A close girlfriend and myself, along with our dogs, Ellie & Timber, decided earlier in the Spring that we wanted to plan some sort of week long road trip, to kick off the Summer. Contemplating various destinations for a bit, we decided on Whistler, BC, with a couple stops in between. I had been twice before, though Alanna had never been, so it was the perfect opportunity to check that off her bucket list, which it had been on for quite some time. We set out on June 27th, arriving back home, July 2nd. Our itinerary was large, and km numbers ahead was quite big, but that didn’t scare us away. Nothing like some good company, road trip snacks, great tunes, and stops along the way, to pass time rather quickly. The drive is also half of the road trip fun. Who agrees!?
Helen Lake Trail
June 27th – Starting in Red Deer, Alberta, we drove for 3 hours West, tackling a hike the first day, just off the Icefields Parkway. We hiked to Helen Lake, with the dogs, a 16.7km heavily trafficked out and back trail. With an elevation gain of 754m. The trail is best used between June and September. Dogs are welcome, though they must be kept on leash, and remembering to pick up after them. It was also very hot, with temperatures hovering around 28-30 degrees celsius. Extra water is never a bad thing on a day like that, luckily there are creek beds that you do cross along the way, and the lake at the top, making for great rest stops and drinking opportunities for the dogs. It was also a great way for myself and Alanna to cool down!
From there we continued West, stopping at Takakkaw Falls (pictured beside), just before Field, BC, before making our way to Golden BC, where we checked into a campsite for the night. We cooked dinner, had a fire and relaxed, before having to get up for another early morning start. The distance from the hike to Golden was only about an hour and a half!
June 28th- In the morning we got up and headed to Glacier National Park, BC, to hike Asulkan Valley, an area both of us had not explored before. The hike is 12.8kms round trip (6.4kms to the hut). The weather was a bit colder, and rainy, though refreshing! We were one of few on the trail that day, and ended up having to turn back around earlier due to hitting snow and losing trail. We weren’t all that well prepared as well, without tall Winter hikers, and gators. We were approximately 1 km away from the Asulkan Hut, before having to turn around. The valley was stunning and there were beautiful views of waterfalls, and glaciers along the way, and it was a great hike to stretch out legs and tire out the dogs. We will for sure be returning to this hike. It is a great hike all year round, snowshoeing in the Winter, and popular with backcountry skiers. You can reserve Asulkan hut in advance, and stay the night, in the backcountry if you so desire. From the hike we continued to Vernon BC, where we were visiting a friend for the night.
June 29th – We stayed in a hotel, and relaxed, getting up early yet again the following day and set out on a little hike close by, with a coffee in hand, overlooking Kalamalka Lake. After two big hiking days. There are a number of walking, mountain biking, running and hiking trails all throughout the parks. From there we then set out on our 6 hour drive to WHISTLER, the morning hike was a perfect start to stretch the legs.
Arriving in Whistler, we found a campground just a few minutes outside of town, and set up. Cal-Cheak campground is the name, and it is first come first serve, $13.00 a night, with 55 sites to choose from. The sites are heavily treed, and campfires are allowed (when there is no fire ban in effect).
Once we set up camp we headed back out to go and explore Brandywine Falls, which is located only 20 minutes outside of Whistler (and a couple minutes from the campground). This is a perfect stop for those traveling through Squamish, Whistler area, who are looking for a short walk to some unbelievable falls. The trail starts from the parking lot and crosses over a wooden bridge, and train tracks shortly after, continue along until you reach a platform overlooking the falls (70m’s).
Brandywine Falls
You can continue on the trail a short distance for a view of Daisy Lake, or if you are feeling adventurous you can continue down to below the falls for a different view (pictured below).
Brandywine Falls
We did have both dogs with us for this hike, though Ellie, Alanna’s dog struggled a bit more, without as much hiking experience, Timber on the other hand is a little billy goat and had no issues. Again dogs have to be kept ON LEASH. After our hike we headed back to our campsite to cook up some dinner, and were in bed early.
Cal-Cheak Campground
June 30th – It rained ALL night, and continued into the morning, so we didn’t stick around camp for long. We got up, packed up and were gone by 10am, and headed for Cheakamus Lake hike, a 14.3km moderately trafficked out and back trail. There is a 403m elevation gain. The hike was only a few minutes from our campground We didn’t let the rain stop us from adventuring, so we got ready for the hike, got the dogs on the leash, arrived at the trailhead only to read a sign saying ‘No Dogs Allowed’, so unfortunately had to leave the pups behind in the car, and our casual ‘hike’ turned into more of a quicker trail run. Which was okay and a great challenge! Soaked and tired, but it was well worth it. I had hiked Cheakamus Lake in the years prior and the views never disappoint. There were a number of people on the trail, of all ages, and levels of hikers. Some were coming back from overnight hikes, and others heading into camp, others just out for day hikes, and some were trail running. Someone was even hauling a canoe out on wheels, full of camping gear… now that’s some dedication!
Cheakamus Lake
Cheakamus Lake
From the hike, we made our way back into Whistler Village and checked into our hotel room at ‘Summit Lodge – Whistlers Boutique Hotel and Spa’ AKA @summitlodge , where I have stayed with a couple times in the past. The first two times I stayed I did not have Timber, though this time around we both had our pups, and they are well known for their hospitality with dogs! They even have their own insta feed @summitlodgedogs . We all immediately felt the love and a warm welcome from the hotel. Summit Lodge is located in the heart of Whistler Village, just minutes in walking distance from Whistler and Blackcomb Mountains.
Visit: https://www.summitlodge.com/ to read more on the hotel. It felt SO good to be in a warm cozy hotel room, after a couple colder, wet nights of camping. We showered up then headed out into the village.
With Canada Day just around the corner, there were a number of people in town, and festivities happening. There was live music in the park that we ended up watching after dinner. The orchestra was unbelievable, nothing like a relaxing’ evening after an adventurous couple days. Walking around Whistler is a treat in itself, with so many outdoor, ice-cream, coffee shops and endless restaurants and pubs to choose from. Also, an iconic picture with the olympic rings, is always a must.
Whistler Village
I was shocked at the number of dogs also walking around the village, and the shops whom welcomed our pups with open arms. Whistler is a great dog friendly place, if you have a fur baby, though being aware a number of hiking trails within the area are not dog friendly, Garibaldi Park specifically does not allow dogs on their trails. LUCKILY @summitlodge does have dog sitting/walking services, if you are wanting to head out hiking, and are unable to bring your dog with you.
July 1st – HAPPY BIRTHDAY CANADA!
We woke up and headed for a hike that had been on my bucket list for QUITE some time, and have seen a number of photos from in the past. Why not kick off Canada’s Birthday by celebrating its beauty, hiking? We thought this was the perfect way to celebrate the amazing country we live in, and are blessed to call home. We left Ellie and Timber in the hotel room, for the few hours we planned to be out hiking, and ran into the village quick to grab a treat for the hike. There are cute coffee and treat shops everywhere!
We then headed for Wedgemount Lake, in Garibaldi Provincial Park, which was only ten minutes from the town. It is a 10.3km moderately trafficked out and back trail. The hike is rated as difficult, more so for the quick elevation gain, the gain is 1, 200m ! It is a very popular trail, for those wanting to camp overnight at the lake, where we came across a number of people coming down from a chilly night of camping, and on our way down we passed a number of people hiking up to spend the night. I already can’t wait to return back and do the same one day soon! The hike is best used from July – September, as it takes a bit for the snow to melt (there was still plenty of snow at the lake when we arrived). Even though it was crazy steep, and we were dripping sweat, it was well worth every step.
The hike took us about 4 hours round trip, 2.5 up and 1.5 down, though we were trekking pretty quickly. I would say on average it would take 6 hours, at a moderate pace, with breaks. We only stayed at the lake for about 15 minutes, as there were crazy winds, and also wanted to get back to the dogs at a decent time. It felt so great to kick off the day with a challenging, yet rewarding hike. From there we headed back to Whistler Village, cleaned up and took the dogs out for a long walk. There are a number of trails all throughout the village, and nearby, that are great for walking the dogs. We sure put on a number of kms everyday, from hikes, to dog walking, to simply exploring all around, wherever it is that we were.
We headed back to the hotel, to settle the dogs back in, and then headed out into town in search of some good eats! We treated ourselves to a tasty dinner at HY’s Steakhouse, before going back out, grabbing the dogs, and enjoying another night of live music in the park. Timber even dressed up in his Canada Day shirt. The orchestra was playing again, and we were able to meet up with some friends of mine, who are locals in the area. Overall a PERFECT last day, spent in Whistler. Every Canada Day, the village puts on a spectacular firework show, though due to the rainy conditions this year, that started again once the night came, the fireworks were a ‘no-go’, though it was a perfect day nonetheless.
Canada Day Celebrations In The Park
@summitlodge is well known for its spa services and hot-tub, which if we had brought our swimsuits, would have been the perfect, relaxing way to end a long day of hiking! There is always next time 🙂 They also had little snack and candy samples, and drinks available for guests in the lobby, and coffee! Always coffee. Alanna, myself and our pups very much enjoyed our time spent with @summitlodge and already cannot wait to return to the area! There is so much more to explore and do. From endless hiking, to mountain biking opportunities, the sea to sky gondola, and more.
July 2nd – We woke up EARLY and started our 14 hour drive back to Red Deer. Straight through. Even though we had a long drive ahead of us, it was worth every km of driving there! What a trip. Great conversation and memories made. Until next time!
Huge thanks again to @summitlodge / @summitlodgedogs for the amazing hospitality during our time in Whistler.
Thanks @summitlodgedogs
Fresh Air And Freedom 
Great story and some superb pictures. I’m surprised by the extent of the snow cover at the end of June. I was in Whistler skiing end of January this year. It’s a fantastic place to ski and looking out from up high you get some sense of the vastness of the back country. You had some great hikes long the way.
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