British Columbia Magazine

My favourite outdoor activity is geocaching. It is similar to treasure hunting using a handheld GPS. I would love to spend a week or two traveling across B.C. finding as many geocaches as I can. (collapse)

Sea kayaking with orcas in Johnstone Strait is a world-renowned adventure. Few people, however, take it one step farther and paddle north into the Broughton Archipelago. As you paddle north from Telegraph Cove on Vancouver Island, you can leave the chaos of fishing boats, cruise ships, whale watchers, and other kayak groups behind and find a maze of tight passages and islands draped in moss and shrouded in mystery. Many of these islands contain signs of First Nations settlements from 6,000 to 8,000 years ago. Village Island, near the middle of the archipelago, is the site of a famous historical potlatch. You can still walk through the remains of ancient longhouses and see even older house posts and totem poles that are slowly decaying and returning to the Earth. Not only is it possible to paddle with orca, humpback, and Minke whales in Johnstone Strait and Blackfish Sound, but you will find more seals, sea lions, river otters, porpoises, dolphins, mink and solitude the further you travel into the Broughtons. The intertidal life underwater is just as amazing as what you see around you. Check out Steller Sea Kayaking for tours led by professional biologists and archeologists. (collapse)

Two summers ago, we paddled the Powell Lake Canoe Circuit in an 18-foot canoe, with lots of gear and two large dogs. The total distance covered was about 60 km. We rented the canoe in Powell River and got a shuttle to the beginning (and from the end). The trip is very scenic and peaceful. The portages, though, are challenging, with one final descent not at all like the portages on the Bowron Lake trip. One of the highlights was reading the campsite diary at our last camping spot on Powell Lake, left by the owners of the float cabins on Powell Lake. There were some very amusing stories! We stopped at Haywire Bay Park to wait out the afternoon winds and then finished the trip with beers and burgers at the pub while waiting for our shuttle to pick us up. We covered the trip in five days. (collapse)

There are many interesting places to visit in B.C. We are very fortunate to live in a place where natural beauty, diverse people and cultures, and modern civilizations co-exist in harmony.

White Rock on the southern tip of British Columbia is one of those special places. It is unique, protected, and serene. Crescent Beach in White Rock has been a popular destination with locals since B.C.'s early history. Due to the sunny skies and warmest temperatures in the province, spending a day at the beach is a wonderful way to relax and rejuvenate the self.

On a day when the tide is out and just a blanket of warm water stretches along the shore, and there’s a backdrop of blue sky, it feels like heaven on Earth. To wade in the water and walk the endless shore, which seems to go to eternity, is a very blissful, unforgettable feeling.

Crescent Beach in White Rock is my favorite place to visit in B.C. It is accessible and free. Many families, individuals, and wildlife also call it home. Hope you get a chance to visit.

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This summer my family and I spent some time in Sicamous. The best thing we did while there was visit Skytrek Adventure Park at The Enchanted Forest. First of all, the scenery around there is spectacular (though we couldn't see very far due to the forest fires).

I recall visiting the Enchanted Forest as a child, and it truly was a magical place. Now with the addition of Skytrek, it's a fun place for the whole family. There is a kids’ climbing area, and a large ziplining and obstacles course for the rest of the family with a full training course provided. There are three levels of difficulty, with the option to stop at any point. It was a blast! It was the perfect combination of challenge and fun—a great group activity. Another big bonus was the very friendly and helpful staff; they topped off the whole adventure.

I would recommend it to anyone visiting the Shuswap/Revelstoke area, they won't be disappointed! (collapse)