**This is a “Leader Registration” event – in order to be considered to participate, you must first of all contact KHC leader Lois Hunter, with your request**  See contact information below.

Join leaders Ed and Lois in one of the most spectacularly scenic locations in all of Western Canada – Glacier National Park in the Columbia Mountains! This is rugged, steep terrain that has been revered by serious hikers, back-country ski enthusiasts, and daring Alpinists since the 19th century.

This event comprises of a multi-day camp (tents and RV’s) and hiking along well-maintained trails that are abundant with glacial-fed mountain streams, verdant alpine, cascading waterfalls, forests of spruce, fir, and hemlock, glaciers, wildflowers, and stunning vistas.

For those who wish to camp, we will be staying at the delightful Illecillewaet Campground which is located just south of the Roger’s Pass. Most, if not all of the trail-heads are located within this campground. Campsites are available on a first-come, first-serve basis and no reservations are accepted. Sites are generally quite small, so keep that in mind if you are bringing an RV.  For those who would rather not camp, there are fully equipped (heated, showers, kitchens, etc.) cabins within a 20 minute commute from the trail-heads,  at Canyon Hotsprings which I believe is open to taking reservations in February.  You are responsible for taking care of your own accommodation requirements.

Meet-Up spot and particulars:  Travel distance between Kamloops and Revelstoke is 212 kms. so…with summer traffic conditions in mind, give yourselves a very generous 2.5 hrs. at least to make the journey.  We will convene as a group at the parking lot that is located on the left-hand side of the TCH just prior to crossing the bridge over the Columbia River that then leads directly into Revelstoke at no later than 9:30 a.m.  Lois and Ed will be driving our white one-ton Dodge dually with a large Bigfoot Camper loaded in the box.  We will take a quick roll-call here and then continue the remaining 40 kms. to the Illecillewaet Campground.  It is the responsibility of those people who are carpooling to arrange a time and meet-up spot in Kamloops and to agree on what constitutes fair payment insofar as shared travel costs are concerned.  If something comes up last minute, you can try texting me or phoning me on my cell:  250-517-0762 and I will also check my email inbox up until 7 am. on the morning of the 13th.  It is the responsibility of the participants to check the event listing right up until the morning of August 13th for any updates/changes etc.

Weather permitting, be prepared to go on a short hike once we get our camp set up.  Might be a good idea to bring along an umbrella, a waterproof poncho, or other reliable wet-weather clothing, in case (like last year) we have a *weather day* and are pretty much restricted to walking the historic rail-line trail (good news is – it’s a lovely, scenic, step-back-in-time all flat grade jaunt:-))

Be advised that this is high-alpine, mountainous country and weather can be deliciously warm to downright chilly….in the same day! So pack lots of layers, rain gear, and dress accordingly. Three season camping equipment is also highly recommended.

Most of the hikes in this area are rated as strenuous with elevation gains of about 1,000 metres between the start and end of the ascent, so you will definitely experience a good workout, but the stunning ridges and viewpoints will reward your uphill toil! Wear good fitting hiking boots with good traction and ankle support.  Trekking poles are also advised as are gaiters, as it is not uncommon, even in August, to have to traverse across compact snow and slippery slopes.

Open campfires are generally permitted within the campground and free firewood is provided for those who purchase a campfire permit (an added cost) which you can obtain when you register for your campsite.

In an effort to promote group dynamics and camaraderie,  Ed and Lois will host a daily “evening around the campfire” huddle (bring your own food and beverages) at their campsite and strongly encourage all to attend as much as is possible.  This time will also serve as an opportunity to discuss the days event and share our experiences, in addition to firming up plans for the following day.  **It is up to each participant to secure the information they require about each hike prior to its happening the following morning and to show up at the designated meeting area – prepared, on time, and ready to go.**

You must also be in possession of a National Park Pass to access the hiking trails and the campsite.  In recognition of Canada’s 150th birthday, Parks Canada is offering a free 2017 Canada Parks Discovery Pass for anyone who is interested in acquiring one and can be purchased online via the Parks Canada website.  It is advisable to sign up for your free pass as early as possible if you haven’t already done so. Note: this pass does NOT include campsite fees.

No firm decision has been made as yet with regards to which specific trails we will do.  Much depends on the weather, trail conditions, and the bear activity.  Glacier National Park is home to a healthy population of grizzlies and black bears and depending on their presence and activity, this can, and often does, have a bearing on which trails are open at any particular time to the public.   As a precaution, it is advisable to bring bear spray and be educated as to its safe and effective deployment.  Bear activity in this park is the main reason I am not permitting dogs to participate in this event. On those trails which are open, but where bear activity is known, Parks Canada may choose to strictly enforce a minimum number of hikers within a group – usually at least 4 adults.  That said, for our safety as well as respect for the wildlife, it is critical that we honor Parks Canada’s guidelines and stay together as a group.   This, in turn, assumes that you are capable of maintaining a steady pace in challenging terrain.  More information will be disclosed about our itinerary as we get closer to the actual event.

**As an added note:  It is not our intention to offend anyone, but – if Ed and Lois are not personally familiar with your hiking/fitness abilities and related history, then we will conduct due diligence for supporting evidence that you meet the requirements.  This is for the comfort,safety and enjoyment of all, not the least of which are your volunteer leaders:-))  We therefore reserve the right to prioritize registration based on our familiarity with the registrant and our confidence that they meet the requirements.

Lastly, it is expected that all who sign up for this event will make every effort (barring unforeseen complications that sometimes do present themselves at the last minute) to follow through on their commitment to attend.  If you must cancel your spot, then please do so well in advance if you possibly can so that those who are anxiously awaiting an opportunity to opt-in can do so.  Thank you in advance for your consideration:-)

Stay tuned for updates regarding this event in June or early July 2017.