Stories About BC Canada
BC's Small Towns Boast Big Time Adventure
by Judi Lees
Sitting on a sun-splashed lake in the calm of early morning, I watch the poetic movements of Charlie Oldring as he gently lays his line out to lure trout from their watery home. He performs an almost slow-motion arm movement, then a languid swing sends the silvery line in a lazy loop above the aquamarine lake. I try.
"Go back, then forward to 11 o'clock, then back cast and stop at one o'clock. Just cast to your comfort measure, it may be only ten feet," instructs Oldring of Lillooet Fishing Adventures. (www.lillooet-fishing.ca)
After a couple of practices, I proclaim: "I'm ready." My husband, who is diligently working on his casting, rolls his eyes. On my third cast, my rod twitches and, after a few chaotic moments, I land a 13-inch-long rainbow trout. I'm surprised by my excitement - so this is the Zen appeal of fly fishing! Tranquil moments bobbing in the sunshine and then the adrenaline surge when a silvery fish takes your fly. Quickly, we take a picture, dislodge the 'no barb hook' from its mouth, and watch it wiggle off in Crown Lake.
Angling rod aside, this is one small town that is a virtual showcase for Mother Nature. Snow-crusted peaks blanket the Coast Mountains and, even in June, snow-draped cedars and countless creeks tumble with icy, pristine waters. Stop to ogle; one showstopper view is of Seton Lake, an emerald gem cuddled up to soaring mountains. Then, winding down from the lush rainforest, you are among rolling sagebrush hills and the warm air of Lillooet.
It seems the perfect setting for boundless adventure. One afternoon finds us into thrills of another genre as we zoom the Fraser River in a high-speed jet boat. Another day, we hover over a stream, doing a strange hip-swaying motion, hoping for gold nuggets in a pan. Still more action awaited us on both a horseback trek and a hike above crystal clear lakes. When it comes to soft adventure, the small town of Lillooet, perched on the benchlands of the Fraser River, delivers.
Lillooet is one of many BC small towns that teems with outdoor activities from soft and memorable - like fly fishing and hiking - to others that are wild, wet and wonderful. Consider a few of the many options.
On the drive between Whistler and Vancouver, Squamish is a popular place to spend a few days, especially if you are into rock climbing. One of North America's premier sites, the Stawamus Chief, features the 500-m (1,640-ft) 'Grand Wall' with more than 50 climbs. Rock face hounds travel from all over North America to test their mettle on this dramatic face, along with other rock climbing challenges.
This oceanfront town has other claims to fame, and one is enhanced by the wind. The Squamish Spit (where the Squamish River meets the Pacific Ocean) is ranked among the world's top ten best places to get on a board in the water. Windsurfers who love to harness the wind, fly high in blustery weather. Ditto for kiteboarding. This extreme sport, which can also be done on snow and sand dunes, gets high lift-offs in the wild winds of the Squamish Spit. Mountain biking, kayaking, rafting, fishing and much more are also available in what is sometimes called 'the outdoor recreation capital of Canada'. (www.district.squamish.bc.ca)
Vancouver Island is lauded as an outdoor haven, and the tiny town of Bamfield on the west coast should not be forgotten. While a little off the beaten path, it is famous for its hiking trails. The northern trail head of the world-renowned 75-km West Coast Trail is here, as well as many other challenging hiking and backpacking opportunities.
This pretty community of about 350, nestled into tranquil Barclay Sound, is also the doorstep to fantastic water activities. Sea kayaking excursions to the Broken Island Group and Deer Island Group are must-do's for enthusiastic paddlers. And weekend anglers have fish tales to tell regarding salmon, halibut and cod. There is a wide variety of options - from renting a boat to heading for a fishing lodge - where expert guides guarantee catches. (www.bamfieldchamber.com)
In the late 1800's, 70 Mile House lured gold seekers - it began as one of the first roadhouse locations on the Cariboo Waggon Road leading to the "gold fields" of Barkerville - and today it greets outdoor enthusiasts with its mother-lode of activities. Close by is Green Lake Recreational Area (complete with Provincial Parks) that encompasses its 15-kilometre-long namesake as well as the smaller Watch Lake. Both are havens for water sports including swimming, fishing, water skiing, wind surfing and boating.
The South Cariboo is famous for its guest ranches. The nearby Flying 'U' Ranch, known as Canada's oldest, offers guests an opportunity to bunk down in a location steeped in history. The Flying 'U' became a cattle ranch in 1886 and began welcoming wanna-be cow hands in 1923. With 100 horses and its original log lodge, it's a flashback to yesteryear as well as the chance to experience life on the range. Experienced riders may roam unsupervised on hundreds of kilometres of wilderness routes. (www.flyingu.com)
Walt Disney Productions recently recognized that Smithers, a tiny town in northwestern BC, is ideal for winter adventure - it filmed the movie 'Antarctica' at nearby Hudson's Bay Mountain. Outdoor aficionados know that the town of 5,000 people ranks highly in warm weather activities as well. The Bulkley and nearby Babine Rivers are adrenaline-boosters for wild water challengers, whether it be whitewater kayakers or river rafting. Take a ride on surges of foaming water through glaciated mountain routes and experience some heart-stopping drops - these northern rivers are the ultimate challenge to test whitewater mettle.
Mountain bikers get workouts on the popular Silver King-Hyland Pass and explore fossil beds at Driftwood Canyon Provincial Park. Only the expert single-trackers will take on the challenges of Cronin Pass's steep switchbacks; a local bike company can lead the way for those who love the free-ride. (www.tourismsmithers.com)
For the height of adventure, head to Golden. Located in the heart of the Kootenay Rockies where Highway 1 meets Highway 95, the small town is much more than an intersection. Some of the world's best heli-hiking is tucked into the surrounding mountain ranges. You bed down in a luxurious lodge, and each day, a big 'bird' lifts you to yet another sublime mountain location where the challenge of reaching lofty heights is rewarded by outstanding views. Time and again, you find yourself surrounded by mountains and soothing silence.
When it comes to the bird-like sports of hang gliding and paragliding, Golden's 'Mount 7' provides the best lift-off. Canadian championships for both of these high-flying thrills are held here, and records are often set. While this is certainly classified as 'hard' adventure, tandem rides may be booked for those who wish to soar like an eagle. (www.goldenchamber.bc.ca) (www.flygolden.ca)
Little wonder that outdoor enthusiasts flock to British Columbia.
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