Alpine Club of Canada

The Alpine Club of Canada has space remaining for a handful of our Summer Camps. Are you interested in getting into the alpine this summer? Visit alpineclubofcanada.ca or call Chris Fenlon-MacDonald, our Mountain Adventures Coordinator, at 403-678-3200 ext 112 for more information.

Camps with availability include:

Classic Peaks at Lake O’Hara – Aug 7-14

This classic mountaineering trip targets the must-do giant peaks and huts in the historic and stunningly beautiful Lake O’Hara area.  These are the peaks that first lured North American and European climbers to Western Canada and opened up the Rockies as a sought-after destination for peak-bagging in the early days of mountaineering.

Starting at Elizabeth Parker hut, a historic log cabin set in an enchanting meadow near Lake O’Hara in Yoho National Park, we will spend 3 days climbing the peaks that make this area so beautiful like Mounts Odaray, Ringrose, Schäffer and Cathedral.

Mid-week we’ll move our base to higher elevation.  From Abbot Hut, a stone structure located at Abbot Pass and straddling Yoho and Banff National Parks, our sites will be focused on three of the legendary 11,000’ers: Mounts Victoria, Lefroy, and Huber. 
Bring your cameras and your sketchbooks since this camp covers the best of Lake O’Hara – an area that will continue to inspire mountaineers to climb ever higher.

55+ Trekking and Climbing Camp – Aug 15-20

This backcountry climbing camp is aimed at young-at-heart climbers who are looking for moderate mountaineering routes with daily trekking options. This year’s camp will take you to the legendary Fairy Meadow Hut in the heart of the Adamant Range of the Selkirk Mountains.  The peaks in the area are mainly granitic and there are several classic routes of various lengths and difficulty to challenge all types of climbers.

The Bill Putnam (Fairy Meadow) Hut is spectacularly located in a grassy meadow close to the Granite Glacier, providing access to a wide range of objectives including Mts. Adamant 3366 m(11,040’) and Austerity 3348 m(10,980’). The granite in this area is excellent, the glaciers exciting, and the peaks present many varied challenges.

We’ll spend our days summiting peaks and spend our evenings spinning yarns in the comforts of the Hut.  As an added bonus, this camp is fly in and fly out, so no multi-day packs to carry along endless logging roads.  You’ll arrive at the hut ready to get out and climb!

If you are over 55 and seeking company and challenges with others in this age range, this camp is for you.

11’000ers of the Purcells – Aug 15-20

The Farnham Creek area is the “Columbia Icefield” of the Interior Ranges of BC – an area that is worthy of crowds, but is rarely visited which will give this camp a truly off-the-beaten track feel.  The greatest concentration of high peaks in the Interior Ranges will tower above our camp in Farnham Creek, an exquisitely picturesque home base for our tent-based camp. Mounts Jumbo, Karnak and Commander (all over 3350m/11,000’) and the Lieutenants, the Cleaver, and the Guardsmen will all be in striking distance, - plenty of options to keep us busy.

After meeting in Radium Hot Springs, BC, we will access the area by logging road and then make our way into our base camp where we will set up our tents for the week. Porters will be a welcome assistance for carrying our food into the camp, lightening your load as we walk into camp.

The peaks around the Farnham Creek area offer a wide range of difficulties of climbs on rock, snow and ice.

Little Yoho Climbing Camp – Aug 26-31

The glorious Little Yoho Valley is home to our 2010 Stanley Mitchell Climbing Camp.  Hosted out of the Alpine Club of Canada’s historic Stanley Mitchell log cabin, this adventure will offer the opportunity to reach the summits of the President (3124m/10249’), the Vice President (2033m/8638’), and other notable ascents such as Mount McArthur, Isolated Peak, and the Whaleback. 

The route out of the hut via the renowned Iceline Trail on the last day will afford you unlimited photo opportunities and fantastic views of Takakkaw Falls, the second highest waterfall in Western Canada.

Home of the very first ACC General Mountaineering Camp in 1906, the Little Yoho Valley is a location steeped in mountaineering history with quality mountaineering routes, and spectacular vistas.

Inside Out Experience

Homeplace Ranch & Inside Out Experience Present Horses with River Courses

Start the day off exploring the incredible beauty of Kananaskis Country located in the magnificent Canadian Rockies on horseback, courtesy of Homeplace Ranch. You begin your adventure in the morning, where you’ll be introduced to the ranch, the guides, and the area.

Receive a safety talk plus an introduction to basic horsemanship, then be partnered with your horse, mount up and prepare yourself for a morning of gorgeous mountain vistas, valleys and the beauty of the foothills. Ride through open meadows and across creeks, all while your guide tells you about the area and its unique history. The philosophy of Homeplace Ranch embraces personal enrichment beyond basic ridership, focusing on the partnership and bond between horse and rider.

After your ride, get ready to get wet and have fun with an exhilarating whitewater rafting trip down the spectacular Kananaskis River. All clothing and equipment is provided – just bring your bathing suit and towel. After a safety talk and introduction to paddling, take on the Kananaskis’s Class II/III rapids, finishing off with river games and even a water fight or two!

All guides are fully trained and certified, and will enrich your experience with personality and flair as they detail the history and features of the Kananaskis River valley for you and your group.

For more information call Inside Out Experience at (403) 949-3305 or email info@insideoutexperience.com.

Swiftsure Sailing Academy

Come sail away with locally-based Swiftsure Sailing Academy! Swiftsure is dedicated to offering the highest quality sailing instruction available in western Canada.

Introductory through Advanced Courses

Want to try out your sea legs? Swiftsure offers ‘Introduction to Sailing’ trips. These sessions are targeted toward the budding sailor who "just wants to try it", the developing sailor looking for on-the-water time, and to the vacationing group looking for a magical day on the lake. All session costs include a certified sailing instructor and boat rental. Two session lengths are offered: 3 hours and 6 hours. And you have your choice of two locations for this introductory course:
Glenmore Reservoir or Okanagan Lake.

For those who wish to pursue further sailing courses, Swiftsure offers certification courses for both the International Sail and Power Association (ISPA) and the Canadian Yachting Association (CYA).

ISPA courses include Competent Crew and Day Skipper, Coastal Navigation, Coastal Skipper, Yacht Master Offshore, and Power Boat Courses. CYA courses include Basic Cruising, Intermediate Cruising, Coastal Navigation and Advanced Cruising. Various locations are available for these courses (check www.swiftsuresailing.com for further information).

Marine VHF Radio and Pleasure Craft Operator’s Card

To legally operate a VHF marine radio, you must possess a Radio Operator's Certificate (ROC). Swiftsure is offering a course several times throughout the spring and winter seasons to prepare you to take the exam. The two-night course consists of one lecture night and one exam night. The ROC exam has both a written and a verbal component. The new course includes the endorsement for Digital Selective Calling (DSC) and the Global Maritime Distress Safety System (GMDSS).

Do you have your Pleasure Craft Operators Card? As of September 2010, all operators of pleasure craft fitted with a motor and used for recreational purposes are required to provide proof of competency on board at all times.  Students who complete any of Swiftsure's Learn to Cruise courses can easily write the Pleasure Craft Operator's Card examination. For students not taking a Swiftsure course, the Operator's Card examination can be challenged after a review of Canada's boating laws and regulations.

Corporate Sailing

Teamwork is recognized as one of the key elements in an effective organization. A boat cannot be sailed correctly without teamwork. Everyone regardless of their standing in the organization must work together to complete the tasks.

Swiftsure’s three-day corporate sailing programs will assist members of your company or your organization in working effectively to meet the organizational goals. This is an intense live-aboard experience that builds bonds among the participants.

Sailing Vacations and Flotillas
Swiftsure Sailing Academy can arrange vacations and flotillas on the newest and most modern boats from both Sidney and Comox. From Sidney you have close access to the Gulf Islands which offers quiet anchorages and well-equipped marinas.

From the Comox base further north, it is a short sail into the spectacular deep valleys and mountain ranges of Desolation Sound. With the two bases, you can also arrange for a one way charter between the two locations. Westjet has flights to both locations.

Or how about a ‘Flotilla’?
The word Flotilla means "a small fleet of bare boats."
Anyone can join a Swiftsure Flotilla, whether you are a skipper with your own crew (tag-a-long), couples or a single. All experience levels are welcome. You will sail with 3-5 people per boat (Including skipper) through some of the best cruising waters in the world.

Corporate Retreats

Does your corporation or group has a need to "get away from it all"? Why not arrange for a skippered charter for your group? Swiftsure Sailing will work with you to select boats that meet your needs and provide skippers who are knowledgeable about the area in which you wish to charter. Arrangements can also be made to accommodate group requests to get a sailing certificate from the Canadian Yachting Association or International Sail and Power Association. Swiftsure is not limited by number of boats or team members and will customize a program suited to any corporate need and size.

Contact Information
Swiftsure Sailing Academy Ltd.
PO Box 46058,
1233 9th Ave SE Calgary, Alberta, Canada
T2G-5H7

Bob Cross (403) 620-5812
Fax (403) 313-6700.
Toll free 1 877 470-7245 (SAIL)

bob@swiftsuresailing.com

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University of Calgary Outdoor Centre

To register or learn more information on any of the programs listed below, visit www.calgaryoutdoorcentre.ca or call 220-5038.

Upcoming Summer and Fall Hikes

If you are looking for an easy trip to break in your new boots, the High Noon Hills, Ranger Ridge and Powderface Pass are a great place to start. Warspite Lake (Blackprince Cirque), Upper Kananaskis Lake and Rawson Lake are also easy hikes, with the scenic bonus of a sparkling lake. Elbow Lake Meadows, Sparrowhawk Tarns, Piper Meadows, Chester Lake and Karst Springs are ideal places to see the progression of summer wildflowers.

A number of hikes take you to high ridges or lofty lookouts with 360 degree views of the valleys below. These include the Windy  Peak Ridge-walk, the Mist-Picklejar Loop, Cat Creek Hills, Hailstone Butte Lookout, Pigeon Mountain, the Gunnery Pass-Grass Pass Loop and the Strawberry Hills circuit.

Full day,  $75,  DHD300  

Individual Guided Day Hikes

Summer Day Hikes

Full day, $75 (van transport), $65 (carpool), DHD400
     

Fall Hikes

The transition from the warmth of summer to the early winter snows is marked by the changing colors of autumn. The first splashes of color in early September are the reds of fireweed, followed by the transition of aspen leaves from green to yellow. We’ll see this on the hikes like Gunnery Mountain, the Ribbon Creek Loop, Buller Creek Falls, Zephyr Creek, and Hailstone Butte Lookout.

The alpine larch is a deciduous conifer that turns a brilliant gold color for a few weeks, before shedding its needles. It is found in a relatively small number of locations near tree-line, including: South Buller Pass, Taylor Lake-Panorama Basin, Healy Pass, the Mist-Picklejar Loop, Ptarmigan Cirque and, of course Larch Valley.

Full day, $75 (van transport), $65 (car pool), DHD500/600

Bear and Cougar Safety Lecture
Are bears, cougars or other animals preventing you from entering the backcountry? This lecture is the perfect opportunity to learn about bear and cougar signs and about their habitat. Gain a better understanding of how and why they react to humans. Special attention is given to dealing with and avoiding bear encounters.
Thu,  Aug 12,  7:00pm–9:00pm, $30,  BPB000

Sol Mountain Lodge Hiking Trip
Enjoy a series of day hikes from this comfortable lodge, hugging the outskirts of Monashee Provincial Park. Experience ridge-top hiking, alpine tarns, glacier views and extensive wildflower meadows. Cost includes three nights accommodation, guiding and permits.
           
Pre-Trip Meeting: Mon, Aug 10, 7:00pm–9:00pm
Trip: Aug 17–20, $475, BPT603

Intro to Caving
Try something new and explore a hidden Alberta treasure.  Caves nestled at the base of the great Rocky Mountains provide a unique adventure and learning experience for the whole family! 

Venture through passageways sculpted by water over millions of years in the four-kilometre long Rat’s Nest Cave near Canmore.  Explore large chambers, narrow passages, a grotto with mineral formations, and a tranquil pool. A 60-foot rappel and the ‘laundry chute’ make for an exhilarating experience! Includes: all technical gear and interpretation by experienced guides.

Aug 07  Aug 21  Sep 11  Sep 19  Sep 25
10:00am–3:30pm,  $139, CVA100

Wapta Icefield Glacier Hikes
Hikers, here is your chance to experience the incredible world of glaciers and peaks! The Wapta Icefields are famous for their unsurpassed beauty and accessibility. Stop at an alpine hut each night and carry a pack that is a little lighter than required for backpacking. This hike is an ideal introduction to glacier hiking, traversing from Bow Lake across the Bow and Peyto Glaciers to Peyto Lake. Weather permitting, we will ascend very easy peaks adjacent to our route. No special equipment or climbing experience is required. Includes: accommodation and glacier safety gear.

Aug 27-29 (3 day),  $510, CLT303

Glacier Circle
This extraordinary hike will take you into an extremely remote area of the Selkirks. The days are quite long (up to 10 hours) and you will need to be in good shape, but for those up to it, this will be a truly memorable trip. The first day we hike to the Asulkan Hut. The second day we hike cross the Asulkan Glacier, over Youngs Peak, across Geikie Glacier and drop down into the Glacier Circle amphitheatre. Day three can be a rest day, or opt to  hike the DeVille Glacier.  On day four we hike out via the Illecillewaet Glacier.

July 29 - Aug 01,  $650, CLT401
         
Abbot Pass Glacier Hike Weekends
Nestled in a high pass between Mt. Victoria and Mt. Lefroy, the Abbot Pass Hut is one of the highest and most spectacular alpine cabins in Canada. After a bus ride to Lake O’Hara, ascend the fine stone path built by Lawrence Grassi. Descend to Lake Louise the next day via one of the two routes listed below. This hike is more difficult than the Wapta Icefield hike with sections of loose scree and some exposure. Includes: accommodation, guide and glacier safety gear.

Via Fuhrmann Ledges and Lefroy Glacier
Follow the spectacular Fuhrmann Ledges, which traverse a high ledge system on Mt. Lefroy, before descending to the Lefroy Glacier and the Lower Victoria Glacier.  This is one of the most remarkable mountain routes accessible to hikers with little or no previous climbing experience.

Ledges Sep 11-12,  $475, CLT205

Icefall Lodge and Lyell Hut NEW
Join us for this exciting and challenging traverse though a little visited area on the east slopes of the Rockies. On Day 1 we fly from Golden into the Icefall Lodge and take an afternoon hike in the area. Day 2 begins with a traverse over a pass and on to Lyell Hut located on Rostrum Peak in the remote Lyells. After a day at the hut we’ll hike back to Icefall Lodge. On the last day we hike down to be picked up by van to return to our cars.  Price includes guides, 4 nights accommodation and transfers from the lodge/hut to and from  Golden, glacier safety gear. 

Aug 17-21,  $1000, CLT403