British Columbia
Trek
Helicopter into the subalpine paradise of McGillivray Pass where high peaks, wildflowers, and a modern cabin with a private chef await.
Wildflowers. High peaks. Long, lazy days. This is summer at Whitecap’s McGillivray Pass Lodge – your perfect mountain hideaway. Book a spot on one of Whitecap Alpine’s guided trips and leave the hustle behind to hike, recharge and connect with great people in the stunning summer environment of the Coast Mountains. Located just outside of Pemberton, B.C., in the South Chilcotin Range, an idyllic summer escape is closer than you think. Trips dates not labeled Trailblazer or Soundscapes are the classic guided summer hiking trips. Details on specialty trip options:
Trailblazer trip option: Explore further into more challenging terrain. We will be moving off trail for long distances, walking along ridge lines and bagging peaks. This is a hiking focused trip with a mix of trail running and scrambling. Routes are dictated by weather and group fitness/desire. The overall objective is to explore deeper into more adventurous terrain. There will not be any technical climbing or mountaineering involving ropes. However, you may need to use your hands when it gets steep. Please note: This trip will follow a typical Friday-Monday schedule, however the goals and objectives will be more focussed. An emphasis on continuous travel with quicker pacing will be the big difference, combined with more off trail walking and adventurous terrain.
Soundscapes trip option: Soundscapes is a hiking trip with a live music twist. A new concept to bring live music to our remote backcountry lodge. Joining the trip as our feature artist will be singer/ songwriter, Cara Bateman. Based out of Vancouver, B.C., Cara describes her music as “old-timey country, folk, soul, R&B, jazz, and blues.” Cara has played music for people all across Canada, and has performed with bands that I love like Dashboard Confessional, The Elwins, and Dizzy. In 2019, she was also handpicked as an emerging artist and showcased at the Canadian Music Week in Toronto. Guests can expect the regular programming we have for hiking, plus an in the field jam and a final performance from the artist.
Please Note: If you are interested in booking a private trip to the lodge for your group of 13 (min) to 15 (max) people, please reach out to [email protected] to check availability.
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Select Your Trip
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1
Day 1:
Meet at the flight staging area in Pemberton and take a short helicopter ride up to McGillivray Pass Lodge. For trips beginning on Mondays, flights begin at 12PM and for trips beginning on Fridays, flights begin at 9AM. Be ready for your flights with all of your hiking gear on and ready to go, because once you’ve landed and unloaded your gear, you’ll quickly head out for your first hike! Afterwards, have a lodge orientation before starting your apres. Enjoy dinner and dessert around 7PM. -
2
Day 2:
Wake up in the alpine for your first full day of adventure in this amazing landscape. Coffee is ready at 7AM, cold breakfast is ready at 8AM and hot breakfast is served at 8:30AM. This will also be the time to pack up your lunch for the day. At 9AM depart with your group and guides for a full day of hiking and exploring. Hikes are planned based on weather conditions, group fitness, group desires. There will be a strong emphasis on interpretive learning and education of the local environment. Return from your hiking between 3 - 5PM. Apres is served at 5, followed by dinner and dessert at 7PM.
*If you are on the Soundscapes trip option, there will be a concert performance by Cara Bateman during the day. -
3
Day 3:
Repeat the adventure from the previous day! The itinerary will look the same as the day before, with plentiful hiking options.
Options include numerous summits of varying difficulties, with some being gentle with friendly approaches, all the way to scramble ascents along narrower ridges. Some of the highest points we will reach are at 8600ft. Some of the real standout of the hikes include the alpine meadows which are overflowing with wildflowers, and dotted with alpine lakes that allow for swimming breaks.
As part of the unique experience that Whitecap offers in this remote location, one of your objectives for the week is a hike to an alpine lake sauna. There is an easier or more challenging route to get there, and once you arrive, relax and enjoy one of the most amazing sauna experiences around.
Back at the lodge after your day’s activities, enjoy another apres session to build your appetite for dinner and dessert.
*If you are on the Soundscapes trip option, there will be a concert performance by Cara Bateman this evening. -
4
Day 4:
If your trip is 4 days and ending on a Monday, this is your last morning in this alpine refuge. Enjoy a final breakfast with the group and then hit the trails, you’re not done yet! Hike until 11:30AM, return to the lodge, and get ready for the helicopter flight back to Pemberton. Flights will start departing at noon.
For 5 day trips, today’s itinerary will look the same as the previous 2 days! Get outside and explore the extensive trail network with your guides. -
5
Day 5:
For 5 day trips that end on Friday, this is your departure day. At 8AM have a final light breakfast, then prepare for helicopter flights back to Pemberton starting at 9AM. Say goodbye to your group and guides, and start picturing yourself ski-touring and splitboarding the same zones you hiked, by joining our winter Whitecap winter trip!
Trip Package Includes
- ACMG qualified hiking guides
- Three meals a day, prepared by a private chef
- Round trip helicopter flights and shuttle transport from Pemberton hanger
- Accommodations in a yurt and the Wood Hall building.
- Alpine Adventurers Program (optional for kids aged 6 – 13 yrs)
Trip Package Does Not Include
- Transportation to and from Pemberton Airport
- Lodging in Pemberton or Whistler prior to your arrival (we can help arrange this)
- Any specialty or alcoholic beverages (you may bring your own drinks)
- Any additional guide or backcountry services (heli assist available)
- Tips for your mountain guides
- Travel insurance (we recommend World Nomads)
Questions? Call or email us!
The Whitecap Area
Summer hiking at Whitecap Alpine is a unique adventure experience not to be missed. With the vast Coast Mountain wilderness at your doorstep, choose your own alpine adventure and find your mountain escape at Whitecap. Whether it’s a leisurely stroll in the meadows outside the lodge, hiking spectacular alpine ridges, or a cool dip in an alpine lake, endless opportunities await. There are both new trails and historic trails (from the gold prospecting days). The network of trails is growing constantly, but Whitecap has built trails in any spots that are difficult or tricky.
Trip Planning
You can expect to cover as much distance and elevation as is comfortable for you. Your ACMG guides will work hard to help you achieve as much as possible, yet maintain reasonable objectives. We will explore the beautiful Peaks and Lakes of the Bendor Range (part of the Southern Pacific Ranges). The Lodge itself is at an elevation of 6102ft. You are the best person to gauge your own body and how much you can achieve comfortably on a multi-day trip. Set yourself some walking goals in the lead up to your trip and also use it as an opportunity to test out and get comfortable with your gear, fluid intake, and energy requirements. Please make sure your boots are worn in and comfortable as there is nothing worse than blisters on day one. Our hiking guides are well versed in local history, flora and fauna so please bring your naturalist questions.
Daypack - (30L and up to 18lbs)
Optional
Overnight Duffle (Soft shell with maximum capacity of 60L and weighing no more than 40lbs):
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Is my departure guaranteed?
No, as each trip requires a minimum number of guests in order to run, please wait to make travel arrangements and book flights until you have received confirmation from evoTrip that your departure has been confirmed. -
How do I meet up with the group?
We suggest staying in either Whistler or Pemberton in order to allow time to arrive at the Pemberton Airport for your Heli debriefing. After that you will need to make your way to the Heli staging area in D'Arcy on Anderson Lake, about 45 minutes from Pemberton Airport. To get to the airport: follow signs along the highway for direction. The main routes to Pemberton are from Vancouver or from Kamloops and the Interior (we will provide clear directions upon booking). Driving Times: Vancouver – 2.5 hrs; Whistler – 30 min; Seattle – 4.5 hrs; Kamloops – 4 hrs. After meeting at the airport guests will get directions to the staging area. Please be aware that taxis are not available in the area so please bring your own vehicle or rent a car. -
What time do I need to meet with the group?
On exchange day between Pemberton Airport and the McGillivray Pass Lodge you need to be at the Pemberton airport 45 minutes before your flight time: 12:00pm on Mondays (Arrive by 11:15am) 9:00am on Fridays (Arrive by 8:15 am) -
What if I need to cancel?
Up to 8 weeks prior to your trip start date you can cancel your trip for any reason and receive a full refund, less a $200 administration fee per space. If notice is received less than 8 weeks prior to the starting date, no money will be refunded. Up to 14 days prior to travel dates you can cancel in the event of a medical or personal emergency (COVID included) and get a 50% refund of the trip cost. Whitecap and evo withholds the right to determine the legitimacy of refund applications on a case by case basis. Doctor’s note or relevant evidence needs to be provided. If Whitecap operations are shut down by government issued COVID mandate or unforeseeable circumstances, you will get a full refund of the trip cost, less a $200 admin fee per space. Weather & personal reasons are not applicable for cancellation refunds -
What is the maximum number of guests on each trip?
15 people is the maximum for these trips. -
How are the bugs?
Generally the bugs are not too bad, however certain times of year are worse than others. Bring some bug spray just in case. -
What’s the deal with bears?
Whitecap shares the valley with many grizzly bears, however they have been coexisting peacefully for decades. They have strict policies with regards to food and waste to ensure this healthy relationship. Their guides and staff practice active bear management and will advise you how to properly behave. Bear deterrents are ok to bring, but you need to pack these separately and inform the guide prior to loading the helicopter. There will also be bear deterrents provided at the lodge. -
What kind of footwear should I bring?
Sandals, slippers or socked feet work great in the lodge, and light runners or sandals for between buildings. Light hiking boots or trail shoes for hiking. Make sure they are comfy! Sturdy hiking boots are best. If you are a strong hiker, a robust hiking shoe is ok as well. Gore-tex in any footwear is recommended. -
Is there internet?
There is wifi available at the lodge. It costs $15/trip to access it. It is only available in the main lodge -
How much hiking do we get on exchange day?
Whitecap will try to provide as much as possible. Pack your bags before breakfast so you can hike until the heli arrives! If you’re flying in on a morning exchange, be dressed ready to hike and they'll you get out there as soon as you arrive. -
What kind of hikes are there?
Many! Whitecap caters to strong and mellow hikers and have multiple guides to help facilitate this. They have trails to get out of the valleys, through the sub-alpine forests, then spend your time in alpine meadows, on ridges, hiking to the top of peaks, strolling through bowls and around alpine lakes.
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How do you break the groups for hiking?
It depends on the groups and their desire and fitness. Whitecap has two guides typically so they quite often can cater to differing levels of hikers to provide the best possible experience. -
Do I need to bring any bedding?
Yes. Bring a lightweight sleeping bag. Linens and pillows will be provided. -
Is alcohol available at the lodge?
There are kegs of beer on tap, and an assorted selection of spirits. You can also bring your own! -
What is the bathroom situation?
There are two heated composting toilets as well as two outhouse pissoir toilets and one indoor heated pissoir toilet in Woodhall. There is also an on-demand hot water shower system and a sauna. -
What happens if the weather is really bad?
If the helicopter can fly we will run the trip. Most times there is still lots to do and the Lodge is an amazing place to have a vacation. Please be prepared with good rain gear if the weather forecast is unfavorable. -
Why do I need a guide?
A guide helps enrich your overall experience from the flora to fauna, history of the lodge and surrounding area, to geology. A guide will help you maximize your experience by planning the most efficient days and highlight trips, all while providing a professional level of risk management. -
What will the food be like?
Whitecap makes sure to fly in fresh, locally sourced ingredients to serve our guests the best possible meals. Their chefs are known for creating amazing spreads for breakfast, lunch, apres and dinner. Whitecap is happy to cater to your dietary needs if you give us a heads up before you arrive. -
I am gluten-free / vegetarian / halal/kosher… will there be food options available for me?
Yes, and… The lodge will do it's very best to accommodate all dietary restrictions, For special needs, we recommend you contact us via email ([email protected]) with your specific questions. For all dietary restrictions, we recommend that you bring some snacks just in case. -
Should I purchase travel insurance?
YES! While it is not required, we always recommend purchasing travel insurance for all trips. Travel insurance allows you to seek reimbursement if you are forced to cancel your trip for unforeseeable reasons, or if you need to cover medical help, emergency transport, theft and/or accidental damage while traveling. We recommend World Nomads. -
Is smoking allowed at the lodge?
Smoking is not permitted at the lodge, staging areas or anywhere within the Whitecap tenure.
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