Category: Outdoor Adventures
Getting started backcountry skiing on Vancouver Island
As a climber, I always felt so sad when winter rolled around. I thought I was stuck inside until the snow melted. Then it turns out I was wrong. Learning to ski was the answer. And not just any kind of skiing. Backcountry skiing. Where you take your skis for a walk up the mountain…
Written by
VIDEO: A tour of Hišimy̓awiƛ
Here is a video tour that I made of Hišimy̓awiƛ, an Alpine Club of Canada hut on 5040 on Vancouver Island. The video covers burning questions such as: What the sleeping area look like If you can charge your phone (spoiler alert: yes) What dishes and cooking equipment is available in the kitchen How do…
Written by
A long traverse in Strathcona Park where many things go wrong
We set out to travel 80km from Mt. Washington to Flower Ridge over eight days. Our goal was to climb eight of Stratchona Park’s tallest and most remote mountains. This included Harmston, one of Island Qualifiers. I wanted a trip that was physically demanding but less scary than my usual mountaineering trips. COVID stress left…
Written by
VIDEO: Sky Pilot near Squamish, BC
We climbed Sky Pilot, our first South Coast summit at 2031 meters. Easy access You can skip the first few hours of arduous uphill hiking by taking the Sea to Sky gondola. This was quite a different experience than climbing on Vancouver Island, where just the driving on old logging roads can take hours. And…
Written by
VIDEO: Nine Peaks and Big Interior
We climbed the Big Interior and Nine Peaks despite persistent whiteouts, navigation struggles and rain.
Written by
Hiking during COVID-19 for folks in Victoria, BC
Updated April 10, 2020 How do physical distancing rules apply to hiking? And what trails are even open anymore? Current guidelines in BC At the time of writing this British Columbians are allowed to go outside and get some exercise. But we all need to: Stay at least 2 meters away from others Avoid groups…
Written by
Hiking to Mt. Assiniboine in October and having it all to ourselves
The fall is the perfect time to head to the Rockies for experienced backpackers.
Written by
Climbing Mt. Rainier Without A Guide
Then as we turned the corner, it came into view. A massive mountain of snow and ice filled the skyline. And that’s what we were going to attempt to climb without a guide.
Written by
VIDEO: Golden Hinde, The Highest Peak on Vancouver Island
We made it to the highest peak on Vancouver Island, the Golden Hinde! You gain over 5,000 m in elevation over the 60 km you hike to get there. You are constantly going up or down.
Written by
Mt. Shuksan via Fisher Chimneys
I learned to climb on Mt. Shuksan years ago. This course gave me a taste into a hyper-masculine culture where I did not belong. It was powerful to return to this same route on this mountain as a leader under my own terms.
Written by
VIDEO: Victoria Peak via the South Face
We planned three days to climb Victoria Peak. At less than 20km of hiking and only 1200m of elevation gain, this is definitely a comfortable day trip for us. But driving that far north on the island takes forever. (Or six hours to be precise.) So this was going to take three days. And since…
Written by
VIDEO: Arrowsmith via The Bumps and The Nose
This was the most enjoyable way I’ve ever gotten up Mt. Arrowsmith. And probably the most enjoyable scramble that I’ve done on Vancouver Island.
Written by
