Hiking the Stawamus Chief is an unforgettable experience that combines breathtaking scenery, physical challenge, and a sense of accomplishment. Here’s what you can expect from the hike:
We will start our hike from the Shannon Falls Provincial Park parking lot, where we’ll find the trailhead leading to all three peaks of the Stawamus Chief.
First Peak: The trail to the First Peak is a moderate ascent that offers stunning views of the surrounding landscape. As we make our way up, you’ll be treated to glimpses of Howe Sound and the town of Squamish below.
Second Peak: The trail to the Second Peak becomes more challenging, with steeper sections and some scrambling required. We will navigate through rocky terrain, using chains and ladders for assistance in certain areas. But the effort is well worth it once you reach the summit, where you’ll be rewarded with panoramic views that stretch for miles in every direction.
Third Peak: If you’re up for the challenge, we can continue to the Third Peak, which offers even more spectacular views but involves a strenuous climb with exposure to steep drop-offs. The sense of accomplishment upon reaching the summit is truly exhilarating, as you take in the awe-inspiring scenery below.
Throughout the hike, you’ll be surrounded by the natural beauty of the Coast Mountains and the lush forests of British Columbia. Keep an eye out for wildlife along the way, including birds of prey soaring overhead and maybe even a glimpse of a black bear or deer.
Vancouver International Airport YVR (Google Map)
Curabitur blandit tempus porttitor. Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipiscing elit. Cras mattis consectetur purus sit amet fermentum. Etiam porta sem malesuada magna mollis euismod. Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipiscing elit.
Maecenas sed diam eget risus varius blandit sit amet non magna. Morbi leo risus, porta ac consectetur ac, vestibulum at eros. Nullam id dolor id nibh ultricies vehicula ut id elit. Donec ullamcorper nulla non metus auctor fringilla.
We’ll meet at 4 p.m. at our hotel in Luzern (Lucerne) for a « Welcome to Switzerland » meeting. Then we’ll take a meandering evening walk through Switzerland’s most charming lakeside town, and get acquainted with one another over dinner together. Sleep in Luzern (2 nights). No bus. Walking: light.
Enjoy an orientation walk of Zurich’s OLD TOWN, Switzerland’s center of banking and commerce. Then, leave Zurich and start your Swiss adventure. You’ll quickly discover that Switzerland isn’t just home to the Alps, but also to some of the most beautiful lakes. First, stop at the foot of the Jura Mountains in the picturesque town of Biel, known as Bienne by French-speaking Swiss, famous for watch-making, and explore the historical center. Next, enjoy a scenic drive to lakeside Neuchâtel, dominated by the medieval cathedral and castle. Time to stroll along the lake promenade before continuing to stunning Geneva, the second-largest city in Switzerland, with its fantastic lakeside location and breathtaking panoramas of the Alps.
Our morning drive takes us from Swiss lakes to Swiss Army. At the once-secret Swiss army bunker at Fortress Fürigen, we’ll see part of the massive defense system designed to keep Switzerland strong and neutral. Afterward, a short drive into the countryside brings us to the charming Alpine village of Engelberg, our picturesque home for the next two days. We’ll settle into our lodge then head out for an orientation walk. Our stroll through the village will end at the Engelberg Abbey, a Benedictine monastery with its own cheese-making operation. You’ll have free time to wander back before dinner together. Sleep in Engelberg (2 nights). Bus: 1 hr. Walking: light.
An unforgettable trip to the high Alpine wonderland of ice and snow is the true highlight of a visit to Switzerland. Globus Local Favorite At an amazing 11,332 feet, the JUNGFRAUJOCH is Europe’s highest railway station. Jungfrau’s 13,642-foot summit was first ascended in 1811 and in 1912 the rack railway was opened. There are lots of things to do here: enjoy the ALPINE SENSATION, THE PANORAMA 360° EXPERIENCE, and the ICE PALACE. Also receive your JUNGFRAU PASSPORT as a souvenir to take home with you. The round trip to the “Top of Europe” by MOUNTAIN TRAIN will take most of the day.
It’s market day in Lausanne! Enjoy browsing and packing a picnic lunch for our 11 a.m. boat cruise on Lake Geneva. A few miles down-shore we’ll dock at Château de Chillon, where we’ll have a guided tour of this delightfully medieval castle on the water. On our way back we’ll take time to peek into the vineyards surrounding Lutry before returning to Lausanne. Boat: 2 hrs. Bus: 1 hr. Walking: moderate.
