The Callaghan & Journeyman Lodge (formerly Callaghan Country)

The Callaghan and Journeyman Lodge: Wilderness Nordic Skiing Near Whistler

The Callaghan, long known as Callaghan Country, is the wilder side of cross-country skiing in the Callaghan Valley, about 13 km south of Whistler and around 1.5 to 2 hours from Vancouver. Hand-built in 1978 by members of Whistler's early backcountry community, it is now operated by evo and centres on two bases: a day-use touring centre near Alexander Falls and the remote Journeyman Lodge high in the valley.

What you can do

• Cross-country skiing: about 40 km of groomed trails, track-set for classic skiing, with skate skiing when conditions allow.
• Snowshoeing: around 15 km of wilderness snowshoe routes, including the signature route to the base of Alexander Falls, a waterfall about 150 feet high.
• Snowcat shuttle: morning departures up to the Callaghan Lake area for higher-elevation Nordic skiing and backcountry access.
• Backcountry touring: sub-alpine terrain for ski tourers, telemarkers and splitboarders.
• Journeyman Lodge: a full-service backcountry lodge reached on skis, with meals and overnight stays in the heart of the valley.

2026–27 season

The Callaghan and Journeyman Lodge reopen for winter when snow conditions permit, usually from late November or December, with operating updates published in November. Check the operator's website before you go, as trail and lodge availability depends on weather.

Tickets and stays

Day tickets for cross-country skiing and snowshoeing are sold at the touring centre, and overnight packages at Journeyman Lodge should be booked well ahead, as popular dates sell out. The Callaghan and Whistler Olympic Park are now operated separately, with their own trail networks, tickets and passes.

Getting there from Vancouver

Drive the Sea-to-Sky Highway (Highway 99) north past Squamish and turn onto Callaghan Valley Road before Whistler. The day-use base is off the valley road near Alexander Falls. Winter tires or chains are required on the highway and the valley road.

Good to know

• Best for: adventurous Nordic skiers, snowshoers, backcountry tourers and lodge getaways.
• Be prepared: this is wilderness terrain; carry layers, water and navigation, and check avalanche conditions if going beyond marked trails.
• Rentals: Nordic, snowshoe and backcountry gear available at the base.

Planning a winter day out? See our full guide to ski resorts and cross-country skiing near Vancouver for 2026–27.

Photo: Epic View from the Callaghan Valley Nordic Centre (2388467565) by Kyle Pearce from Vancouver, Canada, licensed under CC BY-SA 2.0, via Wikimedia Commons.