Yes, each guest must complete:
Whitecap and Whitecap International cannot make exceptions to the cancellation policy and all cancellations must be received in writing by emailing winter@whitecapalpine.ca.
Non-refundable inside of 4 weeks.
50% refundable 4-10 weeks.
10+ weeks – refund less a non-refundable booking fee of $300 per space booked.
No refunds for bad weather or acts of force majeure. Trip cancellation/interruption and medical insurance are advised to be purchased as soon as you book. Cancellation requests need to be received via email to summer@whitecapalpine.ca.
Weather & personal reasons are not applicable for cancellation refunds. For more information about our summer cancellation policy, please contact us by calling 778-317-4523 or by email at summer@whitecapalpine.ca
In all scenarios, Whitecap still highly recommends that all guests purchase trip cancellation, trip interruption, and medical insurance. If we can provide direction or guidance in regards to insurance, please don’t hesitate to contact us. Cancellation insurance can be purchased from your local travel insurance company. For residents of BC, cancellation insurance can be difficult to purchase. We recommend Acera Insurance: https://capricmw.ca/lifestyle-financial/lifestyle-travel/quote
Our summer operation runs from mid-July until mid-September, pending weather. Please note we are open to special requests if you wanted to chat with someone about those please reach out to summer@whitecapapline.ca
We can accommodate up to 15 people comfortably at the lodge.
All guests initially meet in Pemberton at the Pemberton Airport Terminal building for a trip briefing and helicopter orientation.
Meeting Times:
Monday 12:15 PM
Friday 8:15 AM
The terminal building is just east of the Blackcomb Helicopters office and Hanger.
Certain times of year are worse than others. Bring some bug spray just in case. A Thermocel is another great option.
We share the valley with many grizzly bears, however we have been coexisting peacefully for decades. We have strict policies with regards to food and waste to ensure this healthy relationship. Our guides and staff practice active bear management and will advise you how to properly behave. Bear deterrents are ok to bring, but you need to pack these separately and inform the guide prior to loading the helicopter. There will also be bear deterrents provided at the lodge.
Sandals, slippers or socked feet work great in the lodge, and light runners or sandals for between buildings.
Light hiking boots or trail shoes for hiking. Make sure they are comfy! Sturdy hiking boots are best. If you are are strong hiker, a robust hiking shoe is ok as well. Gore-tex in any footwear is recommended.
There is wifi available at the lodge. We charge $15/trip to access it. It is only available in the main lodge
We try to provide as much as possible. Pack your bags before breakfast so we can hike until the heli arrives! If you’re flying in on a morning exchange be dressed ready to hike and we’ll get out there as soon as you arrive.
It depends on the groups and their desire and fitness. We have two guides typically so we quite often can cater to differing levels of hikers to provide the best possible experience.
Come dressed ready to hike.
40 pounds of luggage, packed in a soft duffel with no wheels and a smaller day pack for hiking, up to 20 pounds.
Bear spray and bear bangers will be provided, there is no need to bring your own.
If you do wish to bring your own it is very important to label it with your name and inform the exchange manager or pilot prior to loading the helicopter.
Yes. Bring a lightweight sleeping bag.
A flat sheet, wool blanket and pillows will be provided.
If the helicopter can fly we will run the trip. Most times there is still lots to do and the Lodge is an amazing place to have a vacation. Please be prepared with good rain gear if the weather forecast is unfavourable.
A guide helps enrich your overall experience from the flora to fauna, history of the lodge and surrounding area, to geology. A guide will help you maximize your experience by planning the most efficient days and highlight trips, all while provide a professional level of risk management.
Yes. All of the lakes are in the alpine and therefore quite chilly, but still an amazing experience. Please note, it is the backcountry so there is no lifeguard on duty.
Signing up for the Evacuation Fund covers the cost of the helicopter evacuation in an emergency if you fall ill or get injured and need to immediately be taken to a higher level of care.
No problem! Fill out your requests when you complete your Registration Form upon booking or email summer@whitecapalpine.ca and we can make anything happen.
Many! We cater to strong and mellow hikers and have multiple guides to help facilitate this. We have trails to get out of the valleys, through the sub-alpine forests, then spend our time in alpine meadows, on ridges, hiking to the top of peaks, strolling through bowls and around alpine lakes.
We have both new trails and historic trails (from the gold prospecting days). Our network of trails is growing constantly, but we have built trails in any spots that are difficult or tricky.
Contact summer@whitecapalpine.ca for special booking requests.
We have cans of beer available, and an assorted selection of spirits.
You can also bring your own!
We do not have any wine on site.
Yes.
There are two heated composting toilets as well as two outhouse pissoir toilets and one indoor heated pissoir toilet in both Rivendell and Woodhall.
We have an on demand hot water shower system and a sauna.
We make sure to fly in fresh, locally sourced ingredients to serve our guests the best possible meals. Our chefs are known for creating amazing spreads for breakfast, lunch, apres and dinner. We are happy to cater to your dietary needs if you give us a heads up before you arrive.
We proudly partner with Blackcomb Helicopters, who as of January 1st, 2019 became the first full-service helicopter operator in the world to offset 100% of its carbon footprint.
Through a significant contribution to a forest conservation project on Quadra Island, as well as local green tech and travel initiatives, BH is offsetting its carbon footprint through the sequestration of greenhouses gases by preserving forests, encouraging greener travel for commuters, and incorporating energy savings and lower emissions in new building design. You can learn more about Blackcomb Helicopter’s ‘Fly Carbon Neutral’ program here: https://blackcombhelicopters.com/carbon-offset-program
Yes! All groups go to the sauna, and there are both easy and adventurous trails to get there.
Smoking is not permitted at the lodge, staging areas or anywhere within the Whitecap tenure.
When traveling to any backcountry lodge with limited amenities, it’s important to prioritize health and hygiene to ensure a safe and comfortable experience for yourself, other guests and staff.
Hand Hygiene: Wash and sanitize hands regularity. Whitecap has sinks with hand soap located in all sleeping cabins, yurts and in the main lodge. You should also bring hand sanitizer to use at your own convenience. Wash/sanitize hands frequently, especially before eating and after using the restroom.
Give space: Just like in Covid let’s try to give other guests and staff some space, no need to crowd the boot room when getting ready. We try to limit bedrooms to 2 guests (maybe 3) so you can all have some space to get ready and relax.
Cough and sneezing: ALWAYS cough and sneeze away from people. No one likes to get sprayed. Use your elbow to cover your mouth and turn away from groups.
If you’re not feeling well, it’s crucial to inform us right away so we can work together to decide what the best course of action should be.
Things to consider if you are sick prior to your trip:
Health Risks: Traveling while sick can lead to worsening symptoms in remote locations with limited access to medical care.
Contagion Concerns: If your illness is contagious (such as a cold, flu, or stomach bug), you risk spreading it to others, potentially impacting fellow travellers or lodge staff. This is especially concerning in confined spaces with limited ventilation and sanitation.
Impact on Your Experience: Illness can significantly impact your ability to enjoy the trip. The physical demands of being in the backcountry, combined with being unwell, can make it harder to participate in activities or fully enjoy the experience.
Safety of Others: When traveling in remote areas, it’s important to prioritize the health and safety of everyone in your group, as well as the lodge staff. Your condition may require additional care or resources, which could take attention away from others.
If you are feeling unwell, it’s better to delay your trip or seek medical advice before heading to a backcountry lodge. By doing so, you ensure a safer and more enjoyable experience for yourself and others.
To keep other guests and staff healthy please let the staff know as soon as you start to feel any symptoms.
Pending on the severity of your illness different measures will be taken.
Typically weather can fluctuate quite a bit between day and night. We estimate low to mid 20”s (degrees) during the day and 10 and below at night. All the sleeping accommodation are heated so you do not need to bring and below freezing temperature sleeping bags.
You can check the upcoming weather at this link prior for your trip up to the lodge.
At the end of your trip you will have the opportunity to add a tip to an invoice in which you can pay online when you get home.
We do not accept payment at the lodge unless it is cash.
The chefs at Whitecap take allergies seriously and most can be accommodated. Allergies such as shellfish, peanuts, and lactose intolerance can be managed with advanced notice. Celiac disease can also be managed depending on severity, we use a lot of flour and wheat products making contact difficult to eliminate completely. Please contact us for your personal needs. cooks@whitecapalpine.ca
YES! We love having kids up at the lodge and we have an amazing children’s interactive learning program available for kids under 12.
Kids under 12 get a discount of 10%
Children 2 and under can come for free with a private lodge buyout. Please note: they must sit on a parents lap, in a middle seat for helicopter transportation.