Hiking British Columbia

Intellectual interlude, by Magalie

2006-03-27T14:44:00.000-08:00

While I was in Hanoi, Vietnam I purchased a copy of Zen And The Art Of Motorcycle Maintenance, a book that has little to do about Zen or motorcycles. But it is a great book, a fantastic book that makes you think and reflect. A good change after some other books that I had been reading.

When I read Robert Pirsig's take on mountain climbing, I was really interested. Obviously I love hiking. But what he said about the purpose of climbing and the types of climbers was what really got me. It made so much sense.

Mountains should be climbed with as little effort as possible and without desire. The reality of your own nature should determine the speed. If you become restless, speed up. If you become winded, slow down. You climb the mountain in an equilibrium between restlessness and exhaustion. Then, when you're no longer thinking ahead, each footstep isn't just a means to an end but a unique event in itself. This leaf has jagged edges. This rock looks loose. From this place the snow is less visible, even though closer. These are things you should notice anyway. To live only for some future goal is shallow. It's the sides of the mountain which sustain life, not the top. Here's where things grow. (p.183)

I think why I liked his take on the purpose of climbing was that I had found myself with one bad hiking experience, and I was blaming the mountain instead of me for the experience. While I was in Japan I wanted to climb Mt Fuji. I wanted to climb it because it was "the thing to do" as well as I wanted to be able to say that I climbed it. I wanted it to be a notch on my belt. And so, I climbed it, at night, like the locals do. At first it was all fun and games but quite soon I was no longer having fun. I wanted to be at the end, at the top. That's all I thought about, all I wanted. That and for my misery to end. See, Mt Fuji is not an easy mountain to start with. It is a steep volcano and the footing and the altitude makes for a very challenging hike. I did not know that prior to starting the hike, and I wasn't ready to hike in the dark, where you cannot let your mind wonder on the little things around you or the beautiful scenery. This hike was all about the next step. Catching my breath. The next station. Making it to the top for the sunrise.

Any effort that has self-glorification as its final endpoint is bound to end in disaster. Now we're paying the price. When you try to climb a mountain to prove how big you are, you almost never make it. And even if you do it's a big hollow victory. In order to sustain the victory you have to prove yourself again and again in some other way, and again and again and again, driven forever to fill a false image, hunted by the fear that the image is not true and someone will find out. That's never the way.

(...)

He never reached the mountain. After the third day he gave up, exhausted, and the pilgrimage went on without him. He said he had the physical strength but that physical strength wasn't enough. He had the intellectual motivation but that wasn't enough either. He didn't think he had been arrogant but thought that he was undertaking the pilgrimage to broaden his experience, to gain understanding for himself. He was trying to use the mountain for his own purposes and the pilgrimage too. He regarded himself as the fixed entity, not the pilgrimage or the mountain, and thus wasn't ready for it. He speculated that the other pilgrims, the ones who reached the mountain, probably sensed the holiness of the mountain so intensely that each footstep was an act of devotion, an act of submission to his holiness. The holiness of the mountain infused into their own spirits enabled them to endure far more than anything he, with his greater physical strength, could take.

To the untrained eye ego-climbing and selfless climbing may appear identical. Both kinds place one foot in front of the other. Both breathe in and out at the same rate. Both stop when tired. Both go forward when rested. But what a difference! The ego-climber is like an instrument that's out of adjustment. He puts his foot down an instant too soon or too late. He's likely to miss a beautiful passage of sunlight through the trees. He goes on when the sloppiness of his step shows he's tired. He rests at odd times. He looks up the trail trying to see what's ahead even though he knows what ahead because he just looked a second before. He goes too fast or too slow for the conditions and when he talks his talk is forever about somewhere else, something else. He's here but he's not here. He rejects the here, is unhappy with it, wants to be farther up the trail but when he gets there will be just as unhappy because then it will be "here". What he's looking for, what he wants, is all around him, but he doesn't want that because it is around him. Every step's an effort, both physically and spiritually, because he imagines his goal to be external and distant. (p. 198-190)

At the nth 8th station I had to face the reality of the situation and abandon my goal of getting to the top. I watched the sunrise but it was a blur: I was tired, hungry and suffering from altitude sickness. When the hike was over, 11 hours after the start, I was angry, disappointed and frustrated. This had been the worst hike ever. Only crazy people hike Fuji. This had been the worst idea of my life.

But on my trip I also encountered the best hike of my life. In New Zealand I did a section of the Tongariro crossing, another volcano. But this time I was doing the hike because I really, truly wanted to do it. I wanted to see it. Experience it. The hike took me 6.5 hours to accomplish, and that was with me taking my time, taking breaks and taking a whole lot of pictures. Never have I had so much energy. Never have I had been more stunned by the beauty of a landscape. I was just amazed the entire way. It was not about reaching the top. It was about seeing the now. Enjoying the impossibly stunning everything, from the volcanic rocks to the flowers to the lakes.

It was effortless.

The Lions, by David

2005-09-11T22:25:00.000-07:00

A review of this hike will be posted soon.

Black Mountain and Eagle Bluff, by David

2005-08-17T21:18:00.000-07:00

The plan was to hike to Black Mountain and then to Eagle Bluff, but since our guide indicated this as a 5-hours hike and we only had limited time since we were leaving from work, we were going to see how far we could get before it got too dark.

We drove to the Cypress Mountain ski station and parked in the parking lot at the foot of the chair lifts. Parking is $5.

We hiked up alongside a ski slope for a little while until the trail entered the woods. The trail is well maintained and probably used a lot, even though we were the only people on the mountain that night. There is always a slight incline and some roots in the way, but nothing too challenging.

the trail has a few small bridges and logs to avoid stepping in the mud

near the boulders

The trail passes several small lakes and a wall of boulders until it branches at the loop. We took the Cabin Lake trail which shortly takes you to the aforementioned Cabin Lake.

Cabin Lake

We had a little break there to enjoy the lake and feed the mosquitoes and headed towards the top of Black Mountain which took only another 15 minutes. There is a big rock there where you can enjoy a 260 degree view over Howe Sound, English Bay, Coal Harbour, downtown, Cypress mountain, and even the Lions.

The spectacular view from the top of Black Mountain

View of the Lions from the top of Black Mountain

The view is very nice all around

Then we kept going towards Eagle Bluff, which, the guide says, has "some of the most magnificent views ever seen from the North Shore". Unfortunately, about half way there, we encountered a mother bear and her cub crossing the trail. We quietly snatched a few pictures and took the decision to go back the way we came, so that we wouldn't have to walk by the pair again on the return, especially since we had a dog with us.

Mama bear

At Black Mountain we took the other way to complete the Black Moutain loop and made it back to the car in just about 2 hours. After re-reading the guide, it looks like the 5-hour estimate includes starting from the bottom of Cypress mountain near Highway 99. The hike we did was perfect considering we had a limited amount of day light ahead of us.

I'll have to go back sometime to see the views from Eagle Bluff.

The West Coast Trail, by David

2005-07-30T23:58:00.000-07:00

Review of this trial coming soon

Mount Seymour, by David

2005-07-13T12:52:00.000-07:00

A review of this hike will be posted soon.

Whistler, by David

2005-07-10T12:56:00.000-07:00

A review of this hike will be posted soon.

Black Tusk, by David

2005-07-02T12:54:00.000-07:00

A review of this hike will be posted soon.

Barrier & Garibaldi Lake, by David

2005-07-01T12:53:00.000-07:00

A review of this hike will be posted soon.

Baden Powell to Indian Arm Lookout, by David

2005-06-25T23:55:00.000-07:00

A review of this hike will be posted soon.

Baden Powell to Indian Arm Lookout, by Magalie

2005-06-25T20:06:00.000-07:00

This Saturday after getting my 4 wisdom teeth taken out, we decided to take advantage of the beautiful weather and to go for a quick hike. We opted for a hike in Deep Cove that we had done last summer with David's work and that we quite enjoyed.

Deep Cove, where the rich live very well!

This hike starts at the very beginning of the extremely long Baden Powell Trail (aka, 47.7 km) and the section of our hike took us to Indian Arm Lookout: 4 km return, 165 m elevation, 2 hours with leisurely stop at the top.

The trail is in great condition, with real staircases and beautiful bridges. There are sections with many roots by it's nothing that affects the hike. This hike is very easy, with gentle elevation and the walk in the forest and over the many streams is quite beautiful.

Indian Arm lookout is a wonderful spot for a picnic, and I was sad that we did not bring a lunch (although with the surgery, I would not have been able to eat anything!). The view is spectacular although it is not nearly as high up as Mount St-Mark's summit. It is just a great spot to relax close to the city while feeling very far away.

Although I have said that this hike is short and easy, I did find it to be a little challenging this time around. With 3 different medications in my system, I found my energy level to be very low and that I was getting out of breath too easily. Thus, this hike can be done by anyone but might be a small challenge for some. Regardless, this is a great hike and it is worth the stop.

* Downside: you're not alone on the trail.
* Upside: short, easy, great view!

Lynn Loop Trail & Rice Lake Loop, by David

2005-06-15T23:57:00.000-07:00

A review of this hike will be posted soon.

Lynn Loop Trail & Rice Lake Loop, by Magalie

2005-06-15T20:21:00.000-07:00

Every summer, David's work organises hikes for its employees and their friends after work. With nice weather and long days blessing us, their hiking season has started. They usually do pretty good hikes, so I was quite happy to learn that.

For their first hike it was decided at the very last minute that we would do a hike in Lynn Valley which is located in North Vancouver. We all met at the Lynn Canyon Park parking lot at around 6pm and started out on hour hike. (Park map)

That is, we all crossed the beautiful suspension bridge right off the lot which leads you to the trailhead. The bridge is the second suspension bridge in the region (the other being the Capilano suspension bridge) and while it is smaller and surely closer to the ground, it is free and less crowded. Capilano charges $25 for the thrill!!!

Once over the bridge, no one could decide if we should take the trail to the left, or to the right. Eventually, we chose the left side which follows the river and got walking. After an easy 15 minutes stroll, we arrived at the "30 foot pool", which is filled with beautiful clear water and with easy water access. A lovely spot to easy summer heat I am certain! (Although, please see note at bottom of post).

From here, the trail becomes a long staircase: this is the most challenging part of the trail, and by challenging, I mean that it was the only place where I broke a sweat. After the first set, there is a short second staircase and thereafter it is all flat terrain. Keep following the trail, and follow signs for Rice Lake Loop. Eventually you will reach the peaceful mirror-like lake and the fishing dock. If the place is not too busy with fishermen, this could be a very nice stop for a snack.

After a nice stop, return to the trailhead and head left to complete the loop. There are not many viewpoints of the lake but the few that occur are very beautiful. And this trail was very quiet!

Once the loop is completed, make your way back to the trail which brought you here. This time, instead of taking the stairs and seeing the pool again, do the trail the other way. The downhill trail is gentle and will complete the loop by taking you back to the bridge.

Overall I found this hike to be extremely easy. In fact, I would call this a walk, and not a hike. This walk would be a great idea in the winter time or when you just want to be in the forest, without effort. The walk is easy, smooth, and did not take us much more than an hour. If doing this hike with people with limited mobility or energy, skip the stairs and start the trail on the right-side after the bridge.

* Downside: Too easy! Too short!
* Upside: Quiet, beautiful river, beautiful lake, cool bridge. And easy!

Note: The river in Lynn Park has caused the death and injury of many. Before the bridge, there is a very detailed panel advising hikers to not dive or swim in the river which explains how currents can trap you in numerous ways. Although they do not have any signs advising people to not enter the 30 Foot Pool, they do have an image of what could be that pool on the panel. Here is what it illustrates, so enter at your own risk (and yes, those are dead bodies):

Grouse Grind, by David

2005-06-07T21:10:00.000-07:00

On our way to the car, my friend Kendra asked "How fast can you run a 10km? Cause that's a good indicator of how long the Grind should take you."

The Grouse Grind, located on Grouse Mountain in North Vancouver, is probably Vancouver's most famous trail. It is notorious for being a steep and strenuous trail that takes you from the foot to the top of the mountain pretty much in a straight line. It is only 2.9km long, but the elevation change is a punishing 853m (2,800 feet). It was built illegally over 20 years ago by two men, Don McPherson and Phil Severy, without help or permission, and now sees more than 100,000 hikers every year.

Unfortunately the weather was poor and fog on the mountain would have prevented me from taking good pictures, so I left the camera home.

The trail starts in the parking lot underneath the Grouse Mountain gondola. The first part of the trail may not seem so bad, but the trail quickly becomes steeper. Rocks, dirt and wood are carefully placed to form steps. And the steps just keep coming. It is hard to enjoy the surroundings because you have to concentrate on where your feet land, and where to put them next. I turned around a few times, but the trees are so tall that even if there were no fog, I doubt there would be much to see from the trail. But it does make you appreciate how steep the trail is to take a peak back every once in a while.

At about the half-way marker, my legs were getting tired but I figured that if I stopped or slowed down, it would be a lot harder to pick up the pace so I kept going. As I kept climbing, it was starting to rain more, and I noticed the temperature drop because of the altitude change. You have to be a bit more careful with wet roots and steps when it rains as it can get slippery, but ropes are installed in the trickier sections to help prevent dangerous falls.

Maybe it's time to say that the Grouse Grind isn't for everyone. It is like climbing one and a half times the height of the CN Tower. I kept thinking that Mag would never enjoy this hike, and I was glad I did it without her first. Make sure you're in good shape and know what you're getting yourself into when you attempt to hike the Grind.

The trail at some point seems like it never ends since you can't see the top until you're there. When I reached the 3/4 marker, I was a bit shocked since I had been keeping track of my time and was expecting to be closer to the end. But the markers are apparently not exactly at the right spots. Since it was my first time on the trail, and I did not know exactly how much longer I had to go, I kept reminding myself that I was almost there and not to slow down. 10 minutes later large signs indicating the trailhead greeted me at the top. The fog was so thick I couldn't even see the pointy roof of the Peak Chalet that was 50 meters ahead.

I finished it in about 48-49 minutes, slightly better than my best 10km time. At the top you can hang out in the Peak Chalet and on a nice day, enjoy the view, but unfortunately there wasn't much to for us to see except fog. So we had a few drinks of water and paid the $5 for a gondola ride down the mountain back to the parking lot. The Grind is not really the kind of hike you do mostly for fun, it should be hiked more for the exercise or the challenge than anything else.

I'll do it again for sure.

Mount St- Mark, by David

2005-05-29T22:15:00.000-07:00

A review of this hike will be posted soon.

Ford Mountain, by David

2005-05-01T21:10:00.000-07:00

This was our first trip to Chilliwack. Since we had never been there and the description in the guide seemed so nice, we didn't really mind the two-hour drive to reach the Cascades. It really is impressive how everything is flat until you reach Chilliwack and then blam! you're surrounded by mountains.

Directions:
Ford Moutain is fairly easy to find and the drive isn't bad either. Once in Chilliwack, follow the signs towards Chilliwack Lack Provincial Park. At the bridge, take a turn left on Chilliwack Lake road, and follow Chilliwack river. After about 28km, you'll notice a sign for Ford Mountain Forest Service road, it is the first left once you pass the prison. What a location for a prison! The road that follows Chilliwack river is mostly flat, but there's mountains on both sides which make for a great drive. Drive up the logging road, if you have a good 4x4 you should make it until you reach a gate, you can either park there or take the left turn and drive up for a bit until you reach the trail head and save a 15 minute walk on the road.

The trail starts steep but constant, with a few switchbacks through the trees. The environment is very different from the wet west coast: the soil was dry and mostly plant-less, and the trees weren't as massive. After a little while you start seeing the snowy mountain peaks through the trees. We hiked through the bushes a few times to get a better look, but the more you gain altitude, the less dense the forest gets and the better Kodak opportunities get.

After about half an hour the trail becomes more flat, and the view becomes spectacular. We stopped several time for pictures and just to sit there and stare at the mountains.

Magalie, David and the North Cascades

Some short sections still had a bit of snow, but the weather was so great that shorts and a t-shirt were still appropriate attire. We hiked for another half hour until we reached the top where a observation station used to stand. All that is left now are its cement foundations, but at that spot, you really feel like you are at the heart of the Cascades since you are surrounded by mountains and amazing views. We followed the trail a bit further as it kept going on, but it didn't look like it was going any higher, and it might actually take you back down the mountain on the other side. We found a nice spot to eat our lunch while enjoying the view, and then slowly proceeded to hike back down to our truck.

Standing on the cement foundations at the top of Ford Mountain

We only saw one group of hikers, who were exiting the trail as we were beginning. There are so many mountains surrounding Chilliwack, the list of hikes to chose from is not limited. If you happen to be in that region, or if you don't mind the drive from Vancouver, do check out Ford Mountain. We had an awesome trip so we will most likely return this summer to explore another corner of the North Cascades, so expect another review from that region soon...

Ford Mountain, by Magalie

2005-05-01T16:31:00.000-07:00

Hike #69 in Best Hikes and Walks of Southwestern British Columbia, by Dawn Hanna

Ford Mountain is located in Chilliwack, which is about 2 hours away from downtown Vancouver. The length of this hike really depends on your car's ability. Having a 4x4, our hike lasted 3 hours and was about 5 km long. The logging road up though is long, so it is best to try to drive as far up as possible.

We started this hike at a reasonable hour, unlike last time. When we arrived in Chilliwak, we were stunned to find that it is such a beautiful place! I never thought that Chilliwack was so stunning, with amazing mountain ranges and beautiful blue rivers. We were expecting farmland and god knows what... But once there we felt like we had found a jewel.

Getting to Ford Mountain's trailhead was easy since the instructions in this book were right on the money. She should have noted though that the logging road splits at a yellow gate: do not cross that gate but turn left instead and keep driving up. We were not sure which way was the right way and so we parked the car there and hiked to the trailhead. Driving would have saved us a good 15 minutes.

As well, the hike description was very accurate. The hike has two different "sections", the first being a pretty steep one and the second being much easier. The trail is very well maintained and the footing is easy. No loose rock, slippery leafs or mud. As well, there are numerous places where you can step away from the trail to admire amazing views of the North Cascades.

North Cascades.

I will not go into great details with the hike's up and down as it generally went really well and was just as described in the book. Perhaps it went so well because I was wearing my new hiking shoes! This hike was a good cardio workout (ie, the first section) but the views were so worth it that it made you forget about any rough patches. There is nothing else to say aside from than that this short hike is absolutely fantastic. As well, there are plenty of wonderful spots at the mountain top for a picnic and we had the mountain all to ourselves.

Eating lunch looking at the North Cascades and Chilliwack Lake.

I would do this hike again in a heartbeat. Although it is quite a long drive from Vancouver, it is really worth it. There are many hikes in this valley, and we will have to keep coming back for more.

Having to do it again, I'd plan for a leisurely lunch at the top. As well, I'd bring some mosquito repellentlant, because they seemed to jump on us every time we stopped to enjoy the view.

Sigurd Creek to Crooked Falls, by David

2005-04-23T23:58:00.000-07:00

This hike should have been planned better... We left too late, got lost on the way and by the time we got back to the car it was much too dark.

Directions:
Drive north to Squamish and turn left on Squamish Valley Road. Keep left at the fork about 3km onto the road. The road will turn into a gravel road after another 20km. Turn left onto the first bridge that crosses the Squamish River, there is a second bridge right after and stay on the main road. The guide advises not to take any possible right turns at that point. Then you will cross two more bridges over the Ashlu River. Look for a small road on your left after the second bridge, this is where you need to go (we kept going on the main road, the quality of which deteriorates past that point, you need a 4x4). You can park on the side of the main road and walk up for about 15 minutes to the trailhead, or, if you have a 4x4 truck you can have fun climbing the road. I have to say I had a great time driving my truck that day, thanks to 4-by.

Don't let the first part of the trail fool you, it will let you believe this is a flat and easy trail, but it will only be this way for about 10 minutes. Once you reach a small creek, the trails goes up the mountain and can be pretty slippery at points. The trail has steep, slippery sections and since it does not see a lot of trafic, some sections could need some maintenance. The trail is only a 6km round trip to Crooked Falls but one can hike past the falls to Sigurd Creek which is another 3km round trip but takes 2 hours according to the guide.

Since we hiked this trail early in the season and the snow is melting quickly, the falls were just raging. It was getting late and I had only brought a t-shirt so I rushed to take a picture without getting too wet because it was getting dark and chilly in the woods.

David getting wet for a picture at Crooked Falls.

I thought the falls were very impressive and I was surprised of how close to the falls the trail takes you. You can hike down a bit the side of the falls but the thick cedars do prevent you from seeing more than small sections of the falls at the same time. You can only really see the top of Crooked Falls from that point and the view is very limited. In the summer when the falls aren't as strong, this must be a great spot to have lunch.

Crooked Falls

I personally enjoy a challenge and climbing does not scare me so contrarily to Magalie, I had a great time at Crooked Falls, I was not bothered by mosquitos, and would recommend it if you enjoy a more remote and slightly more challenging hike.

Sigurd Creek to Crooked Falls, by Magalie

2005-04-23T16:00:00.000-07:00

* Hike # 27 from 103 Hikes in Southwestern British Columbia, by Jack Bryceland and Mary & David Macaree.

The Sigurd Creek hike is located in the Squamish valley, which is about 105 km from Vancouver. This hike is divided into two sections, and we decided that we would do the first section which takes you to Crooked Falls. Roundtrip, this 6 km hikes takes about 3 hours and has an elevation gain of 425 meters.

We started this hike a little late as we always do. The directions to the trailhead in the book were somewhat good although they lacked in accuracy and failed to explain that the trailhead of this hike is in no way indicated. Because of this, we spent about an hour driving around trying to find the trailhead. On the upside, we did get to see spectacular views of the Squamish River and of the Ashulu Creek and Canyon. The road there is rough though, and we were happy to have a 4x4. We finally found the road leading to the trailhead after turning around, and right after I started to feel that it just wasn't fun anymore. We got to the trailhead at around 5h15 pm, which isn't smart.

David at Ashulu Creek & Canyon.

The hike starts flat and there is a really nice viewpoint to the left on a large rock of the Squamish River, valley and mountains around. This view is quite worth the stop! It is also the only good place to eat lunch if this is in your plans.

David and I at the viewpoint.

Then, the trail takes a turn right and it's all uphill from there. The entire hike up is in the forest, and there are no rewarding views around, although the forest is real nice. This being my first hike this year, and not being such in good shape, I didn't find this hike to be at all easy. The footing is tricky because of loose rocks and lots of fallen leafs and needles make the trail slippery. On top of everything, I was not wearing proper hiking shoes and I regretted it big time. Because of this, I felt like turning around a couple times. I would have easily given up had I been willing to step on my pride.

We got to the end of the trail after 2 hours. The way up took longer than suggested because I was really slow. A hiker in shape could easily shave 30 minutes off that. The end rewards you with Crooked Falls, which was raging due to spring run off. This is really a big waterfall! While it is beautiful, big and magnificent, I found myself to be disappointed. The viewpoint is so close to the falls which carves in the mountain that you cannot really see the fall's up or down, but just rushing water. There is a little bit of view of the valley and not much else. As well, because you are so close, to view it means to get wet. There is no other way around it as there are no other viewpoints, no great picnic spot, no nothing. If you back up to try to see more of the falls, you enter the forest and branches and trees block the view. Also adding todisappointmentment, as soon as we arrived to the fall we had to rush back in order to try to make it back before dark.

Enjoying the view and getting wet at Crooked Falls.

The hike down took 1.5 hours. It was even harder for me than going up because the trail is pretty steep. With the slippery ground, my bad shoes and daylight leaving us real fast, it was not enjoyable. David had to really help me with the footing, which was really nice of him to do. I no longer felt safe in the forest due to it getting pretty dark out there. Finally, we arrived at the car at 9:45 pm, which was just stupid of us. (Although, please note that the authors suggest that you do this hike in the evening to catch the sunset from the second view point at the top. I bet the view is great, but the hike back in the dark is not a great idea.)

Overall, the falls were nice, but not nice enough to justify the hike. I would not bother to do this hike, which is so secluded that I don't even understand how it made it into the guidebook. Perhaps I disliked this hike because I was out of shape, had the wrong shoes on and was caught in the dark. But still. I wouldn't be sad if I didn't see Crooked Falls again.

For anyone who plans to do this hike: the road you are looking for is a tiny road right to the left just as you pass the bridge. You do need a 4x4 if you don't plan to hike up the road to the trailhead. This area is remote and we did see some hikers being picked up by helicopter up the road (a planned pick up, not a rescue mission!). Don't try this hike at night/evening, as it gets pretty dark. And bring lost of repellent!

Cal-Cheak Suspension Bridge at Brandywine Falls Provincial Park, by David

2005-03-06T23:06:00.000-08:00

I was really glad we made the stop to Brandywine Falls. The Brandywine Falls Provincial Park is located a mere 15 minutes before Whistler coming from Vancouver. The parking lot is right off highway 99 and the falls are 5 minutes away. Being a popular touristic attraction near Whistler, there is a large platform near the falls from which one can enjoy a great view over the falls and the canyon below. Bring a Kodak, the view is spectacular!

But your visit at Brandywine Falls Provincial Park should end there. The hike to Cal-Cheak Suspension Bridge was flat, and lacked interest points.

The trail going through the Park.

Cal-Cheak Suspension Bridge at Brandywine Falls Provincial Park, by Magalie

2005-03-06T16:52:00.000-08:00

After a lovely weekend in Whistler, we left early today and decided to go check out Brandywine Falls which are located between Whistler and Squamish. David had not seen the falls before, so it was a first for him. At 70 meters tall, they're bound to impress!

The falls.

I remembered that there was a hiking trail in the park so we had set up to do that as well even if we were not dressed for the occasion. Honestly, I did not know what type of hike to expect. The sign said that it was 3.5 km to the Cal-Cheak Suspension Bridge but it seemed to be much longer than that. The trail was unmarked except for a few ribbons tied to the trees, and the trail was at points wet and rocky. I worried sometimes that we might not be going in the right direction and wondered seriously about when we should expect to reach our destination. There were some pretty lakes along the way, and a lot of moss everywhere, but the bridge itself was not worth the hike.

Cal-Cheak Suspension Bridge.

We came back following the railway track because we figured that it would be much faster that way. Not only was it faster, but it was also about half the km as well. In all, we did about a 5.6 km hike.

The hike was mostly flat and boring: it is more of a leisurely walk than anything else. In cold winters, this trail is used for cross-country skiing. With this winter being a warm one, we did not see any snow anywhere.

If you happen to drive by Brandywine Falls Provincial Park, do stop to take a look at the falls. But skip the trail! There are far better hiking to be done in that region.