British Columbia Magazine

By far one of the most relaxing ways to enjoy a late summer day, while also enjoying the incredible spendor of the scenery in the Kootenay region, is to tube down the Slocan River. On a hot day this is the most refreshing experience and can be enjoyed by almost anyone. Locals have enjoyed this activity for years, but it is a true hidden gem in the Kootenay region. As long as you cn provide your own transportation and flotation, three to four hours of your day can be wiled away in the pursuit of scenic pleasure. This activity is also very social as you will meet many others during your float and take pleasure in exchanging stories. Stop and have a picnic along the way at one of the very secluded beaches and enjoy some time swimming in some of the crystal clear swimming holes that abound on this route. Definitely something you'll want to tick off your bucket list of things to do in B.C. before you die! I highly recommend it. (collapse)

I have often enjoyed the hot springs at Skookumchuck, southeast of Pemberton, but get even more enjoyment from what lies around and beyond the springs. I have seen cougar tracks in the soft sand of the eroding Lillooet River bank, and petrographs on the nearby cliff faces. Those ancient markers have both an old story and a new one. They may have been distance indicators for long-gone First Nations traders, but more recently a disgruntled man tried to burn them and destroy them. The road follows the route of Gold Rush trail, the Douglas Road. However, the big payoff for the drive down the gravel road is the village of Skatin with its astoundingly beautiful church. This church, the Church of the Holy Cross, was built by the local natives in the Carpenter Gothic style, and is not under the direct control of the national church. As such, it is most directly part of the spiritual life of the community. This secluded village and its church, listed as one of the top ten most endangered historical buildings in the whole country, should not be missed. You'll feel the spirituality of the place immediately.

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Years ago my brother had discovered a mountain in the Chilcotin region bearing our father's name: Mount Alexander Graham! What could be more fitting than for us to ascend the mountain for Father?

We set out on a beautiful September day in 2011. We had purchased detailed topographical maps of the area and quickly found a logging road that would lead us to the top. When one thinks of climbing a mountain, one does not expect to do it in a Lincoln Continental, but that is exactly what we did.

The country here is breathtaking. In our day trip, we saw very few humans. The pastures were dotted with a few cows and horses. We were in ranchland but saw little evidence of habitation, other than the occasional gate, richly embellished, guarding the entrance to a ranch road. The terrain was richly scattered with wild flowers in reds, yellow, blue and white.

We had to leave the car and ascend the last quarter mile on foot. I enjoy the adventures depicted in British Columbia Magazine, but from my armchair! The view was breathtaking.

My brother and I are now planning our next excursion.
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I visit my parents at their cabin in the West Kootenays a couple times a year. I always visit Ainsworth Hotsprings when I'm there. To me it's one of the most amazing natural wonders of the world! (collapse)

The ultimate experience is to swim au naturel, under the full moonlight, in the warm ocean north of Nanaimo while enjoying the brilliance of bioluminescence! (collapse)