Frequently Asked Questions

Pinnacle Pursuits Family Adventure Retreat 

Frequently Asked Questions

Things you may be wondering that will help you prepare for an enjoyable getaway family retreat…

Typically Loon Lake is only open to large groups bookings so this is a rare opportunity for individual families to venture into the Malcolm Knapp forest and stay at a beautiful lakeside lodge. Our long standing partnership between Pinnacle Pursuits and Loon Lake has meant we are in a unique position to help families who need a peaceful getaway to recharge during these crazy times. Below you will find answers to the important questions you may have…please contact us if you have other additional questions.

Covid-19 Health and Safety Measures

What Covid-19 safety precautions are we taking?

Loon Lake have spent $15,000 on plexiglass and PPE gear, upped their housekeeping regiment and test the temperature of staff at the start of every shift. The centre will be limited to a maximum 50% capacity for guests to ensure distancing.. 

Dining times will be spread out with limits on capacity and new food service standards. We will be utilizing the outside areas for patio service more than ever. 

Hand-sanitizer stations throughout the property and at every activity, complemented by both directional and educational signage in every building. 

All activity facilitators will be wearing PPE and practicing physical distancing for your protection.

Each activity has been assessed and modified for health and safety measures. Staff  will clean and sanitize all activity equipment between uses.

Pinnacle Pursuits are adhering to the strict standards laid down by The Association for Challenge Course Technology (ACCT), British Columbia Camping Association (BCCA), WCB and the University of British Columbia. 

We will set you up for success so that you can practice good hygiene, personal protection and physical distancing.

Prior to your arrival, we will be asking all guests to complete a personal health questionnaire and consent form to ensure everyone onsite is healthy and adhering to the guidelines set out by the provincial health authority.

Managing my booking and logistics

How does the accommodation and room layouts work?

We have reserved several large accommodation buildings for our retreats that have slightly different layouts. In general, accommodation includes rooms with 2 or more single beds (based on the building) along with a shared bathroom for every 2 rooms (ie. 1 bathroom for every 4 people). Based on the number of people registered, family sizes and needs, we will be allocating families into spaces accordingly. If you are bringing a small child and require a cot bed, please bring your own. There is floor space in your room.

*For larger family groups, we may have access to several buildings that can accommodate families of 6-8 people in one building on single beds with shared bathrooms. Please let us know asap if this also interests you and we can see what is still available.

Please note that for all lodging, due to Covid-19 health guidelines, you are required to bring your own bedding (sheets, blankets, duvets, pillows, and toiletries and towels etc).

How many cabins can I book at once?

Our team is allocating spaces based on family group sizes and needs. If we have larger family groups of 6-8 people, we may also have access to smaller buildings with several rooms and many single beds, to offer you (see above).

How do I know I got my date and that our retreat is a go?

As soon as we receive our minimum threshold and have your deposit and date confirmed, we will let you know right away.

What’s the schedule? When do we arrive and depart?

We will have a more detailed agenda to send you closer to the time. Expect to arrive mid-afternoon on Day 1 with check-in at 3pm. We will facilitate a large group welcome at 3:30pm before having our first scheduled activity blocks and prepare for the evening. Day 2 (full day) will include 3-4 scheduled activity blocks. Checkout time is at 10am on Day 3 as each room will go through extensive cleaning. We will have time to schedule one activity block after breakfast and checkout. Families can then prepare to depart after lunch at 1pm.

What’s next? How do I book now?

You are required to pay a deposit of $200 per person ASAP to reserve your date. Please use the BOOK NOW button. We are operating on a first come first served basis. Be sure to check your email spam folder for your booking number and receipt.

Once we achieve our minimum booking threshold, we will confirm your retreat is a go and request the remaining amount. (GST will also be added to your final amount.)

One week prior to retreat, we will send you a welcome package which will include how to prepare for your retreat, what to bring, a clear agenda, directions and private site access instructions. We will include mandatory Covid-19 screening questionnaires and consent and medical forms for you to fill in.

*Please note: All deposits are non-refundable with the exception that: 1) we are unable to place you on one of our retreats or 2) we must postpone or cancel the retreat due to unforeseen changes, or a new or revised COVID regulations by the Province or by UBC.

Facilities and Amenities

Is there an indoor place to gather as a family?

There is a ton of outdoor space to be with family. All main accommodation buildings include several ‘lounge’ style sit down spaces for families to meet-up and relax. If we have you booked in your own building for your family of 6-8 people, you will have a space you can be together as well.

Is there access to Wi-fi? And is their cell coverage?

There is Wi-fi, but cell coverage is very limited.

Activities

How do the activities work? 

While on retreat, you will have access to a playing field, beautiful woodland trails, lakeside docks, canoes and Stand-Up Paddle Boards (at your own risk with paddles and PFDs provided; Loon Lake will require you to sign a waiver/consent form). 

Our Pinnacle Pursuits team will lead and facilitate activities based on the original list sent out. 

The activities available are based on industry Covid-19 guidelines and your preferences were. We will have 5-6 different activity blocks over the course of the retreat with 2-3 activities occurring simultaneously. Families will be able to sign-up into their preferred activity and time slot upon arrival which we will update daily.

Can we split-up our family for different activities?

Mostly. Based on what is age appropriate and your interests, we will try to accommodate various needs including dividing up family members for some activities. It will be based on how many people we have in those activities, size of the family ‘social bubbles’ (to meet our safety ratio) and Covid-19 guidelines. 

Can we go swimming & is it supervised?

Yes, you may. The water is clean and clear, so bring your swimming gear and inflables if you like. There is access off the or dock stairs. There will not be a lifeguard present so swimming is at your own risk.

Will there be activities for younger children?

Yes, our activity offerings and options will reflect family needs and ages of children. We will provide activities to include younger children; some will be facilitated and some will pre-set for families to self-direct. Our focus is to maintain the spirit of activity, adventure and wilderness, while keeping it Covid-19 conscious. Possibilities may include climbing (based on height & weight), scavenger hunt, mini-survivor / obstacle course event, map & treasure hunt, survival/fort-making, nature-based artwork, mini-boat building races, beading, puppet-making, soccer for munchkins, and possibly even an evening dress-up/performance show! 

Meals and Alcohol

How do meals work?

Loon Lake has a beautiful large dining hall to accommodate everyone. Their highly trained catering staff will be following strict Covid-19 health and safety guidelines. There are also lovely outdoor patios we will be using.

What is on the menu?

For our upcoming October adventure retreat, Loon Lake will be offering a hassle-free Thanksgiving dinner for you to enjoy with your family and friends.

What are the options for people with allergies or special dietary preferences?

For those with special dietary needs, we will be submitting all requests to the Loon Lake management team who will prepare accordingly. If you are unsure or would also rather bring your own snacks, please do.

Is alcohol served on-site?

No, but you are welcome to bring your own (BYOB) to enjoy respectfully in your own private gathering space and in the dining hall during dinner time. Excessive noise disturbing other guests will not be permitted. In addition, you will not be permitted to participate in facilitated activities if you are under the influence.

Can I smoke onsite?

There are designated smoking areas on retreat. Smoking outside of these areas is strictly prohibited.

Are there vending machines or a store on-site?

There are not. There are numerous stores a short drive out of the research forest for essential purchases. We encourage you to bring snacks and home comforts with you in order to limit your time off site. We recommend you pack as if you were going to a remote campsite.

Can we bring…?

Can I bring my dog? Are pets allowed?

Unfortunately, no. The UBC Malcolm Knapp Research Forest has strict environmental guidelines to protect the ecosystem, so pets or animals of any kind are not allowed. 

Can we bring our own kayaks/stand up paddle board/rubber dinghy?

Yes you can. However, motor boats of any kind are not allowed on Loon Lake.

Can we bring our bikes and fishing rods?

Unfortunately biking and fishing are also not allowed so as to preserve the natural beauty of the research forest.

Other…

What if I can’t book in the scheduled July dates? Or I have a large custom group?

If we receive enough requests then we may be able to add dates in August. Please email us directly at info@pinnaclepursuits.com to let us know. *If you have a large custom group, let us know right away, and we can try to accommodate you in July or August.

Will we be able to have a campfire?

Yes, we hope so. We will be preparing a group campfire – along with s’mores – each night for families to enjoy (pending weather and provided there isn’t a fire ban in effect).

I didn’t find an answer to my question.

No problem. Feel free to reach out to us by e-mail at info@pinnaclepursuits.com or by phone at +1 604 876 7535.

We truly hope you can join us for this amazing opportunity. We can’t wait!

Embrace the Adventure!

The Pinnacle Pursuits Team