Hike information
There will be optional organized outings on Wednesdays. Participants are also welcome to make their own plans. These are optional, and some involve an added charge to cover transportation. Details about hikes will be posted here and communicated by email to registered participants. Good hiking footwear is required: good running shoes at a minimum, or hiking shoes. You should also bring sufficient water and food for the day. Hikers will be required to sign a PIMS waiver before June 4. In case of bad weather we may delay plans by a week.June 4: Squamish
On June 4, we will go to the Stawamus Chief or the sea to sky Gondola trail. The gondola trail climbs up and we take the gondola down at the end (costs \$19) There is also an easy option (at extra cost) of taking the gondola up and enjoying the easier trails at the top. If a Wednesday has bad weather we may delay the plan by a week.
If you wish to join the first hike, register here by May 16. (late registrations can join based on space availability.)
June 11: Anvil
On June 11 we will hike up Leading Peak on Anvil Island. This begins by taking a school bus or public Transit to Horseshoe Bay, and then a water taxi to Anvil Island. There is a $30 fee for the water taxi. If you wish to join this hike, please register here by June 6. Space on the water taxi is limited and will be allocated on a first come basis. You also have to fill in a separate waiver for the Bible Camp that administers the dock on Anvil Is.
Participants who wish to travel on the provided school bus should meet outside Gage Residence at 6:50 for a 7:00 departure by school bus (free) to the Horseshoe Bay Pier. At the end of the pier you will embark on one of two water taxis to take you to Anvil Island. Departure will be at 8:00. The water taxi will pick us up at Anvil Island at 17:00 and we should be back to Horseshoe Bay by 17:45. Return from Horseshoe Bay to UBC will be by public transit. There is limited space on the school bus which will be allotted on a first come basis, so please register only if you are committed to coming. It is also possible to make it to Horseshoe Bay by 8:00 by public transit (leaving around 6:30).
Anvil Island, visible from many places, is in the middle of Howe Sound and looks like an inverted Anvil. The hike is scenic and a bit tougher than the others with over 900m of elevation gain along a very steep trail, taking 6 hours of hiking (return). further information about the hike may be found here and here. Bring lunch and at least 2 liters of water (there is no drinkable water along the trail), Good footware is a must for this hike. Rain gear is recommended.
June 18: Mt. Gardner on Bowen Island
The hike on Wed. June 18 is to the top of Mt. Gardner on Bowen Island near the Horseshoe Bay ferry terminal. There also is an option on the island for those who prefer a casual walk rather than climb a mountain.
The hike is a bit less strenuous than the Chief. It involves a 700 m. climb and takes about 3.5 hours up and 2.5 hours down (from the ferry terminal on Bowen Is.). Please bring good footwear (at least good runners), rain protection, lots of water (there is none on the trail), and lunch. A description of the route we will take is on Ed Perkins' website.
We will arrange a school bus transport to the Horseshoe Bay Ferry (complimentary) for the first 44 registrants. We will depart at 6:45AM from outside Gage Residence. We will then travel on the 8:05 ferry to Bowen Island free return ferry tickets for bus riders will be given out by our guides just inside the ferry terminal. The goal would be to make it back in time for the 3:15 return sailing which arrives at Horseshoe Bay at 3:35 (the next sailing would be at 6:00). Schedules and ferry information is available on the BC Ferries website. Hikers will return from Horseshoe Bay to UBC by public transit.
Those who prefer to sleep later can self-organize and do this hike on their own. You can get to horseshoe bay ferry terminal by public transit for the 8:05 or 10:35 ferries.
There also is a more relaxed option here. Namely explore the island and especially the trails in Crippen Park, such as the walk around Killarney Lake (about 2.5 hours). This is very close to the Ferry terminal and the first part of the Mt. Gardner hike will head through the park. The Snug Cove Cafe on the main street has good sandwiches and coffee. Artisan Square has artist studios, a great chocolate shop, an excellent cafe and more. It is about a 30 min. walk from the ferry dock. There are a couple of good pubs on the main street as well.
If you wish to take the 8:05 ferry, please register here by Sunday June 15. Priority on the bus will be given to early registration.