SPECTACULAR SCENERYIN

THE WILD

W1 00 Whether you’re looking for a casual stroll through the woods or embarking on a multi- day camping excursion, BC’s provincial parks are the gateways to our lush forests, unique wildlife and endless trail networks. Two great summer destinations in the Pemberton area are Nairn Falls and Joffre Lakes.

Nairn Falls Provincial Park

One of Pemberton’s best short hikes is through Nairn Falls Provincial Park. This 60- metre tall, two- tiered waterfall is one of the easiest natural landmarks to access, and a popular roadside attraction for those travelling by. The falls can be enjoyed by anyone who can hike 3- km ( round trip) of mellow trail with minimal elevation gain. Part of this route is the traditional route used by the Lil’wat Nation to access the falls and Mount Currie. A large observation deck allows for amazing views of the upper and lower tiers, and the natural whirlpools that form between them. The aptly named Green River feeds the falls, carrying glacial silt that gives the water a noticeable greenish tint. Nairn Falls is connected to the village of Pemberton by a section of the Sea to Sky trail that was completed last spring. The 2.2- km crushed- gravel trail connects to One Mile Lake, which is a very popular place for picnicking and swimming. The village itself is just a short walk from One Mile Lake.

Joffre Lakes Provincial Park

David Mackenzie, a member of Tourism Pemberton, offers his advice to visitors regarding B. C’s bigger, wilder wildlife: “One should always be aware that they may encounter wildlife. It is not unusual for black bears or cougars to frequent this area, and it’s always a good idea to make noise going down the trail. Most animals will avoid you if they hear you coming,” says Mackenzie. / RFDWHG ULJKW RII HLJKwDy 99 MXVW fi YH PLQXWHV VRXWK of Pemberton and 20 minutes north of Whistler, 1DLUQ ) DOOV LV HDVy WR fi QG. ) UHH SDUNLQJ LV DYDLODEOH and outhouses are provided at the parking lot. RV and tent camping is also available during the summer IRU D VPDOO IHH, DQG fi UHwRRG FDQ EH SXUFKDVHG IURP an on- site attendant. Reservations can be made for campsites at Nairn Falls through BC parks’ online reservation website www. discovercamping. ca. Located about 25 minutes east of Pemberton and 45 minutes north of Whistler is Joffre Lakes Provincial Park, a popular summer backcountry destination for hiking, camping, mountaineering, wildlife viewing DQG fi VKLQJ. $ FFHVVLEOH IURP WKH DXIIHy / DNH 5RDG, this area has been used for outdoor recreation since 1988 and became a ‘ class A’ park in 1996.

The main features of the park are its three lakes: e’re not bragging, but have you noticed our provincial license plates bear the slogan ‘ Beautiful British Columbia’? Just hearing the words ‘ British Columbia’ conjures up an image in most people’s minds– a broad, jagged horizon where our majestic mountains meet the sky. Our rugged landscape means that much of the province is still untouched or even unexplored, offering adventurers a chance to enjoy the beauty, peace and solitude of true wilderness. Lower, Middle and Upper Joffre. Lower Joffre Lake is very easy for anyone to access, visible from a viewpoint just 500 metres from the parking lot. Hikers who carry on to Middle and Upper Joffre Lakes should be prepared for a rough, steep and rocky trail. Middle Joffre Lake is a 4- km hike ( each way), and Upper Joffre Lake is roughly 5- km from the trailhead. This hike can be tricky in places, but the well- travelled path is fairly accessible overall, even to families. Like Whistler’s Green Lake, all three Joffre Lakes have a distinct green and turquoise hue. The lakes get their incredible colours from glacial silt in the water, also FDOOHG ‘ URFN fl RXU’, wKLFK UHfl HFWV JUHHQ DQG EOXH wavelengths of sunlight. Joffre Lakes’ campsite is located on the South end of the upper lake. From the site, campers and hikers can take in views of Mt. Matier Glacier, and may even hear sections come crashing down ( known as ‘ calving’) during warm summer afternoons. Because of this instability, it is not recommended to hike near or on the glacier. Please enjoy the view from a safe distance! Despite its relatively remote location, Joffre Lakes Provincial Park is hardly a secret. The BC Ministry of Environment cautions: “It is very popular. On sunny summer weekends the parking lot will be full

WHISTLER TRAVELLER