British Columbia Magazine

One of my most memorable adventures in B.C. would definitely have to be visiting the grizzly bears in the Khutzeymateen Valley, north of Prince Rupert. The incredible day started off by flying in on a seaplane, since the protected Khutzeymateen Reserve is located in a remote area. After landing on a floating dock, we hopped aboard a zodiac to go and explore. We were lucky such that, after about 15 minutes of cruising, we spotted a female grizzly with her seven-month cub! As we approached, the muscular features and beautiful characteristics of the grizzly became more prominent. For some time we just sat, watching the two feed on the lush vegetation. It was absolutely breathtaking seeing how these creatures move, act, and physically look close-up and in-person. The most heart-warming and cutest part would have to be the little cub mimicking everything her mother did and being cautious for predators, yet playful, as they naturally are. At times, being no more than 10 feet away from the bears, the experience was frightening but rewarding. Visiting and exploring the untouched Khutzeymateen Valley along with its spectacular and immense inhabitants was a trip of a lifetime. (collapse)

I have long thought that my bucket list could be created just by thinking of all the things I want to do on Vancouver Island. Raised on the Island and returning again this summer, I have a mission to go on a hunt for the secret beaches that have been so elusive to me these last 25 years. There are great beaches all over B.C. but my favourites are next to any seashore . . . there’s something about the smell of salt air that revitalizes, nourishes, and feeds my B.C.-born-and-raised soul!! (collapse)

Skiing the scenic fresh powder in Whistler/Blackcomb can't be beat! (collapse)

On March 14 I saw an average array of weather for this time of year, I am told, having just arrived from the UK: snow, rain, blustery wind, and beautiful sunshine with glorious rainbows. As I drove along, the sea caught my eye. It was a stunning turquoise colour, like nothing I have seen before! It was the roe of the herrings, lighting up the ocean. Waves crashed against the rocks near Neck Point. The following day I witnessed 20 to 30 seals and sea lions basking in the shallow tides and grazing on herring, whilst fishing boats, trolled for their seasonal catch. So mark it on your calendars. (collapse)

Imagine gourmet dinners, a hot sauna and shower, luxurious accommodation, and great friends surrounded by some of the most stunning scenery and sublime back-country skiing imaginable! If you can, you are imagining the Campbell Icefields chalet. It has all the amenities surrounded by the stunning scenery of the B.C. Rockies. The snow makes you think that you are in an entirely different mountain range. It is deep, light and usually stable. The terrain is varied and each day will see you going to a different spot, each one with good skiing and beautiful scenery. When you take your skis off at the end of the day, you are home. All of this luxury is accessed by helicopter from near Golden. This is my most memorable B.C. location. (collapse)