Playwest Mountain Experience
Frequently Asked Questions
General Information
Your guided hike includes certified local guides, group safety and emergency gear, backcountry permits, and all trip planning and logistics.
For backpacking trips, we also provide group camping gear (like stoves, cookware, water filters, and tarps), plus delicious backcountry meals. You’ll receive a full packing list and support leading up to your trip so you feel confident and prepared.
Personal hiking gear (boots, backpack, clothing, etc.), accommodation before/after the trip (except before accommodation on the West Coast Trail hike), and travel insurance are not included.
For backpacking trips, you’ll need to bring your own personal items from the packing list. Meals outside of the guided hike are also not included unless specified.
Inquire with Playwest about rental gear!
Our hikes typically allow for up to 6 guest per trip. This ensures a more intimate experience, allows for better connection with your guide, and gives us the flexibility to adapt the guided trip based on group interests and pace.
Absolutely! Solo travellers are welcome on all of our hikes. It’s a great way to meet like-minded adventurers, and our small group sizes make it easy to feel part of the crew from day one.
Most trips require a minimum of 2 participants to run.
If you're booked as a solo hiker and the trip hasn’t reached the minimum, we’ll contact you in advance to discuss options such as rescheduling, joining another trip, or paying a small surcharge to proceed privately.
Yes. Most of our guided hikes are suitable for ages 12 and up, but some trips may have higher age minimums due to difficulty or remoteness. Younger participants may be considered on a case-by-case basis when accompanied by a guardian. Please contact us to discuss suitability for your group.
Absolutely! We offer private and custom hiking and backpacking trips tailored to your group’s goals, fitness level, and interests. Whether you're planning a family adventure, team-building retreat, or just want a trip that's all your own, we’ll work with you to create a personalized itinerary. Contact us to start planning your custom Playwest adventure or check out our Signature Hikes.
Mountain weather is famously unpredictable. In the Canadian Rockies and along the West Coast Trail, you can expect a mix of sunshine, rain, wind, and cooler temperatures, even in summer. Conditions can change quickly, especially at higher elevations. We recommend dressing in layers and being prepared for a variety of conditions, including wet weather and cold nights. Your guide will provide a packing list to help you stay comfortable and safe on the trail.
Tipping is not required but is always appreciated. If you feel your guide went above and beyond to ensure a safe, fun, and memorable trip, a gratuity is a great way to show your appreciation. A common guideline is 10–20% of the trip cost, but any amount is welcomed. Tips can be given in cash or via e-transfer if preferred.
Booking information
We recommend booking your hike as early as possible, especially for peak summer dates and popular trips like the West Coast Trail or Bugaboos. These experiences often fill up months in advance. Booking early ensures you get your preferred dates and gives you plenty of time to prepare. If you're booking last-minute, reach out, we may still be able to fit you in!
You can easily make a reservation online using the booking link on our website. If you have questions or want to customize your adventure, feel free to contact Playwest directly, our guides are happy to help you plan the perfect hike.
Playwest Mountain Experience has a cancellation policy designed to ensure fairness and flexibility for all participants. If Playwest cancels a trip due to weather or unsafe conditions, a full refund will be provided.
For participant-initiated cancellations, specific terms may apply depending on the trip and timing of the cancellation. It's recommended to review the detailed cancellation policy or contact us directly for precise information.
To protect your investment, consider purchasing travel insurance that covers trip cancellations and interruptions.
If you need assistance finding the cancellation policy on their website or have further questions, feel free to ask!
While most of our trips proceed rain or shine, safety is our top priority. On rare occasions, our guides may cancel a trip if extreme weather or trail conditions make it unsafe to continue. In such cases, you will receive a full refund.
We monitor forecasts closely and will send you a weather update approximately 24 hours before your trip. Mountain weather can be unpredictable, so we recommend being prepared for a variety of conditions.
If you have any concerns about the weather or trip conditions, please don't hesitate to contact us.
HIke Abilities
Most of Playwest's trips are designed for people with a moderate level of fitness and some hiking experience, but you don’t need to be a hardcore adventurer to join. Each trip has a listed difficulty rating to help you choose the right fit. If you're able to hike 5–15 km in a day with a backpack and some elevation gain, you'll likely be comfortable on most of our guided hikes.
That said, not every trip is suitable for beginners. Some backpacking routes, like the West Coast Trail or Hikes in the Canadian Rockies, require stamina, balance, and confidence on rough or exposed terrain. If you're unsure about your ability, we're happy to help you find a trip that suits your pace, goals, and comfort level.
Private or custom hikes are also available if you're looking for a slower pace or a more personalized experience.
Check out our Hiking Difficulty Guide to find the right pace for you!
Not necessarily, previous hiking experience is helpful, but it’s not required for all of our trips. Playwest offers a range of guided hikes suitable for different skill levels, including options for beginners who are reasonably fit and eager to learn. Our guides provide coaching along the way, covering everything from trail technique to backpacking basics.
If you're looking at more challenging routes, like our full-day hikes or backcountry hikes, a bit of prior hiking or backpacking experience will make the trip more enjoyable. If you’re unsure whether a specific trip is right for your experience level, check out our Hiking Difficulty Guide just reach out, we’re happy to recommend the best match for your goals and comfort level.
At Playwest, we rate our hikes based on a combination of distance, elevation gain, terrain difficulty, and overall trail conditions. Each trip is categorized as Easy, Moderate or Challenging, helping you choose a hike that matches your comfort and fitness level. We also factor in whether you're carrying a full backpack (for multi-day trips) or just a daypack, as that can greatly affect the experience.
Every hike page includes a difficulty rating along with details like daily distance, elevation, and any technical features. If you're unsure which level is right for you, feel free to reach out, we’re happy to help you choose a trip that’s safe, rewarding, and within your abilities.
For backpacking trips, you can expect to carry 35-45 lbs (16-20 kg), depending on the length of the trip, the weather, and how much personal gear you bring. This includes your clothing, sleeping bag, personal items, and a share of group gear like food and cooking supplies.
For hut-based or supported trips, the weight is often lighter, typically 25-35 lbs (11-16 kg), since there’s no need for a tent or as much food.
Your guide will help distribute group gear fairly and give you tips for packing light while staying comfortable. If you have any concerns about carrying weight, let us know in advance, we’re here to support your adventure.
Travel questions
Meeting locations and times vary by trip, but typically:
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For hikes near Invermere or Kootenay National Park, we’ll meet at a designated trailhead or central location in Invermere.
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For multi-day trips like the West Coast Trail, we’ll provide detailed logistics, including a pre-trip orientation the evening before departure.
Exact meeting details (time, location, what to bring) will be sent to you in your pre-trip email package. If you’re unsure or need help with planning your arrival, we’re happy to assist!
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It’s not recommended to arrive the same day as your backpacking trip. Most of our multi-day hikes include an evening orientation the day before your departure. This session covers essential logistics such as:
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Gear check
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Group gear distribution
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Safety briefing
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Packing tips
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Waiver and health form completion
Arriving at least one day early helps ensure you’re rested, prepared, and not rushed, setting you up for a safe and enjoyable start to your adventure. If you're unsure about timing or need help with accommodations, we're happy to help.
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Canadian Rockies, Kootenay National Park & Invermere Area Trips:
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Fly into:
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Calgary International Airport (YYC) – Best major airport option
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From Calgary:
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It’s about a 3-hour drive to Invermere, BC
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Rental cars available
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OR
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Fly into:
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Canadian Rockies International Airport (YXC) – Smaller local airport
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From Cranbrook:
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It’s about a 1.5-hour drive to Invermere, BC
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Rental cars available
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West Coast Trail Backpacking Trip:
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Fly into:
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Victoria International Airport (YYJ)
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From airport:
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You are responsible to get yourself to the Days Inn in Victoria.
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Yes, Playwest helps to ensure you have secure parking and luggage storage options for multi-day trips. You can leave your vehicle and extra gear safely while you’re out on the trail. Just let us know in advance so we can arrange everything for you.
Gear information
It really depends on the hike that you've booked.
For half-day hikes:
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Hiking boots or sturdy shoes. Early season hikes may be wet and could even have snow in shaded locations
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Small backpack (large enough to carry all the things)
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Water (Minimum 1.5 Litres)
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An extra warm layer. It can be cool up high in the mountains and it's nice to have a layer for when we stop for a break or lunch
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Camera, don’t forget this
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Sunscreen
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Hat
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Sunglasses
For full-day hikes:
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Hiking boots or sturdy shoes. Early season hikes may be wet and could even have snow in shaded locations
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Small backpack (large enough to carry all the things)
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Water (Minimum 1.5 Litres)
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Lunches are included in all of our full day trips
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An extra warm layer. It can be cool up high in the mountains and it's nice to have a layer for when we stop for a break or lunch
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Camera, don’t forget this
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Sunscreen
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Hat/Toque (It can get cold in the alpine)
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Sunglasses
For multi-day hikes:
Every multi-day trip is a bit different. Figuring out what to pack for a overnight backpacking trip is a daunting task. Often times people “pack for their fears”…We’ve seen shower caps and volleyball knee pads…seriously. Don’t worry, we’ve got you covered. We will send you a full and detailed list of what to pack with your booking making sure you are comfortable for you trip.
Don’t have the gear you need? Guess what, we do. Playwest has a fully equipped rental fleet ready to help you fill the need. Like we said…we’ve got you covered.
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Yes, you’re welcome to bring your own equipment! Just make sure it’s suitable for the hike and in good condition. If you have questions about specific gear, feel free to ask Playwest for recommendations.
We have decided that the “rentals” are included in all of our programs now. Not sure you want to communicate that. It is definitely a differentiator for us. None of our competitors are offering this. High value.
For Playwest hikes, sturdy, comfortable hiking boots with good ankle support and a grippy sole are recommended. Open-toed shoes are not allowed. However, on our overnight hikes, you may decide to bring comfy camp shoes!