Lillian Lake with optional Galatea Lakes - Relaxed Pace

I (Andy B) love Galatea Lakes, but my friend Gary G, prefers the shorter day of ending at Lillian Lake. So, Gary and I are going to try something different. We're going to co-host two different hikes at the same time.

Gary is going to lead all of us on a relaxed
pace hike along the beautiful bridges and up to Lillian Lake. We will go slow on the steep hill at the end. We will all have lunch at the Lillian Lake backcountry campground. For Lillian Lake only:

Distance: 13km
Elevation: 629m

After lunch, Gary will take half the group back down to the trailhead and end his hike. I will take the more adventurous, experienced, hikers the rest of the way to the beautiful Galatea Lakes. You will need good boots, hiking experience, and a positive attitude. We will stick together as a group. We will have a snack break, and if it is warm, maybe swim at the second Galatea Lake. The total up to Galatea Lakes is:

Distance: 17.2km
Elevation: 880m

I (Andy B) usually only take hikers I know on challenging mountain hikes. Since this event is a little different, I will take some experienced, new to me, hikers. When you sign up, you will choose Lillian or Galatea. At lunch, I will decide who I feel comfortable taking the to the Galatea Lakes. My decision is final. If I am not comfortable taking you up the rest of the way, you will head down with Gary's group. The rest of the group will head down with Gary. You can also change your mind at lunch. Both options are challenging mountain hikes with significant elevation gain. Please research the hikes and make sure you are fit enough to do the hikes before signing up. Due to the steep hill, these hikes are not recommended for people with knee issues.

It is very important to me that everyone hikes together as a group, you can always see the leader, and no one runs ahead, even on the way down. No exceptions. If you run ahead, you will not hike with me again. We are out for a group hike. This gives us safety in numbers and a chance to hike with other likeminded individuals. If you like to hike solo, or run far ahead, please don't join a group hike. Strong hikers, do not pressure the slower hikers to go faster than they are comfortable.

We meet at the Galatea Parking Lot at 9:15am, to be ready to hike at 9:30am sharp. This will be a long day, please don't make evening plans. I cannot tell you what time either hike will end.

On my hikes, we take 4-12 experienced hikers. We do not run ahead or leave people behind. We are out to enjoy nature together, get to know each other better, and keep each other safe. If you run ahead of the group, we will feed you to the bears.

You choose to make your own carpooling plans once you are accepted on the hike. Recommended $25 gas fee. I recommend meeting at Shouldice Park and Ride or Petro Canada at hwy 22 and 1. Please plan your pickup times accordingly to arrive by 9:15am.

Bear spray and good hiking boots are mandatory. Poles are optional, but recommended. Lunch, snacks, 2-3 litres of water (plus electrolytes), layers, medications required. First aid kit, tensor bandage, and emergency silver blanket are recommended in case things don't go to plan. Extra socks and plastic bags for your boots are also useful. A water bladder you can drink while you hike, plus a backup water bottle is ideal.

You will sign in on paper at the hike showing you agree to the waiver. Please have an emergency contact name and number ready to add to the sign in sheet.

Please read the slow and steady waiver and code of conduct in advance. You will sign in agreeing to the conditions of the waiver at the trailhead and leave an emergency contact name and number. You agree to follow slow and steady policies, listen to the organizer, treat everyone with respect, do your own research on the hikes, come prepared, and recognize that your organizers are volunteers who put in a lot of their own time to plan and lead these hikes for you.