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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.
For more on British Columbia's destinations and
travel information, call 1-800 HELLO BC (North America)
or visit www.HelloBC.com
Judi Lees is a freelance writer who resides on the Sunshine
Coast. |
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are many: go there for a honeymoon to frolic along the
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always something going on. In Jamaica, there's something for
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