Single Tracks: interesting facts that make Squamish unique

Single Tracks

small takes that make Squamish unique

Photo by Greg Norgaard, gettyimages.ca

Squamish – Where the Wild Things Are

Squamish is home to a wide variety of wildlife due to its diverse landscape. While visiting, you may spot a bear, come across wolf tracks, see an elk along the highway, or even hear about elusive cougars being spotted. Here are some essential safety tips to prevent unnecessary harm to local wildlife and keep you, your family, and your pets safe:

• Most animals prefer to avoid people. That is safest for them and us. • When recreating on trails, make noise by clapping your hands and using your voice. Travel with a friend or more, pay attention to your surroundings and don't wear headphones. Watch for fresh scat and other wildlife signs. Avoid travelling alone, especially at dawn and dusk when animals are most active. • Enjoy animals from a distance. Approaching wildlife interferes with their ability to forage for food and raise their young, and it can lead to dangerous situations. Always keep a respectful distance of at least 100 metres for bears and 30 metres for other non-predatory animals. If you cause an animal to move, you are too close. • Do not feed wildlife. Feeding wild animals may give you a moment of joy, but the costs can be tragic for that animal.

Animals that are intentionally fed may become increasingly aggressive, seeking handouts. It is also illegal to feed bears, wolves, cougars or coyotes in all of B.C. • Keep a bare campsite and leave only footprints. Anything that has an odour can attract wildlife. Never leave attractants unattended, even for a moment. These include food, items used in food preparation, coolers (empty or full), garbage and wrappings, pet food and bowls, recyclables, and toiletries. They should all be stored in a hard-sided vehicle and never in your tent. • Do not throw anything out your car window, including organics, as this can draw wildlife to the roadside and risk a collision. • Always pack out what you pack in. • Keep pets on a leash in wildlife country. Over 50% of injuries inflicted on humans by bears have involved dogs. Wildlife see dogs as a potential threat or potential prey. For your safety and that of your pet, keep them close and on a leash. • Watch for wildlife. Many animals may graze along Highway 99 or try to cross it. If you see an animal along the roadside, do slow down but do not stop. Stopping along Highway 99 is unsafe and can put you, other motorists, and the animal at risk. • Do not run in a wildlife encounter. Running is a prey response, and the urge to chase will be strong in animals such as bears or cougars. Stay calm, speak in a low, calm voice and move away slowly without turning your back. Wildlife attacks on people are exceedingly rare. • Become informed. WildSafeBC provides many resources on their website, including information on local B.C. wildlife, ways to prevent conflict, safe use and transport of bear spray, and a free course on bear safety when recreating.

Visit www.wildsafebc.com

White Water Rafting

Sometimes lost among all of the outdoor adventures in Squamish is the bevy of world-class rapids located deep in the Squamish Valley.

Fortunately for us, there are two companies that boast guided rafting trips so we can reinvigorate our sense of adventure through a splash of cold water.

The Squamish Rafting Company hosts two types of summer trips with professional guides that have the highest certifications in safety for the visitors. The first trip is called the Elaho Whitewater Experience. During it, patrons can expect to see beautiful glaciers and mountains and experience paddling 20 kilometres through class three or four rapids. The trip also comes with a lunch on a private island and the choice to partake in a daring cliff jump!

The second available trip from the Squamish Rafting Company is a more family-oriented paddle down the Cheakamus River. Families can expect to paddle and float through class two rapids and take in the views around them.

Also offering white water rafting trips is Canadian Outback Rafting. They offer a trip down the exhilarating Elaho River for ages 13 and up with approximately three hours of rafting. Additionally, they offer a family-friendly oriented trip down the Cheakamus River for ages 5 and up and is approximately 1.5-hours long.

Canadian Outback Rafting also offers a Squamish Scenic Twilight Float, which is perfect for families with children aged five and up. Starting and ending at Fisherman's Park, each raft enjoys the scenic views under the setting sun in this 45-minute to one-hour trip. Finally, for those feeling extra adventurous, Canadian Outback Rafting offers an overnight trip on the Elaho River. During it, visitors will experience 2.5-hours of rafting on day one with a dinner cooked to perfection in the pristine backcountry wilderness. On day two, visitors will have a two-hour float down to the take-out and will be bused back to their cars.

For more information about white water rafting in Squamish, visit www.CanadianOutbackRafting.com or www.Squamish-Rafting.com.

Skateboarding at Airhouse Sports

Academy. PHOTO BY JENNIFER THUNCHER

Photo by Karl Weatherly, gettyimages.ca

Goat Yoga

You might ask what exactly is goat yoga? But it’s actually as simple as it sounds: yoga with baby goats.

This unique activity takes place in the Squamish Valley at Glacier Valley Farm.

Baby goats are chosen for their “kind and gentle nature.” While they are untrained, the staff is on hand to ensure that people feel comfortable and safe during their visit. The yoga is designed to be playful as the goats will explore on and around visitors. Visitors will be challenged to engage in mindfulness as the goats become intrigued!

There may be some poop pellets on the mat, just warning you now.

It is all part of the experience.

Goat Yoga has numerous offerings for a range of clientele.

For more information visit www.GoatYoga.ca.

Sea to Sky Gondola

Opening in 2014, the Sea to Sky Gondola has become a stalwart of adventure in Squamish.

In the summer, the gondola offers a wide variety of outdoor activities and food and beverage options at the Summit Lodge. Visitors can enjoy everything from scenic short walks to long backcountry adventures that explore the mountains. The 100-metre suspension bridge displays a scenic view of the surrounding mountains and forest all the way down to Howe Sound. Even if you’re scared of heights, the bridge is a must-do!

The gondola also offers a unique adventure called the Via Ferrata during which visitors can explore the surrounding area atop the gondola through a series of ladders, catwalks and bridges. Outfitted with a climbing harness and attached to a cable, this adventure is fit for anyone who’s willing with no experience necessary.

Additionally in the summer, the gondola will host weekly music on its patio from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m. every Friday between June 17 and September 9. The series aptly titled Mountain Music will see a variety of musicians performing classic rock, indie, Celtic rock, acoustic, world and country-rock. Musicians range from local like Will Ross to Juno-nominated bands like Mazacote.

For more information about the Sea to Sky Gondola, visit www.SeaToSkyGondola.com.

Photo by Albert Pego, gettyImages.ca