Journeyman Lodge, Callaghan Country

Deep in the heart of Callaghan Country at the base of three 2,000-meter mountains is a warm, cozy 5,000-square-foot lodge that sleeps 25 guests and serves a four-course dinner by candlelight. Almost 15 kilometers from any roads, the Journeyman Backcountry Lodge hosts a multitude of different room styles for anyone looking to stay out in the backcountry. Several reasonably priced packages offer different length trips and options. The access to the lodge is generally by groomed trails on skis or snowshoes; however, a snowcat shuttle and snowmobiles are also available for the 13.6-kilometer trek up into the Callaghan Valley.

Arriving at the lodge, guests are greeted warmly by the hosts and given a rundown of the lodge's operations. The lodge's interior sticks with a traditional cabin decor, and the common areas are very cozy. The dinning area near the entrance seats up to 48 people and has lots of windows for taking in the view of the surroundings. All guests sit for dinner together by candlelight and near the fire.

Half of the second floor is occupied by a common area with another fireplace, a large lounge, and a ping-pong/pool table. Guests will also find other games as well as books and maps of the area to help plan out ski routes. It is the perfect place to gather after a day of skiing to share a prepared apres-ski snack and stories of the day. On the other half of the floor are two Superior Suites and the Solitude Suite. Each Superior Suite has a queen-size bed, an en-suite bathroom, and a balcony. The Solitude Suite has a master bedroom with its own en-suite bathroom and balcony, a large living room with a balcony, a stove, vaulted ceilings, and a pullout couch as well as a loft with a queen-size bed, bunk beds and a magnificent view.

The third floor has five other private, cozy sleeping quarters with either a queen-size or two twin-size beds in each. The third floor also has a smaller common area, restrooms, and showers with plenty of hot water. The staff sleep up in the loft area with a couple of spots for guides when they are there.

The all-inclusive packages include apres-ski snacks, a beautiful four-course dinner, fresh, satisfying breakfasts, and handmade easy-to-carry lunches for your big day in the alpine. Outside are over 100 kilometers of cross-country, snowshoe, and alpine ski touring trails and routes that lead to some unbelievable terrain and stunning vistas, making this backcountry lodge one of B.C.'s best and a must for your to-do list.