Example Itinerary

Day 1: Arrive at CrossRiver Wilderness Centre by 5:00 p.m. After preliminary introductions with staff, facilitators, and First Nations elder, a hot evening meal will be served in the main lodge. After dinner, we will formally gather with the rest of the group to outline the backpacking out-trip and weeks experiences before settling in to a relaxing night at the Wilderness Centre.

Day 2: After an early breakfast, we pack for our two-night backpacking base camp adventure, and finish our final preparations before heading out to the trailhead (approximately a 45 minute drive). Here we will have an on-location safety talk, and begin the hike with a slow pace, up to a high subalpine mountain pass and ridgeline. We follow a river through dense forest, avalanche slopes, and subalpine marsh and meadow eco-systems. Once up to the pass, we will set up our base camp adjacent to a nearby river or lake. The pass itself is a very historic pass in the Rocky Mountains, and will present great opportunities for some good storytelling. Walking distance: 5-6 km; elevation gain: 600 m.

Day 3: Today presents us with one of the benefits of base camping—out-trip choices. After breakfast, we will pack up some small day packs and head out to probably one of two places. Depending on group circumstances, we can either continue along the ridgeline, to another subalpine lake, which will also allow us to reach above treeline, with moderate physical or mental exertion; or we can challenge ourselves with a somewhat steep climb up a scree slope, well above treeline, to a high alpine mountain shoulder overlooking the entire region. There is no wrong choice; both offer great views and experiences, as well as possible opportunities for wildlife viewing and nature-based activities. Lunch will be taken on the trail and we aim to be back at base camp by around 4:30 p.m. Walking distance: 3-5 km; elevation gain: 200-500 m.

Day 4: After breakfast and our pack-up, we enjoy a morning stroll and exploration around the surrounding alpine ridges. We will aim to return to the trailhead by 3:00 p.m. at the very latest so that we have time to wash-up before a delicious, home-cooked, dinner back at CrossRiver. The evening is yours to relax at the Wilderness Centre, whether alone with a book, around the campfire, or in the outdoor wood-fired hot tub.

Day 5: After an early breakfast, we spend today on a full-day river rafting trip on the Kootenay River. Depending on time of year, the waters may range from Class 2 to 3+, with some short sections of low Class 4 rapids in June. The surrounding cliffs, characteristic waterfalls, and good stories along the way make this trip a fun and unique way to enjoy the mountains. We aim to be back at CrossRiver by 5:00 p.m., just in time to wash up before dinner.

Day 6-7: On these two days we spend our time around the Wilderness Centre, or the surrounding landscape, participating in various inter-cultural sharing experiences with a North American First Nations elder. Possible experiences could include: various nature or medicine walks; nature awareness or inter-cultural sharing activities based on traditional teachings; traditional earth and wilderness skills; and traditional campfire gatherings with camaraderie, stories, and music. All experiences will introduce you to an important nature and community-based way of life. The days evolve out of the relationships that occur in a traditional way, so there is no set schedule, and the experiences themselves end up being different for each person. Therefore, we cannot say how it will all turn out; it always turns out exactly the way it is supposed to, for everyone to powerfully get out of it exactly what they are meant to.

Day 8: After one final breakfast together, we part ways until next time.

Base Fee (without possible donation):                 Cabins - $2,195.00 CAD, per person                 Teepees - $1,995.00 CAD, per person

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