GAS Expedition Base

This information has been provided by Phil Rumming, an experienced outdoorsman, President of the North Vancouver Recreation Commission Outdoors Club and longtime member of the Gold Award Society Executive.

Welcome to the newly revised and expanded GAS Expedition Base. The areas described in this section of the website are mostly to provide ideas for Expeditions / Explorations / Adventurous Projects that will take place from late spring through early fall. Some of the areas described can be very busy during summer months. The information is aimed at trips that will be either by (mostly) backpack or mountain bike.

Information included here is general and only intended as a guide. Conditions and areas can change over a short period of time and we do not guarantee in any way that information provided is up to date. Research the area you will be going to thoroughly before your arrival (especially if it will be in a remote area). Contact knowledgeable people (i.e. park staff) in the area you will be going to prior to your arrival to find out about any hazards or pertinent information about area you will be traveling in. The information provided here is only to give you an idea of what is available.

Adequate footwear (running shoes are not acceptable) and other equipment are necessary for these trips.

Some areas described here are also suitable for winter expeditions for those who are trained, equipped and experienced for this. Beware of the special hazards of winter travel (i.e. avalanches, cold injuries, etc.) and other considerations before heading out. [For more information, a few web sites that may be helpful for planning winter trips are included on the 'References and Further Information' page.]

Bears live in virtually all part of British Columbia when outside of population centers (or sometimes they even venture into these areas too). Prior to entering a specific area, contact resources in the area (i.e. park staff) to find our about any special considerations with regards to bears and other wildlife. Most areas have Black Bears but some areas may have both Black Bears and Grizzly Bears. These two types of bears must be treated somewhat differently if encountered by humans. Be well versed in the differences before entering an area with both kinds of bears.

Be 'bear aware' aware at all times in the outdoors. For information on bears in a specific area, contact park staff. For general guidelines on bear safety, visit the Parks Canada 'You Are in Bear Country' page at: http://www.worldweb.com/parkscanada-banff/bears.html

In addition to guidelines included in the Award Handbook, here are some additional considerations: