Issue link: http://read.canadatravelguides.ca/i/809166
PEAKS OF PERFECTION Think of B.C. as wave upon wave of towering mountain ranges: the Coastal Mountains, Cascades, Selkirks, Kootenays and Rockies, just to name a few. Those mountains are not only scenic, they are also popular destinations for outdoor enthusiasts of all sorts. Many are located in the province's more than 1,000 parks and protected areas. Others, like Whistler Blackcomb, Sun Peaks and Big White, are world-class ski resorts with full-service villages and year-round activities, including dozens of top-notch golf courses. COWBOYS AND CHARDONNAY The sunny Thompson and Okanagan valleys stretch through the middle of the province. To the west is the cowboy country of the Thompson region, with its dude ranches and vast grasslands. To the east, the Okanagan is B.C.'s wine country, with its vineyards, orchards and sophisti- cated culinary culture. Both off er plenty for outdoor enthusiasts to do, whether it's houseboating on Shuswap Lake, scaling the Skaha Bluff s or cycling along the trestles of the abandoned railway line that hurtles across Myra Canyon. INTO THE WILDERNESS Back in the 1860s, gold was discovered up in the Cariboo region, and the Rush was on. Today, people are more likely to visit the wide open spaces of B.C.'s north for unparalleled wilderness experiences. That could mean bear watching along the northern coast, fl y fi shing in a rushing river, paddling through the still waters of the Bowron Lakes, camping out under the northern lights, or panning for gold in historic Barkerville. WHAT'S NEW? Hang with the grizzlies at the fl oating Khutzeymateen Wilderness Lodge, the only place to stay in this wild bear sanctuary along B.C.'s wild North Coast ( www. khutzlodge.com). Follow the BC Ale Trail to the best craft brews and nearby attractions from Vancouver Island to the Kootenay Rockies ( www.bcaletrail.ca). Hike across the Cascade Mountains along an old fur-trading trail that's been trans- formed into the 74 km (46 mi.) HBC Heritage Trail ( www.hopemountain.org/ trails/hbc-heritage-trail). Set up home base at the Savoy Hotel, Nelson's chicly fun new boutique hotel housed in an historic building (www. savoyhotel.ca). Meander along Whistler's Cultural Connector, a scenic pathway and bikeway SPECIAL EVENTS JANUARY • WINTER EAGLE FESTIVAL & COUNT, BRACKENDALE JANUARY – FEBRUARY • DINE OUT VANCOUVER FEBRUARY • VANCOUVER INTERNATIONAL WINE FESTIVAL MARCH • PACIFIC RIM WHALE FESTIVAL, TOFINO/ UCLUELET APRIL • WORLD SKI & SNOWBOARD FESTIVAL, WHISTLER MAY • CLOVERDALE RODEO & COUNTRY FAIR • FEAST TOFINO MAY – JUNE • VANCOUVER INTERNATIONAL CHILDREN'S FESTIVAL MAY – OCTOBER • RICHMOND NIGHT MARKET AND SUMMER NIGHT MARKET JUNE • ABORIGINAL CULTURAL FESTIVAL, VICTORIA JUNE - JULY • TD VANCOUVER INTERNATIONAL JAZZ FESTIVAL • WILLIAMS LAKE STAMPEDE JUNE – SEPTEMBER • BARD ON THE BEACH SHAKESPEARE FESTIVAL, VANCOUVER JULY • KAMLOOPA POWWOW, KAMLOOPS • NANAIMO MARINE FESTIVAL & WORLD CHAMPIONSHIP BATHTUB RACE JULY – AUGUST • HONDA CELEBRATION OF LIGHT FIREWORKS COMPETITION, VANCOUVER AUGUST • FILBERG ARTS FESTIVAL, COMOX • PRIDE WEEK, VANCOUVER SEPTEMBER • VANCOUVER FRINGE THEATRE FESTIVAL • VICTORIA INTERNATIONAL CHALK ART FESTIVAL OCTOBER • OKANAGAN FALL WINE FESTIVAL • VANCOUVER WRITERS FEST NOVEMBER • CORNUCOPIA, WHISTLER NOVEMBER – DECEMBER • CANADA'S NATIONAL GINGERBREAD SHOWCASE, VICTORIA www.HelloBC.com/Events HAIDA GWAII • CTC BC 66