During April of 2021, Nick and I set off to Gambier Island for an unusually hot weekend of backpacking the Island. We had high hopes to complete a route I had visualized that allowed for us to hit all 5 peaks while doing it in a clockwise loop. This ensured we would not need to hire an expensive water taxi and we could just use the public ferry to the Sunshine Coast and the Stormaway ferry that runs daily to the south west side of the island. It also allowed us to take some less travelled routes back to complete the loop.

The entire trip took 2 days and consisted of 45+ kms and just under 3000m of elevation gain. With some trail work and no snow, we could see this becoming a worth backpackers weekend trip. Having a small ultralight set up is really the only way to do it currently as an overnighter.

5 peaks completed:
Mount Killam
Mount Liddell
Mount Gambier (unofficial)
Burt's Bluff
Mount Artaban

Considering subscribing to see more hiking and ultralight backpacking trips this summer in British Columbia, Canada. The North Shore Mountains outside of Vancouver are home to The Bagger Challenge which is an annual community event that showcases the beautiful and harsh backcountry our home has to offer.

A note on safety protocols: this trip took place before the mandatory stop of non-essential travel implemented recently in BC. Gambier Island did not have a warning against non-essential travel and we were able to be outside on the ferry's at all time with masks which limited risks. Please use proper judgement and respect local wishes should the situation change.

To visualize the route, consider viewing it at the Fat Maps link below.

https://fatmap.com/routeid/2758997/ci...