Squamish man aims to summit 100 peaks in Garibaldi Provincial Park
Posted January 12, 2020 1:23 pm.
Last Updated January 12, 2020 1:24 pm.
SQUAMISH (NEWS 1130) — The mountains and lakes of the Garibaldi region were formed more than a million years ago, but 2020 marks 100 years since the province created Garibaldi Park.
Now a Squamish man is using the occasion to send a message and accomplish a massive personal goal.
Shawn Campbell hopes to climb 100 peaks in Garibaldi Park by the end of the year.
“I intend to be summiting peaks on a weekly basis, which kind of works out to be about two a week,” Campbell says.
Campbell has already gotten started despite sketchy avalanche conditions, checking off the relatively easy Round Mountain off the list first.
“Makes for pretty short turns but also didn’t expose us to any avalanche hazards.”
Campbell will be joined by photographer and writer Ben Haggar, who will document and share the mini expeditions.
Along the way, they hope to make it clear that the park, which is a jewel in the crown that is the B.C. tourism industry, needs more funding.
“Our hope is to highlight and share the beauty of why we go out and explore these beautiful areas,” he says.
He adds they hope to educate the public on how to climb in a responsible manner.
In his spare time, Campbell takes calls for BC Ambulance, patrols at Whistler Blackcomb and volunteers for Squamish Search and rescue.
Still, Campbell says he’s got a lot of time to plan his route and ensure he’s prepared for some of the more significant ascents.
Since it’s a year-long pursuit, the team will mountain bike, kayak, and trail run. Whatever they can do to reach 100 peaks, self-propelled, along the way while raising awareness and executing citizen science for the government.
