Backpackers to Assiniboine often come to the core via Assiniboine Pass, then exit through Wonder Pass, creating a partial loop route, but Wonder Pass is a prime day hike too. From Assiniboine Lodge, the main trail runs east past the Naiset Huts and then starts a gradual ascent to Wonder Pass. The lower half of the route at first runs … Continue reading…
After many years we returned to Assiniboine Provincial Park for some hiking and exploration. On our previous trip, we started at Bryant Creek and stopped at Magog Lake, then proceeded down past Og Lake to the Simpson River and over Citadel Pass to Sunshine, a distance of 48 km – Assiniboine trails (pdf) The biggest decision to make is how … Continue reading…
Silvertip Falls has more of a vertical fall than Helmcken Falls, but it cascades, rather than falls straight down. It comes down from the Trophy Mountains, draining the snow bowls between Trophy 1 and 2 and Cwem Cwem Lake. Silvertip Creek falls drop 200m down to a gully on the south side of the Trophy Range. To get to Silvertip … Continue reading…
The Kamloops area has many lakes and rivers to paddle but some are much better for the self-propelled enthusiast. We try to get to them all, from tiny fishing lakes to the giant resort lakes. The best lakes have few (or no) high-speed motor boats, are big enough for a full workout, have good launch spots, and interesting … Continue reading…
The Cirque of Tarns route is a challenging route up to a hidden spot on the north side of Raft Mountain. The final destination is perfect. We wanted to set up our tent right then and there, and camp at the side of the high tarn across from the glacier, beneath the summit of Raft Mountain. But the way up … Continue reading…
After a number of years visiting Painted Bluffs Provincial Park, we now only visit by boat. The land route is not easy, nor pleasing. After a long drive to Copper Creek, there is no suitable access because of private property, fencelines, and the railway. On the other hand, a boat can launch from Savona (or Tobiano) and go … Continue reading…
Painted Bluffs Provincial Park is a very special place, one that we try to visit every year. Our favorite route is to kayak across the lake from Savona. Other routes can be taken too (see this post link). Every time we visit, the light is different and we hike to different perspectives (post link). A follow-up article will detail the … Continue reading…
All of Jedediah Island is a provincial park and trails link up the various landing points. Although we landed in Home Bay we could have landed at any of the camping spots to hike across the island, We first enjoyed the hike over to the former home of the island's owners, then we followed the trail through the orchard, the … Continue reading…
For those who love to kayak, Jedediah Island is a destination for exploration. Most kayakers launch from the Sunshine Coast. Go north of Sechelt to Half Moon Bay for a good access to a short crossing to the Thormandby Islands. The crossing of Malaspina Strait from North Thormandby is 8km of open water and should only be attempted in calm … Continue reading…
Some of the finest alpine meadows in the country can be found on Tod Mountain. From the top of the chair, the hike over the "top of the world" takes about 45 minutes. From this point a route winds between the many "pump" hills of Tod Mountain. Three main routes can be taken, but the most direct is either to … Continue reading…
The Copper Island route has been featured in a past post (link). This time, we left Shuswap Lake Park in flood. All of the beaches were under water. Debris flanked the possible entry points. Mosquitoes were breeding in the standing water in low points. We launched nonetheless and to our delight, the ban on speed boats made the 2km crossing … Continue reading…
The Dewdrop Rim Trail on Red Plateau has long been my favorite trail of our area. But it is a long and demanding route, as noted in an earlier post (link). A much easier route is to drive up the Red Plateau Forest Service Road (on the Red Lake Road opposite the Pimple) and then follow double tracks to the … Continue reading…
The nearest section of the Trans Canada Trail goes through Brookmere and beyond through the Coquihalla Lakes to Hope. The TCT is the old Kettle Valley Railway (KVR railbed). Linking into that rail system was the Merritt Subdivision which follows the Coldwater River Valley from Merritt to the junction station at Brodie. Since the railway grades were moderate, a loop … Continue reading…
We try to hike the Embleton trails in all 4 seasons and there are different rewards each month. Our most recent venture was in June, planned for a specific time to see the chocolate lilies in bloom at the top. While hiking these trails, I was reminded why this is one of our area's premier hike destinations: 1. The Viewpoints … Continue reading…
The trail is long, but the destination is worth the effort. Some caveats first. Do this hike before or after the mosquito season. Be prepared to climb, over, under, or around the deadfall. Spring is best to see the power of the river as it tumbles over the falls. Fall adds season color to the trail. The trailhead is at … Continue reading…
The main parking lot to access Okanagan Mountain Park from Kelowna is in an awkward spot. There is a good parking lot and a trail goes down to the beach below, but the routes into the park above climb quickly and wind up bluffs, through gullies, cross creeks, going up and down, without much reward. The Boulder Trail climbs up … Continue reading…