at the airport by our driver who took us to the incredible Minareto Hotel. Situated on a cliff adjacent from Oritigia Island it is nestled in the enchanting Bay of the Latomie within the Plemmirio Marine Reserve. Clear water to dive into, soft sand to stretch out on, a unique panorama to admire. There is a water taxi that will take you from the hotel to the island of Ortigia and back for 25 euros per person. The small Baroque island is the historic center of Syracuse and is widely considered one of the most beautiful destinations in Sicily. In the lively hustle and bustle of the market, La Salumeria always has a spot to sit down and enjoy a moment, whether it's savoring a Filuneddu sandwich with pecorino and caponata or sipping on a glass from their selection of wines. Lunch here may have been the highlight of our stay. If you have time, charter a small boat and discover the caves along the coast. Just do NOT go to the Villa Gaiangos restaurant for pizza. It may be walking distance from the hotel, but it is the worst food you’ll ever have! Pretty difficult to mess up pizza in Italy, but they have certainly done it. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/61101085357010220936ee7b/2e4c0b24-e3c6-4ebd-bc95-63d272c4cdff/IMG_2632.jpeg Sicily Day 1 - Ferla to Dimora Della Balze Our incredible guides picked us up at Minareto and we were off to the ancient Pantalica Valley. After getting fitted on the bikes and we made our way into Baroque Ferla. Our lunch was in the village of Buccheri at Osteria U Locale, a restaurant owned by a pair of brothers who have devoted their lives to preserving local culinary traditions, foraging for wild ingredients, and generally serving one of the best meals you’ll ever have. The weather wasn’t amazing and it poured while we were eating our lunch. We had to make a choice whether to ride to our hotel or to take a transfer. So glad we chose to ride as the rained let up and we had an incredible finish to our day. Our fist hotel was definitely the most memorable. Dimora Delle Balze is set in a restored 19th-century masseria. The 11-room hotel is situated around three courtyards, including a saltwater pool, a lounge and a breakfast terrace with views of the Unesco-protected Val di Noto. Each room is named after a piece of art, film, literature or music by a Sicilian artist, and all are decorated in the local style. The up-and-coming resident chef welcomed us with a memorable first dinner that showcased the flavors of this special island. Route on Strava https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/61101085357010220936ee7b/d052917b-ddce-439e-ac81-227848f965aa/IMG_2742.jpeg Sicily Day 2 - Noto Loop Riding through the rolling terrain of the Iblean plateau our first stop was at the deserted city of Noto Antica, leveled by the earthquake of 1693. From there we began our descent to modern Noto, taking in the sweeping views of the Mediterranean Sea. This small town in the south-east was founded again in the 1700’s and it is the heart of the valley of the Sicilian Baroque. Lunch in Noto was at Sabbinirica a Putia D’Ercole. Dinner was a convivial evening of cooking, eating and drinking in nearby Palazzolo with Chef Turi. Route on Strava https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/61101085357010220936ee7b/eb827058-81f6-4b89-bf19-1ba9613a388f/IMG_2814.jpeg Sicily Day 3 - Monterosso & Vizzini This morning we set out on a scenic journey across the open pastures of the Val di Noto, through Giarratana and into Monterosso before climbing up to Vizzini. Today’s lunch before our transfer to our next hotel, was a home cooked meal at Giuseppe’s family-run farm with true Sicilian hospitality. He supplies beef to local Michelin star restaurants, and we got to taste it first hand at his home. After getting settled at Villa Neri located on the slopes of Mount Etna, we spent the afternoon at the spa enjoying a well deserved sports massage. This evening was an introduction to the elegant vintages of this unique wine growing region during our paired tasting dinner at the hotel. Etna whites may be my new fav wine!! Route on Strava https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/61101085357010220936ee7b/a45c75a3-021d-4499-8dd1-2eadee8eded6/IMG_3007.jpeg Sicily - Day 4 - Mount Etna & Taormina Today we saw an entirely new side of Sicily as we pedaled through a region defined by Mount Etna. With grapes growing out of black volcanic soil next to farmhouses built from basalt rock, it’s hard to believe this is the same island we’ve been cycling all week. After a tasting lunch at one of the region’s top wineries, Girolamo Russo, we enjoyed our gradual descent to the coast before tackling our climb up to our incredible hotel in Taormina. The Ashbee Hotel is located steps from the gate that leads into the incredible town of Taormina. The hilltop town is known for the Teatro Antico di Taormina, an ancient Greco-­Roman theater still used today. Near the theater, cliffs drop to the sea forming coves with sandy beaches. A narrow stretch of sand connects to Isola Bella, a tiny island and nature reserve. For those who have see the second season of White Lotus, it is also knows as cheater island. Tonight was our “free” night for dinner and we chose to have something casual. The two best pizza places in Taormina are La Napolenta and Casa Ciampoli Route on Strava https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/61101085357010220936ee7b/3712fd87-3eaa-4bd0-9864-1a084f973eab/IMG_3306.jpeg Sicily Day 5 - The Godfather Saving the best and most challenging ride for last. We began our scenic descent from Taormina down to the coast, riding along the Mediterranean before turning inland to tackle a series of challenging climbs. Taking us deep into the coastal mountain range and through a string of mountain-perched villages where the most iconic scenes from The Godfather were filmed. The coastal vistas and ancient landscape of Savoca were indeed cinematic as we approached the town from above. Here at Pipi Spezzi, a passionate emerging chef wowed us with lunch before we began our long descent back to the coast where we took a dip in the cool Mediterranean. .Route on Strava https://seekingthesummit.squarespace.com/fav-gear daily 0.75 2023-11-09 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/61101085357010220936ee7b/5946d7da-52a2-4b18-953d-2104e809ad81/IMG_4880.jpeg Fav Gear - Footwear Socks My fav socks are either from Icebreaker or Smartwool. Whether they’re ankle length with minimal cushioning or high with targeted cushioning it doesn’t really matter as long as they’re wool! Shoes & Boots Our true and tested hiking shoe is really a trail runner. We started with the Salomon Speedcross 4s and after probably a dozen pairs later, we have now moved onto the newly released Speedcross 6s. They are perfect for muddy and mixed terrain with amazing traction. They are light, the laces never come undone and they come in various colours. We have the regular for summer months and gore-tex for winter. The new 6s have a wide toe box and fit true to size. If you’re headed out for a snowshoe and require a warmer boot, we would also recommend something from Salomon. The one we like have been discontinued, but as long as they’re warm, light and high they will do the trick. Accessories Other very useful items during the winter months are gaiters to keep snow out of your shoes or boots and micro spikes to keep you from slipping. Our favs are from Kahtoola. You can get cheaper options from Amazon, but we do recommend biting the bullet and getting the better quality ones. You will be thankful year after year. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/61101085357010220936ee7b/c22aebc0-8e10-4205-9ad4-514a6d585d86/IMG_0349.jpeg Fav Gear - Clothing Base layers Wool is a must have as a base layer during cooler months. The Icebreaker Bodyfit Zone in 150, 200 and 260 was our go to for many years. This line has now been discontinued. If you can get your hands on old inventory I would highly recommend doing so. Their new replacement is not quite the same fit and level of comfort as the old line with stretch in it. Smartwool and Helly Hansen ski base layer line are also great options. Jackets and vests Oh where do I begin?! So many great options of which we own most! The Peak Perfomance Helium Down Jacket, Hybrid and Vest are my absolute fav! Have them all in various colours and use them on every hike in the winter. These pieces are great for layering, but are not waterproof. Arc’teryx also has great light weight options. The Atom Hoody and Vest are warm and packable and the Norvan Shell Jacket is waterproof and great over a layer to keep you dry. Tights and shorts Sweaty Betty has been a fav for the last few years. Their power workout leggings come in 7/8, full length or 9” bike shorts, all with a side pocket to fit your phone.. Their Therma Boost legging is perfect for your winter hikes, brushed with a fleece-like material to keep you warm. For the very snowy days I have a few pairs of the Peak Performance soft-shell pants. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/61101085357010220936ee7b/cacfe9d2-9f26-419f-a57d-21718d7b542c/IMG_7966.jpeg Fav Gear - Accessories Pack & Hydration A very important piece of gear is your hydration pack. Our fav is the Salomon Adv Skin 12 running vest, which is big enough for most of our hikes. It easily fits all of our food, extra layers and plenty of water. The sleeves hold 1L and we usually put in an extra litre inside the pack for refilling. You can also buy a filter lid from Salomon that fits onto your sleeve and you can safely drink cold water from streams. For longer hikes we both have the Osprey Tempest 24L and love it! There are many other great options. Just make sure it is well fitted for your frame so the weight is on your hips and not your back. https://seekingthesummit.squarespace.com/grand-canyon daily 0.75 2025-05-19 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/61101085357010220936ee7b/15e13dc1-3f07-41a8-a008-49a14eb8adc8/IMG_9157.jpeg Grand Canyon - Planning your adventure The recommended route for anyone wanting to hike the Grand Canyon is to hike it from the South to the North Rim. Although there is more climbing on this routing, it's spread out over a longer distance, making the climb out feel a little easier. While you might think that the toughest thing about this hike is the distance and climbing… it is not! It's actually booking your accommodation. There are limited spaces in the campgrounds and lodges along the route, and the demand is massive, especially if you want to do it as a multi day hike. If you are a day hiker, it is not necessary to secure a permit to hike in the Grand Canyon. A permit is necessary if you are doing an overnight hike where you’ll need to tent camp below the canyon rim. Phantom Ranch has it’s own lottery system. To add some more complexity to the lodging situation, let's talk about the small window when hiking across the Grand Canyon is possible. You want to go when the North Rim facilities are open (May 15-Oct 15) and when the heat isn't too extreme at the bottom of the Canyon. What that practically equates to is doing the hike between May 15-31st, or between October 1-15th. Vehicle access to the North Rim does remain open until November 30th, but both the Lodge and Campground closes on October 15th. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/61101085357010220936ee7b/2f1a78b5-c5d7-4a14-9363-413c73e71d5c/IMG_9254.jpeg Grand Canyon - Pre hike plan We chose to do the hike in one day so we didn’t need to deal with permits or lodging other than securing a room at the North Rim Lodge. Shuttles are also available back to the South Rim if you don’t want to spend the night. We chose to fly into Phoenix and home from Las Vegas. Not wanting to travel too close to our hiking day we spent a few days at the Amara Resort and Spa in Sedona before making our way to the South Rim and one night in Springdale at the Desert Pearl Inn on our way to Vegas. Always nice to hang out in Zion even if it’s for a day. Now that our travel plans were in place, next thing to think abut was gear and water. The key to gear in the Grand Canyon is to carry the minimum that you need, reducing the weight of your pack. Mornings are cold and during the day the sun is relentless, especially across the canyon floor, so you need to make sure you’re properly dressed. The hottest part of the hike will be between Skeleton Point and Ribbon Falls. Have appropriate clothing and head wear to shield you. There is plenty of pre-treated drinking water stations available in the Canyon at regular intervals. We each had 3 litres of water with us that we refiled at these stations. There is no water from South Kaibab to Phantom Ranch. Refill at Phantom Ranch then again at Manzanita. The water was not turned on at Cottonwood. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/61101085357010220936ee7b/e67d7129-7ec7-405e-b299-1629bd10b08a/IMG_9224.jpeg Grand Canyon South Rim The South Rim has a desert-like feeling and it’s the busier side of the Grand Canyon as it is easier to access by car. As a result, there are a lot more accommodation options and it is less difficult to obtain one. Our choice was the Thunderbird Lodge which was very similar to all the others. There are two trail heads to choose from. Starting at South Kaibab the total distance is 37km and 2,090m of elevation gain. This option is definitely more popular because of its beauty and shorter distance. The trail head is a fair distance from the lodges and you will want a ride there before your journey. There is a do not enter sign and only park shuttles or private taxis are to enter the area, but at 4:30am no one will care of know if you’re getting dropped off. The shuttles don’t start running until 5am and you will likely need to first hop on a blue shuttle then switch to the orange route in order to get to the trail head. Starting at Bright Angel adds an extra 7km’s to your already very long journey and I would not chose this route if doing rim to rim . However this trail runs from the Village so if you don’t want to do a full rim to rim, enter the canyon via South Kaibab and exit via this route. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/61101085357010220936ee7b/58b3a426-6d0f-407c-a55f-285c8a831711/IMG_9366.jpeg Grand Canyon The Hike We wanted to catch the sunrise so we left the hotel at 4:15am and started our hike shortly after. Ooh Aah Point is a small area, which gets quite busy so we caught the sunrise further down in the Canyon. The Canyon floor can get very hot, so you want to get across the river and start up the semi-shaded middle section toward the North Rim as soon as possible. It is 13 km and 4 hours to get down to Canyon Ranch. Beverages and snacks are available from the Canteen’s side window. Their lemonade was amazing! There are bathrooms and a water station at the South Kaibab Trail Head and two more bathrooms on your way down about 4 km’s apart or so. Your first treated water station isn’t until Phantom Ranch so make sure you have enough water. We had our first major break and lunch at the Canteen, which was well needed and deserved after the gruelling 4 hour descent. We were lucky as we had some cloud cover during our 13 km and 3.5 hour hike across the Canyon floor. There are no bathrooms or water stations between Phantom Ranch and the Cottonwood Campground. Also, the water at the campground wasn’t turned on yet so we couldn’t refill until Manzanita at the 28.5 km mark. This is pretty much the last stop and rest area before the climb out. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/61101085357010220936ee7b/b50888e4-9cd1-4d3d-8604-759c23a2af3b/FullSizeRender.jpeg Grand Canyon - North Rim Arriving at the North Rim is a much more peaceful experience. It is a pine forest that sits at a higher altitude. With its contrast, it really does feel like you have hiked someplace completely different. The 12.5 hour journey where we have been immersed in the natural beauty of the Canyon may have been most incredible hike I’ve done to date and with it’s distance and elevation, the most challenging. Amazing how your body just kicks in and you can do anything you set your mind to. The last 2 kms or so were tough, but at no point did I regret my decision to embark on this journey. I would do it again in a heart beat! https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/61101085357010220936ee7b/eb09f75f-4d09-4ad6-8640-72b521d63263/IMG_9499.jpeg Grand Canyon - Drive from North Rim to Vegas The drive back to Phoenix is much longer than the drive to Vegas so we opted to head West. With sore legs post hike we didn’t want to sit in a car for hours and decided to make a pit stop in Springdale. We have stayed at the Desert Pearl Inn before and decided to book it again. Nestled within the majestic cliffs of Zion beside the Virgin River, it was the perfect place to spend a night. Sitting at the edge of Zion National Park there are a ton of short hikes to choose from to stretch your legs. You can also just enjoy your day pool side. https://seekingthesummit.squarespace.com/puglia daily 0.75 2025-01-10 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/61101085357010220936ee7b/541f2455-8ad0-4d87-a08d-91647034401a/IMG_0364.jpeg Puglia https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/61101085357010220936ee7b/94cfae7d-eff5-4150-818b-78a8375d05b6/IMG_0378.jpeg Puglia https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/61101085357010220936ee7b/88c3aea9-1ac5-45f3-804b-f13ed944f73f/IMG_0409.jpeg Puglia https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/61101085357010220936ee7b/14eac6ef-e03f-425c-b292-ff44df1b6c5a/IMG_0454.jpeg Puglia https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/61101085357010220936ee7b/0490cca7-4c87-4ddb-9931-5ea2194d5641/IMG_0479.jpeg Puglia https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/61101085357010220936ee7b/6ba975e9-3c6a-4570-8206-f516823766cd/IMG_0470.jpeg Puglia https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/61101085357010220936ee7b/4e7bfb9b-51b6-40a9-b76b-2ad39fbf0750/IMG_0465.jpeg Puglia https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/61101085357010220936ee7b/c7b17d80-210b-4c19-807e-3ba71031ba8c/IMG_0688.jpeg Puglia https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/61101085357010220936ee7b/1c836c3c-be55-4343-b4d1-e0e3d6bf7105/IMG_0803.jpeg Puglia https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/61101085357010220936ee7b/af3611f1-5d6a-4876-9f9b-7bbdd7073f68/IMG_0809.jpeg Puglia https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/61101085357010220936ee7b/42e73633-c2cd-484f-8375-2e8380469ed9/IMG_0843.jpeg Puglia https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/61101085357010220936ee7b/98862e17-c4c8-4f68-b63a-b0565fda6c67/IMG_0363.jpeg Puglia We have been wanting to take our kids on a Duvine family tour for a while now. It won’t be the cheapest holiday you ever take, but it will be the most memorable. From 5 star resorts to Michelin star restaurants, your private tour with your two amazing guides will be filled with luxury and non-stop adventure. Puglia Family Tour https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/61101085357010220936ee7b/b810731c-d6d9-4167-a55c-0312acc58b86/IMG_0419.jpeg Puglia - Day 1 - Ontranto We flew to Bari and took a train down to Lecce. We only stayed one night at the Risorgimento Resort in this beautiful and charming town located in the southernmost area of Puglia. I wish we would have had more time to explore this town before meeting our guides. It definitely is worth the visit. Once the guides picked us up, we took a transfer to our first hotel, Cenuta Centoporte, where our adventure began. We pedalled past endless olive groves, through a series of small towns and ended up in the enchanting seaport of Otranto. Along the way we stopped for the most memorable lunch at Osteria Origano, a small boutique winery in the village centre of Minervino de Lecce. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/61101085357010220936ee7b/57a00140-2392-4892-b995-ed2d15a4d66e/IMG_0463.jpeg Puglia - Day 2 - Tricase Porto All family tours are “adventure” tours so they include activities other than cycling for the entire family to enjoy. Snorkelling the glittering Mediterranean Sea may have been the highlight for our boys on this trip. This spot was just a stop along our ride to Tricase Porto. It gave us a chance to get off our bikes and cool off in the sea before our incredible lunch at A Casa Mia. While the boys wanted to head back to the hotel to spend the afternoon by the pool, we chose to ride back the 35 km to the hotel to work off the big lunch we had. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/61101085357010220936ee7b/c9d5a988-795d-4e85-b1a1-5f83e38f87d1/IMG_0537.jpeg Puglia - Day 3 - Adventure Day Today was supposed to be our full adventure day of kayaking and snorkelling, but the weather had other plans. The winds were so strong it wasn’t safe to go in the water. Instead we explored nearby towns and made our move to our next hotel, which was even more spectacular than the last. The Ottolire Resort is a magical place among the Trulli, which are characteristic dwellings of the Itria Valley made of roughly worked limestone boulders collected from neighbouring fields. Characteristically, they feature pyramidal, domed or conical roofs built up of corbelled limestone slabs. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/61101085357010220936ee7b/692f4e05-8a12-4701-9de6-cb29d5735a44/IMG_0804.jpeg Puglia - Day 4 - Locarotondo & Alberobello Definitely my favourite day of the trip! We spent the morning riding from our hotel through Locarotondo to Alberobello. The small Italian town with hilly and narrow streets, white houses with conical roofs, where life is slow, felt like something out of a fantasy book. With the most incredible home cooked meal in the garden of a Truly, nearby tourists admired in awe. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/61101085357010220936ee7b/00ac5fc4-7bcc-428a-9734-560619615f10/IMG_0821.jpeg Puglia - Day 5 - Egnata & Savelletri By the last day the body were quite tired, but they were troopers. We rode from our hotel down to the sea where we had an amazing seafood lunch in Savalletri at Al Polpo Re. After lunch the boys went back to the hotel to spend the afternoon by the pool, while we rode back to get in the extra miles. Our final dinner was in Speziale at Trattoria Il Cortiletto . Definitely a must if you’re in that area. https://seekingthesummit.squarespace.com/phoenix daily 0.75 2024-04-22 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/61101085357010220936ee7b/4196ab63-6719-4bc8-844d-c89d633e819d/IMG_8434.jpeg Phoenix https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/61101085357010220936ee7b/036884e0-090a-4a4e-b0c2-be3f8d49b80d/IMG_8347.jpeg Phoenix https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/61101085357010220936ee7b/ae6aeea4-f6bd-4c9e-afd5-541a394e5fae/IMG_8443.jpeg Phoenix https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/61101085357010220936ee7b/8ba7dbde-ac9e-448c-8021-405560b57924/IMG_8305.jpeg Phoenix Phoenix Mountain Preserve In the Phoenix area there are several Mountain Preserves to explore. We were staying in Scottsdale and didn’t want to drive too far so these are the three hikes we chose to do. On the first day we didn’t have too much time so we chose a trail closest to our hotel that was moderately challenging. The Freedom Trail walks around the perimeter of Piestewa Peak and links up to the Summit Trail. The Summit Trail on the west side of the loop is steep, rocky and more challenging. The Freedom Trail on the east side is an easier more gradual trail with its switchbacks and a mix of dirt and rocks. If you want a good workout I would suggest going up the Summit Trail all the way to Piestewa Peak and then back down and around via the Freedom Trail. This would mean you would be doing the loop clockwise as Alltrails recommends. In the spring it is a sight to behold with its beautiful wild flowers and slightly cooler temperatures. Directions by Alltrails https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/61101085357010220936ee7b/bce907b0-878d-4c97-bed7-2e8cee7fe3b7/IMG_8472.jpeg Phoenix - Camelback Mountain The Grouse Grind of Phoenix is the iconic Camelback Mountain hike. It is challenging and you will need to share the trail with a lot of other people, but the views of the city below are worth the climb. Your route choices for summiting Camelback Mountain are Echo Canyon or Cholla Trail. Echo Canyon is the more popular route providing an amazing workout. It is a very steep boulder filled trail that has railings in place to help with the steepest sections. You will gain almost 500 m in just over 2 km’s. As much as we enjoyed the workout going up this route it is definitely not the way I would want to come down. Cholla Trail is a less busy, longer and slightly less steep trail until you need to scramble across the rocky ridge to get to the summit. In my option this is the prettier side and a great reward after your big climb. We chose to go up Echo and down Cholla as a point to point hike making the descent a lot more enjoyable. Directions by Alltrails https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/61101085357010220936ee7b/758eb610-c361-4aad-a597-534ac167cf60/IMG_8520.jpeg Phoenix McDowell Sonoran Preserve Of the three hikes, this one was my least favourite. I love a challenge and a great workout, which this was not. It is however perfect for hikers of all levels. It is a moderate loop that gradually climbs up towards the Gateway Saddle and then down a calm decline back to the trailhead. This preserve is more green and lush than the others and it was stunning with all the spring flowers in bloom. Directions by Alltrails https://seekingthesummit.squarespace.com/douro-valley daily 0.75 2025-11-23 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/61101085357010220936ee7b/f83203bc-c2ab-4b7d-bc46-52d8f48164af/IMG_0762.jpeg Douro Valley - Lisbon The flights from Vancouver to Porto were very expensive, so we chose to fly to Lisbon instead. We had two nights to explore this wonderful city and chose to stay at Hotel Avenida Palace. Lisbon is Portugal’s lively, cosmopolitan capital with big-city energy, famous yellow trams, hilltop viewpoints, and easy day trips to places like Sintra and Cascais, making it ideal for those who want history, nightlife, and variety. Devour the city’s most famous pastry from Pastéis de Belém. Wander through the narrow streets of Lisbon's oldest district, known for its colorful houses and Fado music. Take the ferry from Cais do Sodre to Cacilhas for lunch at Ponto Final. It is definitely worth the trek! Make a reservation by emaling them early so you’re guaranteed a table. Douro Valley Duvine Tour https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/61101085357010220936ee7b/a4665468-8f78-4bd9-9555-3dec3c638900/IMG_0818.jpeg Douro Valley - Porto I definitely preferred Porto over Lisbon. Porto is smaller, moodier, and more intimate, with cobblestone streets, the scenic Douro River, iconic bridges, and a strong wine culture centered on its world-famous Port cellars; it’s more affordable, laid-back, and atmospheric, perfect for travelers seeking charm and authenticity over bustle. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/61101085357010220936ee7b/7ac6176f-aa55-40c2-9e5e-6b8b9bf79066/IMG_0863.jpeg Douro Valley - Day 1 A cycling loop from Vidago through Vila Verde, on to the coastal town of Vila do Conde, then inland toward Valoura before returning to Vidago offers a diverse mix of scenery and terrain: starting with the spa town’s rolling countryside, moving through Vila Verde’s rural farmland, reaching Vila do Conde’s Atlantic coastline with its beaches and river views, then climbing back inland past villages like Valoura before finishing among the tranquil hills of Vidago—making for a long but rewarding ride that blends inland charm with coastal beauty. Dinner at Quinta de arcossó Vinho Stay at Vidago Palace Hotel https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/61101085357010220936ee7b/f494d5af-cf5b-4554-bb38-dc4e326aa1b6/IMG_0871.jpeg Douro Valley - Day 2 Today’s loop from Vidago began with a climb through rolling green hills to Boticas — a peaceful mountain village surrounded by pine forests and valleys. From there, a fast and scenic descent opened up into the historic charm of Chaves, with its Roman bridge and tiled streets. Our lunch at Biclaque Trajano was definitely memorable. The loop is a perfect mix of quiet country roads, gentle climbs, and sweeping views of Trás-os-Montes. Stay at Vidago Palace Hotel https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/61101085357010220936ee7b/a29b06ad-2a70-4a72-9b07-c09bbc4529f8/IMG_0949.jpeg Douro Valley - Day 3 Today’s route rolled south from Vidago into one of the most breathtaking landscapes in Portugal — the legendary Douro Valley. It was definitely the most scenic, but also the longetst and hardest. The ride begins with gentle climbs out of Vidago, passing quiet farmland and eucalyptus groves. As you get closer to the valley, the scenery completely transforms — rolling hills become steep terraces of vineyards cascading down to the Douro River, with panoramic views that feel straight out of a postcard. Along the way, you’ll pass through small wine villages, winding roads carved into the hillsides, and endless rows of vines — this region is home to Portugal’s famous Port wine. Stay at The Vintage House Hotel https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/61101085357010220936ee7b/92631059-40da-488a-844b-2a40858a2fca/IMG_1076.jpeg Douro Valley - Day 4 Today’s ride was pure magic — weaving through the winding vineyard roads of Portugal’s Douro Valley, climbing gradually as the river shimmered below. The route was quiet and peaceful, lined with terraced vines and centuries-old stone walls, with every turn opening up another postcard view. The final climb up to our hotel was challenging but so worth it — panoramic views of the Douro River, golden light spilling across the hills, and that perfect feeling of arriving somewhere special after a beautiful ride. We had been waiting for this day and this hotel. And I assure you, it does absoloutely live up to the hype!! Stay at Six Sense Douro Valley https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/61101085357010220936ee7b/f8317a0c-298c-4a58-afce-866bb316f3e7/IMG_1124.jpeg Douro Valley Day 5 Today’s ride began with a quite climb through Douro backroads. The route winds upward through vineyards, terraced hillsides and small stone hamlets with wide open views of the Douro River below As we reached the upper plateau, teh terrain levelled out with a comfortable cruise into Lamego, a beuatiful historic town known for the Santuário de Nossa Senhora dos Remédios. We stopped at a coffee shop at the base of the grand staircase before tacking our next climb. After Lamego, we looped around the outskirts of town on quieter country roads. The final few kilometres brought us back to the river where we rode alongdie vineyards again before turing back into our hotel for an afternoon of spa and pool time. https://seekingthesummit.squarespace.com/madeira daily 0.75 2026-06-25 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/61101085357010220936ee7b/93077040-45da-4d1a-98a8-4d00eaad0eb4/IMG_1599.jpeg Madeira - Planning your adventure Madeira is a stunning Portuguese archipelago located in the Atlantic Ocean, known for its lush landscapes, dramatic cliffs, and mild, year-round climate. It’s a haven for nature lovers, hikers, and those seeking a mix of adventure and relaxation. It is often called the Hawaii of Europe. The main gateway to Madeira is Cristiano Ronaldo International Airport (FNC), located near Funchal and it’s well-connected to Europe. We took a direct flight from Porto and back to Lisbon before flying home. Itinerary: Day 1 - arrival in Madeira Day 2 - PR8 Hike Day 3 - PR1 Hike and drive to Funchal Day 4 - Road Trip Day 5 - PR6 Hike and Fanal Forest Day 6 - good bye beautiful Madeira https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/61101085357010220936ee7b/a7dd66a3-b7fe-4d0d-b8ec-df272f7e5a53/IMG_4819.jpeg Madeira Day 1 - arrival in Santa Cruz We chose to stay at the Albatroz Beach & Yacht Club for the first two nights, which was listed as a 5 star resort East of Funchal and the perfect location while we explored Eastern Madeira. It is a boutique hotel with an intimate and elegant atmosphere, perfect for those seeking tranquility away from the busier areas of Funchal. Don’t think I would rate it a 5* hotel tough, but it was clean with a great breakfast and stunning location, which was what we were looking for. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/61101085357010220936ee7b/a336ab22-442c-4778-8a5d-d7ef283146eb/IMG_1210.jpeg Madeira - Day 2 - Eastern Madeira The PR8 hike is officially called Vereda da Ponta de São Lourenço and is one of Madeira’s most iconic and scenic trails. It’s located on the easternmost peninsula of the island and offers breathtaking views of the rugged coastline, contrasting volcanic rock formations, and the endless Atlantic Ocean. The drive to the Baía d’Abra parking lot took only about 15 minutes from the hotel. Parking is available, but it fills up during peak times so it’s best to go early. We chose to take an Uber from our hotel and got dropped off right at the trail head. The hike - 8.25 km | 500 m This moderate hike has arid and windswept terrain of the São Lourenço peninsula which is a contrast to Madeira’s typically lush greenery. It has panoramic views of the Atlantic Ocean, cliffs, and the islands of Porto Santo and Desertas on clear days. The trail passes through a protected nature reserve with endemic plant species and occasional bird sightings. There is a small refuge at the end of the trail where you can rest and enjoy the views before heading back. At the nearby Cais do Sardinha, you can descend to the sea for a refreshing swim in crystal-clear waters. Directions by Alltrails https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/61101085357010220936ee7b/93268f90-4b88-4d33-a315-0004eaa6e2db/IMG_1388.jpeg Madeira Day 3 - Central Madeira The PR1 hike, officially known as the Vereda do Arieiro, is Madeira’s most famous and spectacular trail, connecting Pico do Arieiro to Pico Ruivo, the island’s highest peak. It’s known for dramatic ridges, steep climbs, and some of the best views Madeira has to offer. After the 2024 fires, sections of the trail remained closed through the fall of 2025, so we decided to start from the Pico Ruivo side and then drive over to Pico do Arieiro afterward. We made it all the way into the mountains expecting those classic postcard views and instead got soaked by rain and completely swallowed by cloud. No ridges, no valleys, no views — just whiteout in every direction. A solid reminder that not every adventure comes with the perfect weather you planned for. Cold and drenched, we made our way back to Funchal only to learn that our hotel wasn’t accessible by car. We had to park at a nearby mall and drag our suitcases across cobblestone roads and sidewalks to reach it. Needles to say we do not recommed stying at The Barceló Funchal Oldtown. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/61101085357010220936ee7b/2da343a1-c518-49a8-bc01-f324f8cf51d1/IMG_1404.jpeg Madeira Funchal Funchal, the capital of Madeira, blends historic charm with vibrant culture and dramatic ocean views. We spent the afternoon wandering through its cobblestone streets lined with colorful houses, cafés, and small local shops. Because it was a Sunday, the city felt especially quiet. Most stores were closed so our exploring was more about soaking in the atmosphere than shopping. Since one of my all-time favourite hotels is the Belmond in Deià, Mallorca, we couldn’t resist stopping at its sister property, Reid’s Palace, for a drink before dinner. The hotel was absolutely stunning and completely lived up to the Belmond name. For dinner, we went purely off reviews and ended up at Il Basilico, an incredible Italian restaurant that turned out to be the perfect choice. We not only loved the food, but also the location and the neighbourhood. If we ever have the chance to return to Madeira, we’d definitely consider staying here. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/61101085357010220936ee7b/b9725dee-ec74-43dc-a8d1-c7684ec8ab8d/IMG_1450.jpeg Madeira - Day 4 - Road Trip A Madeira road trip is an incredible way to explore the island’s diverse landscapes, from dramatic cliffs and lush forests to charming villages and pristine beaches. We began our journey in Funchal and made our way north and around the western side of the island to our next hotel. Serra de Água is tucked in a valley between towering green peaks. The air is cooler, the silence deeper, and every bend opens up to a new postcard view. From here you can reach the Encumeada Pass, where on a clear day you can see the Atlantic on both sides of the island. This place is more than a stop on the way through Madeira’s mountains — it’s a reminder to slow down, breathe in, and let the island’s wild heart work its magic. The Miradouro da Encumeada observation deck is one of the most stunning viewpoints on the Island. You can see lush valleys, rugged mountain peaks, and the winding roads below, including views of Serra de Água village nestled in the valley. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/61101085357010220936ee7b/899bfe57-4173-4e0e-9bfc-ace2a6dab576/IMG_1456.jpeg Madeira - São Vicente is a picturesque little town that’s certainly worth a quick stop. The best thing to do here is to simply stroll around the town’s historic center and the oceanfront area, have a cup of coffee and enjoy the laid-back atmosphere. High in the mountains above São Vicente sits the Capelinha de Nossa Senhora de Fátima — a peaceful whitewashed chapel with one of the most breathtaking backdrops on the island. From its steps you see valleys tumbling into the Atlantic, peaks rising into the clouds, and villages scattered like tiny dots below. Whether you climb the tower or just sit quietly outside, the view will stay with you long after you leave. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/61101085357010220936ee7b/2d3c274d-ad31-455b-b43e-2c9b620451e9/IMG_1480.jpeg Madeira Seixal might just be Madeira’s most magical beach — a stretch of soft black volcanic sand framed by cliffs, waterfalls, and lush green mountains. Unlike many of Madeira’s rocky shores, here you can sink your toes into the sand and swim with views that look straight out of a dream. This area gets very busy, and parking can be challenging. If you spot a space before reaching the beach, grab it. You’ll save yourself the stress and can easily walk the rest of the way. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/61101085357010220936ee7b/760bb998-a430-484b-a5bc-fb3f4059dea5/IMG_1504.jpeg Madeira On Madeira’s wild north coast, Miradouro Ilhéus da Ribeira da Janela offers a true front-row seat to nature’s raw power. From this lookout, three dramatic volcanic sea stacks rise straight out of the Atlantic, shaped over centuries by relentless waves and fierce coastal winds. They stand like ancient guardians, dark and rugged against the crashing surf below. The whole area feels untamed and cinematic—mist drifting off the water, the sound of the ocean echoing off the cliffs, and the constant movement of the waves reminding you just how wild this coastline really is. It’s one of those places where you can easily linger, just taking in the sheer scale and beauty of Madeira’s natural landscape. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/61101085357010220936ee7b/6a54871e-3e07-4f93-8d6b-f68c442ee0f8/IMG_1557.jpeg Madeira Porto Moniz is one of Madeira’s absolute must-see destinations—home to the island’s famous natural swimming pools carved into the black volcanic rock. These pools are constantly refreshed by the Atlantic, giving the water an incredible clarity and a calm, glassy surface that feels completely different from the open ocean just a few metres away. As you swim, you can watch waves crash dramatically against the outer rocks, sending sprays of white water into the air while you stay safely sheltered inside the lagoon. The whole setting is surreal: rugged coastline, turquoise water, and a backdrop of steep green cliffs. It’s a one-of-a-kind place to swim, sunbathe, and unwind on Madeira’s wild north coast. We didn’t have time to take a dip, but we really enjoyed sitting by the pools, eating our lunch, and soaking in the views. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/61101085357010220936ee7b/35f7ba3c-b2c5-4be4-9f2c-f330026353ac/IMG_1634.jpeg Madeira Ponta do Pargo marks the westernmost point of Madeira, a rugged headland known for its striking lighthouse, towering cliffs, and sweeping views over the open Atlantic. Standing at the edge, you get an incredible sense of space—the kind that makes the ocean feel endless and the island’s volcanic backbone unmistakable. The area is especially magical at sunset, when the sky glows gold and the cliffs drop into shadow, creating one of the most dramatic coastal scenes on Madeira. It’s a quiet, expansive place that invites you to slow down and simply take in the beauty of the island’s wild west coast. This wasn’t originally on our list of stops, but it ended up being one of our absolute favourite viewpoints. Sometimes the unplanned places turn out to be the most memorable. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/61101085357010220936ee7b/4f9b78ca-353e-4ef2-b804-36bc395b98d7/IMG_1659.jpeg Madeira - Calheta Arco da Calheta is a charming village located on the south coast of Madeira. The village is perched on hills overlooking the Atlantic Ocean, offering incredible panoramic views of the sea and surrounding landscapes. We chose the Saccharum Resort and Spa for our two nights stay. Built on the site of a former sugar cane mill, the resort's interior design pays homage to this heritage. The décor incorporates elements reminiscent of sugar cane, creating a contemporary yet historically inspired ambiance. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/61101085357010220936ee7b/ba18aecf-ce9c-465a-ba42-f1e8b34fb91a/IMG_1717.jpeg Madeira - Day 5 - Western Madeira The PR6 hike is officially called Levada das 25 Fontes e Levada do Risco. It offers stunning views, lush vegetation, and access to beautiful waterfalls. The drive to the Rabaçal parking area from our hotel took only about 15 minutes, but the weather felt like it changed in an instant. It was another day where Madeira really tested us. We left the hotel under warm temperatures and bright sunshine, only to arrive at the trailhead in pouring rain and strong, gusty winds. The contrast was almost unbelievable. One of those classic Madeira moments where the microclimates remind you who’s in charge. The hike - 11.75 km | 694 m The first section leads to the Risco Waterfall, where a towering cascade flows over a dramatic cliff into the lush valley below. The path along this levada is relatively wide and easy, offering views of the surrounding mountains and valleys. The Risco Waterfall viewing platform is a short detour (~10 minutes) from the main trail. Instead of hiking this as an out and back, we chose to make it into a loop and return via Vereda da Amelinha. This alternative path is less busy was was suppposed to offer spectacular panoramas. Due to the weather we didn’t see as much as we would have on a clear day. Directions by Alltrails https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/61101085357010220936ee7b/fc1415d1-03c4-4e11-8a96-c35ce1eb8e32/IMG_1819.jpeg Madeira - Fanal Forest The Fanal Forest is part of the Laurisilva Forest, a UNESCO World Heritage site, and is famed for its ancient, twisted trees often shrouded in a mysterious mist. We were going to come and see the forest after our PR6 hike, but it was recommended that we come early in the morning since that is when the mist is often present, creating an enchanting and mystical atmosphere. Fanal is a popular destination for hiking, offering trails that range from easy strolls to more challenging routes. Since our main hike chosen for the day was the PR6, we only did a short loop that took us through the heart of Fanal Forest, perfect for a quick visit or leisurely exploration. Route by Strava https://seekingthesummit.squarespace.com/peru daily 0.75 2025-06-19 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/61101085357010220936ee7b/5cfd6151-27ee-420e-b734-8c536854b088/IMG_8859.jpeg Peru - Planning your adventure Machu Picchu is one of the New Seven Wonders of the World, a breathtaking Incan citadel nestled in the Andes at 2,430m. It’s the grand finale for many trekkers and travelers in Peru. There are two main treks - the Inca Trail and Salkantay Trek. The Inca Trail is Peru’s most famous trek and one of the most iconic hikes in the world. However, it requires a permit and it’s very crowded. There are no traditional hotels or lodges along the way. Instead, trekkers stay in campsites provided by their tour operator. It does however, lead directly into Machu Pichu. For hikers looking for the road less travelled with lodges rather than campsites, the 7 day Salkantay Trek with Mountain Lodges is a must. It meanders through the same region of the Peruvian Andes and has the same conditions as the Inca Trail. It weaves through lush jungles, cloud forests, high-altitude alpine meadows, snow-capped mountains and remote villages along the way. This trail ends in Aquas Calientes, just outside of Machu Pichu. Since the Salkantay Trek reaches high altitudes of 4,600m, spending time in Cusco or the Sacred Valley before your trek is crucial for acclimatization and avoiding altitude sickness. The more time you spend at higher altitudes before the trek, the better your body will adjust, making your hike more enjoyable and safer. Drink coca tea, stay hydrated, and take it slow. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/61101085357010220936ee7b/c2f00295-918d-4c40-a5e6-e6dc4ac52718/IMG_7675.jpeg Peru Sacred Valley Sacred Valley is a must-do before the Salkantay Trek. It offers a mix of light hikes, luxury stays, and cultural immersion to help you acclimate while enjoying stunning landscapes. Following our arrival at Cusco airport, we chose to take a private transfer (arranged through the Airbnb) directly to Urubamba where we spent the afternoon relaxing at our villa and wondering around town.. There are 3 luxury hotels to choose from Inkaterra, Tambo del Inka or Explora Valle Sagrado. Because we were 7 people, we chose to stay at a Luxury Villa. The villa was amazing…gated and close to town. Every morning the caretakers came and made us breakfast and cleaned up after. The following day we got up early and spent the day explorying this incredible Valley. We hired the same driver to come and pick us up and drive us between all the sites. There are tour guides for hire at each site should you wish to learn more about the history. You will also need to pay to enter each site. There is a Sacred Valley bundle ticket which will give you access to Ollantaytambo, Moray, Chinchero and Pisac. You will need to pay extra for the Maras salt mines, which I do highly recommend visiting. Since Pisac is on the way back to Cusco we chose to visit that the following day to minimize driving and arrive back in Cusco in the afternoon in time to check into our next villa. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/61101085357010220936ee7b/c241719a-dab7-4c96-ac6d-68bf4e610b91/IMG_7629.jpeg Peru Ollantayambo Ruins Ollantaytambo — where the past still walks beside you. Tucked deep in Peru’s Sacred Valley, this ‘Living Inca Town’ is one of the last places where original Inca urban planning and architecture remain intact and actively used. Imagine walking ancient stone paths, drinking coca tea where emperors once stood, and gazing up at a fortress that resisted Spanish conquest. From the towering Sun Temple ruins that guard the valley to vibrant Quechua markets lining narrow alleys, Ollantaytambo is a living blend of history, spirituality, and daily life. It’s not just a stop on the way to Machu Picchu — it’s a destination full of soul. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/61101085357010220936ee7b/e2d129d4-e91e-40b7-9376-5a8c6dcbe16e/IMG_7763.jpeg Peru Maras Salt Mines Thousands of glistening salt pools cascading down the Sacred Valley. Nestled in the Andes near Cusco, the Maras Salt Mines have been harvested by hand since pre-Inca times. Fed by an underground salt spring, each terraced pool reflects sunlight in brilliant whites and golds, creating a surreal landscape unlike anywhere else on Earth. Today, local families still manage and maintain these pans, preserving a tradition that’s centuries old. While walking through the salt flats is no longer allowed to protect them, the panoramic viewpoints offer unbeatable photo ops. A must-stop if you’re exploring the Sacred Valley! https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/61101085357010220936ee7b/f75a4a0c-2cef-4a31-a39e-a3e19f957f40/IMG_7688.jpeg Peru Moray Agricultural Terraces Ancient science carved into the Earth - the Moray agricultural terraces were absolutely incredible! These concentric stone circles were used by the Inca as a sophisticated agricultural laboratory. Each level created a different microclimate, allowing them to experiment with crops at various temperatures and altitudes What looks like an amphitheater is actually a masterpiece of engineering, showcasing the Inca’s deep understanding of climate, soil, and sustainability. Standing here, you’re reminded that innovation isn’t just modern — it’s rooted in history. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/61101085357010220936ee7b/5168862b-ea0c-4f97-85cc-11c0223f831c/IMG_7767.jpeg Peru Chinchero Discover the vibrant world of Chinchero textiles! Each piece is a testament to centuries-old weaving traditions passed down through generations. From naturally dyed fibers to intricate patterns, every creation reflects the heart and heritage of the Andean people. The dies come from local plants, roots, and insects like cochineal. Weavers carefully extract vibrant reds, blues, and yellows using traditional techniques—like boiling or fermenting—ensuring each piece carries a piece of Andean nature and culture We purchased alpaca sweaters, blankets, hats, socks and scarves, which kept us cozy warm on this adventure. Support local artisans and help preserve this incredible cultural legacy. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/61101085357010220936ee7b/bd1cde93-c802-4761-9ad0-67ab1843a1ab/IMG_7807.jpeg Peru Pisac Ruins & Market High in the Sacred Valley, the Pisac ruins sprawl across the mountain like a fortress in the clouds, an incredible example of Inca stonework, agricultural terraces, and sacred temples. From the summit, you get sweeping views that feel like they belong in another era. Just below, the town of Pisac bursts with color and life. The market is a maze of textiles, jewelry, ceramics, and local food — all handmade and steeped in Andean tradition. Our favourite place for textiles was however Chinchero. The quality and prices were unmatched. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/61101085357010220936ee7b/796d1592-e00e-40d6-b70d-39fd96d1d766/IMG_7882.jpeg Peru Cusco We have now spent 4 days getting used to the altitutude and ready for our scenic, less crowded yet challenging adventure leading to Machu Picchu. In the evening before our tour began, we met our MLP guides and fellow travellers for a quick trip briefing. You are provided with a duffel bag which is what you need to pack in for the duration of the trek. This duffel will follow you, travelling on mules, and you will have access to it at each lodge. What you need for each day’s hike will need to go in your day pack. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/61101085357010220936ee7b/8a45c4fd-72d7-4802-aa0f-a2d613add8ff/IMG_7926.jpeg Peru - Day 1 - Cusco to Soraypampa After an early breakfast, our tour began. The first stop was a visit to the Quillarumiyoc archaeological site en route to the mountain village of Mollepata. Often called the Temple of the Moon, this sacred site is less touristy, but steeped in Incan astronomy, religion, and mysticism. It takes about 2.5 hours to get from Cusco to Mollepata and the road is a well paved hwy with beautiful rolling hills, small villages, and deep valleys. We enjoyed lunch at El Pedregal, a beautiful farmhouse in the village, where we also had the opportunity to learn about local agriculture. From Mollepata to Challacancha the Andean views are epic, with Salkantay Mountain appearing in the distance, but it’s an unpaved gravel road that is very bumpy. This part of the journey takes about an hour. Challacancha to Salkantay Lodge - 6.7km | 310m The Lodge has road access and for those not wanthing to hike this first leg, do have the option of getting a ride with the duffel bags. But it is highly recommended you hike. This first section is relatively short, but takes you through some of the most breathtaking scenery before reaching the lodge. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/61101085357010220936ee7b/366c7d14-f0de-4965-bc07-54dcf1fe24ab/IMG_8056.jpeg Peru - Day 2 - Humantay Lake - 7.4km | 550m The hike from Salkantay Lodge to Humantay Lake is a short, but steep climb that takes you to one of the most stunning turquoise glacial lakes in Peru. It’s an optional side trek on the Salkantay Trek, but 100% worth the effort. This lake is a popular destination so we chose to get up early and leave the lodge by 7am to ensure we had the lake all to ourselves for a bit before the masses arrived. Expect steep switchbacks with a steady uphill climb. Make sure to take breaks often as the altitude will be your biggest challenge. Dress in layers as it’s cold in the morning and very warm once the sun comes out. Above the lake we were able to participate in a traditional Peruvian Offering. In Peru, people honor Pachamama (Mother Earth) through a ritual called pago a la tierra. It’s a beautiful ceremony where they gather coca leaves, flowers, sweets, and symbolic miniatures on a ceremonial cloth. Everything is then buried or burned to ask for blessings, abundance, and protection. A timeless way to give thanks to nature and the spirits. After lunch, spend a leisurely afternoon exploring Soraypampa on horseback or book a massage (these are not part of the tour and can be added for an addtional cost). There are also hot tubs at each lodge. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/61101085357010220936ee7b/9a51cee2-ff42-4883-aa47-f853adc1e48a/IMG_8286.jpeg Peru Day 3 - Crossing the Salkantay Pass - 14km | 860m The Salkantay Pass is the highest point on the Trek to Machu Picchu at 4,600m. This is the most challenging and rewarding day, offering breathtaking Andean scenery and views of Mount Salkantay. Crossing the Salkantay Pass is a once-in-a-lifetime experience, with dramatic landscapes and a feeling of accomplishment unlike any other. Despite all our training, altitude prep, and our general fitness level, the climb pushed us in ways we didn’t expect. The air felt thin, every step burned, and the wind was strong despite the incredible weather. But with every step, we felt stronger, more determined, and so grateful for this incredible journey. Standing at the summit, surrounded by rugged peaks and breathtaking views, we felt an overwhelming sense of accomplishment. Moments like these remind us why our bucket list exists — for the challenge, the growth, and the unforgettable memories. After the pass, the trek gradually gets easier as you descend into warmer climates leading to Machu Picchu. The wind continues to be quite cold even on the descent so be prepared to change a few times along the way. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/61101085357010220936ee7b/488b2ad5-15ac-4def-8535-0ed637b47dd4/IMG_8404.jpeg Peru - Day 4 - Wayra to Colpa Lodge - 8 km | 130m After a leisurely breakfast at Wayra Lodge, we left the high-altitude plains behind, following the Salkantay River as it weaved its way into lush cloud forest. The trail was a gentle descent, a welcome change after yesterday’s climb, and every step brought new sights - waterfalls, orchids, and bursts of vibrant butterflies. Halfway down, the warm air began to rise from the edge of the jungle and the vegetation turned a deep green. It felt like entering another world, so different from the rugged highlands. Arriving at Colpa Lodge was a reward in itself. Perched on a hill where three rivers meet, with an outdoor jacuzzi and the best Pachamanca lunch (cooked underground with hot stones) This is what hiking dreams are made of - incredible scenery, new friendships, and unforgettable experiences around every bend. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/61101085357010220936ee7b/67e4c6e3-a826-4a78-8284-e69bab6f3463/IMG_8163.jpeg Peru - Day 6 - Luca Lodge to Train station 11km | 750m From Lucma Lodge we embarked on a climb through the cloud forest up a path mostly comprised of original Inca steps. A lush tree line created green canopies overhead and the constant sound of rushing water suggested that the river was nearby. Upon arrival at the Llactapata Pass we got our first view of Machu Picchu, a sight few travelers get the chance to admire. The final descent along a trail that zigzagged down to the roaring Aobamba River, we walked through lush bamboo forests, varied fruit orchards, and more coffee plantations. We celebrated our final steps of the trek as we crossed the bridge over the river to the Hidroelectrica train station. From here we embarked on a one-hour scenic train ride to the town of Aguas Calientes, on the banks of the Urubamba River at the base of Machu Picchu. Segment 4 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/61101085357010220936ee7b/145ddd8d-0aa1-4907-9011-afddfe76de78/IMG_8832.jpeg Peru Day 7 - Machu Pichu As previously mentioned, the only way you can enter Machu Pichu on foot is via the Inka Trail. This morning we took an uphill bus ride to the ‘sanctuary’ and were awed by the imposing, skillful architecture of the Watchtower, the Temple of the Sun, and the royal Inca residences, among others. After a two-hour guided tour, we had some free time to explore on our own. We did the climb up Huayna Picchu, the peak that forms the backdrop for all photos of Machu Picchu. The number of people allowed to climb per day is limited so your tickets need to be purchased well in advance of your visit. After the visit we had lunch in Aguas Calientes before a scenic Vistadome train ride to Ollantaytambo (approx 1.5 hours) and vehicle transfer to our hotel in Cusco (approx 1.5 hours). https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/61101085357010220936ee7b/9396b9f0-92b7-456b-b4bf-6e9f119f0691/IMG_8563.jpeg Peru Info to help you pack! Hiking gear - weather varies greatly and packing layers is key! The sun is hot, but the shade and wind are very cold! During the Salkantay Pass day I think we changed a dozen times to be comfortable. I had an outfit of tights and a wool t-shirt for each day and added a long sleeved wool shirt, mid layer, puffy jacket, rain jacket, hiking pants to go over tights, hat, gloves and buff. I did wish I would have packed a vest. You cannot wear your hiking shoes inside the lodges so you may want to pack a slipper as the floors are cold. Water from the tap isn’t safe to drink and it’s even recommended to use bottled water for brushing your teeth. I purchased a lifestraw, but it really isn’t required. There is bottled water everywhere. Cash on hand - the tips for the workers at the lodges are included in the cost of your trip. You will however need to tip your guides, person guiding your emergeny horses, sherpas carrying water/food through the Inca Trail where horses aren’t allowed and your porters in Aquas Calientes. You will want cash for this as well as shopping at markets. Most places do not take credit cards and ATM’s charge a fee to take $$ out. https://seekingthesummit.squarespace.com/zion daily 0.75 2025-05-19 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/61101085357010220936ee7b/72eca0ee-f060-4aa1-8859-e86f12514c6b/IMG_7007.jpeg Zion National Park https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/61101085357010220936ee7b/d6f4dbdb-526b-4a18-a4e4-1fdeeaee68f7/IMG_7002.jpeg Zion National Park https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/61101085357010220936ee7b/4a6aadff-de8c-48a3-aa56-1998ad8e1365/IMG_6997.jpeg Zion National Park https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/61101085357010220936ee7b/072b8339-7a7b-47f8-846a-943018dc4c30/IMG_7055.jpeg Zion National Park https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/61101085357010220936ee7b/fdd7df9a-f999-4677-aba0-7b6bd95c0bfc/IMG_7138.jpeg Zion National Park https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/61101085357010220936ee7b/cc10dfce-d80c-4e3f-81ce-18b6ec222e23/IMG_7123.jpeg Zion National Park https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/61101085357010220936ee7b/8bc4db86-7c3e-4268-994b-9e26a4162d6e/IMG_7087.jpeg Zion National Park - Angels Landing Angels Landing has been on our bucket list for years and in January, we hit the jackpot and won the permit lottery. When we found out, I wasn’t sure whether to be thrilled or completely terrified. Known as one of the most iconic and nerve-wracking hikes in the U.S., it’s the kind of trail that tests both your courage and your footing. Clinging to chains with sheer thousand-foot drop-offs on either side, every step felt like a heart-pounding challenge. But reaching the summit was absolutely worth it. The views over Zion Canyon were unreal—like standing on the edge of the world. This was hands down one of the most intense adventures I’ve ever done and also one of the most rewarding. It scared the hell out of me—but I’m so glad I didn’t let that stop me from doing it. Since 2022, a permit is required to hike the chained section of Angels Landing. There is a Seasonal Lottery (you apply in advance) and a Day-Before Lottery (you apply the day before at 12 PM MT). Permits are only needed for the chained section - from Scout Lookout to the Summit. Directions by Alltrails https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/61101085357010220936ee7b/e93a94b9-3bc2-475d-89f2-7664a9155062/IMG_7145.jpeg Zion National Park - Scout Lookout Not ready for Angels Landing and the chains? No problem. The hike up to Scout Lookout still brings the elevation, the switchbacks, and the jaw-dropping canyon views without the sheer drops. It’s the perfect spot to catch your breath, soak it all in, and still say you conquered a piece of Zion. Directions by Alltrails https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/61101085357010220936ee7b/8b604a93-feb9-4040-b111-ceaaec6d1394/IMG_4448.jpeg Zion National Park - The Narrows Zion National Park has so much to offer, including the famous Narrows Hike. The trail is not maintained as you are hiking in the cold water of the Virgin River on slippery rocks. With proper equipment (sturdy hiking shoes and walking sticks available for rent) and good judgement, dangers can be minimized. Flash floods are the most serious hazard in the Zion Narrows. August is the month with the heaviest precipitation while June is the driest. The monsoon season begins in mid-July and continues through mid-September, so if you are considering hiking the Narrows during this time period, get the most updated weather information possible before you begin. If you’re hiking from the bottom up and back, no permit is required. We turned around at the 5km mark making the total hike 10km long. Truly an incredible and unique experience! Directions by Alltrails https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/61101085357010220936ee7b/6bd02ebf-d8cc-424a-9cbf-e50998d92831/IMG_7205.jpeg Zion National Park - Emerald Pools The Emerald Pools Trail is a popular and scenic hike featuring a series of waterfalls and pools nestled within a lush desert oasis. The trail comprises of three main sections: Lower, Middle, and Upper Emerald Pools, each offering unique views and experiences. As of June 2023, the bridge from Zion Lodge (Shuttle Stop 5) is under construcitons and closed to hikers. We started at the Grotto (Shuttle Stop 6) and hiked up to the Upper Pool via the Kayenta Trail. This trail is quite busy so instead of hiking it as an out and back we continued on the Middle Emerald Pools Trail towards the bridge. Here we had a choice - cross the River on foot since the bridge is not accessible and head to the Lodge OR continue on Sand Beach Trail to Shuttle Stop 4. Since we were thirsty and didn’t have water, we chose to cross the River and head to the Lodge for a cold beverage. We did need to take our shoes off and cross the river in knee deep water, but what’s a hike without a little bit of adventure. Partial directions by Alltrails https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/61101085357010220936ee7b/d80279ed-410e-4655-be2c-b132690c966b/IMG_7284.jpeg Zion National Park - Checkerboard Mesa Checkerboard Mesa is a striking and iconic sandstone formation located in the eastern section of the Park and is one of those stops that makes you do a double take. The cross-hatched lines etched into the sandstone look like something out of an artist’s sketchbook. It’s the perfect roadside view - no hike needed, just pull over, take it in, and wonder how wind, water, and time carved this masterpiece. Zion never stops surprising. https://seekingthesummit.squarespace.com/australia-new-zealand daily 0.75 2025-04-11 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/61101085357010220936ee7b/e937f846-3a67-4d79-aa06-a0c550358e1a/IMG_5597.jpeg Australia and New Zealand https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/61101085357010220936ee7b/763975f6-3948-4a71-b889-ee78cd2d3388/IMG_5620.jpeg Australia and New Zealand https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/61101085357010220936ee7b/c9a2fcd7-bfcf-4d4d-ac85-0573b8a0a662/IMG_5687.jpeg Australia and New Zealand https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/61101085357010220936ee7b/bbbd7ce1-4bb6-4ba2-91fa-57570f05c631/IMG_5709.jpeg Australia and New Zealand https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/61101085357010220936ee7b/88022412-abe7-441d-8222-0c7bbd9fca25/IMG_5711.jpeg Australia and New Zealand https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/61101085357010220936ee7b/15735bb0-6bae-42c5-ba6d-286039dabc38/IMG_5713.jpeg Australia and New Zealand https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/61101085357010220936ee7b/75a774b2-5907-46e6-96a1-9c22c906dc73/IMG_5714.jpeg Australia and New Zealand https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/61101085357010220936ee7b/86ee4d25-b555-4f3d-994f-a86c161da0f5/IMG_5732.jpeg Australia and New Zealand https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/61101085357010220936ee7b/6aab54ac-0988-4144-9df8-bf74e0b8e8fa/IMG_5807.jpeg Australia and New Zealand https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/61101085357010220936ee7b/ec36fed8-4786-4202-9124-06530b923e8b/IMG_5780.jpeg Australia and New Zealand https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/61101085357010220936ee7b/39471632-270c-41ca-b407-a0f06765b4e2/IMG_5892.jpeg Australia and New Zealand https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/61101085357010220936ee7b/a2d28b33-a4c9-4c19-9bf2-5e066fb3a28a/IMG_5890.jpeg Australia and New Zealand https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/61101085357010220936ee7b/56e6fa90-4a34-4219-a48a-c2619c7e4dfc/IMG_5897.jpeg Australia and New Zealand https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/61101085357010220936ee7b/1fbf9724-4584-466f-8c49-6ba50bee73e1/IMG_5893.jpeg Australia and New Zealand https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/61101085357010220936ee7b/92d600f6-5fa7-45ef-b035-f1fe42bf00c0/IMG_6057.jpeg Australia and New Zealand https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/61101085357010220936ee7b/175fe0ba-eae4-4ca2-ab6f-98acc1481e0a/IMG_5627.jpeg Australia and New Zealand - Auckland New Zealand has so many tracks and a few are on my bucket list, but this was a different kind of trip. Having said that, I did manage to find a few child friendly hikes. Our first adventure took us to the top of one of Auckland’s most iconic volcanic cones - Mount Eden. It’s a relatively quick hike with sweeping 360° views over the city, harbor, and beyond. It’s wild to think this peaceful green crater was once an actual volcano. This spot is close to downtown and a perfect mix of nature and history. On our way back we stopped at Honey Cafe for the most amazing brunch. We chose to stay at the Intercontinental which was attached to a mall with the most amazing food court perfect for the kids and quick dinners. With easy access to the seawall, I took advantage and enjoyed my daily morning runs. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/61101085357010220936ee7b/87e69564-7f78-4b88-8482-061d5dcbf300/IMG_5733.jpeg Australia and New Zealand - Waiheke Island A little slice of wine country heaven just a ferry ride away from Auckland. A day trip just wasn’t enough to explore all this incredible island has to offer. Upon arriving on the island we hiked the short low track from the ferry terminal to Oneroa. This charming coastal destination is the main village on the island and it’s known for its stunning beaches, boutique shops, and vibrant café culture. There are approximately 30 boutique wineries on the island, making it difficult to choose which to visit. Upon doing some research I decided to make a lunch reservation at Batch Winery. Perched high on the hills of the Island, this place completely stole the show. From the moment we stepped onto the vineyard, it was all panoramic views, coastal breezes, and that golden island glow. We sipped our way through their small-batch wines while grazing on a next-level menu that felt like it was made to match the views. We wrapped up the day with some sandy toes and salty air at Oneroa Beach watching the kids running wild and saoking up the sun. Waiheke Island you really know how to do it all! https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/61101085357010220936ee7b/c1f756d5-6e4a-4d7b-949d-131d04e8c777/IMG_6373.jpeg Australia and New Zealand Rotorua This geothermal wonderland was like stepping into another world where the Earth breathes, bubbles, and glows. We started with the glowworm caves, drifting through total darkness as tiny lights twinkled overhead. Quiet, surreal, and kind of magical in the best way. Photos in the caves aren’t allowed, so you will need to imagine its beauty. Then back to the surface with bubbling mud pools blurping away and geysers blasting steam into the sky. The power and heat pouring out of the land here is unreal. You can feel it in your chest, smell it in the air and see it rising all around you. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/61101085357010220936ee7b/e77a971c-226b-41e0-ab5b-3621f5cb6395/IMG_5861.jpeg Australia and New Zealand - Sydney From morning runs on the seawall and through the botanical gardens, to golden hour glows by the Opera House, every moment felt like a postcard came to life. Whether we were wandering through The Rocks, catching a ferry to Manly, or just people-watching at Circular Quay with gelato in hand, this city never missed a beat. It’s the perfect mix of buzzing city life and laid-back beach culture. One minute you're strolling through a trendy laneway café, and the next you're barefoot in the sand at Bondi, soaking up the sun like a local. Sydney, you’ve officially made the “favourites” list. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/61101085357010220936ee7b/44224c98-b275-4431-a31c-f3332db54325/IMG_5998.jpeg Australia and New Zealand - A Surfers Paradise The Gold Coast is definitely a surfer’s paradise. It’s this wild mix of beach bum chill and city slick glamour. You’ve got high rises glittering above golden sand, endless palm trees swaying in the breeze, surfboards parked next to sleek cafés, and an ocean that never quits. As much as I love a big city vibe, my favourite adventures tend to be in places that make you forget time exists. Tucked between lush headlands and the sparkling Pacific, Currumbin Alley is that kind of place. A quiet hidden gem that is peaceful, yet still a surfers paradise. Soft rolling waves for the cruisers, powerful sets around the corner for the pros, and golden sand for everyone in between. Loved our lunch at Tommy’s Italian! This hidden gem offers wood fired pizzas, handmade pasta, creamy burrata and the best Sangria all with sweeping ocean views. Since the day is never complete without a visit to the beach, we spent the afternoon wadding in the water and watching the local kids trade their classrooms for waves. Nothing says “Gold Coast childhood” like racing down to the beach after the bell rings with boards under arms, sandy feet, and huge smiles. Pure magic! https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/61101085357010220936ee7b/15254014-05f1-4aee-b8c7-defd2c6b03fc/IMG_6176.jpeg Australia and New Zealand Noosa Heads This little slice of coastal heaven has completely stolen my heart — honestly, it might just be better than Maui! We kicked off the day with a hike through Noosa National Park — the Hells Gates Tanglewood Track Loop had everything from rugged cliffs, crashing waves and hidden lookout points to lush rainforest trails. Breakfast at Aromas was the perfect reset — Parisian café vibes with beach-town charm. The coffee was so good it deserved a moment of silence and I’m still dreaming about the coconut yogurt, fresh fruit and granola combo. Sunny afternoons were for sinking into a good book at Main Beach while the kids hit the waves, bodyboarding like total pros. Our dinner at Bistro C was definitely my fav. The restaurant offers breathtaking views of Laguna Bay that perfectly complement its award-winning cuisine. Even the rainy days brought their own kind of magic — strolling down Hastings Street, ducking in and out of shops, and somehow buying things we didn’t need. Places like these leave you with the kind of memories that last long after the tan lines fade. Noosa we will definitely be back! https://seekingthesummit.squarespace.com/valley-of-fire daily 0.75 2025-05-19 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/61101085357010220936ee7b/16350279-9f22-4ea9-b771-04ae039a1eb4/IMG_7351.jpeg Valley of Fire If you’re flying into Vegas and headed to Zion National Park, you must stop at the Valley of Fire State Park along the way. The Park is located approximately 1 hour northeast of Vegas and is Nevada's oldest and largest state park, encompassing nearly 46,000 acres of vivid red sandstone formations, ancient petroglyphs, and diverse desert landscapes. Named for its fiery red rocks that appear to blaze under the sun, the park offers a rich tapestry of geological wonders and cultural history. Our plan was to hike the Fire Wave, White Domes and Seven Wonders Loop, but we didn’t realize that this trail is closed annually from mid May to the beginning of October due to extreme heat and the safety of visitors. As a result we just wondered around the park taking in the views instead. https://seekingthesummit.squarespace.com/sedona daily 0.75 2025-05-19 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/61101085357010220936ee7b/b5e315ea-51c3-49f6-af18-b30f087d2df2/IMG_9038.jpeg Sedona https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/61101085357010220936ee7b/896704f3-a7a7-4301-9ed8-e9c319c870ba/IMG_9024.jpeg Sedona Soldier’s Pass Soldier’s Pass Trail in Sedona, Arizona, is a moderately challenging hike renowned for its unique geological features, including the Devil’s Kitchen Sinkhole, the Seven Sacred Pools, and the Soldier Pass Cave. This trail offers hikers a blend of natural beauty and adventure, making it a must-visit for those exploring the Sedona area. We were headed from Phoenix to the Grand Canyon and this was the perfect warmup for our big Rim to Rim hike. Directions by Alltrails https://seekingthesummit.squarespace.com/moab daily 0.75 2026-05-02 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/61101085357010220936ee7b/c69f059a-3c98-4743-9ad7-1489c78a45b8/IMG_4979.jpeg Moab https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/61101085357010220936ee7b/c9100497-7dc9-4167-ab30-5a13d5b4b173/IMG_5059.jpeg Moab https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/61101085357010220936ee7b/2c2d8b2d-30fc-44e1-b44d-e2e1f9d5f9ef/IMG_5054.jpeg Moab https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/61101085357010220936ee7b/0678e231-3f56-4e1a-a97b-fefbaaf3ec1f/IMG_5128.jpeg Moab https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/61101085357010220936ee7b/18e6ac88-bd5f-4f1f-935c-1a491fc3ae29/IMG_5274.jpeg Moab https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/61101085357010220936ee7b/e53b4d71-6489-436b-8caa-b434612b2f8c/IMG_5272.jpeg Moab https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/61101085357010220936ee7b/df364a71-b3be-4cf0-833e-36a904ef194a/IMG_5269.jpeg Moab https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/61101085357010220936ee7b/a1bd6068-c4df-44fe-b99e-7a327d4d1c61/IMG_5276.jpeg Moab https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/61101085357010220936ee7b/fe17267a-f1da-40e3-a740-214d8ac086e9/IMG_5313.jpeg Moab - Planning your Adventure Rule #1 of the Thelma & Louise Half: don’t do it alone! And it wasn’t hard to convince a few friends to come along for the ride. We laughed, we suffered, and we showed up at the finish. But you don’t travel all the way to Moab for just one race. Incredible days exploring Dead Horse Point State Park, Potash Road, Corona Arch, Canyonlands, Arches National Park and the scenic HWY 128. The perfect getaway with strong amazing women, the great outdoors, and a whole lot of laughs. Friday - travel day (closes airport is Grand Junction) Saturday - race day and afternoon at the pool Sunday - Dead Horse Point State Park & Corona Arch Monday - Canyonlands National Park Tuesday - Arches National Park Wednesday - travel day home https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/61101085357010220936ee7b/73a39fb0-a90d-48ab-a167-5f89106e0b5a/IMG_4842.jpeg Moab - Arrival in Moab The closest airport to Moab is Grand Junction, Colorado. Upon arrival, we picked up our rental card and headed to grab our race kits and familiarize ourselves with the location so raceday morning can be smooth sailing. We chose to stay at the Spring Hill Suites as it was the most central to the race and all the sites we wanted to explore. It’s not walkable to downtown Moab, but since we had a car, that didn’t matter. Restaurant recommendations: Dewey’s Restaurant & Bar - after hike lunch (no food in parks) Moab Garage Co and Bella’s Deli - best sandwiches to go Sunset Grill - best for views 98 Center - My Fav! Fiesta Mexicana - you can never go wrong with Mexican https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/61101085357010220936ee7b/6099c25e-dc37-483f-ba4e-88891eda518c/IMG_4863.jpeg Moab - Thelma & Louise Race The Thelma & Louise Race is a scenic trail running event held each spring in Moab, Utah, organized by Mad Moose Events. It offers multiple distances — including a 50K, marathon, half marathon, and 15K — and takes runners through the rugged red-rock desert landscape near the Behind the Rocks area. The course features a mix of dirt trails, slickrock, sand, and rolling hills, with views of the La Sal Mountains and Moab’s famous canyon scenery. Known for its adventurous and social atmosphere, the race attracts runners looking for both a physical challenge and a memorable destination experience, making it a popular choice for a race weekend combined with hiking and outdoor exploration. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/61101085357010220936ee7b/e1ae6ca0-2054-4c0d-ae3c-9aaa95279fb2/IMG_5003.jpeg Moab - Dead Horse Point State Park We planned to visit Dead Horse Point State Park the day after our race because you can either explore it as a hike or simply stop at the different lookout points throughout the park. Some are right along the main road, while others require only a short walk. Since we were feeling quite good, we chose to hike the entire Rim Loop which was 10km with minimal elevation. The closer you get to Dead Horse Point, the more the river starts to reveal itself below. It’s definitely one of the most dramatic, iconic, and unforgettable viewpoints in the area. We returned to the visitor centre via the East Rim, which gave us a slightly different angle on the same incredible canyon system. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/61101085357010220936ee7b/a599d1d6-0b2e-4c33-862d-99b835dd888f/IMG_5078.jpeg Moab - Corona Arch After lunch in Moab, we decided to add on one more hike and drove out to Corona Arch. It was the perfect contrast to Dead Horse Point — instead of looking down into massive canyon views, we were walking right through the desert landscape. The hike was short, but still felt adventurous, with slickrock, cables, and a ladder section before reaching the huge sandstone arch at the end. Started the hike under blue skies and ended up watching a full desert storm roll in over Corona Arch. Thunder echoing through the canyon, rain hitting red rock, and the four of us taking shelter under the arch. It was a great way to finish the day! https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/61101085357010220936ee7b/adcb5b34-bd84-4db3-aa01-654646f2ca11/IMG_5142.jpeg Moab - Canyonlands National Park The post-race fatigue hit today, but that didn’t stop us from exploring more of this area. Island in the Sky in Canyonlands definitely delivered. A completely different perspective and a reminder of just how massive this place really is. The Park has a mix of short hikes, roadside lookouts, and bigger canyon views without needing a huge elevation day. We chose to hike the Grand View Point Trail, which is probably the best overall short hike in Island in the Sky. It follows the rim and gives huge panoramic views of the canyon system. Murphy Point is a quieter hike and it’s a great choice if you want big canyon views without the crowds of Grand View Point. Having said that, we didn’t find Grand View to be that busy and it is definitely way more impressive. Other worhwile stops - Mesa Arch, White Rim Overlook and Upheaval Dome. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/61101085357010220936ee7b/b1d743e2-bdb7-461f-8959-2f5309bff843/IMG_5219.jpeg Moab - Arches National Park In the offseason, Arches National Park does not require timed-entry reservations. However, because it is still the busiest park in the area, arriving before 9 a.m. is recommended to avoid the larger crowds and long entrance lines. Delicate Arch is the most famous arch in the park and one of the most iconic landmarks in Utah. Because of that, it is also one of the busiest spots, so we decided to make it our first stop of the day. You do have to park in the designated lot, so arriving early is definitely recommended. The hike to reach it is about 5 km round trip and climbs steadily across open slickrock, so it feels exposed, but manageable. The arch itself sits on the edge of a wide sandstone bowl, with open desert and distant mountains behind it. It feels much larger in person than it looks in photos, and the final reveal is what makes the hike so memorable. After Delicate Arch, we headed deeper into Arches to take on the Devil’s Garden Full Loop - my favoruite of the day! This is definitely the most adventurous hike in the park with a mix of famous arches, slickrock sections, and quieter stretches along the primitive trail. The first part to Landscape Arch was busy and easy to follow, but the farther we went, the more rugged and remote it felt. Other worthwile stops - Double Arch, Windows Loop & Turret Arch. https://seekingthesummit.squarespace.com/azores daily 0.75 2026-07-02 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/61101085357010220936ee7b/caf2df6b-5f89-465f-9c19-dd43fa964236/IMG_6664.jpeg Azores Planning Your Adventure Planning a summer adventure can be overwhelming. Some places are too far, too expensive, too hot, or just too popular and busy. If you're looking for a destination that feels off the beaten path, but is still easy to reach from Canada, the Azores are hard to beat. Located in the middle of the Atlantic Ocean, these Portuguese islands offer dramatic volcanic landscapes, crater lakes, hot springs, waterfalls, coastal villages, and incredible ocean views without the crowds found in many European destinations. Even better, there are seasonal direct flights from Toronto to Ponta Delgada on São Miguel, making it one of the most accessible hidden gems for Canadian travellers. It's the kind of place that feels authentic, relaxed, and untouched. Perfect if you’re looking for natural beauty, adventure, and exceptional value all in one trip. However, be aware that the weather can change rapidly across the island, especially at higher elevations. Wear layers, be prepared for sunshine at sea level and rain in the mountains, and don’t be disappointed if you don’t get the view that Instagram promises. Just enjoy your time with your family! Excellent Travel Guide https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/61101085357010220936ee7b/78db382a-37ed-46d5-a186-b61d53e01b73/IMG_6742.jpeg Azores - Day 1 - Ponta Delgada Ponta Delgada is the largest city in the Azores and the main gateway to São Miguel. Located along the island’s southern coast, it combines historic Portuguese architecture, a lively marina, waterfront restaurants, and walkable streets with easy access to some of the island’s most spectacular natural attractions. Arrive at João Paulo II Airport (PDL) Pick up rental car - Ilha Verde Check into hotel - Octant Ponta Delgada Walk through Portas da Cidade,visit São Sebastião Church and explore the marina Dinner at A Tasca - the earlier you arrive the more likely you’ll get a table - they do not take reservations https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/61101085357010220936ee7b/219bff3a-50c6-4b37-9188-12ee826de576/IMG_6631.jpeg Azores - Day 2 - Sete Cidades Volcano Day (buggy tour) Sete Cidades is one of the most iconic locations in the Azores. Centered around a massive volcanic crater, it is famous for its twin lakes, one blue and one green, surrounded by lush hills, dramatic viewpoints, and scenic hiking trails. We chose to take a buggy tour up and around the crater, down to the lakes for coffee and back to Fenais de Luz through Azores Outdoor Activities. The tour takes you through the North Eastern part of the island and around the volcano in 3.5 hours. Lunch at À Terra Spa time at the hotel - Octant Ponta Delgada Dinner at Restaurante Gastronomo BEST viewpoints if you’re exploring the area by car: Pico do Carvão — big green volcanic views Boca do Inferno — best overall view of Sete Cidades Monte Palace Hotel - abandoned hotel perched on the edge of the Caldera Vista do Rei — the famous postcard viewpoint Cerrado das Freiras - quick stop if there is time Sete Cidades village — for coffee and a quick walk Other activities if time allows: Kayaking on Sete Cidades lake Hiking Lagoon of the Seven Cities Lunch at Casa de Cha "O Poejo" Swim in the thermal-water at Ponta da Ferraria Watch sunset from Mosteiros https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/61101085357010220936ee7b/d8bc6294-3ff2-4d27-bbbd-569268e9e2cd/IMG_6843.jpeg Azores - Day 3 - Vila Franca do Campo (boat day) Vila Franca do Campo is a charming seaside town on São Miguel's south coast known for its beautiful harbor, relaxed atmosphere, and stunning volcanic scenery. Once the island's original capital, it is now best known as the gateway to the iconic Ilhéu de Vila Franca do Campo, a volcanic crater island with crystal-clear waters. Overlooking the town is the striking Nossa Senhora da Paz, where a dramatic staircase leads to panoramic views of the coastline, the Atlantic Ocean, and the lush green hills that make the Azores so memorable. Check out and drive toward Vila Franca do Campo Praia Baixa d’Areia - quick viewpoint over Água de Pau Lunch at Bar Caloura - no reservations Private boat tour around Islet de Vila Franca Drive up to the chapel Drive toward Furnas (30 mins) Dinner at Tony’s Restaurant Check into Octant Furnas - it was sold out so we found this Airbnb right by the hotel which was incredible! https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/61101085357010220936ee7b/c212af9a-00da-4351-8a42-bb211b059c62/IMG_6895.jpeg Azores - Day 4 - Ribeira dos Caldeirões Natural Park (canyoning) Ribeira dos Caldeirões Natural Park is a beautiful and lush areas on São Miguel, featuring cascading waterfalls, historic watermills, stone bridges, and dense subtropical vegetation. Located in the island's northeast region, the park feels like a tropical rainforest. It's an ideal stop for a leisurely walk, photography, or simply enjoying the natural beauty of the Azores. It also serves as a popular starting point for canyoning adventures through the surrounding waterfalls and ravines. Drive from Furnas to Ribeira dos Caldeirões Stop at Miradouro do Pico do Ferro - best viewpoint above the lake Half day private canyoning tour - 1:30pm Quick drive back to Furnas Early dinner at the Lounge at Octant Furnas Evening soak at Poça da Dona Beija - four thermal pools of different sizes and depths, all surrounded by vegetation and with an impressive view of nature https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/61101085357010220936ee7b/f038a9a8-aae4-4e15-b23c-1d4d2397daf1/IMG_6951.jpeg Azores - Day 5 - Lagoa das Furnas (e-bike tour) Lagoa das Furnas is a volcanic lake surrounded by lush forests and geothermal activity. The lake is famous for its steaming fumaroles, where the traditional Azorean dish cozido is slow-cooked underground using natural volcanic heat. You can walk along the lakeshore, explore the surrounding trails, and experience the unique combination of tranquil scenery and active geothermal landscapes. With its misty waters, green hills, and volcanic steam rising from the earth, Lagoa das Furnas is an iconic and distinctive destinations in the Azores. Morning run to Cascata Da Ribeira Quente if up early Hike Parque da Grená Waterfall Loop - opens at 9am - need tickets - quick 4.5km forest trail Walk the geothermal fields of Fumaroles and Calderas Half day private ebike tour of Furnas - 1:30pm Cheese tasting at Queijaria Furnense Sweet bread at Bolos Levados - Gloria Moniz Dinner at Furnas Lake Restaurant https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/61101085357010220936ee7b/d6374236-3671-4c6f-ab9e-21659fa4398f/IMG_7058.jpeg Azores - Day 6 - Nordeste (road trip) Road-tripping through Nordeste felt like stepping into another world. Every winding road led to another incredible viewpoint, waterfall, or village, with endless hydrangeas lining the way. It’s quieter, slower, and one of the most beautiful corners of São Miguel. If you’re visiting the island, don’t skip the east coast, it might just end up being your favorite part. From Furnas drive the scenic route toward Ribeira Grande Praia da Povoação Miradouro do Pôr-do-Sol Miradouro da Ponta da Madrugada Miradouro da Ponta do Sossego Miradouro da Vista dos Barcos - view of the lighthouse Cascata da Ponta do Arnel - waterfall Miradouro da Ponta do Arnel - view of the lighthouse Visit the Gorreana Tea Plantation - no reservation needed check into Verde Mar & Spa Hotel enjoy the pool or walk around the historic center of Ribeira Grande sunset at Miradouro de Santa Iria Dinner at Associação Agrícola de São Miguel Ribeira Grande was our least favourite - it’s more central rather than quiet and remote. The Verde Mar was definitley NOT 5* so if we were to return, we would chose a different location. I would probably try and find a place on the West side of the Island and explore more of Sete Cidades and Maisteros. Stay at Sensi Azores instead. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/61101085357010220936ee7b/cf1dd97a-c19c-467f-a9f5-6607862a891c/IMG_7089.jpeg Azores - Day 7 - Lagoa do Fogo (hike) Lagoa do Fogo is a spectacular natural landmark in the nestled within a protected volcanic crater high in the island’s mountains. The lake is surrounded by untouched forests and dramatic slopes, creating a sense of complete wilderness. Whether viewed from above or explored via hiking trails that descend to the shoreline, it is a must-see destination that showcases the island’s raw volcanic beauty. Visit Lagoa do Fogo (20 min drive from Ribeira Grande) Hike from the viewpoint down to the lake and along the shoreline If time, hike PRC37 - hike it counter-clockwise Lunch at Água de Fogo food truck – opens at 11am Head back to Ribeira Grande for a relaxed afternoon Visit Praia de Santa Bárbara for a beach day Option to visit the thermal pools at Caldeira Velha Dinner at Quinta dos Sabores - 6 course tasting menu