Far off the beaten path of Whistler-Blackcomb's Resort Ski/Mountain Bike/Golf hub, and beyond the pastoral beauty of the Pemberton Valley, lies a spectacular alpine wilderness in Southwest BC's rugged Coast Mountains. We backpack through wild country for 4-5 days, then relax at a lodge surrounded by mountains, and paddle the glacier-blue waters of Lillooet Lake. The Stein Valley Wilderness is four hundred and ten square-miles (1060 square km) of sub-alpine and alpine ecosystems, home to grizzly and black bears, cougars, wolves, and a variety of raptors and birds.

Our trek takes us through hemlock and fir forests, to reach lush alpine wildflower meadows and lakes surrounded by 2500-meter peaks, and snowfields that linger through the summer. The Stein Valley, like all of BC's Coast Mountains, was once covered by glaciers. Ice still mantles the highest peaks, and we find all the classic signs of the last Ice Age: U-shaped valleys, cirques, aretes, hanging glaciers, and aquamarine lakes and tarns.

We stay in the high country as much as possible, enjoying panoramic views of mountains from breathtaking campsites. Free time allows for photographing wildflowers or scrambling up ridges. Descending the alpine, we end our hike on an old logging road, with views of Lillooet Lake far below, then head down into the valley to lakefront. Here showers, sauna, or a bracing swim await us. A side trip is possible, down the historic original Cariboo Wagon Road to the best hot springs in Sea to Sky Country. The following day, you'll have time for a leisurely paddle on the lake, and in the afternoon, we transport you back to Whistler or Vancouver.

This is the perfect trip for people who want a quick get-away to the wilderness and the peace of wild country, before or after a visit to the world-class city of Vancouver.