BOOK FOR NEXT WINTER NOW
Once they're gone, they're gone! Secure your spot in the backcountry for the 2025/26 season before it's too late.
BOOK NOW
Once they're gone, they're gone! Secure your spot in the backcountry for the 2025/26 season before it's too late.
BOOK NOW The Callaghan hiking experience offers a virtually untouched mountain environment with breathtaking views in every direction. The hiking & "trails"; are in-fact true wilderness routes, which means that they are flagged, but some route-finding may be necessary and you should expect some primitive sections of trail along the way.
Prepare for a high-adrenaline, backcountry experience in the rugged, untamed beauty of BC’s Callaghan Valley. With steep alpine trails, wild glacial lakes, and remote mountain summits, this example itinerary offers unforgettable memories for experienced hikers and outdoor lovers.
And the best part? You’ll enjoy it all from the comfort of Journeyman Lodge—a luxurious backcountry retreat featuring chef-prepared meals, cozy accommodations, and genuine alpine hospitality.
Please note: some trails in the conservancy are not maintained, bring proper navigation tools and prepare for backcountry conditions
A 5 km backcountry hike into the heart of the Coast Mountains, the Parkway Trail leads you from Callaghan Lake to Journeyman Lodge and the stunning alpine terrain beyond. Gaining roughly 150 metres of elevation, the trail crosses Callaghan Creek and winds through old-growth stands of cedar, Douglas fir, and mountain hemlock. About halfway in, the forest gives way to expansive subalpine meadows and crystal-clear tarns, offering sweeping views of Solitude and Ring Valleys. As you hike, you’ll leave Callaghan Lake Provincial Park and enter the Callaghan Conservancy — a protected, rugged wilderness where nature is left untouched. Please respect this special place: no camping, no fires, and always follow Leave No Trace principles. Pack out what you pack in, come prepared with proper footwear, and stay alert for wildlife, including grizzly bears. Dogs are allowed but must remain leashed.
An easygoing hike through beautiful subalpine meadows, the Conflict Lake Loop offers stunning scenery with minimal elevation gain. This gentle trail winds around the shoreline of Conflict Lake, where views of the surrounding alpine peaks pair perfectly with the rich diversity of plant life. Keep your eyes peeled for tiny carnivorous plants hidden in the meadows — their sticky leaves catch unsuspecting insects right before your eyes. Wild, right? Just remember to tread lightly: stick to the trail, avoid stepping on fragile vegetation, and resist the urge to touch. On a clear day, you’ll spot the ridge marking the edge of the Callaghan Conservancy — a reminder of how wild and protected this landscape truly is. Let’s keep it that way: respect the land, and help us preserve its raw beauty.
A rugged and rewarding 5 km hike from Journeyman Lodge or Conflict Lake, the Ring Lake Trail gains around 400 metres of elevation as it climbs deep into the wild backcountry. This single-track route is raw and untamed — expect muddy sections, loose talus, and river crossings that demand care and confidence. You’ll be trekking into true grizzly country, so come prepared and stay alert. At the end of the trail, Ring Lake awaits — a dramatic alpine basin cradled beneath Ring Mountain and Mount Callaghan. It’s a powerful and humbling place. While the views may tempt you to stay, please remember: camping is not permitted anywhere in the Callaghan Conservancy. Let’s keep this place wild for generations to come.
Cirque Lake is a remote alpine gem tucked deep within Callaghan Lake Provincial Park — and it’s only accessible by water. After a 20–30 minute paddle across Callaghan Lake, the trail begins with a steep climb through forest and over rocky terrain. Unmarked and rugged, the route demands careful footing and some scrambling, but the payoff is huge. At the top, Cirque Lake reveals itself: a stunning emerald basin beneath towering cliffs. Best hiked in late summer, this trail is perfect for experienced hikers seeking challenge, solitude, and raw, untouched wilderness.
WATERCRAFT RENTALSCallaghan Peak is the highest summit in the area, offering multiple non-technical routes to the top — but make no mistake, these are not trails. This scramble is only suitable for those with strong fitness, route-finding skills, and mountaineering experience on rock, snow, or ice depending on the season. The most common approach begins from the high point of the Ring Lake Trail before dropping into the basin. While nearby Ring Peak may look tempting, it’s not recommended due to dangerously loose volcanic rock. This is proper backcountry terrain — know your limits and plan accordingly.
The Callaghan encompasses 3 distinct biogeoclimatic zones: Mountain Hemlock, Coastal Western Hemlock and Alpine Tundra. Each zone features several tree species including Mountain and Western Hemlock, Douglas Fir, Western Red Cedar, Yellow Cedar, Engelmann Spruce and Whitebark Pine. As summer sets in, the alpine meadows around the lodge come alive with wildflowers like Indian Paintbrush, Lupines, Arnica and Queen Anne’s Lace. The area is also home to a wide variety of wildlife including marten, lynx, coyote, wolf, cougar, deer, mountain goat, as well as black and grizzly bear.
Resident wildlife, including grizzly bears and black bears, are omnipresent in the Callaghan Conservancy. It is our responsibility to ensure that our recreational pursuits do not contribute to human-wildlife conflict. Do your part to learn more about reducing conflict where we play, and learn more by visiting WildSafeBC & AdventureSmart. We also recommend this excellent presentation organized by the Coast to Cascades Grizzly Bear Initiative and AWARE Whistler: Coexistence - Recreation and Grizzly Bears in the Backcountry >>
