On mountaintops in decades past, an extensive network of fire lookouts and the lookout men stationed within once protected British Columbia’s valuable timber from wildfires. While today there are just two manned fire lookouts, over 300 once existed around the province. Over time, as wildfire detection technology advanced, most of these places were removed or…
While canoeing in British Columbia might not be as popular as sea kayaking, our province boasts some of the best multi-day canoe routes in the country. From the coast to the far north, these quiet circuits link water and wilderness. Dip your paddle into remote lakes, cast a line, and enjoy endless forest, fewer people,…
If you’ve taken the ferry to Vancouver Island, chances are you’ve seen a lighthouse along the way. For whatever reason, there’s something undeniably romantic about them. Known as symbols of hope and the madness of isolation, these long-standing beacons have traditionally kept sailors safe on the high seas, dutifully tended to by their keepers. Seeing…
It sounded like a fairytale place, a far-flung island scattered with the ruins of an old homestead and inhabited by feral sheep and goats. Nestled between Texada and Lasqueti, Jedediah Island lies smack-dab in the middle of the Salish Sea. On charts, it might look close to civilization, but in reality, it’s not easy to…
Rich in history, from time immemorial, to coastal explorations, to gold rushes, and railroads, the vast wilderness of British Columbia holds many secrets. Beneath a landscape of trees, in the interior desert, and in the shadows of mountains and alongside rivers, lie the resting places of those who lived and died on the land. With…
Autumn is one of the best times to visit waterfalls. After a long, hot summer, the creeks are flush with water again, creating beautiful cascades. Most of the Fraser Valley’s waterfall hikes are short and easy, making them ideal for a quick after-school walk with the kids or a weekend jaunt between rain showers. Is…
With autumn here, reading season has arrived. My favourite reads are BC nonfiction books, but I’m never quite sure what to call them. In bookstores, I’ve seen them under “West Coast Nonfiction” and “British Columbia Nonfiction”, but they also fall under the BC adventure books or outdoor and nature categories. Whatever the label, these are…
For those looking to take in a little history on their trip to BC, there are an abundance of historic sites and communities within the province. When on the road, keep your eye out for Stop of Interest signs. These markers share stories about the province’s colonial past. Much of BC, especially remote coastal regions,…
Those who love a good historical hike will find that there are many accessible plane crash sites that can be visited as a day trip. With its mountainous terrain, BC has claimed many more aircraft than can be easily visited, and many have never been found. While some of the crash sites listed below are…
When it comes to paddling in the Fraser Valley, your best bets are on the north side of the Fraser River where the lakes are nicer, the views are better, and the paddling is far more interesting. Whether you’re looking for a full day’s adventure or a quiet afternoon escape, the Fraser Valley has a…
