Sunday, December 8, 2024

Soaring to Adventure: The Magic of Flying In to Your Wilderness Hike

Imagine this: the hum of a floatplane or helicopter fills the air as you ascend above a pristine wilderness. Below, the terrain reveals itself in breathtaking detail—rugged peaks, sparkling lakes, winding rivers, untouched forests and striking beach and coastline, stretching to the horizon. Not only are you traveling to the trailhead of your wilderness hike, but you’re also getting an exclusive preview of the journey ahead.

Flying into a wilderness hike offers unparalleled advantages for adventurers. Let's take a look at just a few reasons why this experience is a game-changer.

Herring roe in the coves of Bligh Island
Herring roe in the waters around Bligh Island

A Bird’s-Eye Preview

Flying over the trail gives you a unique perspective of the route you’ll hike. Spotting landmarks like ridges, valleys, waterfalls, lakes and lighthouses from above provides context to the landscape, helping you orient yourself once your boots hit the ground. This aerial perspective often deepens your appreciation of the scale and beauty of the wilderness you’re about to immerse yourself in.

Access to Remote Beauty

Floatplanes and helicopters make it possible to reach remote, off-the-beaten-path destinations that are otherwise inaccessible. These isolated trailheads often lead to some of the most pristine and untouched hiking routes, far from the crowds and into the heart of nature.

A Thrill Before the Trek

The flight itself is an adventure. Swooping over treetops, skimming along ridgelines, or landing on a glassy alpine lake is an exhilarating experience that sets the tone for your hike. It’s a memory that will forever be linked with the journey to come.

Effortless Efficiency

For adventurers with limited time, flying in allows you to maximize your wilderness experience by skipping long approaches or difficult access routes. This means more time spent exploring the trail and soaking in the scenery, and less time backtracking over previously covered ground.

A Story Like No Other

From takeoff to touchdown, a fly-in hike is a story you’ll share for years. It combines the thrill of aviation with the serenity of backcountry hiking, making for an unforgettable start to your adventure.

Whether you’re a seasoned explorer or a first-time wilderness hiker, consider adding an aerial leg to your journey. The unique vantage point, convenience, and sheer excitement of flying in to a hike promise an experience that will redefine your connection with nature.

Fly-in to Hesquiat
Drop off at Escalante Point, Hesquiat

Tombstones, Nootka, Hesquiat, South Chilcotins Fly-ins

Sea to Sky Expeditions offers fly-in backcountry hiking tours to the Tombstone Mountains in the Yukon and the South Chilcotin Mountains in British Columbia to maximize the experience in the landscape. Through Coastal Bliss Adventures, we offer fly-in backcountry hiking tours on Nootka Island and the Hesquiat Peninsula on Vancouver Island's west coast. 

Ready to take your wilderness adventures to new heights? Let’s get you airborne!

What's Ahead for 2025?

Sea to Sky Expeditions is excited to announce its 2025 adventure season, offering a diverse array of guided tours across Western Canada's breathtaking landscapes. With over 35 years of experience, we continue to provide small group experiences led by certified guides, ensuring personalized and unforgettable journeys.

South Chilcotins
In the South Chilcotin Mountains

Hiking Adventures

  • West Coast Trail: Traverse the "Graveyard of the Pacific" on this challenging 9-day trek along Vancouver Island's rugged coastline. Encounter sandy beaches, dense rainforests, and historic shipwreck sites. Tours are scheduled from May through September 2025.

  • Chilkoot Trail: Follow the historic path of the Klondike Gold Rush on this 7-day hike through the Coast Mountains of British Columbia and Alaska. Experience varied terrains and rich history. Tours run during July and August 2025.

  • South Chilcotin Mountains: Immerse yourself in alpine meadows and diverse wildlife on this 7-day backpacking tour. Two options are available: a fly-in/hike-out and a hike-in/out, with dates in July 2025.

  • Tombstone Mountains Expedition: Explore Yukon's granite pinnacles and tundra landscapes on this 8-day adventure. Options include hike-in or fly-in expeditions, with departures in July and August 2025.

  • In the Tombstones
    In the Tombstones

Canoeing Expeditions

  • Bowron Lakes Canoeing: Embark on a quintessential Canadian experience with this 10-day, 116 km circuit through the Cariboo Mountains. Paddle across six major lakes connected by rivers and portages. Tours run from June to September 2025.

  • Yukon River Canoeing: Journey through history on this 10-day trip along the Yukon River, following the route of Klondike gold rushers. Scheduled departures are in July and August 2025.

  • Teslin River Canoeing: Navigate the Teslin River over 9 days, merging into the Yukon River, and experience the serene wilderness. Trips are planned for July and August 2025.

Bowron Lakes Campsite
Bowron Lakes Canoe Circuit



Kayaking Tours

  • Johnstone Strait Kayaking: Paddle alongside orcas in their natural habitat on this 6-day tour off Vancouver Island. Tours are available from July to September 2025.

  • Broughton Archipelago Kayaking: Explore a labyrinth of islands rich in wildlife and history. Dates for 2025 are forthcoming.


Johnstone Strait
Kayaking in Johnstone Strait



Base Camp Experiences

  • Kluane National Park: Experience the splendor of the Kluane area with day hikes from a comfortable base camp. The itinerary for this tour is based on the abilities and fitness of each group, but always spectacular!

  • Arctic Circle Drive & Hike: Explore Dawson City and the Dempster Highway up to the Arctic Circle, with optional heli-tours over the Tombstone and Ogilvie Mountains. Scheduled for September 5-12, 2025.

Slim's River (Ä’äy Chù) East
Slim's River (Ä’äy Chù) East in Kluane National Park


Sea to Sky Expeditions remains committed to providing nutritious meals, knowledgeable guides, and intimate group sizes to enhance your wilderness adventure. For detailed itineraries, pricing, and booking information, please visit the Sea to Sky Expeditions website.

Embark on the adventure of a lifetime with Sea to Sky Expeditions in 2025!