Wedgemount Lake

“Savage”, “unforgiving” and “relentless” - three words that would suitably define the hike up to Wedgemount Lake. The “Whistler Hiking Guide” describes Wedge as “the classic hike in the Whistler area and a right of passage for valley locals”. Well, not being much of a hiker myself, I figured what better place to start with, than the hardest trail in the valley! Despite being only 7km in length, the hike gains 1200meters of vertical. The climb took us 3hr45mins to get to the lake, and we were climbing with gear to camp for the night. It’s worth noting that roughly 70% of the people using the trail were day hikers, a smart decision due to the decreased weight having to lug up and down!

After the sweat-fest hike, a dip in the iceberg lake wasn't such a bad idea!

With the hard push behind us, getting to the top we were treated by spectacular views of the Wedgemount Glacier and the aquamarine Wedgemount Lake. There’s a hut and several camping spots for those planning to stay the night. We got there a little late and had been beaten to some of the lake front camping spots, regardless the views were breathtaking!

After an evening of beers, stories and shooting stars we woke up the following morning, packed up, and began our 2hr20mins descent. A fabulous weekend spent with some of my best friends, great times I won’t forget any time soon!

Lake Lovely Water Hike

Enjoying a day in the Coast Mountain where few travel. Lake Lovely Water is a little gem tucked into the Tantalus Mountains and one that the guides just had to check out.

This trip ended up being the wrap up for my season of guiding biking and hiking trips in Whistler and was the perfect send off. The area is full of great opportunities for paddling the resident canoes, hiking along the ridge-lines or getting on the alpine rock with classic routes like Alpha. An unspoiled setting in the mountains to be cherished.

Now time to get back to Calgary and back to Massage Therapy. Thanks for another sweet summer.

Stephan Guenette

Squamish Chief Climb Day

A quick decision among the guides it was time to enjoy the day off sampling one of Squamish's scenic splendors- the Chief.

On the personal list for many summer seasons the plan was made to tackle Stairway to Heaven. A beautiful moderate climb with the attached photos of 12 pitches to make it to the top. The Chief is an amazing granite feature, which is the world's second largest granite monolith.

Staying strong during the season from all the Whistler Multisport and the Custom Family trips the climb went smoothly and left us with big smiles all around.

A beautiful day on the rock.

Stephan Guenette

Finding my flow

At the start of the summer I dropped in on a WORCA monday night ride. To be honest it wasn't the best of rides, I did however meet some new people which is why so many people attend the rides. Yesterday afternoon I met up with my buddy Wade who I met on the monday night ride, and he guided me round his local back yard trails in Emerald, a.k.a "The no flow zone". This photo on the right illustrates what Emerald trails are all about!

I find the trails in Emerald nothing quite like the rest of the trails in the Whistler valley. They're rockier, rooty, technical, and there's an abundance of rock faces. Literally departing from Wades backyard, we were soon attempting to find our flow whilst tackling the back end of Shit Happens. From here we progressed to trails such as White Knuckles, No Girly Man, and finally tackled Big Kahuna (pictured left). These trails will definitely test your patience, your skills, and not to be tackled unless you're going to bring your A game!

A Rocking Good Day

Today mates from Skis & Bikes and I were on our way to Mt Seymour for the Rocky Mountain Bikes Demo and Ride day to sample there 2012 line up. The weather was not looking good but turned out for the best, not too hot not too cold. We were in for a real treat with the new line up being a hot topic amongst the bike world. The hype was killing me and so was my gut so it was off to get it full with what ever goodness I could find.

You can't demo bikes on a empty stomach. Waffles, berries and custard for the Win from some little french shop.

















1st view of the set up the Rocky Team had put on for all the other shops.

They out did there self with the awesome range of food form Cliff, Honey Stinger and a catering company with mean burgers to keep us all riding all day.







Hanging out in the car park there are some pics you see that are priceless. This was the icing on the cake. The toyota is 30yrs old and the Element has been re-born and now 30 yrs on it's stronger than ever.















The little fella "Alex" attempting to throw his leg up on the rear wheel but his legs had other ideas and decided to stay on the ground. Big Wheels are coming!

















Bryan showing off the stealth black on black element that will be flying around your local bike track so fast it will look like a blur.










Tippie and My self. Always stoked to get out on the bike and have a laugh.












Say no more, Rocky came all guns blazing with their demo fleet! 6 inch to Hardtail they had all bases covered!


















So the day was nearing it's end and after all the shredding it was drift time. After laying some of my finest drifts I have done we decided to capture some on the camera. "one last one" Zip, Zing, Whack. The ever infamous front wheel wash out happened and led to the pic below.














Time to call it a day and limp it back to the demo site.


















We got back and the team was almost all packed up and ready to go out for a staff rip.











Myself and the crew from Rocky ending the day off with a smile. The staff right from the 1st Hi at the start of the day threw till the good bye at the end would stop what they were doing to have a chat. I found My self wandering around the demo site had a number of staff coming up and have a chat about the product but more importantly they were interested and wanted to know who you were and what mate you tick.






Home ward bound and after a long day riding, some times you just have to let your self go. Q was in the mood for some french rap music and dressed up accordingly.















So ended up with a puncture wound and a awesome gash to boot. The dam gash wouldn't stop bleeding no matter what I did so after this 1st effort I decided to put on a non stick dressing and followed it up with another 3 dressings to keep her nice for the morning.















Getting my art ness on, This ones for you Mr Ross












A sun set to end the day of in style.

Thanks to all the Guys and Gal who made the day possibly for every one. Love the ride!

Arbutus Team Riding Jerseys

NEW this season is our Arbutus Routes Custom Bike Jerseys. In partnership with Delanys Coffee House our jerseys are out on the trail on the backs of our Team riders and selling in the shop.

We came at the jerseys from a more creative angle and wanted to design a jersey that was a less of an advertisement and more design focused with mountain culture style. The jerseys from both the guys and gals are the Sugoi Evolution jersey with a Semi-Fitted cut.

Team rider Katie Painchaud is shown modeling the Womens jersey at the start of the trail "Tunnel Vision", being a local favorite.

Drop by the shop and check them out in person or you may have already seen them out there at the start line of the local Twoonie Race or just out there on a casual Lost Lake bike ride.

Whistler Yoga Retreat- Last Call!

Whistler Retreat Last Call!

"Climb the mountains and get their good tidings. Nature's peace will flow into you as sunshine flows into trees. The winds will blow their own freshness into you, and the storms their energy, while cares will drop away from you like the leaves of Autumn."
— John Muir

Can't wait to get out of this heat? It's time to reserve your spot for this fantastic retreat! I would love for you to join me -


September 17 through 23

Sea to Sky Yoga Retreat
Whistler, British Columbia Canada

During this yoga retreat we will explore the natural beauty of Whistler and the Coast Mountain Range in Southwestern British Columbia. The region is home to a verdant coastal rainforest and a towering mountain range that is dominated by some of the largest glaciers in North America. Here, we will practice yoga and explore this incredible landscape, hiking the alpine ridgelines, cycling through the flourishing forest past spring fed lakes and reaching aquamarine colored lakes resting at the bottom of looming glaciers above. Relax in the comforts of the Legends Lodge set at the base of Whistler Mountain with world-class scenery just outside our doorstep.

For more information or to book your trip, contact Matt Delany 604-935-7566, or by email at matt@arbutusroutes.com


Hope to see you there!


From love and in light,
Mary