Bugaboos Provincial Park
"Tripping out over a Bug" by Cheryl Goodwin - as published in The Force, July, 2009
Looking for a brilliant escape from the heat of the valley, mosquitoes and summer time blues? Let me suggest that you load up the pack with clothes for all mountain weather extremes, food, water, leave the dog at home on its bed, hop in the jalopy and head towards Brisco.
It is hard to believe that within a simple morning's drive, Columbia Valley residents can be at the base of what is perhaps some of the most awesome scenery on the globe. Complete with views that encompass towering walls of granite rocketing up from glaciated fields of ice and snow that still line the upper valley floors - and the opportunity to have a day hike that includes trails lined with flowers, wild berries, waterfalls and a complete ascent into the glaciated alpine from the peaceful forests below.
Everything is big in the Bugaboo Provincial Park. I have the pleasure of being a custodian for the Alpine Club of Canada which manages the facilities within the park. Every two weeks I commute up and down this amazing trail that holds surprises at every turn. Whether it is the ladder and chains that offer protection to souls as they head up towards the Conrad Kain Hut or the sheer madness of the landscapes that are constantly changing with every step of the journey in and out.
The "Bugs" are considered to be some of the best climbing granite on the globe � but do not let the fact that there are few hiking routes turn you back. The 4.5km trail (one way) that leaves from the parking lot up to the hut is a spectacular introduction into what our mountains hold. Even if you opt for going only to the lookout - you will still be rewarded with breathtaking views of this very unique area.
Read MoreLooking for a brilliant escape from the heat of the valley, mosquitoes and summer time blues? Let me suggest that you load up the pack with clothes for all mountain weather extremes, food, water, leave the dog at home on its bed, hop in the jalopy and head towards Brisco.
It is hard to believe that within a simple morning's drive, Columbia Valley residents can be at the base of what is perhaps some of the most awesome scenery on the globe. Complete with views that encompass towering walls of granite rocketing up from glaciated fields of ice and snow that still line the upper valley floors - and the opportunity to have a day hike that includes trails lined with flowers, wild berries, waterfalls and a complete ascent into the glaciated alpine from the peaceful forests below.
Everything is big in the Bugaboo Provincial Park. I have the pleasure of being a custodian for the Alpine Club of Canada which manages the facilities within the park. Every two weeks I commute up and down this amazing trail that holds surprises at every turn. Whether it is the ladder and chains that offer protection to souls as they head up towards the Conrad Kain Hut or the sheer madness of the landscapes that are constantly changing with every step of the journey in and out.
The "Bugs" are considered to be some of the best climbing granite on the globe � but do not let the fact that there are few hiking routes turn you back. The 4.5km trail (one way) that leaves from the parking lot up to the hut is a spectacular introduction into what our mountains hold. Even if you opt for going only to the lookout - you will still be rewarded with breathtaking views of this very unique area.
