Women's Introduction to Backpacking 2026

Indigenous Heritage & High-Desert Beauty

Ready to trade your daypack for a multi-day adventure? Join a supportive community of women for a 3-day, immersion into the heart of the Stein Valley Nlaka'pamux Heritage Park. This program is designed for hikers who are comfortable on the trails but perhaps new to the art of overnight wilderness travel, or those just looking to connect with other like-minded outdoorsy women!

In a low-pressure, collaborative environment, we’ll bridge the gap between "hiker" and "backpacker," all while connecting with the deep cultural history of the Lower Stein Valley. Known to the Nlaka’pamux people as Stagyn “The Hidden Place,” this protected valley is one of the last unlogged watersheds in the Southern Interior and holds a spirit unlike anywhere else in British Columbia.

This isn’t just a hike; it’s a walk through a living landscape shaped by time, culture, and resilience. We’ll travel through dry, vanilla-scented Ponderosa pine forests, pausing to reflect on the impacts of wildfire, the stories held in ancient rock art, and the powerful turquoise waters of the Stein River.

Over three days and 17 kilometres, we’ll build backcountry skills while engaging in place-based learning. Together, we’ll explore the rich cultural history of the Stein Valley, its significance as a stronghold against logging, and the remarkable ecology that makes this valley so extraordinary.

Itinerary:

​The program consists of 3 sessions that are crucial to the group's success and enjoyment so all three are MANDATORY for all participants to attend. 

1. Zoom Call - Wednesday, May 13, 2026

   7-9pm “Pack and Plan”: A Gear and trip planning online zoom meeting:

   We will get to know each other, discuss the plan for the backpacking trip, discuss the gear you have and suggest gear you may need to change or acquire. We will also talk about meal planning and other logistics

2. Test Hike - Saturday, May 30, 2026

   9am-1pm A half-day test run hike in Hope

   Before we head hours into the backcountry, we will practice together carrying our heavy overnight packs on the Thacker Mountain Loop trail in Hope. Please practice packing your gear as you would for our trip, test the weight distribution, make necessary adjustments and get a real feel of what to expect with your weighted overnight backpack before we enter the backcountry. Please ensure you wear the same footwear and backpack with ALL the gear you plan to use for the trip. Please let us know if you need help with packing!

3. The Backpacking Trip - June 26-28, 2026

Day 1 - June 26:

10:00 am Meet in front of Hope Rec. Centre (1005 6 Ave, Hope) for check-in, sign waivers, and sorting out carpooling

10:30 am Convoy to Stein Valley Nlaka'pamux Heritage Provincial Park, Stein Valley, Lytton, BC V0K 1Z0

Approx. 1 hour and 50 mins, and 118 km, there is a ferry crossing

12:30 pm Arrive at the trailhead, unload packs, eat lunch, and secure vehicles

1:00 pm Start on the trail (3.9 km, 376 m elevation)

Multiple interpretive stops, pictographs, Asking Rock, washroom, and snack break at Loop Camp

4:30 pm Arrive at Devil’s Staircase Camp. Have a snack, set up camp and enjoy free time before re-grouping for dinner

6:30 pm Gather to make our dinners together

*note that campfires are NOT permitted in this park

Day 2 - June 27:

8:00 am Gather to make our breakfasts together, discuss the day's itinerary

9:00 am Organize daypacks with lunch & The Essentials

9:30 am Begin day hike to Earl’s Camp with sightseeing on the way: (13 km return with 550 metres cumulative elevation gain)

-Christina Falls

-Rock Art

-End at Earl’s Camp (possibly spot mountain goats) Note the trail west of Earl’s camp is closed

4/5pm Approximate arrival back at camp, rest/free time

7:00 pm Gather to make dinner together

Day 3 - June 28:

8:00 am Gather to make breakfast together

9:00 am  Pack up camp and get ready for hike out

11:00 am Final camp check and head back to the trailhead/parking

1:00 pm Arrive back at trailhead, eat lunch, trip debrief, and load up vehicles

1:30 pm Depart, head back to the Hope Rec Centre

3:30 pm Arrive at the Rec Centre, participants depart for home

Be aware that times are approximate! Start and end times may vary slightly depending on speed of the group, weather and road conditions, etc. 

What to bring:

Whenever you are out in nature, you should always carry The Essentials

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For this trip participants will need the following items below:

CLOTHING:

• Sturdy waterproof hiking boots or hiking shoes. Must be broken in so they don’t give you blisters. If you plan on buying new footwear for this trip, it is HIGHLY recommended you purchase them and hike in them at least 8 times prior to this trip. 

• Socks — Non-cotton socks. Bring at least 1 extra pair of back-up socks

• Long pants and shorts (or zip-off pants). No jeans nor cotton. 

• Waterproof rain pants

•  2 tank tops or T-shirts (merino wool or polyester – NOT COTTON)

• 1 long sleeve shirt (merino wool or polyester – NOT COTTON)

• 1 mid layer (fleece, wool, or puffy jacket)

• Waterproof jacket

• 1 pair of gloves

• 1 toque

• Non-cotton undergarments

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FOOD:

• Water reservoir or bottle(s) with minimum 2 litres of water

• Energy snack food (ie power bars/balls, trailmix, dried fruit, cookies)

• 3 pre-made lunches to have on the trail

• 2 dinners to make in camp

• 2 breakfasts to make in camp

• Any drinks you wish to have (electrolytes highly recommended)

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EQUIPMENT:

• Sleeping bag — rated to -10 celsius minimum

• Sleeping pad/mat — thick and/or reflective is imperative to stay warm and comfortable (R value of 3 or more is necessary)

• Waterproof tent

• Stove, fuel, pots

• Device to purify drinking water (ie filter)

• Cup, plate, cutlery

• Bear spray

• Headlamp and extra batteries and/or power bank + cord

• Multitool

• First aid kit

• Sunglasses

• Sunscreen

• Chapstick

• Bug repellent/mosquito face net/tick spray

• Toilet paper, bags to place used TP in to pack-out with you, and hand sanitizer

• Hiking poles (highly recommended)

• Day pack for day hiking (you can also just use your overnight pack if you prefer)​

Gear is available for rent at Mt. Waddington’s Outdoors in Chilliwack (604-846-1984) and Valhalla Pure in Abbotsford (604-850-5523) if you need it. Book ASAP if you need to rent gear.

Price includes:

• First aid-certified trail guides

• Training regarding gear and backcountry camping technique

Physical demand:

THIS PROGRAM IS NOT SUITABLE FOR BEGINNER HIKERS! Nor should this be your first challenging hike of the year.

Backpacking is MUCH more physically exerting than day hiking. While no backpacking/camping experience is necessary to participate in this program, all participants MUST HAVE experience hiking. All participants must be able to carry a large backpack containing all their own gear described in the trip checklist up 380 metres of elevation and 4km each day. 

Pack weight will likely be around 25-40 lbs (11-18Kg) including food and water.

Please contact us to discuss your hiking experience and physical ability if you are unsure if this trip is suitable for you.

Meet Your Guides:

Meg Turner/Program Director:

Meg considers our wild spaces her second home. Raised in the Girl Guiding

community and an active outdoor family, she feels comfortable leading others and sharing her passion for the outdoors. With multiple first-aid certifications, including Remote First Aid, participants can feel safe exploring the trails with her. Having recently completed her BC Adventure Smart training, Meg will surely prepare everyone well for safe outdoor programs. She is stoked to head out into the wilderness with you hiking, snowshoeing, paddling, camping - whatever fun activity we have planned, she’s in her element and excited to create a memorable place-based learning experience with you.

Cancellation:

Sorry NO refunds! However, you can pass on your spot to someone else who meets the physical demand of the program, just please let us know, as we need registration information from everyone.

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A program may be cancelled at the discretion of HMCOL. If a program is cancelled by HMCOL, participants will receive a full refund. Please be aware that our programs run regardless of weather conditions, unless HMCOL determines that it will affect the safety of participants.

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Hope Mountain Centre reserves the right to change the location of a program for everyone's safety. As much notice as possible will be given. No refund will be provided if the location is changed. 

Additional information:

Liability Waiver

Everyone ages 19 & over must sign a liability waiver form in order to participate in this program. Please take the time to read this form because you must understand and agree to it when you sign it. By signing it you are waiving certain rights, including the right to sue. These forms will be available to sign when you check in. Please seek legal counsel if you have any questions. 

Informed Consent Form 

Everyone, age 18 & under must have an informed consent form signed by their parents or legal guardian in order to participate. Please contact us if you need this form prior to arrival at this program.