Whistler: Medicine Trail Snowshoe Tour & Healing Teas

Summary

Callaghan Valley snowshoeing with wild tea tasting and forest stories

You’ll wander snowy trails beneath ancient cedars in Whistler’s Callaghan Valley, learning from a local guide about traditional plant medicines and sampling wild forest teas brewed right on the trail. Expect laughter, quiet moments under towering trees, and stories that linger long after you return—plus shuttle pickup and all gear included.

What’s the experience like?

The first thing I noticed was the hush—like the snow had swallowed every sound except our boots crunching and the odd raven overhead. We’d barely left the shuttle when our guide, Jen, handed out these old-school wooden snowshoes (not the plastic kind I expected) and grinned, “You’ll get used to them fast.” She was right, mostly. The straps pinched my boots at first but after a few steps under those enormous cedar trees, I forgot about it. There’s something about the air in Callaghan Valley—cold but not sharp, almost sweet with that damp wood smell you only get in old forests.

We followed what Jen called an “old trapper’s path,” winding past firs so tall you have to tip your head back just to see where they end. She stopped us now and then to pick little sprigs from low branches or point out bark scars—“This is devil’s club,” she said, letting us rub a leaf between our fingers. My gloves smelled like peppery earth for ages after that. At one point she brewed up this herbal tea right there in the snow using a battered thermos and some twigs she’d collected earlier. I didn’t expect much but it tasted… alive? Like pine needles and lemon mixed together. Everyone passed around the cup, steam curling up into the cold air.

I’m not sure if it was just being out there or listening to Jen tell stories about how people used these plants for medicine way before any of us showed up—but something stuck with me. There was a moment when we all just stood quiet, looking up at the canopy with snow drifting down through beams of light. Someone made a joke about getting lost forever (not me, promise) and we all laughed too loud. That feeling’s hard to shake off even now.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Snowshoe and learn medicinal plants

• Snowshoe along old trapper's path
• Learn history of Callaghan Valley
• Sample healing teas from plants
• Gaze at giant cedar, fir, hemlock

Top questions

How long is the Medicine Trail Snowshoe Tour?

The tour lasts approximately 3 hours round trip.

Is transportation included from Whistler village?

Yes, roundtrip shuttle pickup from the village is included.

What fitness level is needed for this snowshoe tour?

A moderate level of fitness is recommended for this tour.

Are children allowed on the Medicine Trail Snowshoe Tour?

Yes, children aged 8 and above can join if accompanied by an adult.

Is lunch provided during the tour?

No lunch is provided, but you will sample healing teas made from local plants along the trail.

What should I wear for this snowshoe tour?

You should dress appropriately for winter weather as the tour operates in all conditions.

Are snowshoes provided or do I need my own?

Snowshoes are provided at no extra cost for all participants.

Will we learn about local plants during the walk?

Yes, your guide will share knowledge about traditional medicinal plants found along the Medicine Trail.

What’s included

Your day includes roundtrip shuttle pickup from Whistler village, a three-hour guided walk through Callaghan Valley’s ancient forests with all snowshoe equipment provided at no extra cost, plus fresh-brewed healing teas made from local plants along the way before heading back to town together.