BACKPACKING TRIP
5040 Peak Hut Trek
2 DAYS / 1 NIGHT | CHALLENGING
Expanding from our Cobalt Lake Trail day hike near Tofino, the Hi-shim-ya-wit Hut Trek explores beyond what we can accomplish in one day. This 2 day Vancouver Island backpacking trip gives us more time as this region is vast and allows us to take our time and soak in our surroundings. Hišimy̓awiƛ [Hi-SHIM-ya-wit] this name was given to the Hut managed by the Alpine Club of Canada by the elders of the Ucluelet First Nation meaning “Gather Together”. The Cobalt Lake Trail is the standard approach up 5040 Peak and is where we begin our route. It will take us from lush rain forests to snow covered peaks as we explore an awe-inspiring alpine environment. From mountain lakes to open ridges that connect with other summits, there is a vast amount of beautiful terrain to explore. The hiking is challenging but well balanced to allow time to relax and is one of the best ways to explore the remarkable surroundings while having shelter away from the elements. "Why should I hike this trail with a guide?" Our backpacking tours provide you with all the necessities for a memorable and safe trip, including all meals, transport, safety gear, backcountry accommodation, and, of course, an ACMG certified hiking guide.
HIGHLIGHTS
Itinerary
DAY 1
Tofino to Cobalt Lake Trail
This morning your guide will pick you up at your hotel where you will depart for the trek. We will have a 90 minute drive into to the mountains of interior Vancouver Island where we arrive at the Cobalt Lake Trailhead around 9am after a ride down a rough backcountry road. Here we will begin the steep ascent up to Cobalt Lake and on route to the Hišimy̓awiƛ hut. Here we will stop and eat lunch. We will be immersed among colorful peaks and valleys and feel a million miles away from the rest of the world. Once we return from the hike, we will have time to relax, read or just soak in the sunset from the comfort of the deck of the hut. Tonight we enjoy the delicious dinner prepared by your guide. After dinner, your guide will brief you on the plan for the next day and then the remainder of the evening is free for your enjoyment.
DAY 2
Alpine Exploration & Summit
This morning after a delicious breakfast, depending on the weather and group ability we will attempt the summit 5040 Peak. There are many sites along the way making the last day of our trek extremely beautiful and rewarding. Once we are ready we can begin the decent back to Cobalt Lake and onwards to our vehicle where we will make the journey to Tofino/Ucluelet.
Useful Information
- Duration: 2 days / 1 night
- Departs/Ends: Tofino and/or Ucluelet
- Hiking Distance: 15 km (9.3 miles)
- Type: Multi-day Hiking Trip / Private / Backpacking / Mountain Hut
- Location: 5040 Peak
- Terrain: Steep rainforest trail / alpine / rock
- Group Size: 1-4 people
- Season: July – October
- You will need to arrive the day before your trip in time to attend a mandatory orientation meeting at 4:00 PM at Storm Light Outfitters (390 Main Street, Tofino, British Columbia, CANADA). Your guide will cover introductions, a thorough briefing of your route, hand out group and personal gear and answer any last-minute questions you may have. Your guide will pick you up the following morning and transport to the trailhead together. Dinner & lodging is on your own tonight; make sure you have a hearty meal and a good night’s sleep as tomorrow we hit the trail!
Challenging
- To determine the grade of a particular adventure we consider a number of factors. These include the condition of the walking trails, daily climbing and descending and duration of the trip. While part of this hike does utilize formed trails, you must be comfortable hiking across technical terrain including rocks and boulders, slippery tree roots and scree slopes. There are some unbridged streams to cross and some steep rocky hillsides to scramble up and down. This itinerary requires good fitness, balance, coordination and a good head for heights. The sense of isolation and wilderness is a strong feature of this trip. For you to be able to really enjoy this hike we recommend that you are confident walking across uneven terrain and are able to hike comfortably for multiple hours at a time (breaks included) with plenty of uphill.
- Suitable for ages 16 and up.
- A certified ACMG Hiking Guide
- Transportation (Tofino/Ucluelet to trail and return)
- High quality, synthetic sleeping bag (professionally laundered after every use) – or bring your own
- Use of trekking poles
- All meals are included from lunch the first day through dinner on the last day
- Bear safety equipment including bear spray cannisters and food-hanging gear
- Emergency equipment including a company-issued first-aid kit and satellite phone
- Pre-Trip Planning and Organizing Logistics
- Packing Tips
- Hut fees
- Transportation to Tofino
- Accommodation in Tofino pre and post trek
- Clothes, rain gear, and footwear, multi-day backpack (available to purchase at Storm Light Outfitters)
- Sunscreen, toiletries and personal items (available to purchase at Storm Light Outfitters)
- Water bottles and a headlamp or flashlight (available to purchase at Storm Light Outfitters)
- Your favourite trail snacks
- Guide gratuity (industry recommendation is 10-20% of trip cost)
- All of our hiking and backpacking tours include a diversity of tasty meals packed full of critical carbohydrates, proteins and fats. We carry foods that travel well in the backcountry – rice, pastas, lentils, beans, couscous, packaged meats, nuts, breads, oatmeal, granola, and more.
- For optimal taste and energy, we supplement all our meals with spices, herbs, oils, cheeses, butter, sugar, and fruits and vegetables (fresh and dried). In addition, we provide you with with an assortment of trail mix, snacks, and dried fruits to eat at your own discretion.
- We regularly accommodate vegan, vegetarian, kosher and non-gluten diets and will make adjustments for food allergies. These and other special dietary requests may require an additional fee.
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Have a Question?
Our team at the Long Beach Nature Office looks forward to hearing from you!
CONTACT US
+1.250.725.3320
Box 1132 Tofino, BC V0R2Z0
OFFICE
Storm Light Outfitters
390 Main Street, Tofino BC