CENTRAL BRITISH COLUMBIA - British Columbia: Including the Alaska Highway - page 527

$8), where a trail through towering trees meanders past more than 250 handcrafted figur-
ines to fairyland buildings and western Canada's biggest tree house.
MM THE LAST SPIKE
At Craigellachie, signs point off the highway to the Last Spike. It was here on November
7, 1885, that a plain iron spike joined the last two sections of Canadian Pacific's transcon-
tinental rail line, finally connecting Canada from sea to sea. A cairn with a plaque and a
piece of railway line marks the spot. Craigellachie Station (May-Oct.) is home to a small
information center and gift shop selling ice cream.
SICAMOUS
This town of 3,000, 62 kilometers (39 miles) west of Revelstoke, lies on the shore of
Shuswap Lake and is known as the “Houseboat Capital of Canada.” The lake itself is
a convoluted body of water with four distinct arms, edged by secluded beaches, rocky
coves, 25 marine parks, and more than 1,000 kilometers (620 miles) of shoreline. House-
boating is the number-one activity in these parts, and Sicamous is headquarters to major
agencies, including Bluewater Houseboats (250/836-2255 or 800/663-4024,
www.bluewaterhouseboats.ca ) and Twin Anchors Houseboat Vacations (250/836-2450 or
800/663-4026, www.twinanchors.com ) . Rates vary greatly through the May-early October
season. Expect to pay around $2,200 for four days' rental in July, with the same boat going
for around $1,200 in September.
Sandwiched between the two natural features referenced in its name, Hyde Mountain
on Mara Lake Golf Course (250/836-4653, Apr.-Oct.) is not particularly long, but golfers
enjoy fantastic lake views from elevated greens. Rates, including cart rental, are $85. To get
there, head three kilometers (1.9 miles) south of town on Old Spallumcheen Road, which
branches off the Trans-Canada Highway immediately west of the bridge. The clubhouse
restaurant (daily from 6:30am) combines good food with views to make it the best place in
town to eat, even for nongolfers.
Highway 97A, south from Sicamous, is the main northern artery leading into the
Okanagan Valley. Even if you're not planning on heading that far, it's worth taking this
route a short way along the shoreline of Mara Lake. Aside from being particularly pictur-
esque, the warm water tempts swimming during July and August.