Women's Backcountry Skills

As low as:

$745.00 / person

(at 6:1 ratio) Next Trip: Aug 28 - 30, 2026

STRENUOUSNESS
TECHNICAL DIFFICULTY

Upcoming Trips

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Aug 28 - 30, 2026
Book Trip

2 spots available. $745.00

Online pre-trip planning session with the guide: Thursday August 13th 6:30pm - 8pm. Course location: Paradise Meadows and beyond!

Add-ons

HVI Cancellation Coverage $38.00

As per our Cancellation Policy, your trip or course is 100% non-refundable as of 30 days prior to the trip/course start date. Purchasing this add-on will allow you to cancel your trip/course within that 30 day time period for reasons of injury, illness or family emergency, and will provide you with a credit for the full value of your trip/course fee which can be used on any Hike Vancouver Island or Island Alpine Guides trip or course for up to one year from the start date of the trip/course originally booked. If needed, credits can be transferred to another person of your choice. We charge a $25 admin fee in these cases.

About

The Women’s Backcountry Skills course was designed by women for women, and is suitable for beginner- to intermediate-level hikers. We'll begin with a pre-trip planning session, and then head out for three days and two nights to explore iconic Vancouver Island areas. Along the way, we advance confidence and competency in backcountry skills.

Participants will hone their ability to plan, prepare and pursue future adventures ranging from alpine day trips to multi-week expeditions under the wing a female ACMG-guide.

Sample Curriculum *content may vary depending on the instructor and/or weather conditions.

Outdoor Skills

Leave No Trace
Pack fitting & loading
Campsite selection
Tent and tarp pitching
Sanitation
Personal hygiene
Stove use and care
Wilderness cooking
Food & medicinal plant identification
First aid
Survival skills
Wildlife – identification, use of spray & other deterrents, food storage

Wilderness Travel

Trail technique
Risk mitigation
Hazard evaluation
Route planning
Route finding
Map reading
Compass & GPS navigation
Weather
River crossings

Included in the price

Online pre-trip planning session with the group and guide
3 days of instruction with an ACMG-certified guide

Not included in the price

Travel (to and from meeting point)
Accommodation (before and after course)
Food
Personal clothing and gear (some items available for rent - see gear list for details)

Questions? Check out our FAQ page for details about our booking and cancellation policy, and other commonly asked questions.

Logistics

Location

The course typical starts from the Raven Lodge at Mount Washington to explore the area around Paradise Meadows and Forbidden Plateau. From here, we will hike peaks such as Mount Albert Edward, Castlecraig, and Mount Frink.

Note that the exact destination and location will be determined by weather conditions, time of year, your instructor, as well as group desires and needs. If the location of your trip differs from what is noted above, it will be stated on the booking tab.

Exact meeting details will be provided in a pre-trip email sent one-week prior to your course.

Itinerary

This trip will run over 3 days and 2 nights, with an evening trip planning session held approximately two-weeks prior.

Evening session:

A 60-90 minute virtual pre-trip planning meeting will be scheduled approximately one-week prior to your course over Zoom. In this session you will discuss route planning and selection, food logistics, gear requirements, and other important considerations. Typically sessions go from 18:00 to 19:00/19:30, unless otherwise stated.

Day 1:

Meet your instructor at 08:30 at the specified location. Here you will sign waivers and go through an orientation. Once everyone is ready, you will set off towards your camp. Curriculum delivery and schedule will be determined by the group and the instructor.

Day 2:

Curriculum delivery and schedule will be determined by the group and the instructor, but typically groups pick a peak as an objective for the day.

Day 3:

Curriculum delivery and schedule determined by the group and the instructor, aiming to return the to the cars by 16:00.

Exact meeting details will be provided in a pre-trip email sent one-week prior to your course.

Questions? Check out our FAQ page for details, or send us an email.

Requirements

This course is suitable for beginners and intermediates, and is almost entirely field-based.

Please be prepared to:

Spend three days and two nights outside in variable conditions — including in rain, snow, and hot weather (see gear list)
Travel uphill, covering up to 700 metres of vertical gain while carrying a load of approximately 30 lbs over sections which may include bush, snow, and rough terrain
Spend up to 6 hours on your feet

Questions about the suitability of this course? Send us an email. We’re happy to help you find or customize courses to suit your needs.

Gear List

Temperatures on this trip could range from -5°C at night to around 25°C (+) during the day.

Please ensure all clothing and equipment are in good repair, and that your boots and backpack are fitted properly to you. We encourage you to reach out with any questions you have about gear:

Clothing

Long underwear (top and bottom), poly-pro, wool or silk
Mid-weight jacket, wool, fleece, synthetic or down
Rain gear (jacket and pants)
Toque, wool or fleece
T-shirt or long-sleeved shirt (white or other light colour), synthetic
Lightweight hiking pants, nylon or similar
Gloves

Footwear

Hiking boots (suitable for carrying a 30 lb. load over rough terrain - make sure these are properly fitted)
2 x pairs of socks, wool or synthetic blend
2 x pairs of liner socks, poly-pro or silk (optional)
Gaiters that fit your boots (optional)
Lightweight camp shoes (optional)

If possible, hiking boots should not be brand new. Participants are highly advised to hike a bit in their boots beforehand to understand the fit and identify areas where tape might be needed (in case blisters form). Even with the seemingly best fitting boot, it can happen when boots are new, blisters can form (which can be highly distracting and hurt).

Sleeping

3-season tent
Sleeping bag (warm to -5°C)
Therm-a-rest or other sleeping pad (available for rent)

Please email us with any gear questions!

Cooking

Small cooking pot
Fuel canister
Stove
Lighter
Eating vessel and utensils
2 breakfasts, 3 lunches, 2 dinners, and various snacks (meal planning covered in pre-trip). For tasty, nutritous and locally pre-made dinners check out https://wildedgeketo.com/

Pack

50L+ backpack with waist belt (please make sure this is properly fitted)

Other

2 x 1 litre water bottles (or a 2L bladder)
Water purification system
Sun hat
Bug net for hat
Sunglasses with 100% UV block
Sunscreen
SPF lip balm
Toothbrush and a small container of toothpaste
Hand sanitizer, toilet paper, and ziplock bags
Head-lamp with spare batteries
Paracord (50ft)
Tarp (large enough to cover / wrap around your tent if needed)
Pocket knife
Stuff sack (big enough to hold all your food and toiletries - this will be used for a bear hang)
Small first aid kit (optional)
Bug Spray (optional)
Hiking poles (optional)
Reading material (optional)
Camera/Phone (and Charger) (optional)
Feminine hygiene supplies (if needed)
Spare prescription glasses (if needed)

A topographic map and a mirrored compass will be provided for everyone on the course. If you'd prefer to use your own map, please email us to confirm - as the map we use will depend on the area we hold the course.

Your instructor will carry emergency gear, medical supplies, and a communication device.

Rentals

Consider checking out Sports Rent in Victoria or Alberni Adventure Gear in Port Alberni.