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Northern Saskatchewan Fishing Trip: Part 2

Corbin — Thu, 08 Jul 2010 15:00:37 +0000

I awoke with the smell of last nights campfire covering me, I breathed in, savoring it. I love that smell. The boys and I played catchup with the old man. He was already on his second cup of campfire-coffee, rancid stuff, but good in a pinch. We got our gear hauled back into our water chariot. I scooped what was left of the 3 bags of ice we purchased on the way up, which was maybe 12 cubes total, and tossed it into our cooler. “I’m going to need water” I thought. I had a beaner of a headache grinding through my brains. Damn you beer. Damn you rum.

A Smoky Morning

The boys and I dragged our feet and collapsed off the dock into the boat. Still too tired to function. The old man had a childish smile on his face as he gave the pull-start a yank and let the engine purr back to life. The boat was going in a north-easterly direction, headed towards an area we skipped the day prior. I looked towards the horizon, and commented on how smoky it looked up that ways. One of the boys mentioned that ‘Smoky the Bear’ must be slacking off. We chuckled and continued driving ahead. We had heard reports of forest fires getting pretty nasty way up North but that we were in the clear. Good thing too, as we had some fish to catch.

Trolling, Trolling, Trolling, Rawhide

We started the morning off with some serious trolling, which for you non-fishermen, is when you drag your lines through the water while the boat is gently moving through the waters. You cover more territory this way, and have to cast less, the perfect type of fishing while recovering from a mild hangover. We trolled for maybe 15 minutes when the fish woke up. We began pulling out fish after fish, finding the occasional hot spot where we’d stop for some casting. The fish were practically jumping in our boat. And who could blame them, we had cold beer, a full bag of Sunflower seeds, and a great sense of humour.

Underwater wishes and northern pike fishes

My underwater camera proved useful for fishing. Whenever we’d get a bite, someone would reach for the camera and try to snap a picture or video of the whole event, and if possible, a picture of the battle underwater. We were lucky to get a few good shots. However I should give props to the clear waters up North too. Most of the fishing done in lakes elsewhere would be way too murky to grab a photo of anything but algae.

Lake McLennan Waterfalls

Vince and Tamara, the owners and operators of Bears Camp, mentioned that there were waterfalls nearby. Saskatchewan Waterfalls just has the ring of an oxymoron. But we went along with it, expecting to find some sign laughing at us, or maybe just a small drainage pipe from a nearby cabin. After tripping over a couple of fallen trees, we heard the hiss of water falling and the recognizable splash caused by waterfalls. Holy crap, they weren’t kidding. They’re no Niagra Falls, but this is is photographic proof that Saskatchewan is not flat. Well, not completely.

She’s Gonna Be Cold

We made our way back onto the lake and caught some more fish, had a couple laughs as a few got away. My hangover was just about gone. Knowing perfectly well that cold water almost instantly cures hangovers, I notioned to a nearby crop of rocks. “It’s time”, I told my Dad. He laughed and pulled into a bay where some rocks dropped off into about 12 feet of water. I climbed out of the boat gently and watched as my brothers followed behind. “She’s gonna be cold” yelled the old man. I laughed nervously. I jumped from the edge giving one semi-girlish scream before entering the cold waters of Lake McLennan.

A Cold Dip in the Lake

The cold water stole my breathe, my survival skills kicked in. Don’t breathe in yet, too cold. I began treading water, my temperature cooled, but my breathe came back. Now to just let my body adjust to the water. My older brother Logan jumped in and soaked me, the splash on my face was incredibly cold. We laughed and egged our youngest brother to give’r a go. He laughed and called us idiots, and chose to continue fishing instead. We harassed him until our chattering teeth wouldn’t let us speak anymore. He then brought up what Vince had said about the “One Inch Lake”. He got the last laugh. This time.

Race to the Rocky Island

Logan and I saw a small rocky island in the middle of the lake. We hollered to the old man, “We’re swimming for it”. He laughed, probably preparing to drag at least one body out of the water. Through luck, fate, or possibly our healthy diet (not likely), we both managed to make it to the rocky island. The old man maneuvered the 16 foot tin water chariot close enough to the island that we could step off the rocky ledge, back onto our seats. We swiftly grabbed our towels and a beer. Hangover cured.

The Best Shore Lunch. Ever

It was getting close to 1:00pm when all the bellies on board were loudly telling us that food would be appreciated. We met up with Erik’s boat, the old man’s comrade, and yelled “Shore Lunch”. We followed Erik’s boat to a secluded firepit near a slow moving river and a bearproof cabin. The old man cleaned fish as I dangled my feet from the small bridge that crossed the river. I complimented on the finished fillets. “Nice cutting pops.” I said. He replied in his farmers accent, something he’ll never shake,”This ain’t my first rodeo.”

Butterflies are too manly!

Hot dogs were brought out of the food cooler, along with all the condiments. Ketchup, mustard, and relish, each a necessity for any good fishing trip. We breaded some more fish, buttered a skillet, tossed it on the fire and let the fish cook as we roasted hot dogs and inhaled trail mix by the handful. While the fish was finishing, I did a quick walk around the old bearproof cabin and managed to find a butterfly who was willing to do a photo-op with me. I walked back to the fire, and devoured some of the tastiest Northern Pike and Lake Trout I’d ever consumed.

Last Sunset in Northern SK

We managed to get a few more hours of fishing in before the sun began its descent into the clear glass-like waters of Northern Saskatchewan. We would be leaving early the next morning back to Regina, so we had lots of packing and cleaning up to do. We took a few pictures, watched the sunset in the middle of the lake, and enjoyed the peace and quiet that this remote part of Canada has to offer.

Henry David Thoreau once said “Many men go fishing all their lives without knowing that it is not fish they are after.” I think those words tie our little adventure together perfectly. We met some great people, who found a passion, followed it, and now call it their life. We made some great memories, escaped the day to day routine, and had a few laughs. It’s memories like this that make fishing what it is.

Check out Bears Camp at Lake McLennan, Saskatchewan, for more information on fishing, boating, and experiencing an affordable Northern getaway.

Northern Saskatchewan Fishing Trip: Part 1

Corbin — Mon, 05 Jul 2010 21:30:49 +0000

As highway 6 stretched further North, the small towns that were so frequent began to be replaced by lush vistas of the boreal forest. It’s funny how easy it is to forget that there is more to Saskatchewan than just farms and prairies. Saskatchewan is after all larger than France, and nobody mistakes France for being home to only winefields and sexy beaches. Regardless of our own assumptions of what Saskatchewan is, there is a lot more to this province than meets the eye. And I was anxious to dive in.

Why Lake McLennan?

The reason we chose Lake McLennan is that it is one of the furthest lakes up North you can reach without having to fly in. Which as you may have guessed it, can get pretty costly. The owners of Bears Camp strive to make Northern fishing getaways as affordable as possible. Driving in really can save you a bunch here, with float plane flights costing upwards of $1000 per person, it seemed like a logical choice for this time around. Despite knowing we were saving a bunch of money, I couldn’t help but want to see some of the float planes that are used to haul tourists and game fisherman up north. We made a quick stop at Missinipe to keep an eye out for planes departing or arriving. Unfortunately we weren’t so lucky, but I did manage to get some great shots of the parked fly-in planes.

The Arrival at Bears Camp

After 10 hours of driving from Regina, we finally made it to our destination. Bears Camp, located on the beautiful Lake McLennan. Our fishing trip gang included myself, my two brothers, my Dad, his friend, and his friends kids. We were greeted with smiles from the moment we walked through the gates. The rustic look of the camp fit perfectly in this rugged northern terrain. We were shown our fishing cabins, the firepits, the barbeques, and the outhouse, all of which were clean and spacious. We were informed that the only electricity that Bears Camp currently receives is by diesel generator, and the generator only runs during the day. So I made sure to score a quick camera charge before the generator was turned off and we were left in the dark. Vince and Tamara, the owners and operators of Bears Camp, were happy to inform us that if we were to stop by later on in the year that the camp would have electricity, care of some local mining companies putting in the lines nearby.

The valuable Old man

By the time we got settled in it was almost 7:00pm, and hunger was afoot. We threw some bratwursts on the barbeque and began getting our fishing rods ready. To be brutally honest, if it hadn’t have been for my Dad, we’d probably still be there fighting with tangled lines and setting up the rods for the “perfect cast”. Moments like those remind me that us young cats still have a lot to learn from the old man. Combined with his bratwurst cooking techniques, he already proved himself valuable on this trip. Chalk one up for the baby boomers.

Sunset in Northern Saskatchewan

After dinner and dishes, we got a campfire setup and watched as the late sunset consumed the sky and our attention for several long minutes. By the time I had my camera ready all the juicy sunset photos that could have been taken were long gone, thankfully we were left with a full moon that shone bright over Lake McLennan. The sound of loons calling one another from miles away took over the conversation. The loon is one of Canadas many national symbols, this one in particular is found on the one dollar coin, also known as the “Loonie”. We finished off our beers and called it a relatively early night as we planned on saddling up for a full day of fishing.

Wake up, we’re going fishing!

I woke up to my Dad barking at us young kids to wake up and get ready. How is it that as you get older waking up earlier gets easier? I had a mild headache from too many beers the night before, but after devouring some eggs, toast, and breakfast sausages, my million dollar status was just about back to 100%. We packed the 16 foot boat that we rented from Bears Camp with our fishing gear, a cooler with drinks, and a few apples to tidy us over until lunch. A quick splash of this cold northern water on the face was all it took to completely recharge my batteries. We were officially ready to commence fishing. The sun was shining, blue skies surrounded us and we had the entire lake to ourselves.

Sunny Day for fishing

The 25 HP Mariner outboard engine puttered and purred, echoing across the lake. The old man cut the engines in a calm bay that was getting a bunch of sun. “No shame in getting a bit of a tan along with some dinner”, he mused. Without the engine running, the only thing you can hear is the rustle of leaves and the occasional splash in the water caused by our boat or some playful fish swimming about. We casted our lines into the clear water and sat back, relaxing. When you get this far up north you can put your line in just about anywhere and expect to catch something. This location wasn’t any different. The first catch wasn’t anything to write home about, but as tradition goes, we let the first fish caught go free, and casted our lines out again.

Oh BBQ, how I love you.

That night we cleaned our catches and prepared a massive BBQ. We breaded some of our fish, had a ham roast, some diced potatoes and onions, and washed it all down with cold beers. It was an amazing meal. The family, friends, and location complimented each dish fantastically. However, a fishing trip wouldn’t be a fishing trip if you didn’t forget something. In this case, it was a skillet. Thankfully Bears Camp is fully equipped to make your cooking and eating as easy as possible. They’ve got all the BBQ’s in place, along with the proper utensils and some of those heavy duty cast-iron skillets, perfect for frying fish. I’m surprised we weren’t greeted by a whole slew of bears, because this dish smelled good.

Campfires, Beers, and conversations with a local

My brothers and I continued with some drinking, we had another fire and spoke the whole night with Vince, the owner of Bears Camp. He told us stories about life up North, and how different it all is once winter hits. Bears Camp is one of the few places that remains open all year, particularly for the snowmobile crowd and the die-hard ice fishermen. When we asked how cold it’d be if we were to go swimming tomorrow, Vince just laughed and with a grin on his face said, “They call Lake McLennan a one inch lake. Because it doesn’t matter how big of a man you are going in, by the time you come out of that water, that’s all your left with.” Everybody at the campfire laughed, and I made a conscious decision that I was going to try my darnedest to find a good place to jump in tomorrow. Until then, my brothers and I had a whole cooler of beer and a bottle of rum calling our names.

Check out Part 2 of my Northern Saskatchewan Fishing Trip.

Check out Bears Camp at Lake McLennan, Saskatchewan, for more information on fishing, boating, and experiencing an affordable Northern getaway.

Gone Fishing in Northern Saskatchewan

Corbin — Tue, 22 Jun 2010 08:55:05 +0000

Off to McLennan Lake

It’s been over a decade since I’ve spent any significant amount of time in Northern Saskatchewan. Through luck, fate, or just sheer coincidence, my Dad and two brothers and I have all managed to find enough time off to make the 12 hour drive up north to McLennan Lake for some fishing, camping, and some good old fashion wholesome outdoor activities. Chances are I’ll be incommunicado during this time, but should hopefully have something very Saskatchewan-ish to show by the end of the week.

In the mean-time I’d like to introduce you to Crabman. One of my familys cats. He enjoys escaping from our house and wandering into neighbours houses for naps.

Back in Saskatchewan: Roadtrip to Joe Cocker & Tom Petty

Corbin — Tue, 22 Jun 2010 00:39:10 +0000

A jaunt, skip, and a couple flights through, and I found myself back in Saskatchewan, in the city that rhymes with fun (Regina). However greetings with my hometown were cut short. Within 24 hours of landing I found myself on a drunken roadtrip to Saskatoon with some old friends to see Joe Cocker & Tom Petty sing their hearts out on stage at the Credit Union Centre.

The roadtrip

With a bottle of rum and a couple road-pops in hand I stepped into the backseat of an old friends car with hopes that this night would explode my mind with awesomeness. My friend Scott surprised me upon entry of the car with a bottle of Baby Duck Champagne. For those who don’t know, Baby Duck is a cheap, sparkling wine that costs next to nothing, tastes like angels, but is the cheapest most hangover causing alcohol that can be found in the LB’s (LB=Liquor Board Stores). I fist pumped in delight and said “Eff the rum, I’m on the duck!” I tapped bottles with Scott and took a swig that gracefully fizzed directly up my nasal cavity, causing a girlish, albeit sexy scream. I love roadtrips!

30 minutes out of the city

…and our bottles of Baby Duck were nearing the bottom. We were enjoying the sunny day, a nice reprieve from the insane amount of rain Southern Saskatchewan has been getting in the last few weeks. The windows were down, and cutting through the sound of the music was a siren. We knew immediately it wasn’t in the song. We were being pulled over. I laughed. “This sucks” I said to some of the guys in the car. We proceeded to hide our open booze so as not to get dinged with extra tickets. As I was hiding what was left of my bottle of Baby Duck, I was informed that there was some “Sticky Icky” in the car. Which didn’t come as a surprise, as this was a Joe Cocker & Tom Petty show. I nervously laughed. “We’re screwed” said one of the guys.

License and registration, please

The RCMP asked for our drivers licence and registration, asked what the hurry was, we informed him that we were going to a concert in Saskatoon. He left with our friends ID. We were all waiting to be told to exit the vehicle, or at the very least have the officer poke his head in and smell for booze, drugs, or dead bodies. Instead, we were given a warning. “Slow it down for the rest of the trip there boys.” We replied with a “Yes sir” and proceeded to drive off quoting every line from Super Troopers. Close call!

High fives

While at a piss-stop outside of Davidson we met several other Reginans heading to Saskatoon for the same concert and proceeded to tell them about our good fortune. High-fives were shared, and we proceeded to get back on the highway for the greatest show in the world. We arrived in Saskatoon, grabbed some food and beers at Avocados, a great little restaurant with a sweet patio. After a few Cracked Canoes we met up at one of our friends apartments for some more pre-drinking, the show was still a couple hours away after all.

You don’t have to live like a refugee

After consuming a large amount of rum & cokes, we were all sufficiantly lubricated for the show. We arrived at the Credit Union Centre with 12 friends, some new, some old, and a few I’ve already forgotten the names to. We grabbed our seats, a pointless object at a show this intense, and experienced the raw powerful vocals of Joe Cocker, and catchy riffs of Tom Petty. To say it was a good show would be the biggest understatement of the century. Ever.

Big win for Backpacking in British Columbia

Corbin — Mon, 31 May 2010 14:56:26 +0000

Chalk one up for the backpacking scene in British Columbia, Hostelling International has unveiled yet another hostel in Canada, this time boasting a 188 bed hostel in Whistler, B.C.

This four storey hostel

is found in the new Cheakamus Crossing subdivision, that was originally set out for athletes housing during the Winter Games. The 188 beds are spread across over 40 four-person shared rooms, private ensuite rooms, and family rooms. It includes the much-loved self-catering kitchen, along with dining room, tv lounge, games room, state of the art ski, snowboard, and bike storage, outdoor decks along with everybody’s fave, the BBQs. The folks at H.I topped it all off with an on-site cafe and an outdoor patio (with sprawling mountain views) along with free Wifi for us traveling geeks!

The New HI-Whistler Hostel opens July 1st, so book soon to beat the summer rush! Shared rooms start at $30, and private rooms at $99.

If you’re in the area consider reading up on some of the many things to do in the Rocky Mountains

Map to the New HI Whistler Hostel

The Top 5 Things to do in Banff

Corbin — Tue, 25 May 2010 15:22:21 +0000

I’ve been swamped to the extreme as of lately, so I’m handing the reigns over to the good guys & gals at ExploreRockies to tell you about some of the best things to see and do while exploring Banff. These guys live and breathe the Rockies, so you know you’re getting the information straight from the horses mouth!

When you plan your next holiday, if you are looking for beautiful scenery and a family vacation that no one will ever forget, look no further than magnificent Banff, Canada. Banff is located in the friendly province of Alberta, nestled into the Canadian Rockies. Sitting pretty at an impressive 1383 meters (4537 feet), it is the second-highest city in the country and offers something for everyone.

Whether you are in the market for one of the many fantastic Canada tour packages that are available to explore this great country, or if you are looking for a more independent holiday so you can arrange all your own activities, accommodations and so on, be sure to center your trip to Banff around some of these top activities.

The Columbia Icefield

The Columbia Icefield is a spectacle to behold. It lies at the southern end of Jasper National Park and receives up to a staggering seven meters (275 in) of snow a year. It is the home of eight glaciers: Athabasca Glacier, Castleguard Glacier, Columbia Glacier, Dome Glacier, Stufield Glacier, and Saskatchewan Glacier.

Encircling the amazing ice field are some of the very highest mountains in the Canadian Rockies, which makes for some truly incredible views and wonderful photos and memories for you and your family.

Lake Louise

Lake Louise just might have it all, an absolute must on your itinerary to the region. Most of the best package tours include an option to help you explore beautiful Lake Louise, so be sure to take advantage of it. There are four-season recreational opportunities to get you out hiking, biking, swimming, sailing, skiing, or pretty much anything you can think of.

Add to that the mind-blowing accommodations that are available and you and your family are in for one massive treat that will be etched in your memories for years and years to come. Just be warned …you may never want to leave!

The Banff Gondola

The eight-minute gondola ride up the side of Sulphur Mountain is a ride you and your family will never forget. You will ooh and ahh over the views as you stand with your mouth agape at the stunning scenery as the fully-enclosed gondola carts you ever higher, higher up the 2,281m (7,468 ft) mountainside.

During the summer, you can enjoy Banff Alpine Lights, a unique opportunity to ride the gondola at night and dine in style with a full prime rib dinner and the beautiful night time views of Banff National Park.

Skiing

Banff is one of the indisputably best locations in the entire world to go skiing. It consistently ranks among peoples’ favourites alongside the Swiss Alps and the fantastic runs in the United States in Colorado and Utah.

You have more than one option when you ski in Banff, too. You can ski in the area of Ski Norquay, which can be found just beyond the town, or Sunshine Village, which is a drive of only about 20 minutes. Many visitors also stop over for a day on the slopes in Lake Louise.

Hiking

Hiking is one of the long-time favourites of a trip to Banff. Even if you don’t typically fancy yourself a “hiker,” you will want to become one during your stay here. The mountain views, the fresh air, the beautiful trees blowing in the breeze…what’s not to love? Grab the kids and a pair of walking sticks and hit the trails. There are walks for all levels of skill and motivation to enjoy.

If you are not accustomed to hiking, just be sure to take it easy on yourself and remember that Banff is at a much higher altitude than your body may be used to. Get out there and enjoy the beautiful nature that Banff has to offer, but do your research if you’re new to hiking or being in the outdoors. It will make your time outside much more safe and enjoyable.

Don’t forget the camera and the trail mix!

Interviewing Canadas Hostels: HI-Castle Mountain Wilderness Hostel

Corbin — Tue, 11 May 2010 00:43:22 +0000

Numero huit mes amis! It would be sheer lunacy to ignore some of the amazing hostels found a little further off the beaten trail. One of these rare beauties is the Castle Mountain Wilderness Hostel, yet another amazing HI-Canada hostel. Tony Chatham was kind enough to give us a few answers along with an amazing description on what you can expect when you book a night in the famous Castle Mountain Hostel.

Q: How long have you been operating your hostel?

A: I have been running HI-Castle Mountain Wilderness Hostel for eight fabulous years.

Q: Tell us about your hostel?

A: HI-Castle Mountain has two dorms, one for 14 guys and another for 14 gals, both with their own bathrooms .The beds are very wide and comfortable, a bit like Via rail some say, the only difference is ours don’t move.

There is an excellent equipped kitchen for 28 people, 2 fridges, 2 ovens, a microwave, out door barbeque, cozy lounge with a wonderful fireplace, front loading laundry, incredible water that is the equivalent of spring water. Indoor toilets, hot showers, electricity, phones, cell coverage are some of other features we have that folks that travel the chain of hostels down from Jasper look forward to when they arrive at the Castle.

Q: Tell us about the area your hostel resides in?

A: A food store and gasoline bar is available across the road. In the surrounding area, within a short drive of the hostel there are three superb restaurants that all offer something special in Canadian foods.

Our fire pit sits beside Silverton Creek with a stunning view of Castle Mountain in front of you. We are surrounded in a true wilderness setting, with streams, trees, and fields of flowers. There are frequent animal sightings of bears, moose, elk, deer, coyotes, wolves, lynx, and pine martens. The best time to be here for the flowers is from last week in June to the 1st week in August. The bouquet is out of this world.

Castle Mountain is halfway between Banff and Lake Louise, near the intersection of Highway 1A and Highway 93 south.

Q: Does your hostel offer any activities or help book tours for it’s guests?

A: The Castle area offers outdoor enthusiasts a wide range of adventures, from hiking alpine trails to skiing at nearby resorts or right out the door on groomed X-C ski trails. Cycling is some of the best in the world along the Bow Valley Parkway (Highway 1A). Popular Trails in the area are Castle Mountain, Stanley Glacier, Boom Lake, Johnson Canyon, Castle Mountain Lookout.

There is extra room for luggage and bike storage. Plenty of tourism info available for those who want to know what’s going on in the Rockies. Linen is included and of course the parking is free.

Once it’s dark and the skies are clear we offer a wee trip out to look at the stars. I usually track the satellites and the space station and we time the outing with the passing of the space station, which can be quite spectacular considering how bright the station is and how dark it is in our neck of the woods.

If you need a bed anywhere in our hostel network than we will help to book that for you. Or if there is something special in the area that needs doing and you are interested but are not sure what you need, we can help make the right choice to match your sense of adventure.

HI-Castle Mountain is the perfect size to get to know your fellow hosteller. The hostel has musical instruments, a great selection of music, lots of games, a super outdoor library, along with many good reading nooks in our lounge with its huge windows.

Q: How much does it cost for:

A: Dorm prices for members is $20, non-members $24

HI Castle Mountain Wilderness Hostel Website

HI Castle Mountain Hostel

The junction of HWY 1A and HWY 93 South in Banff National Park

1.866.762.4123

Despite how hard these rugged hostels can be to get to, if you have the opportunity to stay at the Castle Mountain Hostel be sure to do so. It may involve some serious hiking, some hitching, some cab sharing, or just meeting the write people heading in the same direction. Whatever the case may be, getting out of the city centres and into the Canadian wilderness can be a great reminder of why you’re backpacking in Canada.

Camping in Canada: Pacific Rim National Park Reserve

Corbin — Tue, 20 Apr 2010 12:33:55 +0000

Find your way to the west coast of Canada and be prepared for some of the most scenic views in Canada. The Pacific Rim National Park has a rugged ocean coastline and hundreds of kilometers of dense rain forests, perfect for hiking and camping. This luscious area is one of British Columbia’s most popular National Parks. The Pacific Rim National Park Reserve is a hefty 511 square kilometers and is made up of three regions, Long Beach, The Broken Group Islands, and the West Coast Trail. Wherever you decide to stay, I guarantee you’ll have a tough time leaving.

So you coughed up the $50 for the ferry ride to Vancouver Island, you’ve got your camping gear, now what? First off, you’re going to want to decide what you’ll be doing during your stay in the Pacific Rim National Park. This is going to be a tough decision. So choose wisely!

Things to do in the Pacific Rim National Park Reserve

Because this national park is so incredibly massive, the availability of activities really depends on where you plan on staying. Some of the few activities that are possible in just about every region include Bird Watching, Fishing, and Whale or Sea Lion Watching. Personally, that seems like a lot of sitting and watching. If you want a little more adventure and want to work up a sweat. You’ll be glad to hear there are more options to choose from.

If you happen to be in the Long Beach area

So you’ve decided the Long Beach area is where you want to be huh? Lots to do in these parts. There are several licensed commercial tour operators in this area, so if you’d like to have a guide show you around, this is something you might be interested in. However, if playing the roll of “Lonewolf” better suits your personality, you’ll be happy to hear that there are numerous hiking trails and beaches around to gather your thoughts and stretch your legs. The Long Beach area is the only region that allows for bicycling in the area. However they do recommend you keep it to the beaches. If getting wet and salty is more your style, The Long Beach region is a great spot for ocean kayaking and canoeing. Most padddlers choose to launch from Grice bay when the tides are high. This gives you the best chance of spotting some of the large marina animals in the area. Just be warned, watch the tide! During low-tide, Grice Bay becomes a big mudflat and you might find yourself grounded. Parks Canada advises paddlers to read the tide tables before launching.

Find your own piece of paradise in the Broken Group Islands

This wild and lush chain of islands is perfect for any boat and marine fanatic. There are countless places to hike and hundreds of hidden coves and bays to explore. Over 5000 paddlers come here during the summer to take it all in. The one place that you should watch out for is the Loudoun and Imperial Eagle, as these can be the most dangerous places to find yourself paddling through. Locals typically advise visitors to avoid hauling out the canoe or kayak for these areas as the weather has the notorious habit of changing on a dime, causing the water in this area to be more unpredictable than a drunken prom date. It definitely helps to have a boat in in this region, so this area might be a little tough to do for those with only their backpacks on their backs.

Take on the rugged West Coast Trail

The West Coast Trail is the mecca of hiking trails in Canada. It’s been proud to proclaim itself the Best Hike in the World (according to BestHike.com) since 1999. So for those who don’t know, the West Coast Trail is a 75 km (47 miles) long backpacking trail that follows the south western edge of Vancouver Island. It’s typically open between May and September, however be sure to double check as damage to the trails by weather has been known to delay opening dates.

Quick fact: The west coast trail was originally designed to save shipwrecked survivors. Rescuers and survivors would use this trail to find their way back to civilization.

If you happen to find the guts to tackle the West Coast Trail, you’ll may or may not find comfort in hearing you’re not alone in the forest. Wildlife in the area include cougars, bears, wolves, whales, sea lions, along with hundreds of types of birds. So using your good judgment in this area should be on the top of your list of things to do in and around here. If you don’t plan on doing the typical 6 days hiking the trail, there are also day hikes available in the area.

Park Fees

As with just about any National Park, you can expect some camping fees to be included in your little escape from society. A daily entry will set you back $7.80, however if you plan on camping, expect to pay between $17.60 and $23.50, depending on amenities included in your campsite. If you plan on taking on the West Coast Trail, the cost is $127.50 per trip. For more information on prices, head to the Parks Canada Website

If you’d like more information, you can call the Pacific Rim National park Reserve at (250) 726-3500 or call for a camping reservation at 1-8877-737-3783.

Campsites

One of the most popular campsite in the area is the Green Point Campground, which is located on Highway 4 between Ucluelet and Tofino. There’s plenty of RV and Campervan sites as well as lots of private sites for those tenting it. Each site has a picnic table and fire basket. There’s some great scenic views in this area and the beach is just a short walk from the campgrounds.

If you’d like to find a campground around Tofino there are a couple options:

Bella Pacifica Resort & Campground
400 MacKenzie Beach Road, Tofino, BC V0R 2Z0‎ – (250) 725-3400‎

Tofino Campground
1850 Pacific Rim Highway, Tofino, BC‎ – (250) 725-3314‎

If you’d prefer to find a campground near Ucluelet there is:

Ucluelet Campground
260 Seaplane Base Road, Ucluelet, BC‎ – (250) 726-4355‎

Surf Junction Campground
2650 Tofino – Ucluelet Highway
Ucluelet, BC V0R 3A0 – (250) 726-7214

Camping in the Broken Chain islands has recently stopped, due to the cultural significance of the area to the Tseshaht First Nations. However visiting and paddling through the area is still allowed, so given the chance, you should try to see these parts.

Remember to dress for the weather while visiting the west coast. Vancouver Island can go from one extreme to another, so be sure to have some warm clothes for the night, along with any rain gear you think you’ll need. Despite the potential wet and cold, the Pacific Rim National Park Reserve is one well worth exploring. It’s a great launching point for checking out some of the hiking trails, beaches, and the famous Tofino Surf. Vancouver Island has lots to offer the budget traveller, and the Pacific Rim National Park Reserve is just one of the many gems in this group of islands.

Interviewing Canadas Hostels: HI Vancouver Central

Corbin — Thu, 08 Apr 2010 14:17:19 +0000

Lucky number 7! As usual, HI Canada went above and beyond and hooked me up with another interview. These interview questions were answered by Keith Luciow, the Manager at HI-Vancouver Central Hostel. So rather than wasting your time, lets dive right into the meat and potatoes and find out a little more about one of Vancouvers most popular hostels.

Q: How long have you been operating your hostel?

A: The Vancouver Central hostel has been open for almost 8 years. It occupies a heritage building on Granville Street in the heart of Vancouver’s entertainment district.

Q: Tell us about your hostel?

A: We have 4- and 2-bed dorms. There is a large locker for every bed, and every dorm room has a sink. We also have private rooms with ensuite or shared washrooms. The hostel has an express kitchen, TV room, lounge, laundry room, internet kiosks, and free Wifi access. We also have free daily luggage storage, as well as long term storage for $3 per week.

Q: Does your hostel offer any activities or help book tours for it’s guests?

A: At HI-Vancouver Central we go out of our way to keep you busy! The hostel organizes daily tours of local attractions such as Granville Island and the Capilano Suspension Bridge. We run nightly activities such as pub crawls, comedy nights, and we also have cheap tickets to hockey and football games. We also sell tickets for public transit, as well as discounted tickets for bike rentals and attractions like the Vancouver Art Gallery and the Vancouver Planetarium. Our front desk is open 24 hours a day to provide travel information and advice about local attractions. We can also help you book tours and onward accommodation.

Q: What is your favourite activity / tour that your hostel offers, and why?

A: My favorite activity is the Granville Island tour. Micah, our resident tour guide, takes you on a short ferry ride across False Creek to Granville Island. We visit the public market to sample some local treats and explore shops with works by local artists. My favorite part of the tour is the optional visit to the Granville Island Brewery. After a tour of the brewery there are delicious samples of some of Vancouver’s finest micro-brewed beers. Good times!

Q: Tell us about the area your hostel resides in?

A: Our hostel is located on Granville Street, right in the center of Vancouver’s vibrant entertainment district. The hostel is a short walk to most of downtown Vancouver’s tourist attractions, public transit, shopping, beaches, and art galleries.

Q: Do you offer work for backpackers?

A: No, unfortunately the hostel does not provide any work for stay programs. We will hire backpackers who have a work permit, however.

Q: Are there any special promotions you’re currently running or have run in the past?

A: During the November to March winter season we offer a 7 for 6 deal. The 7th night of your stay is free when you book 6 nights at a time. This deal is currently on hold while the Olympics are in town, but will be back as of Feb 28.

Q: How much does it cost for:

A: Dorms from $27 and private rooms from $75.

HI Vancouver Central Website

HI Vancouver Central Facebook page

Your hostels Twitter page: @hostelscanada

HI-Vancouver Central
1025 Granville Street

Vancouver, BC
1.866.762.4122

There’s been a huge amount of hype behind Vancouver in recent days, what with the success of the 2010 winter Olympics. This is one of the most popular destinations to check out while traveling in Canada, so you’d be crazy not to include this on your itinerary. I guarantee you’ll run out of time before you run out of things to see and do.

Camping in Canada: Cypress Hills Interprovincial Park

Corbin — Mon, 05 Apr 2010 13:54:21 +0000

Straddling the border of Saskatchewan and Alberta sits Cypress Hills Interprovincial Park. If you’re looking for the best view of the Great Plains of Saskatchewan and the lush hills of Alberta, this is the place to see it. Cypress Hills rises 600 meters above the plains and offers some of the most breath taking pieces of scenery you’ll see in this part of Canada.

There’s so much room for activities!

Cypress hills is a great place for outdoor activities. During the summer months (June to September) you’ve got your pick at dozens of hiking trails in Alberta and Saskatchewan. If hiking gives you a case of the yawns, pick up a bike and hit some of the dozens of biking trails, from beginner to intermediate, to even a few expert trails. If you find working up a serious sweat isn’t your thing, you could always slow things down with some of the many Interpretive Hiking Trails, which will point out important landmarks and teach you about the local flora and fauna. During winter, dust off those cross-country ski’s, proceed with your worst impression of “wax on, wax off” and strap in for a work out and a good time!

The wild? Are you nuts?

If you’re amped up on crazy, and obsessed with getting pictures of animals in the wild, you’ll be happy to hear that Cypress Hills is home to Elk, White Tail, Mule Deer, Moose, Rainbow and Brook trout (bring your fishing rod) and even cougars, North America’s largest and most badass wild cat found on this continent. Keep in mind, 3 of those listed animals have the ability to kill you, and coincidentally each are on my list of 10 Ways to Die in Canada. So just be smart out there.

Pitch a tent!

There are plenty of campgrounds to go around, both on the Saskatchewan side and on the Alberta side of Cypress Hills. Prices typically range from $21 for non electrical campsites and up to $32 for full service campsites. (More Camping Costs) You’ve got a huge variety of choices here, so if you’ve got time, and want to familiarize yourself with the campgrounds, take a drive and see what each has to offer.

For Cypress Hills, Alberta campgrounds call (403) 893-3782 or reserve a site online
For Cypress Hills, Saskatchewan campgrounds call (306) 662-5484

Camping in the upper-class

If tenting brings about thoughts of uncomfortable sleeping, creepy crawlies, and a sore back in the morning, there are a few other options. Cypress Hills has a couple different resorts you can stay with. In Alberta, there is the Elkwater Lake Lodge & Resort, and in Saskatchewan there is Cypress Park Resort Inn. There is also several Bed & Breakfasts and Guest Ranches where you can kick up your pampered feet after a long day.

Cypress Hills has got the wildlife, it’s got all the camping you could ask for, it’s got some of the most amazing sights and sounds in the area, the only thing missing from this picture is you. This magnificent park is located in the perfect spot to give your wheels a rest during the 8 hour drive between Calgary and Regina. It’s the perfect spot for a long weekend camping trip or a quick day trip on your way through. Whatever your reason for visiting, it gives you some great views of the rolling hills of Alberta, and the flatlands of Saskatchewan, and makes you appreciate this part of Canada so much more.