Mount Elphinstone was covered in snow
Mount Elphinstone was covered in snow
And I tour a super cute house in Langdale, BC
Hiking Mount Elphinstone in the fall
It's late October 2023, and the temperature is barely 2°C right now, with a high of only 9°C expected later in the day. Earlier this week, there was a sprinkling of snow up in the mountains, but nothing in Gibsons. That snow is mostly melted so we shouldn’t run into much of the white stuff as we make our way up.
Early start
In an effort to maximize the daylight, we were on the trail early. Not long after starting, we encounter a light dusting of snow, but nothing major. Ninety minutes in and we’re about at the halfway point.
As we continue, I notice the snow gradually increasing on our path. I come to a bridge that’s too icy for my liking, so I chose to walk across the creek bed instead. At this point, I put my crampons on by boots and I’m once again amazed by how much of a difference they make!
Dress for the weather
My mouth is a little frozen, but the temperature in the rest of my body feels just right. Believe it or not, I still don’t regret wearing shorts (and I did bring long pants with me, just in case). The only amateur mistake we made today was forgetting our gaiters. We have crampons and you’d think that would’ve reminded us to pack gaiters, but oh well. Too late to do anything about it now.
The sun has come out and it’s peeking through the trees here and there. It’s a beautiful day. I reach a little clearing along the logging road, and I can see a bit of Gibsons below. There are eerie sounds every now and then but it’s only snow and ice falling off the trees. But on more than one occasion, I find myself wondering if that’s a bear I hear wandering through the brush!
Snow getting deeper
As we get higher, the snow gets deeper. This is our first hike of the fall season, and I usually don’t hike this trail in the winter. This amount of snow is pretty much the limit of what I’m willing to deal with. We’re about 45 minutes slower than we would be on a nice summer’s day, but I’m happy with our pace. We take lots of little breaks to adjust our gear or to have a small snack. Another half hour and we’ll be at the top.
This last stretch is strenuous and I’m finally starting to heat up. I could almost switch to my tank top and I’ve already taken off my headband because I’m just too hot. It maybe seemed crazy to wear shorts for a fall hike but now I’m glad I did!
Mount Elphinstone summit
Two minutes from the summit and I can see Mount Baker in the distance. The sunny weather and clear blue sky have made this hike amazing. Yes, I’m tired but it’s a good tired. This is what the Sunshine Coast is all about – hiking a mountain on a beautiful fall day at the end of October!
It took about 3.5 hours to make it to the top, whereas in the summer, that’d be closer to two hours and 45 minutes. We didn’t want to push ourselves too hard, and the pace has been just perfect. Now it’s time to have a snack at the top and enjoy the views!
Crisis averted! 🙂
As I’m getting ready to leave, I realize that I’ve lost a crampon somewhere along the trail. I could get back down without it but I’d be forced to move slowly and really watch my step. Thankfully, another couple was heading back down, and I told them about about my missing crampon. They started back down and almost immediately, he returned to the top with my lost crampon! How lucky is that? And how nice of him! I’ve got both crampons now, and I’m ready to make my way back down. But even with both crampons, I’ll need to be careful on the first part of the descent.
Bring a buddy and make good decisions
On our way down, we met a solo hiker coming up. It was a little late to start, given the shorter fall days, and it’s not advisable to hike alone, even in the summer. Go with a friend, stick together, and don’t leave each other behind.
We did see some hikers turn back at the snowline. That’s a great decision if you’re not prepared. It’s better to turn around and play it safe.
Looking forward to a hot shower
We get back to where we parked. When we started this morning, our cars were the only two in the lot. Now, there’s a lot more. Back in my car, I’m so happy to be off my feet and I can’t wait to get home for a hot shower and some well-deserved couch time!
Cozy single-level rancher for sale in Langdale, BC
Nestled in the heart of Langdale, BC, this charming rancher is an absolute gem, and I’m excited to give you a tour. A special thanks to REALTOR® Sandy Bellamy for allowing us to showcase her listing.
61 Newman Road is a single-level home boasting 1,140 square feet of living space. There are two spacious bedrooms with the potential to transform a flexspace into a third bedroom. This property is perfect for retirees, investors, or small families looking for a slice of paradise in one of the Sunshine Coast's most welcoming communities.
Welcoming entrance and a practical layout
As we step inside the front entryway, the first thing you'll notice is a big coat closet, which is ideal for storing rainy-day essentials. Directly across the hall, there’s a convenient space for the washer and dryer, making laundry day a breeze.
Kitchen filled with sunshine
Practicality meets charm in the kitchen. A large bay window floods the space with natural light and creates an open, airy atmosphere. The kitchen offers ample cabinet and counter space, making it easy for more than one cook to work together without getting in each other's way.
An island with a breakfast bar provides the perfect spot for casual meals or a morning cup of coffee.
Bright open concept living space
The dining area has a skylight overhead and is perfect for family meals or entertaining. The space flows seamlessly into the living room, which features laminate floors. Large windows offer a view of the backyard, so you can keep an eye on your pets or kids while they play outside.
The living room also has direct access to a covered patio, making indoor-outdoor living a joy.
Four-piece bathroom
Next, we come to the four-piece bathroom, with its separate shower and tub. The vanity includes storage space underneath, and a skylight brightens the room with natural light.
Bedrooms 1 and 2
The primary bedroom is spacious and inviting, with plenty of storage thanks to a closet on each side of the room. There’s more than enough space for a king-size bed.
Bedroom number two is right next door. There are more laminate floors and front and side-facing windows. Use this space as a guest room, home office, or a kid’s room.
Flexspace provides options
Back in the kitchen, we find a versatile flex space. This area could be transformed into a third bedroom, a workshop, or an artist’s studio. If you prefer, you could even revert it to a single-car garage.
Covered patio
One of my favorite features of this home is the outdoor space. The covered patio acts like a sunroom, offering a bright, protected area where you can enjoy the outdoors regardless of the weather. Stepping out into the yard, you’ll find a little garden space protected from the local deer. The whole yard is fenced, providing a wonderful, safe area to relax and enjoy.
Lots to love in Langdale
Langdale is full of friendly people. Maple Park is just a block away, and Langdale Elementary is a short 10-minute walk from home. If you commute or make regular trips to Vancouver, the BC Ferries Langdale terminal is only four minutes away by car.
There are endless hiking trails around Mount Elphinstone and stairs at nearby Smith Road give you access to the beach. For golf enthusiasts, the Langdale Heights Golf Resort is just down the highway. Plus, the shops, restaurants, and amenities of Gibsons are just a five-minute drive away.
Whether you're looking to retire, invest, or raise a family, 61 Newman Road in Langdale, BC offers an excellent blend of comfort, convenience, and community.
Call Val today!
If you have questions about this home - or any other home on BC’s Sunshine Coast - call or text me today!
📲 - 604-399-8935
🏡 - https://t.ly/61NewmanRoad
💻 - https://vallabrecque.ca
Connect with Val & Paul
We're Val and Paul and we're a married couple who live on BC's Sunshine Coast! We moved from Alberta to Gibsons in 2014 and love our life on Canada's West Coast! Subscribe to our YouTube channel and email newsletter and you'll learn what it's like to live in the most beautiful place in Canada.
Val Labrecque is a REALTOR® with RE/MAX City Realty Gibsons.