vol6issue20-PNS by Columbia Valley Pioneer

l t ou

in the beautiful columbia valley

l pu

PLAYSTAY N

Serving Spillimacheen, Brisco, Radium, Edgewater, Invermere, Windermere, Fairmont and Canal Flats

Entertainment and activity guide for the whole family!

SUNSHINE RANCH

2 ~ Play ’n’ Stay • The Columbia Valley Pioneer

Massage Energy Balancing Spa Packages Men’s Packages Esthetics Wellness & Beauty Products Open 7 days a week 518 13th Street Invermere 250-341-3511 Fusionwellnessspa.com

Pleiades Massage & Spa • Massage • The All Natural Face Renewal • Red Rock Wraptures • Body Polish • Aromatherapy Steam Room • “Living Water”

May 15, 2009

Keep that beach body honed while vacationing in the valley is composed of 15 cardio and weight stations used for circuit training, plus It’s hard enough slavan elliptical trainer. ing away at the gym all Valley Fitness Centre winter to get that perfect also boasts drop-in fitness beach body for your sumclasses nearly every day of mer vacation to the Cothe week. With cardio, lumbia Valley. yoga and seniors’ classes, The Pioneer has the there is something for evsolution to keep your pereryone. fectly whittled waist and A drop-in pass for still enjoy the pubs and this centre costs $8; a restaurants in the area. two-week pass, $30.50; a Three valley fitness WORKING OUT—Invermere’s Director of Financial monthly pass $55; a threecentres are open to the Services, Karen Coté, works out on a bicycle at the Valley month pass, $153; and a public, with daily, weekly Fitness Centre. punch card $70. Students and monthly passes. Photo by Cayla Gabruck and seniors have slightly • If you are in the lower membership rates. north end of the valley, visit Radium Resort. • If you are vacationing in the south end of the Radium Resort is located south of the Village of valley, Fairmont Hot Springs Resort also offers an Radium, just off Highway 93/95. The fitness centre at exceptional fitness centre. Located just above the the resort has a swimming pool, gym and squash and community of Fairmont near the hot pools, the reracquetball courts. The gym is equipped with bikes, sort offers two workout facilities. One offers pressurtreadmills, an elliptical trainer and a weight machine, ized equipment, meaning that instead of weights, the as well as free weights. resistance is maintained by air pressure. The second A drop-in pass for the centre at Radium Resort gym has a regular weight machine. Both facilities are costs $6; a ten-punch pass is $42.50, a monthly pass is equipped with cardiovascular equipment, including $52.50 and a six-month pass costs $208. bikes, treadmills and elliptical trainers, as well as free • The Valley Fitness Centre is a great location for weights. any visitors visiting the central area. The non-profit Those who purchase a pass also have access to the organization was started in 1987. Located in down- resort’s private outdoor mineral pool, a mineral plunge town Invermere, the facility offers extensive cardio- pool, and a steam and dry sauna. vascular equipment and weight training area. There is A drop-in pass for this fitness centre is $10; a also a ‘Women’s Only’ section located in a separate weekly pass is $49; a monthly pass is also only $49; room above the public area. The ‘Women’s Only’ area and a three-month pass is $117. By Cayla Gabruck Pioneer Staff

The Wellness Spa, Radium Hot Springs Pool

250•347•2100 • www.pleiadesmassage.com/radium

Elevate Your Game – Elevate Your Dining Experience Service Beyond™ Situated on the cliﬀs of the Columbia River Valley with unparalleled views of the Rockies, Purcells and Lake Windermere. Always immaculate, our award winning course conditions are yours to discover. The Golf Shop carries designer golf labels and resort wear. Enjoy upscale dining in our new clubhouse.

Call 250-342-0562 to make a reservation today or visit www.eagleranchresort.com

Play ’n’ Stay • The Columbia Valley Pioneer ~ 3

May 15, 2009

Travel through time on Invermere’s historical walking tour By Sally Waddington Pioneer Staff First settled by David Thompson in 1807, Invermere has a deep and colourful history. Scattered around downtown are buildings almost 100 years old – built when the Invermere townsite was laid out in 1911. These days, the buildings are used as stores, pubs and private homes, but the history remains. The Windermere District Historical Society has mapped out a walking tour of Invermere that takes in 13 important sites in the early life of the town. The walk takes about two hours at a leisurely pace – longer if you stop for a beer or an ice-cream at one of the historical spots.

1. Windermere Valley Museum

Start at this centre of valley history to pick up a brochure and walk around the museum complex. Most of the exhibits can be found in the large log building. In 1975, the historical society had the build-

ing moved from the bottom of the hill in Athalmer, where it had served as the railway station. That year, a train had derailed coming into the station and damaged the building, but the historical society rescued it from demolition and found a new use for it.

2. Kootenay Lodge

Walk towards Sobeys and turn right, then left at Pharmasave. Take the first right onto 5th Street and you’ll see Kootenay Lodge on the right. Pioneer and journalist Basil George (“B.G.”) Hamilton had this house built in 1912. Mr. Hamilton is an important personality in local history because of his commitment to gathering accounts of events of the day. The museum has boxes and boxes of archives donated by B.G.’s family. Before the lodge was built in 1912, prominent businessman Robert Randolph Bruce wrote to Mr. Hamilton with some advice: “A property situated as yours will be with regard to Invermere would, I think, always be a good marketable proposition.”

3. The site of the first Invermere hospital

Continue west along 5th Street to the first intersection, then turn left. Walk the length of 12th Avenue until you reach 10th Street. Turn right here and walk west another block. After that intersection, you’ll see a fence with alternate white and brown fencing. Where you are now standing is where Invermere’s first hospital once stood. Built in 1914, it consisted of one large ward with six beds and three private rooms, a doctor’s office and a small operating room. Water for the hospital had to be brought up from a well in downtown Invermere. A day in a public bed cost the patient $2.50.

4. Strands Old House Restaurant

Retrace your steps along 10th Street but continue walking straight until you reach the new hospital on 10th Avenue. Turn right, then take the first left. Here you’ll see a white house with a green roof: Strands Old House Restaurant. Continued on next page...

Green Fees Starting from $15 to $28

“great value in the valley” • Tune up your swing with NOW OFFERING: Craig Millar, CPGA up your winter Green professional • 20/20 Friday Date Night • Warm upblues or cool downat at Spur Valley! Includes: The Luxor Creek Cantina where the locals eat. • Breakfast Club $31 until 11:00 a.m. Monday – Friday

$20 Green Fees per person. 20% OFF all food items anytime after 2:00 p.m.

For Information & Tee-Times Phone (250) 347-6500

Drop in and see our collections of Antiques, Collectibles and Retro items

4 ~ Play ’n’ Stay • The Columbia Valley Pioneer BORD

EN ST

AVE

N ST

IER ST

TARTE

CART

WRIG

LAUR

IER S

1st

MULO

CK ST

THIRD AVE

JAMES CHABOT PROVINCIAL PARK

CP RA IL

6th ST AVE

6th AVE

7th

9th AVE

7th ST

9th ST

12th AVE

9th ST 4th AVE VE 5th A

10th ST

11th AVE

VE 6th A

8th AVE

COMMUNITY HALL

14th ST

15th ST

4th

14A CRES

AVE

1A AVE

3rd AVE

ST 4th AVE

16th ST 3rd AVE

18th ST

17th ST 2nd AVE

PYNELOGS CULTURAL CENTRE

KINSMEN BEACH

CP R

GEORLICK RD

AVE

6th

7th

Lake Dorothy

8th A VE

9th A VE

17th

2nd

VE 7A A

15A CR

AVE

3rd AVE

15A

VE 4th A

10th AVE

10A AVE

11th AVE

12th AVE

12A AVE

14th ST

CURLING RINK

13th ST 9

7th AVE

8th AVE

13th ST

POST OFFICE

12th ST

Lake Windermere

ARENA

10th AVE

7. Fort Point

15th ST

LAUR

SIFTO

THIRD

TH AV 1

6th AVE

7th AVE

11th AVE

12th AVE

4th ST

6th ST

13th ST

Walk across the lawn and past the tennis courts until you get to the railway bridge on 4th Avenue. The area to your right is known as Fort Point. Now home to some of Invermere’s most expensive real estate, the point was named after a 1923 fort built to commemorate explorer David Thompson. The fort has since been demolished, but still standing is an old CPR lodge, built as a tourist camp in 1922.

MUSEUM

LIBRARY

10th AVE

11th AVE

1st ST

2nd ST

9th ST

FIRST

FOUR

RD No 1

5th ST

BLAIR

AVE

INDUSTRIAL

12A AVE

AIL

Continue along 12th Street, then take the second right onto 8th Avenue. Turn left at 13th Street and walk towards the bakery. Stop outside Bud’s Bar and Lounge. In 1912, a livery was built here to care for the horses that pulled ore from the Paradise mine, near Panorama. Across the road, where The Bargain Store is now, was once Wing Lee’s store and boarding house. Miners would leave the horses at the livery then sleep at Wing Lee’s place. At Christmas, Mr. Lee – then a well-known valley character – cooked a turkey dinner for his guests and anyone else in town who didn’t have anywhere else to go. The livery became a garage in 1935. A car and driver would meet passengers at the train station in Athalmer and bring them into town.

IVE WILMER ROAD

13th AVE

5. Invermere Livery

PANORAMA DR INDUSTRIAL RD No 2

This home was also built in 1912 for Alexander Ritchie, but he sold it in 1920 to Dr. Filmer Coy and his wife. During the years he lived here, Dr. Coy was the only doctor between Cranbrook and Golden, so he was on call 24 hours a day, seven days a week. The hard-working doctor sold the house in 1946 to Ian and Lucy Weir. This was their winter home; the old Canadian Pacific Railway lodge on Fort Point (site seven) was their summer residence. Lucy ran the town’s first kindergarten out of Strands before they sold it to Tim Strand and it became a restaurant.

6. Pynelogs Cultural Centre

From Bud’s, walk back to The Bargain Store and turn left. At the end of the street, turn left again, then take the first right onto 7A Avenue. This road takes you to Kinsmen Beach and Pynelogs. This 1915 building is the subject of a tragedy. Robert Randolph Bruce had the house built in this spectacular position for his fiancee, Lady Elizabeth Northcote. But Lady Elizabeth died of appendicitis while the home was still being built. Her grave sits across the road, next to the beach. Devastated, Bruce could never live in the house so he donated it to the community to be used as a hospital. Since then it has been used as a seniors’ home and a mental hospital, before it was converted to an art gallery and performance venue in 1990. The cafe on Pynelogs’ deck is a good half-way stop: it is known around town for the stuffed Scotty burger.

FIFTH

Continued from previous page . . .

May 15, 2009

Continued on next page . . .

Map of Invermere’s historic walking tour.

Now featuring

• SALES • SERVICE • SPA & POOL CHEMICALS • WATER MAINTENANCE • CHEMICALS • GAZEEBOS • SAUNAS • MASSAGE CHAIRS • FACTORY TRAINED TECHNICIAN • FINANCING AVAILABLE AND FREE WATER TESTING

503B - 7th Avenue, Invermere 250-342-3922 • www.valleyspas.ca

Play ’n’ Stay • The Columbia Valley Pioneer ~ 5

May 15, 2009 Continued from previous page . . . The house is currently on its original location on the dogleg of 2nd Avenue, but a community group is seeking to move it to Kinsmen Beach this year.

8. Canterbury House

From the entrance to Fort Point, cross the railway bridge and climb the hill. After the intersection you will see an old green house on your right. This place was built in the 1920s as a police barracks, then staffed by Bob Pritchard. Mr. Pritchard was transferred to another area later in his career, but he loved the town so much that he returned after his retirement and lived here until his death in 1964. The house served various government roles – including use as a courthouse – until it was privately bought in 1987.

9. The Cleland House

Continue along 14th Street until you get back to downtown. Turn right and you will soon see Angus McToogle’s Restaurant and Bar on your right. From 1924, this was a private home for first the Cleland family and their five children, then Des and Myrtle Askey lived there with their children. Their son Roger later converted the house into a gift store and called it Myrtle’s, after his mother. An old brochure for the store says it sold, “suttles and

seawinds skirt and vest sets; hand-painted silk scarves; honey-lite candles; jade and ivory jewellery.” It has been a restaurant since 1992.

10. CIBC

From outside McToogle’s you can see the CIBC branch on the corner of 13th Street and 7th Avenue. Unlike the other sites, this one has always been a bank. The Canadian Imperial Branch of Commerce opened its first branch in downtown Invermere in 1928. Previous branches were in Wilmer and Athalmer.

11. McKay house

Continue along Main Street until the corner with Tiffany’s Thredz. On the side street behind Thredz is the next site. Now containing several stores, including Rivergems, this house was built in 1911 for James Lorenzo McKay. The McKay family also had a ranch north of Radium and a house beside Lake Windermere where the Lakeside Pub now stands. This house was originally in Athalmer, beside the Columbia Wetlands, but in 1980 it was moved to its current location.

12. Village Arts

From the McKay house you can see the building now containing Village Arts.

From 1911 to 1958, the building was Invermere’s hardware store. It was owned by Frank Stockdale until 1945, and his niece Joy Bond remembers working there on weekends when she was in high school. “The exciting part for me was being taken to the Invermere hotel for lunch . . . I always had chocolate pudding with whipped cream for dessert.” Joy was so attached to the store that she and her husband, Bill, bought it from Frank in 1945. Later it became a grocery store, before its current reincarnation as Village Arts.

13. David Thompson statue

Walk north on Main Street, past Parkside Place, until you see the bronze statue at the north end of Pothole Park. Created by Albertan artist Rich Roenisch and installed in 2003, the statue depicts explorer David Thompson and his wife Charlotte Small as they take in the natural beauty they found when they explored the valley in the early 1800s. There are many other significant sites beyond walking distance, including the site of Kootenae House just north of town on the road to Wilmer. Kootenae House, a Northwest Company fur trading post, was built by Jaco Findlay under the direction of David Thompson in 1807. It served as the jumping off point in his search for the Northwest passage. Ask at the museum for directions to other sites of historical interest around the valley.

More than 36 holes of golf. Copper Point is the essence of exceptional golf. The world-class original

With 36 holes of golf, legendary hospitality and a full-feature

course is complemented by our new Masters-style course, The Ridge.

Clubhouse and Golf Academy, Copper Point provides a golf experience

Both courses take full advantage of the character filled mountain

that is truly unique.

terrain, offer breathtaking views and are a perfect blend of playability and challenge.

copperpointgolf.com 1-877-418-GOLF

6 ~ Play ’n’ Stay • The Columbia Valley Pioneer

May 15, 2009

It’s on....

Grand Opening May 15 315 3rd Avenue, Invermere

Next to the Eatery across from the Syndicate Board Shop

eam b ig

eat

h s fi

May 15 - June 25 Shoulder Season Hours

Lunch from 11:30 Monday - Saturday Dinner Thursday - Saturday from 5:30 (closed Sundays)

Beginning June 26 Summer Season Hours Lunch and Dinner 7 days a week

Phone: 250.342.2442 Full catering services & take out available Reservations for Tatami room only

fubukisushi.com

Nat McGrath, aged 11, tackles the climbing wall.

Photo by Sally Waddington

Things to do with your kids By Sally Waddington Pioneer Staff A long weekend in the Columbia Valley can be as lazy or as exciting as you’d like. Here are some things to do with your family this weekend:

Master the climbing wall

Opened in 2002 and expanded last year, the Conrad Kain Climbing Wall is open to the public at J. Alfred Laird School in Invermere. The wall is in the school gymnasium on 13th Avenue. The wall has more than 1,000 square feet of climbing area for all skill levels and climbing styles. Drop-in hours are Friday , Saturday and Sunday from 5 to

8 p.m. The cost is $5 per session including climbing gear and lessons. For more info, call 250-342-6232.

Play at Funtasia Fun Park

Just north of Fairmont beside Highway 93/95, you’ll find this kids’ wonderland among the trees. There is an 18-hole mini golf course, bumper cars under a disco ball, two playgrounds, and animals to pet, including rabbits, goats, donkeys – and even an emu! Admission ranges from $8.50 for a bumper-car ride to $26.50 for the grand slam – full access to the park. For more information, call 250-345-4511. Continued on Page 7 . . .

Play ’n’ Stay • The Columbia Valley Pioneer ~ 7

May 15, 2009

Catch a movie at the Toby Theatre

On 7th Avenue in Invermere, you can’t miss the bright red lettering marking the Toby Theatre. This Columbia Valley landmark is a classic small-town theatre. Pick up some popcorn and settle back to watch Race to Witch Mountain, playing this weekend. Screenings are Wednesday to Saturday at 7:30 p.m.

Splash around in the hot pools

Ride a horse through the bush

Horseback riding could just be the number-one way to take in the Columbia Valley’s beauty at a leisurely pace. North of Edgewater you’ll find Luxor Creek Corral. Owners Doug Goodwin and Cheryl Condy guide rides ranging from a one-hour exploration to overnight camping rides. The rides take in the hills around Luxor Canyon and Mount Muledeer. Prices start at $30 for a one-hour ride. Kids over 10 can head out, but younger kids should take some lessons at the corral instead. For more infomation, call 250-688-0280.

Float a kayak on the lake

Rent a kayak and take to the water on Lake Windermere or the Columbia River. From Invermere, head to the shore in Athalmer and Columbia River Outfitters. You can rent the vessel with life jackets and paddles, then take off on a self-guided tour. Prices start from $40 for two hours. For more information, call 250-342-7397.

Soak up the rays at the beach

Let’s keep it simple. There are four public beaches around the Columbia Valley just begging for a beach towel, a bucket and spade for the kids, and a novel for you. In Invermere, there is Kinsmen Beach, at the foot of 17th Street and 7A Avenue. In Athalmer, you’ll find James Chabot Provincial Park. Windermere has a beach at the bottom of Selkirk and Fairmont Streets. All three beaches have a playground for children to climb on. And in Canal Flats is the quiet gem Canal Flats Provincial Park.

Learn how to use a bow and arrow

The Lake Windermere District Rod and Gun

We supply parts and service FOR ALL MAKES of: • snowmobiles • motorcycles • quads

Clamber around at the playground

If you have young children, knowing the nearest playground is essential information. In Invermere, you can’t go past the top-notch playground on 12th Avenue, behind the hospital. Built and maintained by the Lake Windermere District Lions Club, the park has everything a little one will love. There is a giant cobweb to climb around, several sit-and-spin rides, a set of swings, and two groups of play equipment with slides, climbing walls, tunnels and bars. In between is plenty of lawn space to run around on, and picnic tables for Mums and Dads. Better still, it’s open any day, any time and it’s free!

Bowl them over at Valley Alley

A 20-foot bowling pin beside the highway in Windermere marks Valley Alley, the area’s only bowling alley. The main game is five-pin bowling. The littlies can use bumper guards, and there is shoe rental and automatic scoring available. At night, the whole place lights up with Extreme Glow Bowling – wear white for a supernatural glow! There are also pool tables, and you can even slip in a little golfing practice with the Virtual Golf Simulator. Bowling starts at $3.18 for kids under 12. Pooltable rental is $10.60 for an hour. The ParTGolf simulator is $26.50 for an hour. For more information, call 250-342-2695.

It’s what we’re known for best. In the north valley are Radium Hot Springs Pools. One pool sits at a temperate 27°C, while the other is a delicious 39°C. The pools are open daily from 9 a.m. to 11 p.m. and admission starts at $5.40 for children. For more information, call 250-347-9485. In the south valley are the hot pools at Fairmont Hot Springs Resort. There are three pools at 30°C, 32°C and 39°C. Admission starts at $8 for children; they are open daily from 8 a.m. to 10 p.m. For more information, call 250-345-6030.

Club is hosting free family archery lessons all day on Sunday, May 17th. Kids from age five up – and interested parents, too – can learn how to shoot a bow and arrow. Four archery coaches will be on hand to give advice on using the weapons, and a variety of targets will be set up in a range of difficulty levels. The classes will be held at Lake Lillian Archery Range. Take the Panorama road and it’s the first right after you pass Lake Lillian. For more information, call 250-342-9033.

Continued from Page 6 . . .

Clip this out for 20% oﬀ anything in the store! 3 ﬂoors of antiques and collectibles

1525 Cranbrook St. N., Cranbrook

(250) 489-2106

Open 7 days a week

expires September 30th 2009

COLLEGE OF THE ROCKIES - INVERMERE CAMPUS

Navigate a valley search

If you are looking for more than a simple hike, Fairmont Hot Springs Resort now runs a new family outdoor activity: geocaching. It sounds more technical than it is. Groups are given a Global Positioning System and the coordinates where they will find hidden treasures in the great outdoors. Geocaching starts at $10 for a child. For more information, call 250-3456049.

Visit the new skate park

Invermere now has a top-quality skate park. Mount Nelson Athletic Park has several bowls to check out, so skaters of all levels will be able to ride. The park also has soccer and baseball fields, as well as a field house that includes change rooms, washrooms and a concession stand. The park is located behind J. Alfred Laird School in Invermere, on 14th Street just off 13th Avenue. For more information, call 250-342-9281.

For more information:

Phone: 250 342-3210 • www.cotr.bc.ca/ConEd

8 ~ Play ’n’ Stay • The Columbia Valley Pioneer

May 15, 2009

Whether it’s challenging whitewater, family rafting or wetland float trips – Kootenay River Runners will fulfill your spirit of adventure! • Raft world-class whitewater on the Kicking Horse River • Bring your family for fun, food and adventure on the Kootenay River • Experience Toby Creek Whitewater Fun • Enjoy the Columbia River Wetlands Float Radium Hot Springs: On Highway #93 • (250) 347-9210

1-800-599-4399 info@raftingtherockies.com • www.raftingtherockies.com

For complete maps of the area, pick up a copy of the Columbia Valley Map Book or visit our website at: www.columbiavalleypioneer.com.

Hikers and bikers at Lake Windermere Provincial Park will be treated to stunning views of the Columbia Valley. Photos by Brian Geis

Play 3, Stay for FREE! Includes: • 3 rounds at the award winning Greywolf Golf Course • 3 nights accommodation at Panorama in a gold studio condo • Upgrades to a one bedroom or two bedroom are available

from just

*per person per night

only

119

per person * per night in summer

New for 2009 - Juniors Staying at Panorama Golf FREE! Do you have junior golfers in your family? This season, juniors 17 & under may golf for free after 6:30pm excluding Saturdays, Sunday May 17th and Sunday August 2nd. Juniors must be staying with Panorama Mountain Village & be accompanied by a paying adult. *Rates subject to change or cancellation without notice. All facilities and programs subject to seasonality and change without notice. Visit www.greywolfgolf.com for all the details.

Play ’n’ Stay • The Columbia Valley Pioneer ~ 9

May 15, 2009

Lake Windermere Provincial Park By Brian Geis Pioneer Staff

A trail leading into Sunshine Ranch. Inset, a single post marks the entry.

majestic

Some of the valley’s most beautiful places are, naturally, some of her bestkept secrets. Lake Windermere Provincial Park, formerly known as Sunshine Ranch, is one. Affording the casual hiker (or mountain biker) stunning views of Lake Windermere and the snow-capped peaks of the Fairmont Range beyond, Lake Windermere Provincial Park provides fun for the whole family. Located on the west side of Lake Windermere about 10 kilometres south of Invermere on Westside Road, Lake Windermere Provincial Park protects one of the last remaining tracts of native grassland and riparian habitats along the western shores of Lake Windermere. Don’t expect a big welcome sign or even a parking lot. In fact, the park is kind of hard to spot from the road. Reset your tripometer as you leave Invermere on 13th Avenue. At about the 10-kilometre mark, watch for a pondsize body of water on the right side of the road. Across the road (on the south side), you will see a gate, turnstyle and

a single post which reads, “Park Boundary.” (See inset photo at right.) Park on either side of the road and enter the park through the turnstyle. A nice wide trail forks off in two different directions, but both lead through the woods into the open grasslands that border the lake. Originally purchased in 1961, the area was formally established as a Class A park on June 29, 1999. Large populations of ungulates — white-tail deer, mule deer and elk — also use this area for winter range. The park is open to hunting during the lawful game hunting season. Please check the Hunting and Trapping regulations for more information. Oldtimers might remember Sunshine Ranch as the site of legendary biker parties, but very few signs of those days remain. Be sure that everyone in your party brings a frisbee-style flying disk. A makeshift disc golf course has been marked with red ribbons on trees along the hike. Get your disk between the ribbons in the fewest number of throws to win the hole.

Local Handmade Art -BLOWN GLASS -BEADS -METALWORK -CLAY -PHOTOS -PAINTINGS -PRINTS

U-Brew and Wine

• Brew on premises • Wine Ware Drop in for a majestic wine tour! Now is the time to start your Summer Wines

4 Time CVCC Award Winners

For more info or tee times, call the golf shop at 250-342-3004

400 Laurier Street Invermere • BC (just west of Dairy Queen)

1-877-342-0059

info@brew4u.net Proud supplier of

10 ~ Play ’n’ Stay • The Columbia Valley Pioneer

May 15, 2009

Mountain biking trails at Grizzly Ridge are as sweet as ever Submitted by Adrian Bergles Columbia Valley Cycling Society Allow me to let you in on a little secret: not all of the mountain bike trails in the Columbia Valley cater solely to the extreme, dare-devil style of riding. Many valley trails feature only gentle up and downhill grades. And the valley, with rolling topography on its fringes, allows riders of all abilities and tolerances for risk to enjoy the sport of mountain biking. The wide variety of terrain in our backyard is part of what makes the Columbia Valley a mountain biking jewel. Avid riders in the valley have been on the trails since about the end of March and the cross-country trails are now completely dry and in fine form. Volunteers from the Columbia Valley Cycling Society — and others whose interest is keeping the trails well-maintained and fun to ride — have been out making sure the trails are in great shape. The Columbia Valley trails can be enjoyed alone, with your family, or with a group of friends. The Co-

lumbia Valley Cycling Society offers newcomers to the valley — or locals who just want to get out and ride — a great opportunity to get involved in local cycling. New this year, the club has added Monday night parent-kid rides. These rides are short, about 30 minutes to one hour, and the pace is relaxed. It is a nice way to get your child out to enjoy cycling and be physically active (also a benefit for the parent). These rides meet at 6:30 p.m. at the cattle guard at the entrance to Grizzly Ridge Properties immediately on Invermere’s western boundary. To get there, turn west off Pineridge Drive on the new road. It is a construction zone but the road is open and many people access the trails behind. You do need to be a club member to join in on these group rides. A family membership for you and your child costs $40 and provides insurance coverage for members, discounts at both local bike shops, and information on and an invitation to all club events. Please visit: www. columbiavalleycyclingsociety.org or either Columbia Cycle or Rob’s Bicycle Works for more information. The trails on Grizzly Ridge Properties have a long

history of non-motorized use and are open to the public for their enjoyment. The Canyon Trail (which runs along the Toby Creek Canyon), and the trails that run off it are some of the best in the valley for beginner and advanced cyclist alike. Recently some roads have been cut over and through some of the trails; however, the trails remain almost as sweet as ever. Biking can be a really cost-effective way to get out and see some of the terrific terrain and sights in the valley. In most cases, your old mountain bike will serve you well as you get (re) acquainted with the trails in the valley. Remember that bikes require maintenance and a properly-tuned bike will provide infinitely more fun than one that doesn’t brake or shift properly. A visit to either local bike shop will get your wheels turning again this spring. Best of all, you don’t have to travel far to get out and enjoy the best terrain the valley has to offer. Happy trails.

IT’S HERE! HE 2009 COLUMBIA VALLEY MAP BOOK IS ON STANDS NOW! PICK UP YOUR COPY TODAY!

N E W S PA P E R

Phone: (250) 341-6299 • Fax: (250) 341-6229 Email: upioneer@telus.net www.columbiavalleypioneer.com

Award Winning, Licensed, Family Dining

GREAT FOOD ( Just ask anyone)

Special Music And Event Nights

PATIO OPEN!

(Weather permitting)

Check out our 1968 British-Leyland “Hoodoojooce” Double-Decker Juice Bus 1 KM south of Fairmont at the Hoodoos

250-345-2166

Play ’n’ Stay • The Columbia Valley Pioneer ~ 11

May 15, 2009

2009 Tour of the Arts visits historic buildings Submitted by Eloise Berry Tour of the Arts The Columbia Valley Arts Council is celebrating the arts again this year with another Tour of the Arts on August 2nd from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. The theme this year is history. We are showcasing the 50 artists in venues that are the historical story of the Windermere Valley. Patrons of the arts will again purchase passports to all five venues and what interesting venues they are! The K2 Ranch off the Westside road will feature its wonderfully restored barn, built in 1895, where 14 artists will be set up for viewing. The Delphine Lodge in Wilmer was built in 1899 to house the miners who arrived in droves on weekends. During this time, Wilmer was the ‘capital’ of the central part of the Columbia Valley. The Delphine went through several owners and is presently the home of Jill and Sebastian Bell. The Windermere Valley Museum in Invermere has a terrific collection of heritage buildings and is open every day during the summer months. One can visit the exhibits many times and find new and interesting information about the valley’s past. On to the Stolen Church in Windermere, a lovingly-kept church by the members of Christ Church Trinity and local neighbours, which still hosts services and weddings. The church was ‘stolen’ from Donald, and rafted downstream on the Columbia River after the CPR railway was completed and the residents moved elsewhere, including Windermere. At the end of this most interesting tour, holders of the passports can end up at Pynelogs, the Centre of the Columbia Valley Arts Council, for more art displays and a reception from 4:30 p.m. to 7 p.m. A Tour of the Arts Passport costs just $20. Tickets for youths aged 13 to 18 cost $10, and children under 12 years are free with an adult. The passport provides admission to all tour sites and Celebrate the Arts reception. Passports include the tour map and artists’ photos and information. Passports stamped at all sites are eligible for the draw prize – two nights at Tin Horn Creek Winery with golf and dinner for two people. For information, passport purchase, or to become a tour volunteer, please call 250-342-4423 or email info@columbiavalleyarts.com.

AT COPPERSIDE...

Excellence is par

for the course CopperSide Luxury Mountain Residences is the final phase of Lakeview Meadows, Invermere’s most desirable new community. Imagine... a golf course in your back yard, paved trails to your own private beach on Lake Windermere in your front yard, plus magnificent mountain views from both. CopperSide has all this and more!

Consisting of just 26 luxuriously appointed residences, CopperSide’s exceptional location, peaceful natural setting and unparalleled amenities combine to make it the finest recreational/retirement property in the Columbia Valley. Visit us soon for a tour and see why life at CopperSide really is as good as it gets.

FREE LIFETIME GOLF MEMBERSHIP! Purchase a 2 or 3 bedroom luxury condominium in CopperSide Luxury Mountain Residences and receive a free lifetime golf membership to Copper Point Golf Course (adjacent to the property).* * Limited time offer.

880 Lakeview Drive, Lakeview Meadows, Invermere, B.C. Show Suite open daily 11:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m. Phone 250-688-0512 • www.coppersidecondos.com

12 ~ Play ’n’ Stay • The Columbia Valley Pioneer

May 15, 2009

Gorgeous Lake and Mountain views!

Unit 21, 2002 Panorama Drive

Lake or Mountain views from every room. Vaulted ceilings, sky lights. 4 Bedrooms, 3.5 bathrooms, formal dining room, Large kitchen with nicely appointed eating area. Exercise room with shower and outside entry . Cozy TV room with fireplace. Office with lake view and fireplace. Double garage, sundeck and balcony. Priced to move!

Just reduced! An amazing view of Toby Creek and Monument Peak from your creekside Riverbend Townhome will thrill the senses every time you step out onto your deck for that start of the day cup of coffee. Three large bedrooms will accommodate all those tired family members and friends after a long day on the slopes or golf course. Fully equipped and furnished. This is the best that any ski resort can offer. Gently used – like new – don’t wait.

Wow.... $979,000

2146 Westside Park View

$765,000

Beautiful architectural lines carefully mixed with large timber, hardwood and tile flooring creates a warm cozy feeling. 4 bedrooms, 4 bathrooms, extra large ensuite, vaulted ceiling, granite counter tops, and two fireplaces and lots a large two car garage. Mountain views, corner lot. Advanced digital home system which allows you to select music to listen in different areas, Wireless remote to control lights and music, Enhanced security changes light level automatically. Watch TV in media room pre-wired for the latest sound surround. Monitor your home via Internet, plus computer networking.

$450,000 + GST

$409,500

Over 2500 square feet of living space. Upgrades throughout the house. Three bedrooms, three bathrooms. Oversized attached garage. Large private back yard. mls K181532

Golfers Dream!

90 11th Ave

$389,000

This 3 year old condo in Eaglecrest is in immaculate condition. 3 bedrooms, large family room, 3 bathrooms, gas fireplace, large east facing deck and a single car garage. Walking distance to the Radium Springs Golf Course and all amenities Radium Hot Springs has to offer.

1600 square feet on main floor. Three bedrooms, two bathrooms. Basement ready to suite, separate entrance. Oversized lot in quiet neighborhood. Priced below assessment and replacement value. mls K180353