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British Columbia – Whistler Trip Summary Step into a postcard as you hike, bike, paddle and dine in one of Canada’s hottest vacation destinations: Whistler. Hike old-growth hemlock rainforests in Cheakamus Lake Provincial Park, marveling at the girth of massive cedar stumps from logging days past. Bike quiet trails through wildflower meadows in Whistler Valley and quiet pathways around the local lakes. Tackle the rapids on the mighty Elaho River and explore the Callaghan Valley into Alexander Falls. Ride the gondola to the top of Whistler Mountain before trekking the last 1,000 vertical feet to the summit for jaw-dropping panoramas of alpine lakes, wildflower meadows and glacier-covered peaks. Enjoy a lunch at the base of Matier Glacier and (if you’re feeling courageous) take a dip in one of three Joffre Lakes, whose glacier-fed waters are as pristine as they come. By night, unwind with a scenic sunset drive along the Sea to Sky highway, a well-earned meal at one of Whistler’s tastiest restaurants and a restful night’s sleep in the comfort of your carefully selected lodge. Itinerary Day 1: Vancouver to Whistler Early morning pick-up in downtown Vancouver • Drive through Stanley Park and follow the beautiful Sea to Sky Highway along Howe Sound • Marvel at the dramatic 1200 foot Shannon Falls as we continue north into Squamish • Next stop: an ultimate rafting adventure on the impressive Elaho River fed by the Glaciers resting above • Enjoy lunch after the rafting trip as we exchange stories from the river • Our drive will continue north through the mountains with stops at perfect viewpoints of the glacier covered peaks of the Tantalus Mountain Range. Early arrival at the Legends Lodge Whistler with dinner in Whistler Village • Overnight Legends Lodge (L, D) Day 2: Callaghan Valley Spend the morning exploring the beauty of the Cheakamus Valley, just a short drive from our lodge • Hike through pristine wilderness and witness the dominance of the Old Growth Douglas Fir trees • In the afternoon we will cross the valley into the Callaghan to enjoy lunch at Alexander Falls • Our afternoon will also give us opportunity to visit some of the 2010 Olympic venues including participating in our own Biathlon of biking the short track and shooting the Olympic targets • Our dinner is at the Brew House Restaurant next to the Olympic Medals Plaza • Overnight Legends Lodge (B, L, D) Day 3: Joffre Lakes Today we embark on the ultimate Coast Mountain experience! A full-day hike along forested trails with views of the Cayoosh mountains bring us to the edge of the three Joffre Lakes • Enjoy lunch at the base of the Matier Glacier and perhaps an invigorating swim • An up close view of these impressive glaciers is one for our generation to savor while they are here • Tonight we will rendezvous for dinner at the local favorite, Creek Bread • Overnight Legends Lodge (B, L, D) 1 SM The toughest part is going home. British Columbia – Whistler Day 4: Whistler Valley After breakfast enjoy a morning bike ride on paved back roads and quiet trails through the Whistler Valley • Ride around Lost, Alta, and Green Lakes enjoying incredible mountain views • Picnic lunch at Rainbow Park on Alta Lake • Continue pedaling along a meandering river stopping often to photograph wildlife and wildflowers and connect back to the Village • The afternoon is open for you to choose your own adventure with options such as a further bike ride, zip lining, exploring the village or a relaxing spa visit • Tonight’s dinner is on your own to sample another one of Whistler’s favorites • Overnight Legends Lodge (B, L) Day 5: Whistler Mountain Ride the gondola to the top of Whistler mountain, then hike along the beautiful alpine trails overlooking the entire valley below • Delight in flower-filled meadows and spectacular views in every direction • Connect across to Blackcomb on the impressive Peak to Peak gondola, setting three world records • Picnic lunch with a view of the many lakes that cover the valley floor and the imposing Coast Range glaciers • Descend by gondola for a late afternoon to explore the village shops or visit the spa • Tonight’s dining experience is one of Whistler’s finest and sure to impress • Overnight Legends Lodge (B, L, D) Day 6: Squamish / Vancouver Sip coffee or cocoa and enjoy a leisurely breakfast preceding a hike into the Cheakamus Valley • Follow the edge of the raging Cheakamus River before crossing over the suspension bridge to venture deeper into the quiet valley above • Lunch will be enjoyed lake side while savoring the mountain views • Mid-afternoon, bid Whistler farewell and depart for Vancouver hotels or the airport • (B, L) * This trip is operated by Arbutus Routes in partnership with Austin Adventures. ** Trip itineraries are subject to change without notice due to road, trail, weather, and other factors outside of our control, for the safety and enjoyment of our guests, as deemed necessary and appropriate by Austin Adventures. Activities Hiking: 5 to 12 miles per hike, easy to moderate terrain. Biking: 6 to 20 miles, easy to moderate terrain. Whitewater rafting: Class III and IV rapids, no experience necessary. Discovery: Come view the breathtaking landscapes, geographical diversity and pristine mountain lakes of a land carved by glaciers. Bordered by the rugged and spectacular Pacific Coast to the west and jagged, magnificent Rocky Mountains to the east, discover why this place is your ideal vacation destination. Snake along the Sea to Sky Highway to take in a view you can only imagine in your dreams. Delve into the legends of the Tantalus Mountain Range, reportedly named after specific myths in Greek mythology. Have a look at the Whistler Olympic Plaza, a hub of arts, culture and entertainment to Whistler’s residents and visitors alike. Discover just how far ski lift technology has come as you hang 1,427 feet above the ground on the Peak 2 Peak Gondola. Investigate the inner workings of the Matier Glacier as you stare up at the immensity of its moraines, crevasses and cirques. Come play in The Pacific Provence and learn why B.C. has the motto Splendor sine occasu (Splendor without diminishment). Austin Adventures guides are experienced facilitators and regional experts. They will take the time to explain the details of each activity, answer any questions and demonstrate the use of all equipment. Each activity has been carefully planned to include options for all levels. Most importantly, Austin Adventures guides will help you select the distance that’s right for you. 2 SM The toughest part is going home. British Columbia – Whistler Distinctive Accommodation Nights 1 – 5: Legends Lodge Legends Lodge sits at the base of Whistler Mountain at the original resort town site. Located in Creekside, which is the smaller village located 5 minutes south of the main village, it captures the vibrant atmosphere of this dynamic destination. Legends confidently sets itself apart from the more traditional mountain lodges, with bold colors and a laid back ambience. Families will appreciate the amenities. Couples will enjoy the atmosphere. Meals The hallmark of an Austin Adventures vacation is our exceptional dining. All meals: breakfasts, lunches, snacks, dinners, refreshments, and receptions — except one dinner on your own — are included with your adventure. Alcoholic beverages and related gratuities are not included in the trip price. Each morning starts with a hearty breakfast, usually in the dining room at our lodging. In the evening, it’s a five-star restaurant, an out-of-the-way bistro, the locals’ favorite hangout or a candlelit meal in a private wine cellar. One night might feature steak and seafood. The next could bring homemade pasta with wild mushrooms and fresh herbs. Even our trailside lunches are gourmet affairs. With the great outdoors as your dining room, our picnics would make even Chef Emeril Lagasse proud. Our guides are culinary magicians who prepare nutritious meals and know where to find farm-fresh produce, homemade bread, or wood-oven pizza. Our Partner – Arbutus Routes Austin Adventures is proudly offering this trip in conjunction with Arbutus Routes. In business since 2003, Arbutus Routes first operated under the name Whistler Outback Adventures, until they rebranded in 2011. They felt it was time to find a distinct name to represent their unique operation as they had grown to operate multi-sport adventures not just in Whistler, but throughout British Columbia. Arbutus Routes specializes in guided biking and hiking tours, bike rentals and corporate team building events. Their biking and hiking tours range from a 2-hour local trip to a week-long adventure into a number of destinations across the province, including the Sea to Sky Corridor, the Gulf Islands, Vancouver Island, the Chilcotin Mountains and the Okanagan valley. Arbutus Routes’ difference is that they truly specialize in British Columbia and have the ability to fully customize your trip to match your vision. Their local connections in the area are immediately felt by their travelers and draw you into the local culture while exploring these inspiring regions. Their passion is fueled by the desire to experience areas they consider to be some of the most beautiful in the world, to share those experiences with their guests and to simply get outside and play. 3 SM The toughest part is going home. British Columbia – Whistler Arrival and Departures Please plan on arriving at least one day prior to your trip departure. Day one of your itinerary starts at 8:00 am or 8:20 am depending on your hotel. Your trip ends with a drop-off at either the Canada Line Train to the Vancouver Airport or either the Blue Horizon Hotel or Granville Island Hotel in Vancouver.

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