BACKPACKING TRIPS

CREAM LAKE CIRCUIT

The Cream Lake Circuit all inclusive backpacking trip explores through the heart of Strathcona Provincial Park. Providing unparalleled access to the island's alpine beauty, treating hikers to breathtaking views of Bedwell Lake, Cream Lake and the Mt. Rosseau/Septimus Massif.

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Or call 1-250-725-3320

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CREAM LAKE CIRCUIT

The Cream Lake Circuit all inclusive backpacking trip explores through the heart of Strathcona Provincial Park. This iconic route offers an ideal experience for both novice and intermediate hikers eager to explore alpine landscapes. With well-maintained trails, the journey provides unparalleled access to the island's alpine beauty, treating hikers to breathtaking views of Bedwell Lake, Cream Lake and the Mt. Rosseau/Septimus Massif along the way.

HIGHLIGHTS

| All-Inclusive Trip - food, gear and guidance all included! | Rejuvenating wilderness solitude | The remote and stunning Cream Lake

TRIP SUMMARY

STARTING AT $950 / person

Prices are listed in Canadian Dollars

+ 5% GST

Duration: 4 days

Starts/Ends: Campbell River

Activity Level: Moderate+

Group size: 1-4 people

Season: July-September

Reserve Online

Or call 1-250-725-3320

refection over cream lake in Strathcona park

WHAT'S INCLUDED

| Meals on the trek (breakfast, dinner, hot drinks) | Professional ACMG certified hiking guide | Group equipment (including tents, sleeping bags, pads, stoves, etc.) | Park Permits

WHAT'S NOT INCLUDED

ROUTE STATS

Hiking Duration: 4 days Per/Travel Days: 1 day Trail Length: 20km Elevation Gain: 1,400m Location: Strathcona Provincial Park Region: Central Vancouver Island Rating: Moderate+

GUIDE TO GUEST RATIO

We lead treks at a 1:4 guide to guest ratio.

MINIMUM PARTICIPANTS

Please note that a minimum of 4 participants are required to guarantee each trip at the advertised price.

AGE GUIDELINES

We do not accept participants under 16 years old due to insurance and liability reasons.

GUIDES

You will be paired with a certified ACMG Hiking Guide. The ACMG demands the highest entry standard of any Canadian qualification. Its members are among the best climbers, skiers and backcountry experts in the country. ACMG members are also outstanding teachers and coaches who can help you progress your technical competence, mountain sense and risk management skills. Guides and instructors know their terrain and conditions and will help you achieve success by assisting you in choosing the best objectives for the current conditions.

WHEN IS THIS TRIP AVAILABLE?

This backpacking trip is offered on demand between early July and late September depending on snow conditions. Available upon request. Please reach out to us directly with the dates you are interested in and our team will get back to you right away.

SAMPLE ITINERARY - This is an example of what our itinerary may look like. Weather, group fitness and many other factors may cause the camp locations and the days hiking distances to change.

DAY 1 | ORIENTATION DAY

Meet your guide at 2:00pm at the Maritime Heritage Center in Campbell River, BC. Long Beach Nature Tours will provide you with a detailed PreTrek document upon registration including personal gear list, meeting location and driving directions. Here at the Maritime Heritage Center, your guide will begin the route orientation, discuss the weather forecast, gear check, gear distribution and packing. You will have this afternoon and evening to rest and get any last minute items you may want for the trek ahead starting the following morning.

DAY 2 | BEDWELL LAKE

Our hike begins at the Bedwell Lake Trailhead. Our first day will bring us to the subalpine and set up our basecamp for the trip at Bedwell Lake. Here BC Parks has fantastic tent pads for us to set up camp and begin to plan our push to Cream Lake for day two. Today will be on well maintained forest trails and will have access to fantastic views of Mt. Tom Taylor towering over the lake. Hiking Distance: 5kmElevation Gain/Loss: 575m/200m

DAY 3 | CREAM LAKE

Our Cream Lake day of starts early, weather permitting. We will have a quick breakfast and start the route to Cream Lake and Mt. Septimus. With light packs and our basecamp left behind, we can move quickly and at ease in the slightly more difficult terrain as we begin our climb up to our trip's objective. Here we will have the opportunity to explore, swim and rest before making our way back to our Bedwell basecamp. Hiking Distance: 10kmElevation Gain/Loss: 650m/650m

DAY 4 | RETURN

After enjoying a leisurely breakfast, we will break camp and descend back down the Bedwell Lake trail to our vehicles and drive back to Campbell River for a celebration dinner in town. Hiking Distance: 5kmElevation Gain/Loss: 200m/575m

INCLUDED MEALS

During this trip, Long Beach Nature Tours will provide group meals consisting of two (2) breakfasts and two (2) dinners. You will need to provide your own lunches and snacks on this hike.

BACKPACKING LUNCHES

We suggest bringing a variety of snack foods to consume while on the move. Throughout each day, we strongly encourage you to take regular, brief breaks, approximately once per hour. These snacks play a crucial role in sustaining a consistent energy level during your hike. Please note that we won't have an extended lunch break, so relying on these snacks is essential. Consider including the following examples of snack foods in your provisions: dried meats (such as salami), jerky (turkey, beef, fish), tuna fish, cheese, crackers, bagels, dried fruit, nuts, chocolate, candy bars, gummy candy, cookies, energy bars, and trail mix. Emphasizing the importance of enjoying the foods you bring cannot be overstated. Proper nutrition is key to maintaining strength in mountainous terrain. We recommend a mix of sweet and salty foods to cater to various tastes. When preparing lunches, please avoid bringing items that require cooking or extensive preparation. Opt for convenient and easily accessible options to ensure a smooth and enjoyable experience.

The Maritime Heritage Center is located in Campbell River on Northern Vancouver Island. This will be our meeting location on Day 1 to prepare for our trek. Address: 621 Island Hwy, Campbell River, BC V9W 5C1 Transportation to the meeting location is not included in the price. We will coordinate meeting at the trailhead during orientation. There is plenty of free parking available at the trailhead where you can leave your vehicle for the duration of the trip. For this trip, flying into the Comox Valley Airport (YQQ) and renting a car is generally the easiest option for transportation to the trailhead if you are coming from off island. If you wish to stay close to the meeting location the night before the trip, we recommend the following options: Comfort Inn & Suites - Campbell RiverCoast Discovery Inn - Campbell RiverRamada - Campbell River

GEAR WE PROVIDE

GUEST PACKING LIST

Upon booking this trip, you will gain access to a downloadable trip information document containing a packing list tailored to the specifics of this route. Essential items for all trips include sturdy hiking shoes or boots, rain gear, a recommended clothing system, a headlamp or flashlight, a hydration system (water bottles and/or bladder), and additional items specific to each trip. We can provide sleeping bags and backpacks if needed but commonly participants opt to bring their own.