Comox Glacier Hike

As low as:

$645.00 / person

(at 6:1 ratio)
  • STRENUOUSNESS
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  • TECHNICAL DIFFICULTY
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Add-ons

Camp Kit $30.00

Includes a 3-season tent and a sleeping mat.

Cook Kit $45.00

Includes a camp stove, fuel and a pot.

The lure of the iconic Comox Glacier is undeniable, and a great destination from the Comox Valley. Join our guides on a three-day hike to the summit, and enjoy the incredibly atmospheric views, with the mountains of Strathcona Park to the west and the Salish Sea to the east. The North Summit of the Comox Glacier is the highest point and ultimate goal of this trip. An island classic.

Note: this trip is best done as a three-day adventure, though very fit parties may choose to do it in two days. Please contact us for the price of a two-day trip. 

Included in the price:

  • 3 days with an ACMG guide
  • Group technical gear

Not included in the price:

  • Transportation to and from meeting point
  • Food
  • Clothing
  • Personal equipment

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

Location


The Comox Glacier is a hike that involves moving over steep and sometimes technical terrain:

  • Some participants appreciate the use of a rope on certain parts of the glacier
  • Hiking poles are recommended for steep sections 
  • Due to conditions, this trip is typically best in July and August

Itinerary


The pace of each day will depend on the guide, the participants, and the conditions of the day, but here is a general idea of what to expect: 

  • Day 1 - Get an early start to get to the trail head. This involves traveling along Comox Lake to the Cruickshank Canyon road system. Departure times may vary due to the constraints of logging vehicle traffic. Once at the trailhead we need to gain approx. 700 meters of elevation in about 3.5 kms. This means a steep trail with places where a hand or two is needed to negotiate some steep sections. Once above the initial climb we will have a great hike along the high ridge line to camp. At the area known as the frog ponds we will set up camp and stay there for the evening.
  • Day 2 - Rise early to eat breakfast before setting off to the top of the Glacier. Once up high on the glacial plateau we will cross to the North Peak. Weather permitting we will explore the summit plateau before descending back to camp, possibly tagging the summit of Black Cat Mountain on the way back if energy levels and motivation allow.
  • Day 3 -  Enjoy a sleep in. After breakfast we will break camp and head down the mountain back to our vehicles. Plan on being back down by around 4pm (condition dependant). 

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

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

Requirements


To ensure the safety and enjoyment of participants, we ask that participants who join this trip meet the following requirements: 

  • Good physical fitness (ability to hike for 6  hours, covering 700m of vertical gain while carrying a load of 15-20kg)
  • Ability to move at a moderate pace over technical terrain (including sections of snow, bush, glacier, and steep)
  • Have a basic understanding of your gear, and any limitations 
  • Are prepared to spend the day outside in variable conditions (please see gear list)

Preparation

Regular hikes going up-hill with a load on will get you in shape for this trip. Hiking uphill with a load of 15-20 kg’s in a pack is a great way to help prepare for this trip.

Questions? Check out our FAQ page, or send us an email. If you do not feel you meet these requirements, feel free to reach out – we are happy to set up private trips whenever possible.

Gear List

 
Temperatures on this trip could range from -5°C at night to around 25°C (+) during the day. Ensure all clothing and equipment are in good repair, and fitted properly to you. The list below should work for these conditions.
 
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)
  • 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)

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

Cooking:
 
  • Small cooking pot (available for rent)
  • Fuel canister (available for rent)
  • Stove (available for rent)
  • Lighter
  • 2 breakfasts, 3 lunches (ready to eat), 2 dinners, various snacks.  For tasty, nutritious and locally pre-made dinners check out https://wildedgeketo.com/
  • Eating vessel and utensils

Other:
 
  • Climbing helmet (available to borrow upon request)
  • Sun hat
  • Sunglasses with 100% UV block
  • Sunscreen, SPF lip balm
  • Toothbrush and a small container of toothpaste
  • 2 x 1 litre water bottles (or a 2L bladder) *please pack 2 litres of water for the start of your trip (as there are no water sources at the start of the trip). 
  • Water purification system
  • Pocket knife
  • Head-lamp with spare batteries
  • Small first aid kit (optional)
  • Mosquito Net for face (optional but recommended)
  • Hiking poles (optional but recommended)
  • Camera (optional)
  • Hand sanitizer
  • Toilet paper and ziplock bags to pack out your paper
  • 50L+ backpack with waist belt

Group gear

Your guide will bring any group technical gear for travel on the glacier, as well as communication and emergency equipment. You are only required to bring the items on this list. 

Rentals

 
The following items are available for rent as an “Add On” when you book (or upon request). These are available on a first come, first serve basis:
 
  • Camp Kit (includes tent and sleeping mat) - $30.00
  • Cook Kit (includes pot, stove and fuel) - $45.00

If you require other items from the personal gear list, perhaps check out Sports Rent based out of Victoria, Blue Toque Sports based in Courtenay, and/or on social media mountaineering/hiking pages to name a few. 

Questions? Check out our FAQ page for information about gear fitting, rentals, add-ons, and/or other commonly asked questions, or send us an email.
"Our guide was amazing. He gladly adapted our days to make it enjoyable for everyone. He used his extended experience with ropes to lower us in very steep sections. We all felt very safe under his supervision. "
Michel Pinault, Victoria, BC

"Thank you so much for looking after everyone so well — the organization really was fantastic. The confidence and experience you gave us all was incredible."
Miranda Jones, Courtenay, BC

"We're all still in the afterglow phase of the trip ... i.e. tired legs and full hearts. I'd like to recognize Graeme's part in our success. Thanks again for helping make the trip a reality."
Mike Winstone,

Testimonials

Our guide was amazing. He gladly adapted our days to make it enjoyable for everyone. He used his extended experience with ropes to lower us in very steep sections. We all felt very safe under his supervision. Michel Pinault, Victoria, BC
We're all still in the afterglow phase of the trip ... i.e. tired legs and full hearts. I'd like to recognize Graeme's part in our success. Thanks again for helping make the trip a reality. Mike Winstone,
Success on all fronts! Hiking, backpacking, submitting the glacier were all great even in the rain! Connecting with a great group to enjoy the experience. Having the peace of mind knowing we were safe and being guided/ supported made the adventure more enjoyable. Anonymous , Comox Glacier Hike
Thank you so much for looking after everyone so well — the organization really was fantastic. The confidence and experience you gave us all was incredible. Miranda Jones, Courtenay, BC