Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
Cycling is a great way to explore British Columbia. The casual pace allows riders time
to stop and appreciate the scenery, wildlife, and flowers that can easily be overlooked at
high speeds. Some of the most popular areas for cycling trips are the
Southern Gulf Is-
lands
between Vancouver Island and the mainland (quiet, laid-back, loads of sunshine, rur-
al scenery, and lots of artists), the
east coast of Vancouver Island
(following the Strait of
Georgia past lazy beaches and bustling towns), the
Kootenays
(forest-clad mountains, deep
lakes, curious old gold- and silver-mining communities, and ghost towns—good mountain
bike country), and the
Rockies
(outstanding mountain scenery second to none, abundant
wildlife often right beside the highways, hot springs, and hiking trails). Rocky Mountain
routes suit the intermediate to advanced cyclist.
For information on touring, tour operators, bicycle routes, rental shops, and handy tips,
visit the website of
Cycling BC
(604/737-3034,
www.cyclingbc.net
)
or go to the
Brit-
ish Columbia Mountain Bike Guide
(
www.bcmbg.com
)
. The
Backroad Mapbook
series
(available at most outdoor retailers and island gas stations, have sections dedicated to bike-
accessible trails.
Canoeing, Kayaking, and Stand-Up Paddleboarding
Canoes are a traditional form of transportation along British Columbia's numerous lakes
and rivers. You can rent one at many of the more popular lakes, but if you bring your own
you can slip into any body of water whenever you please, taking in the scenery and viewing
wildlife from water level. One of the most popular canoe routes is in
Bowron Lake Pro-
vincial Park,
where a 117-kilometer (73-mile) circuit leads through a chain of lakes in the
Cariboo Mountains. Shorter but no less challenging is the
Powell Forest Canoe Route,
on
the Sunshine Coast. Other, less-traveled destinations include
Slocan Lake
and
Wells Gray
Provincial Park.
For information on canoe routes, courses, and clubs, contact the
Outdoor
Recreation Council of BC
(604/873-5546,
www.orcbc.ca
)
.
Anywhere suitable for canoeing is also prime kayaking territory, although most keen
kayakers look for white-water excitement. The best wilderness kayaking experiences are
in the north, where access can be difficult but crowds are minimal. The
Stikine River
is
challenging, with one stretch—the Grand Canyon of the Stikine—successfully run only a
handful of times.
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