Our Programs

**Due to COVID-19 our 2020 3-day and 3-night programs are available only on demand to groups who are social distancing together. Contact us to book.

We accept a maximum of 10 participants and require a minimum of 4 participants in our 3-day/3-night programs.

Our Hike ‘N Sleep programs are available for groups up to 10 people who are “distancing together” on a regular basis. See our Hike ‘N Sleep page to book.

~ With the exception of “Hike ‘n Sleep” (see descriptions below) all programs are 3 days + 3 nights (Thursday evening to Sunday evening).

~ All programs are based at Highland Bear, a privately-owned property on Brisco Mountain in the Columbia Valley, 3-1/2 hours from Calgary.

What’s included?**

• Accommodations (canvas tents, cots, and sleeping pads at Highland Bear basecamp; backpacking tents and pads for Backpacking 101)
• Meals: breakfasts, lunches, dinners during program
• Program instruction
• Hiking/backpacking/paddling guides
• SUP Programs: Paddleboards and PFDs
• SUP Programs: Return transportation between Radium Hot Springs and Invermere for paddling excursions
• ** Hike ‘n Sleep programs include accommodations and guided hike only

What’s not included?

• Personal hiking equipment
• Personal clothing and toiletries
• Sleeping bag
• Travel to and from Highland Bear, or to Invermere for paddleboarding
• A full list of recommended equipment will be provided upon registration

What are the accommodations like?

The basecamp at Highland Bear is rustic and unserviced, yet comfortable – sort of like backcountry camping, only easier to get to.

• Driving directions to Highland Bear will be provided upon registration

• shared accommodations in canvas bell tents, which sleep 3 – 4 people each
• outhouse facilities
• non-potable water for washing
• bear-proof storage facilities and/or bear hang facilities
• cooking facilities (camp-style propane stove)
• fire pits and firewood

Hiking 101

$425CAD per person

Minimum participants – 4

Maximum participants – 10

An introductory level program to get you up on your hiking boots and out on the trails. Topics include trip planning, essential equipment, and navigation. You will get the opportunity to practice your skills on entry-level day hikes on the slopes of Brisco Mountain, and depending on group ability and preference, you may tackle a more challenging day hike into the Rockies or Purcell Mountains. Prerequisites: good physical condition, no hiking experience necessary.

Backpacking 101

$495CAD per person

Minimum participants – 4

Maximum participants – 10

The basics of backpacking, building on basic hiking skills. The program will begin at Back 40 basecamp, where you will learn backpacking skills and get a chance to practice your knowledge before heading into the nearby mountains for an overnight trip. Prerequisites: good physical condition, some hiking experience preferred.

Hike and SUP

$495CAD per person

Minimum participants – 4

Maximum participants – 10

The best of two worlds – introductory level hiking in the Rockies combined with introductory stand-up paddleboarding on the Columbia River. The program begins at Back 40 basecamp where you will learn and practice essential hiking skills. You will then relocate to nearby Lake Windermere for SUP instruction before enjoying a peaceful paddle on the Columbia River through the Columbia Wetlands between Invermere and Radium Hot Springs. Prerequisites: good physical condition, no experience necessary.

Back 40-tude

$425CAD per person

Minimum participants – 4

Maximum participants – 10

A little pick-me-up program for those ladies who are apres-divorce, mid-divorce, or somewhere in between. “What do I do now?” you might ask. Well, hit the trails with us. Find your fortitude – or your 40-tude: a new attitude for this new phase of your life. Onwards and upwards! Prerequisites: still breathing and a willingness to try something new.

Women, Woods, & Water

$425CAD per person

Minimum participants – 4

Maximum participants – 10

Hiking 101 or Hike and SUP especially for mature ladies. Come and join some like-minded women while you learn to navigate the trails and/or paddle the mighty Columbia. Prerequisites: good physical condition, must identify as female, no prior hiking or paddling experience necessary.

Summer Camp for Adults

$495CAD per person

Minimum participants – 4

Maximum participants – 10

Always wanted to go to summer camp but didn’t get the chance? Or it was so long ago you’ve forgotten what it feels like to just have fun? This one’s for you. A little bit of physical activity (gentle hiking, intro paddling, walking), a little bit of nature (interpretive walks), a little bit of fun n’ games, some great adult camp cuisine, and good company. You’ll remember the nights you burned up some marshmallows around the campfire under the starry sky with your new friends for years to come. Go ahead – be a kid again. Prerequisites: a willingness to let your heart be young again.

Wilderness Preparedness

$425CAD per person

Minimum participants – 4

Maximum participants – 10

So you’re day three into a multi-day hiking trip and you’re hit with a late-season snowstorm. Or you’re on a dayhike and you find yourself off-trail and in unfamiliar terrain. What now?

Find out how to manage emergency situations by joining our wilderness preparedness weekend where you’ll learn and practice wilderness emergency skills in a controlled environment. Includes one night of solo camping (for those who dare.) Prerequisites: good physical condition, no previous experience necessary.

Hike ‘N Sleep

See Hike ‘N Sleep page for pricing

3 tents available

Mimimum participants – 1

Maximum participants – 10

Can’t commit to a long weekend but still want to get out on our trails and then camp for a night or two in one of our roomy and comfortable canvas tents? Check out our short-term stays with a little bit of hiking on the side. Note: these short-term stays include accommodations and a guided hike ONLY. Meals are NOT included but cooking facilities and storage are available.