Packages and Options

Day 1. Sea kayak Indian Arm, The Howe Sound Inn
After meeting in Vancouver at 8:00 a.m., we head northeast to the fjord of Indian Arm for our kayaking excursion.
After we learn the fundamentals of sea kayaking, we paddle down Indian Arm’s steep-sided, glacially-carved coastline exploring the wildlife and small islands inhabiting this area.
At day’s end, we continue on to nearby Squamish, a town known as a mecca for outdoor enthusiasts. We stay that night at the Howe Sound Inn that was declared by National Geographic Adventure magazine to be the “best place to stay in Squamish”.
• Sea Kayaking in Indian Arm fjord [mileage variable, 5 hours]
Day 2. Hiking Squamish area, The Howe Sound Inn
Today we take a heart-pumping hike on the “Stairmaster” up the backside of the 2,139-foot Stawamus Chief, one of the largest free-standing granite monoliths in the world. This is one of the most popular day hikes in British Columbia and for good reason: spectacular 1100’ Shannon Falls and astounding views of Howe Sound, Mount Garibaldi and the town of Squamish.
• Stawamus Chief Summit [4 miles roundtrip, 1,980-foot elevation gain / loss, strenuous]
Day 3. Rafting the Elaho River, Mountain Biking Cheekeye Fan, Chalet Luise
Today's whitewater rafting adventure takes us down the upper section of the Elaho River, where we pass glaciers and waterfalls that cascade hundreds of feet to the river. Winding through a deep canyon, we tackle Class III-IV rapids, known as the "Devil's Elbow", while passing through some of British Columbia's most pristine wilderness.
After lunch we continue on to Cheekeye Fan, where we enjoy some easy mountain biking. These trails are a maze of both single- and double-track geared for the beginning to intermediate rider.
Our home away from home for the next three evenings is the alpine resort village of Whistler. Here we stay at the secluded Swiss-style Chalet Luise Inn which offers colorful flower gardens, a fireside lounge, and both a sauna and jacuzzi. In the early evening you can explore the trails surrounding Whistler, shop for arts and crafts in one its many galleries or simply relax.
• Rafting [Class III-IV; approximately 3-4 hours]
• Mountain Biking Cheekeye Fan [distance variable, rolling terrain]
Day 4. Hiking Garibaldi Provincial Park, Whistler, Chalet Luise
This morning we are whisked up 3,800 feet from Whistler village via Whistler Mountain's Express Gondola to an alpine world of majestic mountain peaks and glaciers. At the top we begin our hike into the famed Garibaldi Provincial Park, renowned for its awe-inspiring landscape formed by both glaciers and volcanic activity.
We hike the ridge top trail which traverses the "Musical Bumps"—Piccolo, Flute and Oboe—and eventually leads to Singing Pass, named for the sound of the wind whistling through the trees. Our route will lead us through fields of wildflowers such as lupine, Indian Paintbrush, arnica and snow lily and offer us dazzling views of Blackcomb Mountain and an eagle's eye view of Cheakamus Lake nestled 3,600 feet below.
• Hiking to Singing Pass via The Musical Bumps [approximately 8 miles, lots of elevation gains and losses]
Day 5. ZipTrek or TreeTrek/ Mountain Biking Cheakamus Lake or Free Time, Chalet Luise
Experience the exhilaration of flying as you glide along steel ziplines suspended high above the breathtaking white-water river that divides Whistler and Blackcomb Mountains. Ziplining involves gliding along a suspended steel cable, using a pulley and climbing harness. Guided tours include five incredible zipline rides that gain progressively in height and length with the
longest spanning over 1100 feet. The ziplines are joined by a network of ground based boardwalks and trails, and by aerial stairways and bridges at heights of over eighty feet in the tree canopy!
A little less adventurous? Opt for the TreeTrek EcoTour and explore the treetops of Whistler’s ancient forests on a spectacular network of suspension bridges, boardwalks and observation platforms. Enjoy a bird’s eye view of Whistler’s natural wonders from nearly 200 feet above the forest floor in the magnificent cedars, firs and hemlocks that host your adventure.
After lunch we mountain bike through beautiful old growth forest along the shore of turquoise Cheakamus Lake. This ride is flat and consists of wide singletrack suitable for beginner to intermediate riders. Alternately, if you’re looking for a little down time, stroll the streets of Whistler and explore its many shops.
• ZipTrek [5 ziplines, 2-1//2 hours] or TreeTrek EcoTour [7 suspension bridges, 1-1/2 to 2 hours]
• Mountain Biking the Cheakamus Lake Trail [relatively flat, 4 miles roundtrip] or Free Time in Whistler
Day 6. Mountain Biking Whistler, Vancouver
On our last day, we return to our mountain bikes and embark on a ride on the Whistler trail system. The 30-kilometer paved Valley Trail offers a great introduction to the area. This scenic and relatively flat route accesses several municipal parks and is the jumping off point for a myriad of more ambitious rides on trails such as Cut Yer Bars, Rebob, Whip Me Snip Me, Bart’s Dart Trail, Emerald Forest, Mel’s Dilemna and more. The trails of Lost Lake Park offer excellent beginning to intermediate singletrack mountain biking. There are trails for all abilities in this area.
Our tour concludes in Vancouver at approximately 6:00 p.m.
• Mountain Biking in Whistler

Passports
Passport valid for at least one day beyond the intended departure date from Canada required by all nationals referred to in the chart except the following:
(a) 1. Canadian citizens holding a Canadian Certificate of Identity, Canadian birth certificate or a certificate of Canadian citizenship;
(b) permanent residents of Canada with proof of status, ie Permanent Resident Card, Record of Landing, Returning Resident Permit or a Refugee Travel Document issued by the government of Canada to refugees who have been resettled in Canada;
(c) 2. citizens of the USA holding proof of citizenship (eg US birth certificate or US naturalisation papers).
Note: As of 23 January 2007 all persons, including US citizens, travelling by air between the USA and Canada, Central and South America, the Caribbean and Bermuda are required to present a valid passport or other approved document when entering or re-entering the USA. Similar requirements for those travelling by land or sea will be introduced as early as 1 January 2008. For further details about the Western Hemisphere Travel Initiative, visit the website of the US Department of State: http://travel.state.gov/travel/cbpmc/cbpmc_2223.html.
(d) persons entering from St Pierre & Miquelon or the USA who are legal permanent residents of the USA and hold a US alien registration card (Green Card);
(e) 3. citizens of France who are residents of and entering from St Pierre & Miquelon.
Note: (a) Children under 18 years must have information with them on the people responsible for their welfare, if travelling alone; this includes a letter of permission to travel from guardian(s), and also a letter from the custodian in Canada. (b) Depending on circumstance and nationality, certain applicants may need to undergo a medical examination in order to receive their visas; this must be carried out by a physician on Canada's list of Designated Medical Practitioners.
Passport Note
Visitors to Canada must satisfy an examining officer at the Port of Entry that they are genuine visitors, in good health, with no criminal convictions, and have sufficient funds to maintain themselves during their stay in Canada and to return to their country of origin, as well as evidence of confirmed onward reservations out of Canada. Persons under 18 years of age who are unaccompanied by an adult should bring with them a letter from a parent or guardian giving them permission to travel to Canada.

Identity/travel documents issued to non-national residents of the country of issue, refugees or stateless persons are recognised for travel to Canada.

Visas
Not required by all nationals referred to in chart above (visitor or transit) for stays of up to six months except the following:
(a) 4. holders of passports endorsed ‘British Subjects’ and ‘British Protected Persons’;
(b) 5. nationals of Bulgaria and Romania;
(c) those visiting Canada who, during that visit, also visit the USA or St Pierre & Miquelon (a French Overseas Territory) and return directly to Canada as visitors within the period authorised on their initial entry (or any extension thereto).

Note: Nationals not referred to in the chart above are advised to contact the high commission to check visa requirements (see Contact Addresses).
Visa Note
The Government of Canada refuses admission to: (a) holders of passports issued by the UK Government entitled 'British Temporary Resident's Passport'.

(a) A single-entry visa is still valid if used to visit the USA. (b) Persons wishing to attend a course of six months duration or less, at any level, do not require a study permit. However, if there is the possibility that you will extend your period of study in Canada, or if you are a full time student and wish to work on campus, you may apply for a study permit.
Types of Visa and Cost
Visitor: C$75 (single-entry); C$150 (multiple-entry). Family: C$400 (for families of six or more persons). Transit: free. Transit visas are necessary for all nationals who require a visitor visa. Although transit visas are not required by British citizens, they may be required by foreign nationals with British passports; check with the embassy or high commission for details. For further information on payment methods, contact the high commission. Prices are subject to frequent change.
Validity
Up to six months depending on circumstances of individual applicant. The determination regarding length of stay in Canada can only be decided by the examining officer at the port of entry, but visas cannot exceed the validity of the passport and cannot be longer than five years. If no actual departure date is indicated within the visitor’s passport, then the visitor will be required to depart within three months from the date of entry. Visitors must effect their departure from Canada on or before the date authorised by the examining officer on arrival. If an extension of stay is desired, an application must be made in writing to the nearest Canada Immigration Centre at least three weeks before the expiry of the visitor visa. Multiple-entry visas cannot be valid longer than passport. Transit visas are only allocated if a national's flight/onward journey is continuing within 24 hours. Single-entry visas can be used multiple times by nationals of St Pierre & Miquelon and the USA.
Applications to:
Consulate (or consular section at embassy or high commission)
Working Days Required
10 days are required from receiving applications, but applications should be made at least one month prior to the intended date of departure. Certain nationals are subject to longer processing times. For urgent applications it is advised to apply in person. Same-day processing is available for applications made in person and 24-hour processing for those using the drop-in service.