Family Day Snowshoe - "A Journey Through Time"

Embark on a journey through time as educators Rowan and Moon take you through Cambie Creek Loop, offering you a glimpse into the winter lives of settlers and first nations with an engaging scavenger hunt through beautiful old-growth forest.

We’ll stop for lunch along the trail, with the chance to build snow forts while we sip hot chocolate! You bring lunch and snacks; we’ll bring the hot chocolate!

We have several pairs of adult snowshoes to offer, as well as children’s snowshoes. For younger children, consider bringing along a sled to pull them in, or a child carrier backpack. All ages are welcome and encouraged to join!

Itinerary:

Monday, February 19, 2024

• 09:00 AM – Meet at Hope Rec Centre (1005 6 Ave, Hope) check-in, sign waivers, 

*Participants are responsible for their own transportation to the trailhead and back to their home 

Note: BC law requires that vehicles have winter tires at this time of year for the stretch of highway used for this program.

• 09:15 AM – Introductions
• 09:30AM – Convoy to Cambie Creek along HWY 3 (Directions from Hope to Cambie Creek) Approx. 45 mins drive
• 10:20 AM – Arrive at the trail head and gear up
• 10:45 AM – Begin snowshoe trip
• 12:30 PM – Lunch in the snow
• 01:00 PM – Snow fort construction, hot chocolate consumption
• 02:00 PM – Snowshoe back to the parking lot
• 02:30 PM – Leave Cambie Creek trail head. Drive home
• 03:30 PM – Arrive back in Hope

*Be aware that times are approximate! Start and end times may vary slightly depending on speed of the group, weather and road conditions, etc.

Physical demand:

We will snowshoe a total distance of 2.9 Km roundtrip. The terrain is gentle, with a cumulative elevation gain of 70 metres.

Weather:

In the Manning Park area average February temperatures range from -8C to 0C.  It may be colder or warmer so please check the weather forecast prior to the event and dress appropriately.

What to bring:

Whenever you are out in the wilderness, you should always carry all of The Essentials

At a minimum for this program participants should bring the following:

• Backpack to carry all your gear
• Lunch and high-energy snack foods
• Water (at least 1 litre per person)
• *NOTE* – Water can freeze in a water bottle in winter conditions. To prevent this, you can either put warm water in your water bottle (Make sure the bottle is safe for hot and cold water) or use an insulated bladder or bottle.
• Waterproof winter boots or hiking boots (no runners please)
• Warm winter clothes (no cotton as the first layer against your skin); including jacket, nylon snow pants, gloves, toque, warm socks
• Two poles per person for snowshoeing (optional, but greatly improves stability)
• Sunglasses, sunscreen, chap stick
• Camera

Feel free to bring your own, but we will also lend you the use of:

• Foam pad to sit on in the snow
• Mug for hot chocolate
• Small portable snow shovel

Price includes:

• Fun, interpretive guided tour!
• Use of our snowshoes. Please let us know in advance if you or your child require a pair.
• Trip leaders will provide first-aid support, emergency practices/communications, and hot chocolate.

Registration spots and snowshoes are limited. 

Refunds/Cancellations:

Sorry no refunds! You can pass on your spot to someone else who meets the physical demand of the program, just please let us know, as we need registration information from everyone.

 A program may be cancelled at the discretion of HMCOL. If a program is cancelled by HMCOL, participants will receive a full refund of program fees. Please be aware that our programs run regardless of weather conditions, unless HMCOL determines that it will affect the safety of participants.

Leaders / Speakers:

Moon Pruvost - Program Director

Moon is Hope Mountain Centre’s Program Director. She is an experienced educator and backcountry mountain guide. Her passion for the natural world and grizzly bears led her to study Wildlife and Forestry Conservation. She is certified in Wilderness First Aid, Avalanche Skills Training, Leave No Trace Master Educator and has experience as a bushcraft/survival instructor. Moon loves to share her knowledge and love of the outdoors with people of all ages! When she is not guiding, you can usually find her exploring the outdoors with her puppy, Kenai.

Nate Brown - Assistant Trails Director

Nate has lived in Hope for the past 16 years and spends most of his time on the local trails with his family. He joined Hope Mountain Centre for Outdoor Learning as a volunteer in 2019 and since been working on the trails team as well as volunteering on a variety of projects. In 2023 he became our Assistant Trails Director. His first trail building project with HMCOL was the Kw’okw’echíwel Stl’áleqem trail (Dragon’s Back). Trail work is his main passion. He loves creating accessibility to nature and encouraging others to get outside.

Additional Information:

Liability Waiver

Everyone ages 19 & over must sign a liability waiver form in order to participate in this program. Please take the time to read this form because you must understand and agree to it when you sign it. By signing it you are waiving certain rights, including the right to sue. These forms will be available to sign when you check in. Please seek legal counsel if you have any questions. Informed Consent Form  Everyone, age 18 & under must have an informed consent form signed by their parents or legal guardian in order to participate. Please contact us if you need this form prior to arrival at this program.

Donations to Hope Mountain Centre are gratefully accepted and all funds will go toward delivering more free and affordable family programs. DONATE NOW