Mount Arrowsmith Day Hike

As low as:

$215.00 / person

(at 4:1 ratio)
  • STRENUOUSNESS
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  • TECHNICAL DIFFICULTY
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About 


Join us on a day hike to the summit of Mount Arrowsmith, the highest peak on southern Vancouver Island. The going is steep and strenuous but the rewards are great. Hikers enjoy a dramatic relief against the panoramic backdrop of the Coast Mountains, peaks of Strathcona Park, Alberni Inlet and Salish Sea.

Included in the price:

  • 1 day with an ACMG guide
  • Group technical gear

Not included in the price:

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

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

Logistics


A typical day trip runs from 08:30 am to 16:30, though exact timing will depend on the conditions of the day and the group in question. 

We typically run our day hikes from June through to the end of October. 

Exact meeting 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 

 
These hikes are intended to be widely accessible, however, participants should be prepared to:
 
  • Spend the day outside in variable conditions — including in rain, snow, and hot weather (see gear list)
  • Travel over rough terrain (depending on the hike, this may include sections or snow, bush, or uneven terrain)
  • Hike for up to 6 hours carry approximately 7kg uphill
 
Questions about the suitability of this trip? Send us an email. We’re happy to set up private trips to suit your needs whenever possible. 

Gear List


The list provided aims to prepare you to be comfortable in the field regardless of the weather. Please ensure that all your gear is functioning and in proper repair. 

Clothing

  • Mid-weight jacket, wool, fleece, synthetic or down
  • T-shirt or long-sleeved shirt (white or other light colour), synthetic and/or light cotton in summer for cooling
  • Hiking pants, nylon or similar (ideally tough enough to resist tearing on bushes)
  • Rain gear (jacket and pants)
  • Toque or hat
  • Gloves (plus a spare if weather is wet)
  • Hiking socks - merino wool is best
  • Hiking boots (suitable for hiking off trail)

Other

  • Toilet paper and Ziplock bags to pack your toilet paper out
  • Hand sanitizer
  • Personal small first aid kit (blister kit) 
  • SPF lip balm
  • Sunscreen
  • 2 x 1 litre water bottles (or a 2L bladder) (please start your trip with 2 litres of water to ensure you have water to drink before the first water source)
  • Lunch (prepared ahead of time and consumable on the go)
  • Sunglasses
  • Camera or phone (optional)
  • Thermos (optional)
  • Altimetre (optional)
  • Compass and map (optional)
  • Backpack (30L or large enough to fit the items on this list)

For winter and spring trips, please also bring:

We will indicate whether snowshoes are needed in a pre-trip email sent one-week prior.

  • Snowshoes (while there is still snow in the mountains)
  • Walking poles (if using snowshoes)
  • Gaiters
  • Long underwear (top and bottom), poly- pro, wool or silk
  • Insulating pants, wool, fleece, or pile

Rentals


Snowshoes: Ski Tak Hut offers 25% off snowshoe rentals for clients on IAG trips and courses at certain times of the year. 

These can be ordered online using a unique discount code. If you require snowshoes, please request this discount code from us.

Check out SportsRent in Victoria for additional rental options. 

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

Testimonials

It was amazing! We all had a great time thanks in a large part to Lyle. We look forward to our next trip with Island Alpine Guides!! Jennifer Gunning & Family, Victoria, BC.
Thanks for organizing my hike of Mt Arrowsmith with Christine. I wanted to let you know that she was outstanding as a guide - incredibly supportive, skilled, knowledgeable and patient and also excellent company. Even though we didn’t summit - I learned a lot and felt in the best hands and look forward to having another go now I am familiar with the hike! Rosemary,