Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
The mighty Fraser is known for its spectacular canyon and obstacles, such as Hell's
Gate,whiletheThompsonclaimsfameforitshighwater.Thoselookingforanextra
thrill also run the Nahatlatch, another tributary of the Fraser.
All companies include a great lunch (such as a salmon barbecue) and transfers,
and charge $110-155 for a full day. Companies include
Fraser River Raft Exped-
itions
(604/863-2336 or 800/363-7238,
www.fraserraft.com
)
,
Hyak Wilderness
Adventures
(604/734-8622 or 800/663-7238,
www.hyak.com
)
,
Kumsheen Raft-
ing Resort
(250/455-2296or800/663-6667,
www.kumsheen.com
)
,and
REO Raft-
ing
(604/461-7238 or 800/736-7238,
www.reorafting.com
)
.
Vancouver is also the starting point for extended river trips. These usually last
1-2 weeks and combine the Chilko, Chilcotin, and Fraser Rivers in an unforgettable
wilderness trip through a remote tract of land north of the city. The classic 10- to
12-day expedition begins with a cruise up the coast from Vancouver to Bute Inlet,
then a flight over the Coast Mountains to remote Chilko Lake for the beginning of
the three-river float back to Vancouver. Contact the rafting companies for details.
Farther east along the TransCanada Highway,
Cultus Lake Provincial Park,
11 kilo-
meters (6.8 miles) south of Chilliwack, holds a warm-water lake surrounded by moun-
tains—a good spot for swimming, picnicking, or camping. Camping is $30 per night.
ACCOMMODATIONS
If you're heading into the city after a long day on the road or want an early start for an
eastbound road trip, the following two accommodations are excellent choices.
Take Exit 119B eastbound or Exit 119A westbound to access the 40-room
Rainbow
Motor Inn
(45620YaleRd.,604/792-6412or800/834-5547,
www.rainbowmotorinn.com
,
$89 s, $99 d). Although dated, this motel provides comfortable, no-frills air-conditioned
accommodations, as well as landscaped grounds dotted with picnic tables. Rates include
discounted dining at two adjacent restaurants.
The
Best Western Rainbow Country Inn
(43971 Industrial Way, 604/795-3828 or
800/665-1030,
www.rainbowcountryinn.com
, $145 s or d) is reached by taking Exit 116
(LickmanRoad).The74roomsaresetaroundahugeatrium,completewithdensetropical
shrubbery, a waterfall, a swimming pool, and a café. This is also the setting for the hotel's
restaurant, open for dinner but also popular with the locals for Sunday brunch.
