102 PEMBERTON
Gateway to adventure
NESTLED IN A FERTILE VALLEY AND TIGHTLY SURROUNDED BY INCREDIBLE SNOWY PEAKS, THE VILLAGE OF PEMBERTON IS A HIDDEN GEM AT THE HEART OF THE COAST MOUNTAINS. LOCATED JUST 25 MINUTES NORTH OF WHISTLER, PEMBERTON (KNOWN TO LOCALS AS “SPUD VALLEY”) ENJOYS A SLIGHTLY WARMER AND SUNNIER CLIMATE. COMBINED WITH THE RARITY OF FLAT GROUND AMIDST THE COAST MOUNTAINS, THIS MAKES THE AREA A PRIME AGRICULTURAL ZONE. Pemberton is world-famous for its virus-free seed potatoes, which have been protected by law since the designation of the Pemberton Seed Control area in 1949. Pemberton’s farmers produce about 8,000 tonnes of potatoes each year, and distribute them to growers in Washington, Oregon, California, Alberta, New Brunswick, and Manitoba.
Aside from spuds, a surprising variety of other crops flourish in Pemberton’s soil. Some of the local farms sell their products from roadside stands or on-site stores, and there’s no better way to get fresh, healthful food, than to receive it right from the grower’s own hands.
Though farmers have inhabited the Pemberton meadows since the turn of the century, the village was officially incorporated in 1956. With hitching posts that still stand outside several local businesses, the rustic village still carries an Old West aesthetic. It seems like all of Pemberton’s 2,369 residents know each other in this tight-knit, friendly community. Modern cultural events like art shows and fundraisers are held regularly, and the venues are typically packed with the supportive townsfolk.
The majestic Mount Currie stands at the foot of the village, with its sculpted 8,000-foot face visible from nearly everywhere in the valley. It’s rocky alpine is surely a memory you’ll hold on to, and yes, it gets skied in the winter (experts only!). Make sure to bring your camera, and you’ll be bringing home some amazing photos.
Outdoor recreation is the heart and soul of Pemberton. Whether it’s hiking, mountain biking, or simply soaking up the sun beside a lake, a great number of Pemby locals came here specifically because of the terrain’s many opportunities for adventure. B.C.’s rugged backcountry is just steps away in any direction, begging for exploration.
Last fall, the Pemberton Valley Trails Association (PVTA) opened a new hiking trail that leads hikers from the valley floor to the rocky alpine of Mount Currie. Climbing the Southwest side of the mountain, the trail is 5 kilometres in length and finishes just 600 metres below Mount Currie’s highest peak. If the full round trip route seems a bit long, don’t worry. The trail features great views starting about an hour from the trailhead.
Pemberton’s extensive network of cross-country mountain bike trails is world-class, and enjoyed by a large number of locals who all seem to own a bike, or two! Numerous backcountry cabins exist in the surrounding mountains for overnight excursions, and nearby attractions like One Mile Lake and Nairn Falls offer short hikes with great scenery and easy access. Last summer, Pemberton completed construction of a skate park which has proven immensely popular with the local youth.
The skies above Pemberton offer adventure as well. Pemberton has its own airport, offering helicopter tours, skydiving and flights to Big Sky Golf and Country Club’s 19th hole located on top of Mount Currie, which overlooks the golf course. Paragliding is also a popular activity, so it’s quite common to see local fliers in the air. Enjoy spectacular views of the Pemberton Valley while flying tandem with a certified instructor.
In 2008, nearly 40,000 people journeyed their way to Pemberton for the first Pemberton Music Festival. The festival was widely enjoyed, but debates over the use of agricultural farmland shelved the project until this year. Huka Entertainment recently announced the revival of the Pemberton Music Festival, which will rock the valley from July 18 – 20, 2014. This year’s festival features headliners Soundgarden, Deadmaus, Outkast and Nine Inch Nails, backed by dozens of other notable musical acts and comedians. With a strong lineup and Pemberton’s amazing backdrop, a great time is all but guaranteed. For more information, visit pembertonmusicfestival.com.
The short drive to Pemberton from Whistler is a must-do for anyone visiting the area, if only to get a glance at Mount Currie’s amazing north face. For the full Pemberton summer experience, do as the locals do: swim in a lake, eat some delicious local produce and take to the trails! Like Whistler, most of Pemberton’s residents came from elsewhere and simply couldn’t leave; come see spud valley for yourself, and you’ll surely understand why.
For more information on Pemberton, visit tourismpembertonbc.com
For more information or to book skydiving in Pemberton, visit whistlerskydiving.ca or call 604-698-7120. Heli Tours, including the 19th hole, are available through Blackcomb Aviation, blackcombaviation.com | 1-800-330-4354. For tandem paragliding, visit cayooshexpeditions. ca/fly-tandem | 604-894-5502.