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Playwest Mountain Experience

Hike Difficulties

Hikers on the Welsh Lakes hike

Moderate Hike Difficulty 

For the Explorer

Ideal for: Day hikers with decent fitness looking to level up their adventure.


What to Expect:

  • 6–12 km

  • Moderate elevation gain (150–500m)

  • Mixed trail conditions (roots, rocks, creeks)

Possible off-trail elements


You’ll Feel: Energized, connected, and ready to go deeper.
 

Check out some of our moderate level hikes:

Pedley Pass hiking trail
Couple enjoying fondue on the swansea hike

Easy Hike Difficulty 

For the Wanderer

Ideal for: First-timers, families, or folks looking for a casual connection to nature. Our easy half-day and full-day hikes are perfect for warming up to the wild.


What to Expect:

  • < 6 km round-trip

  • Well-maintained trails

  • Low elevation gain (< 150m)

  • Frequent breaks & lots of storytelling

You’ll Feel: Curious, inspired, and comfortably challenged.

Check out some of our easy hikes:

Woman's hike to welsh lakes

Intermediate Hike Difficulty 

For the Trekker

Ideal for: Active hikers with some mountain experience and endurance. Perfect for those chasing high places and quiet valleys.


What to Expect:

  • 12–20 km / day or multi-day routes

  • 500–900m elevation gain

  • Challenging terrain (scree, steep sections, river crossings)

  • Requires carrying moderate weight

You’ll Feel: Accomplished, gritty, and awe-struck.

Check out some of our intermediate hikes:

Bridge crossing on the west coast trail
Hiker on the Bugaboo hike

Challenging Hike Difficulty 

For the The Wild One

Ideal for: Seasoned hikers or backpackers comfortable off-grid overnight hikes. This is the real deal where transformation happens.


What to Expect:

  • 20+ km days or 3–7 day backcountry expeditions

  • 900m+ elevation gain

  • Technical terrain (alpine, mud, exposure)

  • Heavy pack loads (20–30 lbs)

  • Comfortable in remote conditions with no cell service

You’ll Feel: Raw, present, and fully immersed in the wild.

 

Check out some of our more challenging trips:

west-coast-trail-seals.jpg
Group of hikers on the trail

A hiking experience you won’t forget

Why choose us?

Top-Ranked Hiking Guide in Invermere

Hikers have spoken! We only have 5-star reviews on Google and TripAdvisor. Check it out for yourself and see what other's are saying.

Local Hiking Experts

The Canadian Rockies and Purcell Mountains are our backyard, they are our home. We've been exploring this area for decades and know all of the peaks, valleys and the best waterfalls.

Professional Outdoor Guides

All of our guides are members of several professional associations, the most notable being the Association of Canadian Mountain Guides (ACMG). They aim to inspire and educate our guests in a fun and safe environment, learning about our surroundings through story telling and the odd bad joke.

All-Inclusive Guided Hikes

You're on a hiking vacation, so won't have to lift a finger...but you will need to lift a foot. We handle the transportation, hiking permits, freshly packed lunches and can even rent you gear, if you need it.

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