Summer FAQs
Where is Callaghan Country?
Where is Callaghan Lodge?
What is the hiking route to access Callaghan lodge?
What is the bike route to access Callaghan lodge?
How long does it take to get to Callaghan Lodge?
Where can I find information on the various hiking routes around the Lodge?
What is the elevation gain from the trailhead to Callaghan Lodge?
What is the weather like?
Can I come to Callaghan Country just for the day?
How should I pack for my trip?
Can packs be delivered to Callaghan Lodge?
Do we need to bring sleeping bags or towels?
Is there indoor plumbing and electricity?
Can I bring my children?
Can I bring my dog?
Can we rent out the entire Lodge?
Do you offer guided mountaineering or climbing trips to access the surrounding alpine terrain?
Is there a hot-tub or a sauna at the Lodge?
Is there a television at the Lodge?
Is there a telephone at the Lodge?
Do you sell alcohol at the Lodge?
Do I need to sign a waiver?
Am I permitted to smoke at Callaghan Lodge?
What applicable taxes are charged on your packages?
Can I fish in the lakes that are close to Callaghan Lodge?
Is it buggy up there in the summer?
Am I able to camp in the Callaghan Lodge area?
Can you accommodate a vegetarian diet?
Q. Where is Callaghan Country?
A. Callaghan Country is located in the Southern Coast Mountains of British Columbia, Canada. Just 110 km (68 miles) north of Vancouver and 20 km (12.4 miles) southwest of world-famous Whistler Resort, Callaghan Country’s base is directly adjacent to Whistler Olympic Park – venue for all of the Nordic and ski jumping events for the 2010 Olympic and Paralympic Winter Games.
Q. Where is Callaghan Lodge?
A. Callaghan Lodge is located 12.5km (7.7 miles) from the main staging area, in the Upper Callaghan Valley.
Q. What is the hiking route to access Callaghan lodge?
A. The preferred trailhead for hiking into the lodge is accessed at Callaghan Lake Provincial Park’s day-use/camping/parking area (following an 8km drive along the Callaghan FSR 01, gravel Forest Service road from the Alexander Falls staging area). This route is 4.5km in total – 2km along Parkway before it joins with Upper Wild Spirit for another 2.5km. The hiking is considered to be intermediate level, traversing gently undulating terrain with a slight climb up the final leg to Callaghan Lodge. Offering incredible views of the Callaghan Valley including the peaks of Metal Dome, Brandywine, and Mt. Callaghan, the hike into the lodge sets an excellent tone for a true Coast Mountain Wilderness adventure.
Q. What is the bike route to access Callaghan lodge?
A. For mountain bikers the main access route to Callaghan Lodge is a over 9.5 km ride, covering a 570 meter elevation gain, from the Callaghan Country base along the Wild Spirit trail (see trail map). Wild Spirit exits left off of Mainline approx. one half km above Callaghan Country’s base area. The trail climbs immediately for about 1 km and then follows a gently sloping bench northwest for 4km to the bridge crossing at Callaghan Creek (5km post). Immediately after the bridge the trail climbs a series of hills for 2km and then mellows somewhat between sign post 7km and 8km, whereupon it climbs again to the intersection of Upper Wild Spirit and Parkway just past the 9km mark. The final leg is a 2.5 km climb before reaching the final destination at Callaghan Lodge. This trail is a retired forest service road that features some steep sections as it winds its way through the stunning old growth forests of the Callaghan Valley.
Q. How long does it take to get to Callaghan Lodge?
A. Depending on your ability, it takes…Approx. 1.5 to 2.0 hours to HIKE to the lodge from the CALLAGHAN LAKE departure point Approx. 2.0 to 3.0 hours to BIKE to the lodge from the ALEXANDER FALLS BASE departure point. The trip to the lodge is definitely a part of the adventure experience at Callaghan Country! As you ascend the trail to the lodge you travel through several distinct geographic settings with numerous scenic vistas and spectacular flora and fauna.
Q. Where can I find information on the various hiking routes around the Lodge?
A. There is some quick trail information available from www.trailpeak.com and www.clubtread.com (trail descriptions of the trail from Callaghan Lake to Callaghan Lodge , Solitude Glacier trail , Ring Lake trail and some of the important trail statistics: total # of kms, elevation gain, etc. ) Additionally, the Brandywine Falls National Topographic Sheet 92J3 or the new Clark Geomatics Topographic map can be helpful resources. You can find hard copies of these maps at many outdoor retailers, but we do carry the Clark Geomatics Map at our Adventure desk.
Q. What is the elevation gain from the trailhead to Callaghan Lodge?
A. Depending on which departure point you choose, the elevation points are as follows:
-Elevation at Alexander Falls base: 810 m / 2,650’ -Elevation at Callaghan Lake: 1,206 m / 3,955’
-Elevation at Callaghan Lodge: 1,370 m / 4,500’
Q. What is the weather like?
A. The key point to keep in mind is that we are located in a mountainous environment which means that the weather conditions can change dramatically in a short amount of time.
Q. Can I come to Callaghan Country just for the day?
A. Yes! We offer an excellent daily lunch program for those looking to lighten their load and enjoy a fresh homemade meal in the sub-alpine. Reservations are recommended as we have limited food supply given our backcountry location.
Q. How should I pack for my trip?
A. Callaghan Lodge is located in a sub-alpine, mountainous environment. Weather in the mountains can be unpredictable so be prepared. We recommend that you pack the necessary equipment to make running repairs if required. Please see our Summer Packing List handout for a list of recommended gear.
Q. Can packs be delivered to Callaghan Lodge?
A. Unfortunately, we are unable to deliver packs to or from Callaghan Lodge.
Q. Do we need to bring sleeping bags or towels?
A. No. All of the rooms in the Lodge feature cozy goose down comforters, and come with pillows and sheets. We also provide towels and face cloths, but you should bring your own toiletries.
Q. Is there indoor plumbing and electricity?
A. Yes! Unlike most other remote lodges, Callaghan Lodge has running water, indoor plumbing, and electricity. That being said, because the electricity is via a generator, it is only available when the generator is turned on. Generator Times: Approximately 7:30am – 9:30am Approximately 4:00pm – 10:00pm
PLEASE NOTE:
1. Our water pump is powered by the generator. Accordingly, showers, flushing the toilet and using the taps is only possible when the generator is on. Showers should be planned accordingly. When the generator is not on, each toilet will only have one flush. Use it wisely.
2. Please conserve water as much as possible. Our holding tank is quite small.
3. Please bring a headlamp or flashlight in case you need to get up in the night.
4. Please leave your hairdryers and other devices requiring electricity at home.
Q. Can I bring my children?
A. Children are welcome to come in for the day, but regretfully we cannot accept overnight reservations for kids under the age of 13. If you wish to reserve the entire lodge, exceptions to this rule can be made.
Q. Can I bring my dog?
A. In a word, No. While we at Callaghan Country all love dogs, we need to be sensitive to the needs of all of our
guests, and some people are just not able to be around dogs.
Q. Can we rent out the entire Lodge?
A. Definitely! The Lodge makes an ideal location for small group getaways of any kind. Lodge rental rates are based on a group size of 16-24 people. Please ask us directly for more details and pricing.
Q. Do you offer guided mountaineering or climbing trips to access the surrounding alpine terrain?
A. We work closely with the local guiding operations, and would be happy to refer you to a reputable service provider (please see our resource sheet). The daily rate to hire a guide will range between $450.00 – $850.00 per day, depending on the size of your group and the length of the trip.
Q. Is there a hot-tub or a sauna at the Lodge?
A. Yes, there is a newly constructed traditional Scandinavian sauna only a 5min. walk away from the lodge (it is wood-burning so be prepared to do some stoking of the fire) . Three of the 8 bedrooms do feature private bathrooms (complete with bathtubs) and there is a shared shower room for guests staying in rooms without private bathrooms.
Q. Is there a television at the Lodge?
A. No, there is not. After all, our guests come here to get away from it all! The Lodge is run on propane, and we only have a limited supply of electricity. We do have a pool / ping pong table however, and lots of books, magazines, and board games. We even have a house guitar. You’ll be amazed at how much fun you can have without a T.V.
Q. Is there a telephone at the Lodge?
A. We do have a cellular telephone that will work most of the time (it won’t work in storm situations). We also have a radio for emergencies. If you have a cell phone, you can bring it. If it is an analog or ‘tri-mode’ phone, it might work. If you want to leave a contact number for friends or family, please give them our reservations number (604.938.0616), and we will make sure to relay any messages to you.
Q. Do you sell alcohol at the Lodge?
A. While we are not licensed to serve alcohol, you are welcome to bring your own. You should also pack your own mix.
Q. Do I need to sign a waiver?
A. Yes. Backcountry recreation is not without risk. Reliable prediction of factors such as weather and terrain conditions is impossible. All guests will be required to read and sign a comprehensive Release of Liability and Waiver of Claims Agreement prior to departure for the Lodge. A copy of the waiver can be found at our website at: http://www.callaghancountry.com/rates/documents/CallaghanWAIVER-GUIDED2005.pdf
In addition, please note that adventure sport activities are not recommended for individuals who are pregnant, or who suffer from back or neck pain, or who have heart or respiratory distress. If in doubt, please contact your physician prior to booking.
Q. Am I permitted to smoke at Callaghan Lodge?
A. Callaghan Lodge is designated as a non-smoking area
Q. What applicable taxes are charged on your packages?
A. Yes; the 12% Harmonized Goods & Services Tax (HST) is charged to the total package price.
Q. Can I fish in the lakes that are close to Callaghan Lodge?
A. Callaghan Lake and Cirque Lake offer subalpine fishing for trout and char. Anyone fishing or angling in British Columbia must have an appropriate license .
Q. Is it buggy up there in the summer?
A. Callaghan Lodge sits among several alpine wetlands, during the summer months, which prove to be excellent habitats for those pesky insects!!! The prevalence of insects is unavoidable in any true wilderness setting; as such we urge all guests to come prepared and willing to accept ALL aspects of mother nature in her essence.
Q. Am I able to camp in the Callaghan Lodge area?
A. Camping is not permitted in the area surrounding Callaghan Lodge. A designated camping area is located at Callaghan Lake on a first-come, first-served basis – campsite reservations are not accepted. This informal, confined camping area can accommodate 4 – 6 tents or high clearance camper trucks.
Q. Can you accommodate a vegetarian diet?
A. Yes. At the time of booking, please advise your adventure coordinator of this requirement, or any food allergies/ special requirements that we may need to be aware of.
For more information, please contact:
The Adventure Coordinator
Telephone: 604.938.0616
Toll-Free (North America): 877.938.0616