Women's Introduction to Backpacking 2026

Fall in love with HBC Heritage Trail this September!

Are you an experienced day hiker looking to get into backpacking but want to learn more about it? Or maybe you just love backpacking with likeminded women? Whatever your reason, this is a great program for you!

Come and join us on this women*-only introduction to backpacking weekend. Our group size is intentionally kept small to ensure a safe and inclusive environment, with a maximum of 15 participants and a minimum of 3 trip leaders.

*We welcome everyone who identifies as a woman, cisgender females, transgender, agender, two-spirit, nonbinary, and genderqueer individuals. HMCOL is a proud member of the Safe Space Alliance. 

Come and join us in this women’s-only introduction to backpacking. 

This year’s trip will take us back to the treasured Conglomerate Flats Campground on the HBC Heritage Trail. Learn more about this trail at hopemountain.org/hbc-1849-heritage-trail 

We will learn the foundational skills of backpacking, learn about the history of the trail, and experience the autumn season's wonderful flora and fauna.

Come hike through meadows and observe wildlife in a safe space, with a like-minded group!

​Learn about BC Adventure Smart’s 3Ts: Trip Planning, Training and The Essentials, including gear recommendations, options for backcountry food, Leave No Trace principles, and more!

Itinerary:

​The program consists of 2 sessions that are crucial to the group's success and enjoyment.

1. Practice Hike - September 12

   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 so you can be prepared and make any adjustments you need.

2. The Backpacking Trip - September 18-20, 2026

Day 1 - September 18:

10:00 AM – Gather in Hope at the rec centre (1005 6 Ave, Hope), check in, and sign waivers.

10:30 AM – convoy together to the trailhead. The campground entrance is at the 45.8 Km marker on the Tulameen River Forest Service Road, which starts near the Coquihalla Lakes highway rest stop at exit # 228. After arriving at the trailhead, we will hike to our campsite and set up camp.​ 

Day 2 - September 19:

After breakfast, we’ll put on light day packs and hike for the day to Palmer’s Pond. This ecologically sensitive area is home to vulnerable alpine meadow plants, and an incredible example of the importance of the Leave No Trace principles.

Day 3 - September 20:

-After breakfast, we will take down camp and hike back to the trailhead. We aim to be back in Hope before 5pm.

Participants must arrange their own transportation to Hope. Carpooling is sometimes arranged between program participants during check-in.  

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

• Warm coat (ie a puffy)

• 1 pair of gloves/mittens

• 1 toque

• 1 buff/neck warmer

• 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 at least -10 celsius minimum (keep in mind ratings are for survival, not comfort so bring a warm bag if you run cold)

• 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 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 she's doing, she’s in her element and excited to create a memorable place-based learning experience with you.

AJ Fedoruk:

AJ holds an academic background in ecology and has worked as an environmental educator for over 25 years. Since 2006, she has explored the Cascade Mountains of British Columbia and Washington, sharing stories of their rich ecological and human history. While much of her work and play has focused on the upper Skagit Watershed, she is excited to explore a new region of these range and happy to "nature-nerd" with anyone who joins her. She looks forward to connecting with other women in the outdoors and learning from their unique experiences.

Esther Brysch:

Esther’s passion for outdoor recreation began in her youth as a Scout in Germany. Over the years, she transitioned from scouting to exploring the rugged landscapes of the Alps, Corsica, and British Columbia alongside her husband.

Since immigrating to BC, Esther has shared her love for the wilderness with her husband and two children, completing a wide range of short and long-distance backpacking trips throughout the province. Some of the family’s most notable expeditions include the Sunshine Coast Trail, Skyline 1 & 2, the North Coast Trail, the Nootka Trail, the Tetrahedron Peak Trail, and the trek from Little Ball Lake to Buckley Lake in Edziza Provincial Park.

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.