Peak Wyld Co.

Toad River Retreat Feb. 15-18, 2019
2019-02-15 08:00 - 2019-02-18 18:00 (America/Dawson_Creek) | In Person
BOOTSKI LAKE – TUMBLER RIDGE, BC.
A short push into the alpine — and then the world opens up.
Guided Day Hike. Tumbler Ridge Adventures.

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Aug. 16, 2026 - 8:00 AM

Bootski Lake

Bootski Lake is one of those trails that earns every step. You’ll climb through forest and open alpine terrain, gaining nearly 600 metres of elevation before the ridge breaks open and reveals a stunning high alpine lake tucked beneath dramatic cliff walls — brilliant blue, wildly remote, and worth every bit of effort it took to get there. At nearly 1,800 metres above sea level, this is big sky, big views, and big northern BC energy. Pack your lunch, pack your layers, and if you’re feeling bold — pack your floatie. Summer up here is short and sweet, and there’s no better way to celebrate the summit than with your feet (or your whole self) in that glacially cold water. This is a challenging trail — approximately 11.6 km return with sustained steep sections — and one of the most rewarding day hikes in the Tumbler Ridge UNESCO Global Geopark. Our guides will get you there safely and make sure you leave knowing a whole lot more about the landscape around you.

Trip at a glance

Date: August 16, 2026 — 8:00 AMLocation: Bootski Lake, ~80 km southeast of Tumbler Ridge, BCDistance: 11.6 km returnApproximate Time: 5–7 hoursElevation Gain: 565 mDifficulty: Challenging — recommended for hikers with a solid base fitness levelAccess: Forest Service Road (high clearance recommended)Partner: Wolverine Nordic & Mountain SocietyCommunity Contribution: $5 from every booking is donated to the Wolverine Nordic & Mountain Society

Included

Experienced guide for the full dayRoute navigation on steep and rocky alpine terrainA summer day exploring the Bootski Lake area, Tumbler Ridge, BCBear spray mini coursePlant and ecosystem identification along the wayGeology and Geopark context shared on trailPeak Wyld Co. stickerShared photo album from the dayPre-trip communication with packing list and meeting detailsFirst aid kit, emergency supplies, and a satellite communication device carried by your guide$5 from every booking is donated to the Wolverine Nordic & Mountain Society

Fee & Cancellation Policy

Fee & Booking $65.00 + GST. A processing fee may apply for credit card payments. Book Online: Click the BOOK NOW button at the top of the page to reserve your spot by credit card. Pay by E-Transfer: Prefer to pay by e-transfer? Send us a DM to get registered — we’ll collect a few details for our booking system and get you set up. Send transfers to jocelyn@peakwyldco.ca (auto-deposit enabled). Cancellation Policy Because outdoor adventures involve real upfront costs, day hike bookings are non-refundable. That said, we want to work with you — if you need to cancel 5 or more days before the trip, we’ll issue a full credit toward a future Peak Wyld Co. adventure. Cancellations made within 5 days of the event are not eligible for a credit. Spots are limited, so the earlier you let us know, the better. What if Peak Wyld Co. cancels? If we cancel due to unforeseen circumstances or an act of God, your payment will be credited to a future date. If the Bootski Lake trip doesn’t reach the minimum number of participants, you’ll receive a full refund. We always do our best to reach our destination — but please be aware that weather, road, and safety conditions in the backcountry can occasionally change our plans. That’s the nature of the north, and we appreciate your understanding.

Frequently Asked Questions

Who is this hike for? This hike is suited for people who are reasonably active and comfortable hiking uphill on steep, rocky terrain. Bootski Lake is not a beginner trail — this is a challenging backcountry route with significant elevation gain. Strong beginners are welcome with the understanding that this is rugged northern terrain and you should expect to work for that view. Is there signage on the trail? Partially. The lower section of the trail is flagged with orange flagging tape through the burned area. Above the treeline, route-finding skills are required — but don’t worry, that’s what your guide is there for. What’s the road like to get there? The access road is the Ojay Main Road, a gravel Forest Service Road south of Tumbler Ridge. High clearance is recommended. We’ll send full driving directions and road notes before the event date. Please note this is a radio-controlled industrial road — your guide will provide details on radio use and protocol. What if the weather is bad? Light rain won’t cancel us — northern BC is wet sometimes, and that’s part of it. Above treeline, conditions can change fast, so come prepared with layers and rain gear regardless of the forecast. If the weather creates a genuine safety concern, we will notify you as early as possible and work with you on rebooking or a credit. Is bear spray mandatory? No, but it is strongly recommended that everyone carry their own bear spray. We will conduct a bear spray mini course at the start of the day. This is active grizzly bear country — we take wildlife safety seriously. Are there washroom facilities on trail? Yes — there is an outhouse at Bootski Lake. On the trail up, we follow cathole practices. Your guide will review Leave No Trace protocols at the start of the day. How long is the drive to the trailhead? The trailhead is approximately 80 km southeast of Tumbler Ridge, with a portion on gravel forest road. Budget roughly 1.5 hours of drive time from town. We meet at 8:00 AM and make our way out together — your guide will send a full logistics email ahead of the trip. Can I bring my dog? Dogs are not permitted on this guided tour. The terrain is steep and remote, and we want to keep the group moving safely through grizzly habitat. What should I eat beforehand? Eat a solid breakfast before you go — this is a long day with a lot of elevation. Bring a full trail lunch, snacks, and a minimum of 2 litres of water. There is no reliable water source until you reach the lake. Can I swim in the lake? You absolutely can — pack your floatie if you’re feeling bold. The water is glacially cold and incredibly clear. A summer dip at nearly 1,800 metres above sea level is an experience you won’t forget.

What to pack

Pack 20–30L daypackRain cover for daypack (optional but recommended)Footwear & Clothing Sturdy, broken-in hiking boots with ankle supportMoisture-wicking hiking shirt — long sleeves recommended for sun protectionHiking shorts or pantsWaterproof rain jacket and pantsWarm mid-layer (fleece or puffy)Extra socks, gloves, and a toque/buff — weather changes fast up hereGaiters (optional, great for creek crossings)Change of clothes waiting for you in the carFood & Water 2–3L of water (hydration bladder + water bottle recommended)High-energy snacksPacked lunchSun & Bug Protection SunscreenSunglassesHatLip balmBug spraySafety & Essentials Headlamp + extra batteriesPersonal first aid kitEmergency shelter (emergency blanket)Matches and fire starterMulti-tool or knifeToilet paperBear sprayTrekking poles (optional but recommended, especially on the descent)Your guide will carry the group’s core survival and safety equipment — but building the habit of carrying your own essentials is one of the best things you can do as a backcountry traveller. Extra clothing is one of the Ten Essentials for a reason: be prepared to be out longer than planned and for conditions to shift.

FUN FACTS ABOUT BOOTSKI LAKE

🏔 It sits at nearly 1,800 metres above sea level — that’s higher than most peaks in eastern Canada. You’re genuinely up there. 🌊 The lake is a high alpine tarn — meaning it was formed by glacial activity, carved out over thousands of years by ice. That brilliant blue colour? That’s the real deal. ❄️ Snow can show up any month of the year at this elevation. July hikers have reported snowpack near the lake. Always pack your layers. 🐻 Grizzly bears are regulars in this area. Sow grizzlies with cubs have been spotted on the trail — a good reminder that you’re a guest in their home. 🌿 The 2006 wildfire that burned through the lower slopes actually created incredible habitat diversity. What looks like a scarred hillside is buzzing with new growth, wildflowers, and wildlife. 🦕 You’re hiking inside a UNESCO Global Geopark — one of only a handful in Canada. The rock walls surrounding the lake are hundreds of millions of years old. Dinosaurs roamed this region long before we did. 🎒 The trail is maintained entirely by volunteers from the Wolverine Nordic & Mountain Society. Every $5 donation from your booking goes directly back to keeping this trail accessible. 📸 The ridge above the lake offers views of Mount Becker and its subpeak — one of the most dramatic vantage points in the southern Peace Region. 🥶 That water is cold. Like, really cold. But people swim in it anyway — and they always say it was worth it.

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