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

Entertainment and activity guide for the whole family!

HEADBANGERS Two of Radium’s bighorn sheep were photographed playing king of the hill, part of a larger bachelor herd on a scree slope at Radium Hot Springs just inside Kootenay National Park. Photo by Larry Halverson

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

FAMILY FUN CENTRE

July 3, 2009

Scenic drives in the Columbia Valley Fairmont Hot Springs via Westside Road

A pleasant 26-kilometre drive from Invermere to Fairmont that follows the west shore of Lake Windermere, past rolling ranchlands and beautiful benches of forested wildlife habitat, offering fantastic views south to the Fairmont Range and the mountains beyond. Paved in its entirety (though potholed in some spots), Westside Road has no visitor services, but provides access to the many rural areas on the route and a pleasant, relaxing alternative to busy Highway 93/95.

Radium Hot Springs via Westside Road

-Pool Tables - Golf Simulators - Licensed Lounge - Ice Cream Parlour 250-342-Bowl (2695) Located on Highway 93/95 between the crossroads & Windermere

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

The drive to Radium on this portion of Westside Road is just over 18 kilometres on a well-maintained gravel road. There are a few washboard sections, but, for the most part, this is a very pleasant drive, offering amazing views of the Columbia River Wetlands. Highlights of this trip include Kootenae House historic site, Wilmer, and lots of Wildlife Refuge viewpoints. It’s also good for biking as a loop with Highway 93/95.

Panorama via Toby Creek Road

A good 18-kilometre drive west of Invermere takes one to Panorama Mountain Village, a year-round haven for skiers, hikers, mountain bikers and outdoor enthusiasts alike. The first section climbs out of the valley and onto a region known locally as the Toby Benches. The rolling landscape is characteristic of much of the area, as streams and little lakes are bountiful in this region.

Lake Lillian offers warm summer swimming and an excellent day use area. Shortly past this lake, the road traverses a long, narrow gorge with good views of the bright blue Toby Creek. In the winter, look for

amazing blue frozen ice, the true colour of water. Beyond Panorama, the road becomes gravel and continues for another 30 kilometres extending access to the wilderness hikes up in the Jumbo Valley and Purcell Wilderness.

Kootenay National Parkway

Highway 93 from Radium north to Castle Junction offers the best chance to see wildlife in the area.

Connecting two national parks, a fee is required if you plan to stop along the way (anywhere in the parks).

There are numerous scenic attractions that make this drive one of the best around. The route starts climbing steadily from Radium Hot Springs up Sinclair Pass, past the renowned hot springs that lend Radium its name, and into the Kootenay Valley. Following the route of settlers and explorers, this highway passes a lot of hiking and camping spots.

Halfway along the route, stop in the Vermillion Crossing Visitor Centre for information about Kootenay National Park and continue to Numa Falls, Paint Pots, Marble Canyon, Stanley Glacier and Fireweed Trail.

Highway 95 to Golden

This route is, perhaps, the most scenic of the circuit, travelling north along the Columbia River Wetlands through the undeveloped north end of the valley. And, it’s a lot more leisurely and less-travelled than the others mentioned here. Stop in Edgewater, Brisco or Spillimacheen for great lunch spots.

OPTION: Only if you are driving a four-wheeldrive vehicle, head up to the Bugaboo Valley. Although the main features of Bugaboo Provincial Park are hikein only, the drive is also spectacular.

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

July 3, 2009

Valley is great terrain for road riders and downhill thrill-seekers alike Submitted by Adrian Bergles Columbia Valley Cycling Society The days are long, and the time to ride a bike in the Columbia Valley is now.

There are many great ways to get out and enjoy cycling in the valley and this article will focus on two very different, but very enjoyable and accessible aspects of the sport: road riding and downhill mountain biking.

Road riders typically seek out sweet loops to ride.

Here in the valley, a very popular loop is a tour around Lake Windermere.

Riding south from Invermere along Westside Road, the approximately 60-kilometre loop to Fairmont and back to Invermere on Highway 93/95 offers stunning scenery and will take a fit rider on a dedicated road bike about two hours. A casual rider on a mountain bike can reasonably expect to spend twice that time in the saddle.

The Highway 93/95 corridor provides ample riding opportunities as well. Have an hour or so to spare?

Why not a quick ride to Radium? Got more time?

Well, you can continue as far as you’d like.

Kootenay National Park also provides great road biking terrain. Its wide shoulders and smooth asphalt are great for getting out and spinning your wheels.

If the thought of climbing the Sinclair Pass instills you with dread, an alternative is to drive up to McLeod Meadows Campground and ride into the park from there. The campground is 27 kilometres from Radium.

Just as when you are performing any job, it is much more pleasurable when you are using the right tool. A dedicated road bike with “drop” handlebars and narrow, slick tires is recommended for enjoyable road riding.

Downhill mountain biking is not only the domain of thrill seekers and those who like to push mountain bikes to their speed limits, this style of mountain biking offers loads of fun and can be enjoyed by many.

Gravity does most of the work for you, as downhill biking doesn’t require the same level of fitness as road biking or cross-country mountain biking.

A great place for all levels of downhill rider is the Panorama Mountain Resort. Last weekend, chairlift-

accessed riding returned. Trails for riders of all abilities await – you can even rent a bike and equipment if necessary. Columbia Valley Cycling Society President and Panorama staff member, Darcy Lehr, and his team of trail builders have the trails in great shape.

Another great area for downhilling is Mount Swansea, just south of Invermere on Highway 93/95.

Through an agreement with the province, the trails at Swansea are maintained by the Columbia Valley Cycling Society, and new signs and maps have been installed this spring to make the mountain a little safer and more enjoyable.

Mount Swansea features intermediate to advanced terrain and is not an ideal spot for those just starting out.

Stop by either Columbia Cycle or Rob’s Bicycle Works for more local biking wisdom. And check out www.columbiavalleycyclingsociety.org for the latest cycling society news. Membership in the club is a great way to get out on some group rides in the beautiful Columbia Valley.

Dedicated to the memory of our friend Brian Johnson, who recently died on the trail.

Green Fees Starting from $15 to $28

“great value in the valley” • Tune up your swing with NOW OFFERING: Craig Millar, CPGA Green up your winter professional • 20/20 Friday Date Night • Warm up or cool down at Includes: blues at Spur Valley!

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 www.spurvalley.com

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

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

July 3, 2009

Summer’s crop of camps for kids abound up and down the valley

By Sally Waddington Pioneer Staff Keep the children busy throughout summer with any of the dozens of great camps held throughout the valley.

Below is just a sample of the fun and educational camps available for children this summer.

North Valley • Adventure Radium, run by the Village of Radium Hot Springs, will be held Tuesday to Thursday for kids aged 6 to 13. Activities include canoeing, swimming, hiking, biking, orienteering and crafts. For info: 250-347-6455.

• Gymnastics All Day Camp, run by the Columbia Valley Gymnastics Club, will run every Monday and Friday. It is held at the old school gym at 7155 Columbia Avenue, Radium. For info: 250342-3023 or www.cvrec.ca.

• Junior Golf Camps at Radium Re-

sort are held on Tuesday and Wednesday mornings for kids aged six to 13.

For info: 250-347-6266.

• Junior Naturalists Program, run by the Friends of Kootenay National Park, is held Tuesday to Thursday from 10 a.m. to noon. Kids aged six to 12 learn about wild animals and tips for tracking. For info: 250-347-6525.

Central Valley • Little Badger Early Learning Centre at the Akisqnuk Band administration complex is running two five-day camps for kids aged 4 to 12. Kids will do science experiments, art, water games and sports, as well as First Nations awareness activities. For info: 250-342-4409.

• Children’s Program at Windermere Valley Museum runs every Wednesday from 10:30 a.m. to noon. For info: 250342-9769.

Continued on next page . . .

The Junior Naturalists Program will teach your kids about the great outdoors.

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

July 3, 2009 . . . Continued from last page • Vacation Bible School at Lake Windermere Alliance Church runs from July 6th to 10th. Crafts, games and bible adventures for kids in kindergarten to Grade six. For info: 250-342-9535.

• Kids Watersports Camp at Shadybrook Marina, held from July 6th to 8th. Waterski, wakeboard and tube with certified coaches. For info: 250-342-8799.

• Mask Mania! at Pynelogs Cultural Centre for kids aged nine to 12 is on July 29th. Make a mask with lots of exciting materials. For info: 250-342-4423.

• Arts Ventures! at Pynelogs Cultural Centre for kids aged nine to 12 is on July 30th. Kids participate in awesome art activities. For info: 250-342-4423.

• Gaia spiritual dancing at Pynelogs Cultural Centre for kids aged five to 12 from August 17th to 19th.

Visual and performing arts with an eco-educator. For info: 250-342-4423.

• Way Cool Gamer School will be held at the College of the Rockies, Invermere, from July 6th to 10th.

Kids aged eight to 12 can learn how to create their own video game. For info: 250-342-3210.

• Rock Camp will be held at the College of the Rockies, Invermere, from July 8th to 10th. Learn to rock climb indoors before two days of outdoor climbing. For info: 250-342-3210.

• Roll Camp will be held at the College of the Rockies, Invermere, from July 20 to 24th. Mountain biking and skateboarding at the skate park and area.

For info: 250-342-3210.

• Not Another Teen Movie School will be held at the College of the Rockies, Invermere from July 27th to 31st. Kids aged 11 to 16 learn how to make their own film, Hollywood-style. For info: 250-342-3210.

• RoboCamp will be held at the College of the Rockies, Invermere from August 10th to 14th. Kids

Akisqnuk Rediscovery Camp on Whiteswan Lake. aged eight to 12 can learn about the world of robotics and create their own robot! For info: 250-342-3210.

• Rocky Mountain Sports Camp at Eileen Madson Primary School for kids aged seven to 11. Now in its eighth year of operation by teacher Owen Lebourdais and Kristy Denby, the camp is run weekly from July 13th to 31st. Kids will play sports such as volleyball, soccer, dodgeball and archery. For info: 250341-7123.

• Kids’ Adventure Camp at Panorama Mountain

Resort. Run from Tuesday to Saturday, kids aged three to 12 can participate in games, activities and searches for hidden treasure. For info: 250-341-3048.

• Summer Reading Program is held at Invermere Public Library every Friday throughout summer. Preschool kids at 10:30 a.m.; kids aged six to 10 at 1:30 p.m. This free program involves stories, games and crafts. For info: 250-342-6416.

South Valley • Akiqnuk Rediscovery Camp is run by the Akisqnuk First Nation in Whiteswan Provincial Park. Held every Tuesday to Thursday, children aged 6 to 12 camp overnight in teepees and participate in cultural activities, directed by elders. For info: 250-342-0311.

• Kidz Rock Adventure Camp at Fairmont Hot Springs Resort. Held every Saturday, Sunday, Tuesday and Thursday from 1 to 4 p.m., there are two options. “Play” will teach kids geocaching and frisbee golf. “Survival” will teach fire building, animal tracking, orienteering and boat building. For info: 250345-6000.

• Youth Golf and Adventure Camp at Fairmont Hot Springs Resort is run every Tuesday to Thursday.

Kids learn from a golf pro in the morning, then spend the afternoon doing activities like fire building, frisbee golf and geocaching. For info: 250-345-6000.

• Go Wild Summer Adventures, run by Wildsight, takes youths aged 14 to 19 on six- or eight-day hikes into the Purcell Mountains. Trips depart on July 2nd and August 23rd. For info: 250-427-9325.

Red, White and Copper - The Perfect Combination...

For a Canada Day celebration Copper Point style!

This is the time to celebrate being Canadian, and you can do just that with our Great Canadian Balloon Extravaganza, July 1–5. We’re filling Copper Point with red and white balloons, each containing a great prize; pop a balloon and see what you’ve won:

A Taste of Italy, with a Canadian Flair Visit the View for Italian Week which features hearty Italian fare, with a distinctly Canadian inspiration. Gather up your friends and family to enjoy the unique flavors, freshness and of course, the view!

s Free golf at Copper Point or The Ridge

Join Copper Point’s Rewards Program For every dollar you spend at Copper Point, you earn a 3% credit towards the purchase of any merchandise or equipment in our Golf Shop. The more you play, shop, eat and drink, the more you get. Join today!

s Discounts of 10% to 100% at our Golf Shop s Discounts on golf equipment at our Golf Academy Call 250-341-3392

copperpointgolf.com

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

July 3, 2009

Valley playgrounds ready for action North Valley

By Brian Geis Pioneer Staff If you have an hour to kill and want to tire out the kids while dinner is cooking, head to one of the valley’s many playgrounds for some good, clean fun.

No matter where you are staying, one of the valley’s playgrounds isn’t far away. And many have been the subject of improvements in recent years. In fact, a brand new playground was established on a vacant lot in Athalmer last year.

Lions Park on 12th Avenue in Invermere has been the subject of extensive renovations this year and will ultimately host a massive gazebo in the centre of the park when work is complete.

According to Lake Windermere District Lions Club President Harold Hazelaar, the entire circular pathway within the park has been rebuilt and expanded with labour and materials donated by Ron Friesen of Statesman Homes, the developer of Pine Ridge Mountain Resort.

This pathway is made with a limestone topping that is stable enough for both strollers and wheelchairs.

For directions to area playgrounds, be sure to pick up a copy of the 2009 Columbia Valley Map Book wherever you shop for food or fuel.

• Edgewater Elementary School playground at the end of Sinclair Street in Edgewater affords stunning views of the Columbia Valley Wetlands from the top of the monkey bars.

• In downtown Edgewater, there is a playground between the Post Office and Community Hall on Selkirk Avenue.

• The central park, in Radium Hot Springs, between Park Drive East and Park Drive West and St. Joseph and Stanley Street, includes a ball diamond and other amenities.

• There is a community playground at the west end of Kirk Street in Radium Hot Springs.

Central Valley

• Conrad Kain Park in downtown Wilmer has been the subject of recent improvements and will be officially dedicated during a celebration honouring its namesake on Saturday, July 11th.

• James Chabot Provincial Park in Athalmer includes a beachside playground and public washrooms.

• Athalmer municipal playground is located on the south side of Cartwright Street in the middle of the block.

• Lions Park on 12th Avenue in Invermere is locat-

ed across from Canadian Martyrs Catholic Church.

• Invermere school playgrounds are located at Laird Elementary at the corner of 13th Street and 13th Avenue, and at Eileen Madson Primary School on 15th Avenue.

• Another beachside playground in Invermere is nestled among the extensive recreational amenities at Kinsmen Beach between 4th and 7th Avenues.

• Invermere’s Westside Park neighbourhood on 13th Avenue has a playground.

• Windermere Elementary, near the corner of Government Street and Rocky Mountain Avenue in Windermere, includes a playground among its play fields adjacent to the school.

• Windermere Beach, located between Selkirk Street and Fairmont Street, has a beachside playground and a beautiful shaded grassy area.

South Valley

• There is a municipal playground on the grounds of the Civic Centre near the corner of Burns Avenue and Dunn Street in downtown Canal Flats.

• Martin Morigeau Elementary School, near the intersection of Beatty Avenue and Shaughnessy Street in Canal Flats, includes a playground.

Have fun and don’t forget to be back by dinner!

Lunch & Dinner

315 3rd Avenue, Invermere

(Located next to the Eatery across from the Syndicate Board Shop)

free tea.. free edamame..

fubukisushi.com

Mondays & Tuesdays for Lunch 50% off Roll of the Day

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at

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Full catering services & take out available.

Private Tatami room for groups.

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250.342.2442 Now Open 7 days a week

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

July 3, 2009

Summer Service

June 20-Sept 5 from Cranbrook | www.delta.com

IN THE SPIDER’S TRAP — Five-year-old Jazmynn Hilder-Grealey of Invermere, the daughter of Jennifer Hilder and Chris Grealey, plays in the Spider’s Web, a recent addition to the state-of-the-art installations at Lions Park on 12th Avenue in Invermere. The playground has been the subject of a complete makeover that will eventually see a massive gazebo as the park’s centrepiece and focal point.

Photo by Cayla Gabruck

visit the Visitor Centres in Radium and Invermere Crossroads

Open Seven Days A Week!

5:00 p.m. – 10:00 p.m.

COLLEGE OF THE ROCKIES - INVERMERE CAMPUS

Now featuring new menu items as well as our signature favourites!

722 - 13th Street • Reservations Recommended

250-342-0606

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

For all your tourism needs,

Clip this out for 20% off anything in the store!

Way Cool Gamer School | July 6 -10 Rock Camp (Rock Climbing) | July 8 - 10 Roll Camp (Bike and Skateboard) | July 20 - 24 Not Another Teen Movie School | July 27 - 31 RoboCamp (Robotics) | August 10 - 14 All camps are $195 per week.

3 floors of antiques and collectibles

1525 Cranbrook St. N., Cranbrook

(250) 489-2106

Open 7 days a week

expires September 30th 2009

For more information:

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

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

July 3, 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.

EXTRA CREDIT—For a unique hot pool experience, ask for directions to the Fairmont Creek Hot Pool and relax under a shower of warm water that feeds the pool from a cliff high above. For more detailed descriptions of the hot pools of the Columbia Valley, pick up a copy of Hot Springs of Western Canada by Glenn Woodsworth at Nature’s Gift Store in the Radium Hot Springs Visitor Centre, or call the visitor centre at 250-347-9331.

Photo submitted

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

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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

July 3, 2009

The Pioneer’s guide to the Columbia Valley’s mineral hot pools

By Cayla Gabruck Pioneer Staff A trip to the Columbia Valley wouldn’t be complete without a visit to one of our most-coveted and beautiful assets – the tranquil mineral hot pools.

There are several different locations to soak in the valley, each equally relaxing – some more well-known than others.

Radium Hot Springs

The Radium Hot Pools are located just east of the village in Kootenay National Park. This facility consists of two open-air pools, one hot and one cool. Temperatures in the hot pool are kept at a soothing 40 degrees and the water is only 1.5 metres deep. In the cool pool, which is 24 metres long and one to three metres deep, the temperature hovers around 27 degrees.

The water is sourced from four different places in Sinclair Canyon deep beneath the pools. Water from Sinclair Creek, which you can see from the upper deck, is used to chill the water in the cool pool. A must-see, these hot springs are set in a luscious backdrop of mountains, greenery and wildlife.

Fairmont Hot Springs

Further down the valley lie the Fairmont Hot Pools, which are housed in Fairmont Hot Springs Resort. The pool complex has three sections totalling a staggering 930 square metres, making it the largest hot

spring pool complex in Canada. The first section, by far the largest, is kept at 30 degrees and is marked with lanes for swimmers. It also has a semi-detached diving pool at one end. The second pool, slightly smaller, is the hottest pool, reaching 39 degrees and is great for a good soak. The third pool is reserved for those staying at the resort It is kept at 39 degrees. Water for these hot pools comes from the original bed of Fairmont Creek.

Lussier Hot Springs

For a wild hot pool experience, visit the Lussier or Whiteswan Hot Springs, located just inside Whiteswan Lake Provincial Park. Due to the beautiful surroundings, these pools are usually packed on weekends, so head up early in the morning.

To get to there, take Highway 93/95 five kilometres south of the Kootenay River Bridge at Canal Flats to the Whiteswan Lake Provincial Park turnoff on the left. At the turnoff, follow the Whiteswan Forest Service Road. It will take about 30 minutes to drive to the pools. Near the end of the journey, you will be greeted by spectacular views of the Lussier Creek Canyon and an entrance sign to the park. Use the parking area on the right just after the sign.

The Lussier hot pools are nestled next to the Lussier Creek and at a maximum temperature of 43 degrees, the soothing mineral water, the rock-lined pool and the tranquil sound of the creek combine to form a truly relaxing experience. There are several different

V

Ram Creek Hot Springs

Further up the road from Lussier are the Ram Creek Hot Springs. These pools are also undeveloped, but aren’t quite as popular as Lussier.

To get to Ram Creek, travel south on Highway 93/95 and take the turnoff to Premier Lake Provincial Park, just a half-kilometre north of Skookumchuk.

Follow the paved Sheep Creek Road and continue straight, ignoring the turnoff to Premier Lake. At the next fork in the road, take the right branch. The pavement ends as you turn right onto the White-Ram Forest Service road. Continue along the twisty main road.

The spring is 21 kilometres from the highway and 500 metres past the yellow 11-kilometre marker. From the parking lot, walk 75 metres up one of several trails to the main pool.

The maximum recorded temperature for this pool is 36.6 degrees. The limestone-lined main pool is divided in two by a rock wall and is about seven metres across and a metre deep. These springs are surrounded by beautiful wildflowers in summer and their secluded atmosphere is perfect for those who prefer the road less travelled.

For more detailed descriptions, pick up a copy of Hot Springs of Western Canada, by Glenn Woodsworth, at Nature’s Gift Store in the Radium Hot Springs Visitor Centre; or call 250-347-9331.

majestic

Summer Golfing At Its Best

rock pools, each big enough for several people, and each is cooler than the one above it.

– BLOWN GLASS – BEADS – METALWORK – CLAY – PHOTOS – PAINTINGS – PRINTS Bead making classes and jewellery assembly!

Call us for registration and schedules.

U-Brew and Wine

• Brew on premises • Wine Ware Drop in for a majestic wine tour!

Fruit Wines/ Coolers/Ciders Sale

4 Time CVCC Award Winners

For tee times, call 250-342-3004 www.windermerevalleygolfcourse.com

250-342-6816 • www.bavinglass.com I N V E R M E R E / PA N O R A M A The Bavin Glass Cabin in Panorama is now open seven days a week from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.

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

1-877-342-0059

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

July 3, 2009

LOWER BUGABOO FALLS TRAIL—An easy four-kilometre round trip off Westside Road north of Brisco leads to a ferocious 25-metre waterfall and a section of rapids on Bugaboo Creek.

Photos by Brian Geis

COLUMBIA VALLEY PIONEER SPECIAL PUBLICATION

CALLING ALL MEN! Award Winning, Licensed, Family Dining

GREAT FOOD ( Just ask anyone)

We want your barbecue recipes for a special pull-out section in The Pioneer, July 10th, 2009.

Booking deadline, June 30th. Give us a call!

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Phone: 250-341-6299 • Fax: (250) 341-6229 Email: upioneer@telus.net 8, 1008 – 8th Avenue, Invermere BC

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

July 3, 2009

Hike Lower Bugaboo Falls Trail

By Brian Geis Pioneer Staff The hike to Lower Bugaboo Falls is so easy, and the feature at the destination is so great, you should make the trip the next chance you get.

In fact, the drive to the trail head, through the largely undeveloped north end of the valley is its own reward.

From Invermere, you can leave after breakfast and be back by lunch, having enjoyed the deafening roar of a powerful alpine waterfall for a coffee break.

Stop at Dave’s Book Bar in downtown Invermere and pick up a copy of Hikes around Invermere and the Columbia Valley by Aaron Cameron and Matt Gunn.

The hike is described on page 71.

Along the way, you will pass no fewer than six coffee spots where you can fill your thermos with piping hot brew.

Then, head north on Highway 93/95. When you get to Brisco, go west (left) on Brisco Road at the sign for Bugaboo Glacier Provincial Park. Drive past the logging mill, cross the Columbia River Wetlands and head up into the hills on the west side of the valley.

Stay to the right at the next intersection, where Brisco Road merges into Westside Road. After you pass the eight-kilometre marker, look for a prominent parking spot on the west (left) side of the road. There is a post on the right and a sign on the left marking the head of Lower Bugaboo Falls Trail.

The trail enters the woods and follows a high cliff overlooking the canyon below. There are some narrow sections that require careful footing, but the trail is generally easy.

The easy uphill grade and slightly steeper downhill section leads to rapids below a 25-metre waterfall.

About a kilometre from the trail head, a fork leads to a nice lookout high above the canyon carved out

by Bugaboo Creek. The next fork leads you down to a great picnic spot on a rocky bar below the falls.

Stay on the trail to reach a perch above the powerful falls after another 50 metres.

For more of the spectacular north valley scenery, head north (left) out of the parking lot to follow Westside Road into Spillimacheen, and connect with Highway 93/95 again. Stop at the Brisco General Store for snacks or fuel before heading back to Invermere.

AT COPPERSIDE...

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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

July 3, 2009

Help The Road To Rescue Columbia Valley Map Book Cover Project

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