Explore Your Own Backyard

Explore Your Own Backyard: Golden, Revelstoke, Field and Shuswap Region of British Columbia

Now is the time to explore places closer to home. Not only will you take advantage of our low gas price but also it is passport-free. Canada has so much to offer; the landscape is a photographers dream!

Have you ever taken time to explore the Golden, Revelstoke and Salmon Arm region of interior British Columbia? The scenery is unbelievable and there is so much to do for kids and adults alike. I will break each area down and give you some ideas of what you can expect to see and activities the different towns’ offers.

The town of Field is just off HWY 1 in the YoHo National Park. It is a short distance from Banff via the incredibly engineered Kicking Horse Pass. You do not need to stray far in search of delicious local food. The Truffle Pigs Bistro adjoins the Kicking Horse Lodge, features local artwork and comfortable timber décor. The menu is delicious, different and the view from the restaurant is breathtaking.  Across the road is The Siding Café where you will find a great lunch menu, outdoor patio and get a sense of what it is to live in Field with its simple lifestyle. It is a fascinating little town and worthy of a stopover.

Golden and Kicking Horse Country is in the south-eastern region of BC and is at the junction of two major heritage rivers – the Columbia River and Kicking Horse River. The Kicking Horse Mountain resort is renowned for some of the best snow conditions in the world.  Golden also boosts the longest covered pedestrian bridge in all of Canada. Take a ride on the Kicking Horse Mountain gondola for panoramic views of the valley.

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Edelweiss Village was built in the 1900s for the Swiss guides who helped tackle the mountain trails for the Canadian Pacific Railroad. Standing on a hillside at the west entrance to town, the original homes sit overlooking the Columbia and the town of Golden. Heli-skiing, snowmobiling, and resort skiing are the main attractions in the winter. There are also beautiful resorts for just sitting and admiring the view and ambiance of the town. Summer visitors can take in guided eco tours of the protected wetlands, home to over 300 species of fish and other wildlife. There are lots of trails to enjoy a walk and enjoy the incredible views of the mountains and valleys.

Revelstoke is an unexpected jewel in the Columbia region. The town began in the 1880 as a sleepy little place running supplies for the BC Mining Industry. That was soon bolstered by the construction of the trans-continental railway. Today this vibrant community of approximately 9,000 residents has developed into an all season playground. Many of the old downtown buildings have been revitalized into restaurants, B&B’s and stores. The infrastructure is a credit to the forward thinking of the local people, which in turn, attracts tourism.

Outdoor adventures are abundant with backcountry, Heli and downhill skiing.  Snowmobiling is a huge sport in the winter months, with people travelling from all Canada to test their skills in the mountains. Revelstoke is known as the “Powder Snow Capital of Canada.”  Summer brings River rafting, biking, hiking, fishing and boating on Lake Revelstoke.

This area is surrounded by Provincial Parks and the mountain views are incredible.  Golfing on a spectacular 18- hole golf course and ending the day at their hot spring pools would be an experience to remember. Revelstoke has a sense of history plus modern conveniences, activities and a revitalized town centre that is very impressive.

Salmon Arm and the Shuswap Lake region draw hundreds of tourists each year. It offers a unique blend of boating, watersports, golfing, bikers and hikers in the summer months. Visit a Berry Farm or Gouda Cheese farm, Stain Glass Garden Shoppe and the Haney Heritage Village. In the Heritage Village you will See Salmon Arm as it might have been a century ago with its restored school, fire hall, church and the original family homestead. There are some great little restaurants with outdoor patios, where you can sit and enjoy the mountain views while sipping a local brew of Barley Station Beer.

Shuswap Lake and the several interconnected lakes that together, offer over 1000km of shoreline. Hundreds of tourists flock to these beaches each year. Boating and water sports make the area a mecca for those who love to be close to nature. The Shuswap has been a leader in luxurious houseboat holidays for over thirty years. They provide houseboats for families, large and small groups who want to spend their holiday surrounded by miles of waterfront, sunshine and mountain scenery. It is one of Canada’s famous lake playgrounds and a holiday to create memories for years to come.

Winter brings in an abundance of skiers and snowmobilers who love to challenge the slopes and enjoy the night life. There are unique B&B’s, campgrounds, luxury RV parks to many regional and national chain hotels offering predictable quality and amenities like indoor pools and restaurants.

The Shuswap has five award winning wineries that are all family run and operated. They produce distinctive cool climate wines that are generally not available in other areas of BC. Take advantage of the Wine Tours and learn how the aromas and flavours are produced. Wine tasting is always an interesting way to pass an afternoon.

Put this region of BC on your “bucket list” as the diversity and mountain scenery is spectacular. There is so much to see and do for all ages, whether it is golfing, boating or flying down the mountain slopes on a pair of skis!

Just think this incredible region is waiting for you to visit, explore and create your memories.

Lynda Spriggs / Lobstick Travel – Prince Albert.