CALGARY HERALD
DISCOVER B.C./KOOTENAY ROCKIES a private night-time potty. It’s perfect for families, or couples wanting more space and quiet time during a stay in the beautiful B.C. wilderness. Guests can also still make use of the dining facilities at the main Mistaya Lodge, as well as the guided hikes in the surrounding area. MistayaLodge.com
Fernie Golf & Country Club
Kootenay National Park / AndrewPenner.com
Visitors to the Fernie Golf & Country Club will notice some improvements this season to the already-excellent facility. New tee boxes were built partway through last year on holes 4 and 5 that are much larger and more level, which will provide more options for placing the tee markers in an area that is in good shape. The tee deck at Fernie’s driving range is being expanded to ensure the option of hitting from a grass tee, while additional cart paving on the course will cut down on mud and dust. Finally, a new washroom was constructed with surrounding pavement for a better overall experience for golfers. GolfFernie.com
Mistaya Lodge Another interesting place to stay is Mistaya Lodge, in the backcountry near Golden. In addition to offering rooms in
KOOTENAY
Kootenay Rockies – endless summer fun Outdoor adventure, festivals, breathtaking beauty await just a few hours away
By Gerald Vander Pyl
Entering its second summer of operation, Wildstone Golf Course near Cranbrook has already become an established part of the Kootenay Rockies golf scene, and has made quite an impression on both local and visiting golfers.
“We travelled to the Edmonton, Calgary and Vancouver golf shows this spring, and we were hearing a lot of positive comments from people who had played the course,” says Wildstone Head Professional Dave Linardic. Linardic says it’s fun to watch someone who is playing the course for the first time walk over to the practice range to warm up. “A lot of people grab their camera to
take a photo before they grab their pitching wedge,” he says of the surrounding natural beauty of the golf course. The club is excited to launch the Wildstone Golf Course App for 2013. It allows users to book tee times on the go, use a digital scorecard, check photos, course details and more. Golfers can find the free App at the App store by searching Wild-
KootenayRockies.mobi
One of the first aerial parks in B.C., the SkyTrek Adventure Park, halfway between Revelstoke and Sicamous, has grown steadily over the past six years, and now offers a large number of attractions and challenges. Included are a three-level High Rope Challenge Course, Kids Tree Adventure, Adventure Tower, Sky Drop, Sky Swing, Log Climb and children’s Jungle Gym. At the same location is the Enchanted Forest, a family park filled with whimsical and fun activities that has been in business for more than 50 years. EnchantedForestBC.com SkyTrekAdventurePark.com
Fernie Golf and Country Club.
the main lodge, Mistaya now has the WildCat Cabin available for guests, with four bedrooms, one which has been converted into a lounge for relaxing. The cabin has a full kitchen with dining area, fridge and stove; wood stove for heating, running water, and
Explore and Play
Challenge yourself with the High Ropes Course, climbing, free-falling and swinging from the adventure Tower, Kids Tree Adventure & Jungle Gym. Kids and adults, there’s something for everyone! Great fun for birthdays, school groups and teams.
Wildstone Golf Course near Cranbrook.
Wildstone Golf Course
SkyTrek Adventure Park & Enchanted Forest
For all kids big and small!
A
world of adventure awaits just across the Alberta in the Kootenay Rockies region of British Columbia. Stretching from Fernie to Fruitvale and Radium Hot Springs to Revelstoke, the Kootenay Rockies offers scenic splendour, friendly communities, numerous special events and festivals year round, and almost unlimited outdoor activities. Visitors can enjoy everything from thrill sports such as white-water rafting, hang-gliding, golfing, boating and bicycling to relaxing activities such as wildlife viewing, touring museums, shopping or just relaxing at one of the region’s many motels, resorts, campgrounds or B&Bs. As always, there’s new things happening in the Kootenay Rockies this summer. stone. Linardic says it’s a great tool to be able to find the best deals on available tee times at Wildstone. Wildstone is also joining several other courses — including Trickle Creek, Bootleg Gap, St. Eugene and Kimberley Golf Club — to draw more tourists through a partnership called Golf Kimberley. WildstoneGolf.com GolfKimberley.com
Saturday, June 8, 2013 PAGE 11
A must see BC attraction for over 50 years. Discover the magic! Over 350 handcrafted figurines, castle and dungeons, BC’s tallest tree-house, self guided row boat tours - all situated in a beautiful old growth forest.
Sky
adventure park On the Trans-Canada Highway, midway between Sicamous & Revelstoke, BC
1.866.966.9744 www.skytrekadventurepark.com
www.enchantedforestbc.com
KootenayRockies.mobi
Enchanted Forest’s tree house. David Gluns photo.
PAGE 12 Saturday, June 8, 2013
Panorama Mountain Village Panorama Mountain Village’s popular PanoKids programs have been updated new options for summer 2013. Kids camps of half- or full-day duration include activities such as swimming pool games, EuroBungy, bounce castles, climbing walls, arts and crafts, mini golf, lunch and more — all under the guidance of trained camp counsellors. Speciality three-day camps are now being offered for downhill mountain biking, tennis, sports, or arts and drama. Panorama also offers Wee Wascals child care for the little ones, while mom and dad enjoy other resort amenities. PanoramaResort.com
DISCOVER B.C./KOOTENAY ROCKIES
CALGARY HERALD
Island Lake Lodge
ADVERTISING FEATURE
Visit Island Lake Lodge for a summer to remember
Hiking is definitely a highlight of a stay at Island Lake Lodge, a famed winter cat skiing operation that becomes a summer paradise in the backcountry near Fernie. Among the many well-maintained trails is Heiko’s, which winds through the valley to end at Island Lake. Another adventure that can be enjoyed during a vacation to Island Lake is fly fishing, with Island Lake being a destination for fly-fishing enthusiasts from around the world, along with the Elk River that runs through Fernie. Island Lake Lodge has also become known for its fine dining and selection of wines, and this year has dedicated itself to offering more local and organic products. IslandLakeCatskiing.com
F — Summer camp at Panorama Mountain Village. Jennifer Dykstra photo.
— Canoeing at Island Lake Lodge.
KootenayRockies.mobi
amed as a winter destination for powder skiers and snowboarders, Island Lake Lodge in summer becomes an outdoor recreation enthusiast’s dream come true. From accommodations in three mountain lodges — Red Eagle, Cedar and Tamarack — guests can venture out to explore the resort’s 2,833 hectares (7,000 acres) on a superb series of hiking trails. “The trail network is the best maintained in the valley,” says Mike McPhee, director of sales and marketing manager with Island Lake Lodge, adding all trails are well signed, making it easy for hikers to find their way. Professional guides are available to lead guests on further hiking adventures. Another popular pastime during a stay at Island Lake Lodge is angling on one of several great fly-fishing rivers in the Fernie area, including the Elk River, which attracts visitors from around the world. Island Lake Lodge can customize fishing vacation packages and set up visitors with a professional guide and drift boat for an amazing outdoor experience. Vacation packages can also include white-water rafting, horseback riding, mountain biking or golf outings in and around the town of Fernie. The scenic lodges at Island Lake have all the amenities needed, including ensuite bathrooms, outdoor hot tubs and a resort spa. Island Lake Lodge is known for its culinary excellence, with renowned chefs preparing meals that inspired the creation of an Island Lake Lodge cookbook. Equally famous is the lodge’s 3,000-bottle collection of wines, making for an amazing dining scene. No wonder Island Lake Lodge is popular as a romantic hideaway. In fact, the lodge hosts many weddings each summers. For more information about summer vacation packages and accommodation, visit IslandLakeLodge. com or phone 1-888-422-8754.
PAGE 14 Saturday, June 8, 2013
DISCOVER B.C./KOOTENAY ROCKIES
CALGARY HERALD
Yasodhara Ashram Yoga Retreat & Study Centre
Stay and play this summer at Panorama, Invermere
The Yasodhara Ashram Yoga Retreat & Study Centre in Kootenay Bay is celebrating 50 years in 2013 with a numbers of special courses, programs,and events, including Anniversary Signature Courses. Each course combines Swami Radha’s most powerful workshops into a five-day experience, including Power Pack, Calling to the Divine, Who am I?, Key to the Unconscious and Body as a Temple. A 50th anniversary gala and devotional puja is also being planned, so visit the website for more information. Yasodhara.org
J
Ktunaxa Legends Night — Wildflowers at Kootenay Pass. Chris Andrews photo.
Salmo-Creston Skyway A celebration of a different sort takes place Oct. 13 to mark 50 years since the official opening of the SalmoCreston Skyway. Details are still being decided, but it is expected to include exhibits and activities at the lofty mountain pass that, when it opened, became a significant link between the East and West Kootenays. Organizations involved are likely to include the Creston Museum, Creston Valley Cruisers Car Club, the local RCMP and Ministry of Transportation. CrestonMuseum.bc.ca
A unique experience this summer is Ktunaxa Legends Night, taking place at St. Eugene Golf Resort & Casino. The event begins with a tour of the century-old mission school buildings by a former student, including the classrooms, sleeping areas and offices. Along the way, visitors can view photos of students at the school through the years. Later, guests gather in a teepee for a traditional dinner and storytelling by a Ktunaxa elder about the legends of their nation and Kinnickinuck tea. Guests can stay in the resort’s luxury hotel rooms or experience a more rustic night in teepee accommodations. The Ktunaxa Interpretive Centre is also available for visitors to learn more about the local culture. StEugene.ca — Ktunaxa Legends Night at St. Eugene Golf Resort & Casino tours the former mission.
KootenayRockies.mobi
ADVERTISING FEATURE
ust one hour south of Banff via Kootenay National Park is the place where those in the know seek sanctuary. Tucked under Mount Nelson sits the stunning community of Invermere on the Lake surrounded by some of the best natural beauty in the west. A typical summer afternoon in this quaint town could range from participating in an art workshop to 18 holes on one of the many world-class golf courses. Water-lovers can rent canoes, kayaks or paddleboats, or catch a guided trip down the Columbia River. From horseback riding to white-water rafting at Panorama to soaking soar muscles in Radium Hot Springs, there truly is something for everyone. “It’s really a special place for families and people just looking to get away from it all and relax,” says Invermere on the Lake spokesman Ken Wilder. “With so many activities, there’s enough to keep everyone busy.” This summer in Invermere will feature world-class events such as the 2013 Branch Out Cycling Event from Panorama to Invermere Lake and the Grizzly Ultra Marathon Event at Panorama Mountain Village. The Summerlude Festival features a variety of events including farmers’ markets on Saturdays, as well the Lake Windermere Regatta and Bull Riding in the Rockies. There are many excellent visitor accommodations at Panorama Mountain Village, which offers family, golfing and mountain bike packages. On the lake, Lake Windermere Point offers stunning lake views. Or rent a condo or cabin with High Country Properties, or grab a room at one of the many vacation properties within reach. Great options include the new Copper Point Resort at the edge of town or the Best Western right on Main Street. From pubs and cafés to fine dining, the culinary scene in Invermere and up at the mountain is also noteworthy. Check out Strands or live music at Angus McToogals, or maybe the Cafe at the top of the Mile One Quad Chairlift at Panorama. For more information on Invermere on the Lake or Panorama Mountain Village, go to InvermerePanorama.com.
Invermere Panorama Panorama Mountain Village…
hike, bike, golf, or just take it easy by the pool. Exceptional Value lodging Invermere on the Lake… and family packages including Kids quaint town, relaxed and authentic Camp! Experience… Mile One scenic with shops, great restaurants, cafés, chair rides, downhill mountain galleries, historical sites, museum, working art studios, beaches, rafting, biking, Greywolf Golf Course, rafting, ATV’s, Springs Pools, waterslide, kayaking, guided canoe adventures restaurants and more… and more…
Upcoming Summer Events
June 14
“Branch Out” Charity Cycle, Panorama to Invermere
July 13
Canadian Downhill Mt Bike Championships at Panorama Mountain Village
July 18 - 20
Summerlude Festival - Lake Regatta, Free Pancake Breakfast & Pro Bull Riding!
Aug 10
Loop The Lake
Aug 31-Sept 1 “Grizzly Ultra” Bike & Trail Run
InvermerePanorama.com
ADVERTISING FEATURE
Take your time – Golden, B.C. has plenty to discover
I
f you’re looking for a place to commune with nature this summer, consider the town of Golden, B.C. Just over two hours' drive northwest of Calgary, at the confluence of the historic Kicking Horse and Columbia Rivers, this tiny town of 4,000 people offers a surprising repertoire of activities to suit every traveller. Once known for its railway and lumber production (CP Rail and Louisiana Pacific Lumber continue to be two of the region’s top employers), Golden evolved into a tourist destination in the early 19th century when Swiss guides were brought in to help investigate and survey the land for railway development. They brought their families over and were housed in a place called the Swiss Village, which still exists today. “Golden is a town with a real history and sense of community,” says Joanne Sweeting, marketing manager with Tourism Golden. “It is a place that cares about itself and its people.” Golden offers myriad adrenaline-laced activities. You can mountain climb; three of the top 50 climbs in North America are close at hand. Consider white-water rafting down the Kicking Horse River. Try lift-accessed downhill mountain biking at Kicking Horse Bike Park, or cross-country biking on the
more than 65 kilometres of Moonraker Trails. World records for speed and distance have been set from Mount 7, a well-known launch pad for paragliding and hang-gliding. Don’t want to go solo? Tandem options are available, too. If you’re interested in a gentler experience, try a scenic float along the upper canyon of the Kicking Horse River, or check out more than 300 species of birds, fish and
wildlife at the Columbia Wetlands, the longest protected wetland in North America, which is located just south of town. The Golden Golf Club is a beautiful and challenging track with no residential development impeding its natural beauty. Town accommodations range from hotels and motels to rustic chalets that have private hot tubs and can sleep large numbers.
6 NATIONAL PARKS 3 MOUNTAIN RANGES 2 HISTORIC RIVERS
The Kicking Horse Mountain Resort offers a condo environment popular with winter skiers. It also houses the Grizzly Bear Refuge. Make sure you find time to visit Boo there. At the top of the resort is the 360-degree-view Eagle’s Eye Restaurant, one of the highest eateries in Canada at 2,347 metres (7,700 feet) above sea level. For day-to-day dining, there are casual pubs and small bistros in the community offering organic and mountain fare. This summer, at Golden’s farmers’ markets, purchase healthy fruits and vegetables, or the creative wares of local artisans, as well as enjoy the eclectic music of community bands. Starting in June, the Summer Kicks program hosts a series of free concerts at the downtown’s Spirit Square, which is adjacent to the Kicking Horse Pedestrian Bridge, the longest freestanding timber frame bridge in Canada. Nature-lovers couldn’t be in a better place. Golden is less than a 40-minute drive from Yoho and Glacier national parks, and natural attractions such as Emerald Lake, Takakkaw Falls and Lake O’Hara. “Plan for more than one weekend,” suggests Sweeting. “There is so much to do in Golden.”
1 Authentic town COLUMBIA WETLANDS ADVENTURES Vibrant with life, lush with scenery, the Columbia River Wetlands are yours to discover. Visit us to enjoy guided river tours, boat rentals and geocaching. 1.888.244.7117 | www.wetlandsadventures.com
WILD WATER ADVENTURES
BELLSTAR AT KICKING HORSE
HYDRA RIVER GUIDES
Stay at a Bellstar Resort on the mountain at Kicking Horse and enjoy full condo-style accommodations, ample amenities, friendly staff and a relaxing atmosphere. RATES FROM: $129 - $449 1.877.737.6782 | www.bellstar.ca/kicking-horse
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Visit us in Kimberley, Kimberley British Columbia
This summer, “SPLASH OUT” for fun on the famous Kicking Horse River, with great rafting trips perfect for families, couples, singles or groups. Closer to Calgary, and the #1 Rockies activity on Trip Advisor! RATES FROM: $74
1.888.647.6444 | www.wildwater.com
COLUMBIA RIVER WETLANDS RV PARK
The Kicking Horse is renowned for being an exciting river, packed with mighty rapids & plenty of thrills. Hydra River Guides has been introducing guests to the “kicks” of whitewater rafting since 1986. We know rafting!
RATES FROM: $74
1.800.644.8888 | www.kickinghorseraft.com
CEDAR HOUSE RESTAURANT & CHALETS
GLACIER RAFT COMPANY )*%+,-. /%01 !"#$%&' !%&%(%
White water, family and scenic rafting in Golden & Fairmont Hot Springs, BC! Something for everyone, Mild to Wild! On the Kicking Horse since 1982. $40 - $159 1.877.344.7238 | www.GlacierRaft.com
MISTAYA LODGE Helicopter access only! Located in the heart of the Canadian Rockies between Banff and Yoho National Parks. Guests enjoy adventures including hiking, swimming, nature watching, photography & relaxation! 1.866.647.8292 | www.mistayalodge.com
New - Just Opened - Only 20 RV Lots in a Quiet, Rural Area, 20 km South of Golden, BC on Highway 95. Six 30’x105’ Lots are on Sale for $45,000 each. River Access, 70 amp, Year Round water & sewer, 10’x30’ covered storage.
Full Service RV • pool • putting course
1.250.348.2094 | www.ColumbiaRiverWetlandsRVpark.ca
• spectacular scenery • store, showers, laundry • playground & park • • Hotspot internet access • tenting • clean facilities • friendly staff •
999!735873361543!210
kimberleycampground.com
1-877-999-2929
Awarded Best Place to Stay in Golden 2012. Seven Luxurious Chalets with Mountain Views and Private Hot Tubs. Steps away from our award winning restaurant “Top 50 Places to Eat in Canada” for 10 consecutive years.
1.250.290.0001 | www.CedarHouseChalets.com
CHANCELLOR PEAK CHALETS Secluded log cabins situated immediately outside Yoho’s western boundary. Easily accommodates 6 people, full kitchens, ideal for your summer mountain escape. RATES FROM: $199 1.250.344.7038 | www.chancellorpeakchalets.com
@TourismGolden
/VisitGoldenBC
Tourism Golden
1.800.622.GOLD | www.TourismGolden.com/stay
ADVERTISING FEATURE
Fernie – so much more in the off season
C
algarians flock to Fernie in the winter to enjoy the powder skiing at Fernie Alpine Resort. But did you know there is a wonderful array of activities to enjoy in Fernie during the summer months? “There’s so much more to summer in Fernie than a lot of people realize,” says Corien Sieders with Tourism Fernie. Sieders says a highlight for many people is the fabulous fly fishing on the Elk River, which has been named among the top 10 for fly fishing in North America. There are a number of local outfitters that can provide all the equipment and guidance needed for a great day of fishing, says Sieders. Other popular pastimes for visitors are mountain biking, including lift-serviced riding at Fernie Alpine Resort, along with a new aerial park opened last summer, hiking, golf, rafting, canoeing and kayaking and much more. Many travellers just pass through Fernie on the highway and only see the box stores and fast-food restaurants, so they are surprised to learn about Fernie’s historic downtown core on 2nd Avenue, Sieders says. Visitors who venture off the highway will be pleasantly surprised to discover many interesting and eclectic shops, services and restaurants. Two examples include the Clawhammer Letter Press and Gallery, where visitors can watch prints made with a 1916 platen press; and the Beanpod, one of the few chocolate makers in the world where products are still made directly from cacao beans, including a line of Fernie chocolate bars. Sieders says the Fernie Museum downtown offers walking tours of historical Fernie, and has a mining history walk right out front. Included is a unique sculpture that requires a person to stand in a certain spot, which lines up portions of the sculpture to reveal the face of a miner. Summertime in Fernie also brings with it many special events, including Mudd, Sweat & Tears July 6 to 7, a 10-kilometre obstacle course run in thick mud; and the Wapiti Music Festival, Aug. 9 to 10, which focuses on the Canadian indie music scene. For more information on Fernie, stop by the Chamber of Commerce Visitor Information Centre under the derrick at the east entrance to the town, or go to TourismFernie.com.
DISCOVER B.C./KOOTENAY ROCKIES
CALGARY HERALD
Saturday, June 8, 2013 PAGE 19
Kootenay Trout Hatchery The Kootenay Trout Hatchery wants to involve more women in the sport of fly fishing with a new event called Women on the Fly to be held at the Bull River Guest Ranch. Women on the Fly is a fun introduction to fly fishing, combined with gourmet food, wine, yoga, spa treatments and other activities. For more information on this event or other fishingrelated programs promoted by the Freshwater Fisheries Society of B.C., phone 250-429-3214 or email visit.kootenay@gofishbc.com
Kimberley Riverside Campground For a fun round of golf for the whole family, check out the 18-hole putting course that opened late last season at the Kimberley Riverside Campground. Much more than mini golf, the putting course is landscaped to look like a real golf course, only in miniature form. It has water features, including three ponds and two waterfalls, connected by a flowing stream, and actual white sand traps. A Caddy Shack has been added where visitors can pay their green fees and receive putters and balls, along with offering a concession stand for snacks and other goodies. KimberleyCampground.com
— Kimberley Riverside Campground features a new 18-hole putting course.
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The Kootenay Rockies family of brochures provides info on all the activities available in British Columbia’s Mountain Playground. Pick up free copies at any British Columbia Visitor Centre or call 1-800-661-6603
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