BEAUTIFUL B.C.
ADVENTURES TO EXPERIENCE BEFORE SUMMER ENDS
1 Rock climb in the Bugaboos
In B.C.’s Purcell Mountains, a series of glacier-sculpted granite spires make up Bugaboo Provincial Park. This place has long held a certain mystique for climbers and mountaineers around the globe. Sleep in Conrad Kain Hut — named after the renowned climber who visited the area in 1910 — or at Applebee Dome wilderness camping area. There is a steep three- to four-hour hike into this area of the park. Once here, it’s a climber’s paradise.
2 Raft Tatshenshini Alsek rivers
In B.C.’s northwest corner, this river system is considered one of the most incredible on Earth, cutting through some of the highest peaks in North America. Raft past glaciers, floating icebergs, and the grizzlies that inhabit this majestic bio-reserve, a designated UNESCO World Heritage Site. Guided trips can last anywhere from nine to 12 days, starting in Yukon, continuing through northwest B.C., and into Alaska. Some operators offer day trips along the upper stretch of the river.
3 Hike the Berg Lake Trail
The 23-kilometre backcountry trek to view Mount Robson — the highest peak in the Canadian Rockies — towering over Berg Lake is a must-do hike for trekking enthusiasts. Before reaching the lake, the trail passes through three bio-climatic zones, traces around Mount Robson, and peaks at the Berg Lake campground. Here you can view icebergs that have broken off the Berg Glacier floating in the turquoise water. This is a popular trail, so you will have to reserve your spot well in advance.
4 Kayak the Broken Group Islands
More than 100 scattered isles off the west coast of Vancouver Island make up the Broken Group, part of Pacific Rim National Park Reserve. Paddlers can glide past tide pools full of life and camp on sandy shores, all the while watching for eagles, sea lions, grey whales, and black bears. Outfitters offer experiences from one-day trips to multiday adventures on the sea. The crystal-clear water close to shore may have you thinking you’ve paddling in the tropics. Where else? Paddle through Desolation Sound or join a kayak whale-watching trip through the Johnstone Strait.
5 Salmon fishing in Haida Gwaii
Despite, or maybe because of, its remote location, anglers from around the world flock to Haida Gwaii to fish for salmon. The variety and abundance of fish and the small number of competing anglers make this a big draw. Share your time on the water with dolphins, whales, sea lions, eagles, and otters. Upscale fishing lodges located on small, remote islands accessible by flight or boat supply guides, boats, gear, and luxury lodge amenities. It’s worth it to tack on a trip to the world-famous heritage sites in Gwaii Haanas, at the southern end of the archipelago.
6 Canoe the Turner Lake Chain
This canoe circuit is not easy to get to, and that’s all part of the fun. No road access means you need to charter a float plane in or hike the 16 kilometres along Hunlen Falls Trail to reach Turner Lake. Once at the lake, canoe rentals are available, but should be booked in advance. This three- to five-day paddle in Tweedsmuir Provincial Park takes you along seven lakes with linking creeks and portages. Day hikes along the route are well worth the canoe tie-up between paddles and camping areas. Where else? Paddle a traditional dugout canoe in Tofino or try the Powell Forest Canoe Route.
7 Ride Horses through the Muskwa-Kechika
Wayne Sawchuk has been leading horseback expeditions into the northern Rocky Mountain backcountry for decades. The Muskwa-Kechika, encompassing 6.4 million hectares of wilderness, is named for the two great rivers that flow through it. Sawchuk leads trips, from 15-day expeditions to the more grounded Mayfield Lake Base Camp Experience. Either way, making your way through the bush on horseback to Heaven’s Pass or the Zoo Valley is pure adventure.
8 Scuba diving off northern Vancouver Island
The water clarity and diversity of marine life in B.C. is arguably unsurpassed in the world. One particular area near Port Hardy is famous for wall dives, reefs, and shipwrecks. Experienced divers come to Browning Pass and the Browning Wall to see Pacific octopus, wolf eels, colourful coral, anemone-carpeted rocks, and moon jellyfish. Dive resorts like Browning Pass Hideaway and God’s Pocket offer diving guests a rustic island cabin experience, with daily dive missions to Browning Pass and surrounding areas.
9 Sail through Desolation Sound
Desolation Sound is the largest marine park in B.C. This series of islands and inlets has three major anchorages — Prideaux Haven, Tenedoe’s Bay, and Grace Harbour — attracting destination boaters. The warm water makes this a great place for swimming, fishing, and wilderness exploration. Seals, otters and orcas are common sightings, and camping platforms on rocky points make for perfect landbased overnight trips. You can join a sailing tour, charter a boat, or bring your own. Where else? Sail the Great Bear Rainforest or along the shores of Kootenay Lake.
10 Float plane mountain bike trip
In B.C.’s South Chilcotin Mountains, a five-hour drive north of Whistler, Tyax Adventures will fly you into the backcountry and drop you off on a remote lake. Navigate your way along single-track trails for a full-day ride back to Tyax Wilderness Resort and Spa or book a multiday adventure including overnights in backcountry camps, a guide, and meals.