Summer at Burnie

Spring has arrived in the Rockies, and while there is still plenty of skiing to be had in the mountains (true!), our thoughts are already turning to warm-weather adventures, especially at Burnie Glacier Chalet.

Although we’ve spent countless days at Burnie throughout the seasons, this summer marks an exciting new chapter. For the first time, we are offering a full lineup of summer trips, welcoming guests to experience the magic of Burnie in a pair of hiking boots instead of skis — and while the wildflowers are out! After dedicating weeks last summer to renovations in preparation for the 2025–26 season, we’re thrilled to return simply to enjoy the mountains and the beauty of this remarkable alpine area and to share it with others.

Our summer programs will run from August through mid-September, perfectly timed to capture the best of the summer weather and transition into the stunning fall season. A visit to Burnie offers cozy and comfortable wilderness lodge living, complete with nourishing, chef-prepared meals, guided hikes, and unforgettable adventures exploring the surrounding mountain landscape.

This season, we are delighted to be hosting:

Singing and Sourdough - A fantastic fusion of two talented characters - Central BC’s Juno award winning Pharis Romero offering singing/voice workshops paired with the uber talented Shannon O’Donovan demonstrating and engaging us in the basics of all things sourdough. Croissants! Scones! Low stress facilitated group singing and voice training from one of the best! If you’re musically inclined and a lover of tasty things - put this one on your calendar.

Plein Air Painting experiences with both informal and structured programming. It’s a very photogenic landscape.

Forest bathing (Shinrin-Yoku - meditative and healing time in nature) with Ronna Schneberger, internationally recognized educator, facilitator and Hiking Guide.

Simply Hiking focused programs, Women’s Only programming and mixed too. Adventure focused programs including rock climbing, via ferrata, glacier travel, exploration, and time on and in the multiple turquoise lakes.

To learn more about what’s in store for the 2026 Summer, we spoke with Deb Lantz, who is leading the charge on our summer programs. Mama Deb is one of the stewards of the Burnie Glacier Chalet. She is a Registered Nurse, ACMG certified Hiking Guide, wife of a loving and energetic schemer, and mom of 2 young adults. She loves to move through wild and spacious landscapes and bring others with her. Also a devoted dabbler in all things playful with special focus on singing, music and art-making, and an overall vision to bring more joy and compassion to the world.

Here’s what she had to say about the upcoming summer at Burnie:

What is your personal favourite activity to do at Burnie in the Summer?

Ahh geez, I don’t know - I’m probably partial to standing atop a mountain! But there are so many good things to do at Burnie. A friend who visited last summer described it as “adult summer camp!” There’s old growth forest to wander through, the wildflowers are magnificent, the climbing is quite good, the glacier is gorgeous….the water is breathtaking - landing on Burnie lake with the float plane is a really special entrance to the Burnie Shea parkland that surrounds the lodge. Paddling out on a canoe on Burnie Lake is pretty nice too.

How do you travel to Burnie in the Summer?

In the summer, the most common access to Burnie Glacier Chalet is via floatplane from Telkwa- a small community outside of Smithers. It’s a delightful approach! Then a moderate but minimal elevation gain walk/hike over to the lodge. Before that you need to get to Smithers:

There are a couple flights a day to Smithers with Air Canada. You can also drive there of course - highway 16 is not a bad drive at all. Really nice rest stops and luminescent green forests, hills and mountains along the way.

And you can even take a train! The VIA from Edmonton goes through Jasper, past Mt Robson (the Rockies highest peak), stops overnight in Prince George (stretch the legs and go for dinner), and then continues on all the way to the coast at Prince Rupert with a stop in Smithers along the way. This is an epic version of the journey but one that I love and that everyone should do at some point! It’s scenic, relaxed, comfortable, and social.

Can you tell us a little more about the Burnie Fest?

Burnie Fest is a small but high energy festival with local musicians, artists, and outdoorsy types, celebrating all things creative and soul-filling while gathering in a wild and lovely place. It's an environmentally respectful and conscientious gathering with primary values of play, friendship, and creative collaboration.

What is forest bathing aka Shinrin-yoku?

Please look it up if you’re unfamiliar with the concept. It’s worth knowing about. Research that has been done in Japan shows that time spent in nature (think forests) is spiritually, emotionally, and physically restorative. It actually boosts our immune systems. We’re meant to slow down, notice, and refresh! Ronna Schneberger will be facilitating this program - she has quite a following and is a huge resource to a growing community of Forest Bathing facilitators. I’m really looking forward to this program.

Can you tell us a little more about the women’s only trips?

Stepping out of your comfort zone in the backcountry can feel particularly adventurous and maybe a bit intimidating. A group that’s just for women can be a really safe and inspiring space for developing and honing mountain skills. And there’s something extra awesome about a bunch of women getting together! Join a group of new friends or bring along some old ones.

What is the weather generally like in that region in August and September?

Well, it’s Northern BC and is on the eastern edge of the Coast Mountains. There can be precipitation but it’s also summer! We can accept a mix but will assume good, warm, comfortable weather!

Are you interested in joining us at Burnie Glacier Chalet this summer? Contact us with any questions you may have! You can also find more information here!

Dates don't quite line up? Let us know - we're just getting these summer programs up and running and have a fair bit of capacity to move things around for the right group.