Canada
British Columbian Adventures in its Nature’s Heartland
Article and photography by Jennifer Merrick
“Welcome to Canada’s Grand Canyon,” said Rick Graham, our group leader.
Our jaws had been dropping regularly throughout our travels in BC’s interior. Here, starting northeast of Vancouver, we followed the mighty Fraser River, the province’s longest and largest waterway that sculpted the canyons, provided salmon, shaped history and created the landscape that we had been marveling at for the past week.
But even so, this panoramic vista left our jaws swinging in the breeze.
Standing on top of a ridge at Cougar Point in Edge Hills Provincial Park, we were spellbound by an infinity pool of crevassed rocks and peaks that led our eyes down to the minuscule-looking Fraser River that had carved it all. You might imagine that a spot this beautiful would have hikers and daytrippers out on this sunny, summer day, enjoying this splendour. But this was not the case, and we stood alone, awed and humbled.
With moments like this, it was no wonder that our trip into BC’s Nature’s Heartland stole our own hearts. Here were some of our favourite moments:
Rafting the River
REO Rafting Resort has been taking guests out on the Nahatlatch River, a scenic tributary of the Fraser River, since 1983.
“I knew the moment I set eyes on this land that this was a special place,” said owner Bryan Fogelman.
Surrounded by pristine crown land and the soothing rush of water, it was a sentiment we readily shared, just like the many guests who return year after year.
In addition to the rafting trips, the resort holds multiple yoga classes, offers paddleboarding and kayaking and has all-inclusive packages with delicious home-cooked meals. Their large tent accommodation is more glamping than camping with full beds with comfy mattresses and a deck overlooking the river.
Fishing the Fraser’s Indigenous History
Our timing for the Xwisten Experience Tour couldn’t have been more serendipitous. More salmon were swimming in the river that had been seen for years, and the bank was dotted with groups of family and friends fishing and wind-drying the fish. On the tour, which started at the archaeological site, we learned just how deeply salmon and the Xwisten heritage are intertwined.
“Ninety percent of the bones we found here have been salmon,” said Josh Jack, who along with his sister, Florence, runs the tours. “The artifacts and remnants show that for six to seven thousand years, our people have been in the same spot, doing the same thing.”
Florence and Josh then demonstrated the techniques of fishing and preservation before we had the pleasure of tasting the ‘Fraser River Gold’ wind-dried salmon.
“It’s essentially fish jerky,” said Florence and explained that every family has their own recipe as well as their own fishing spot on the river.
“It becomes a huge family gathering.”
Diving into the Flavours of Lillooet’s Wine and Beer Scene
“With the heat here, it’s more like Australia,” said Seth Jex, passionate winemaker at Fort Berens Winery. We walked through the surprisingly varied terrain of this popular winery before enjoying some tastings in their spacious tasting rooms with both indoor and outdoor seating.
Nearby is Lillooet Brewing Company, a craft destination brewery that serves a diverse beer selection, pizza and food truck offerings. Its patio boasts stunning views of the Fraser Canyon and Fountain Ridge.
Discovering ‘Stones of Heaven’
Highly valued by cultures from around the world, including First Nations, Mayans, Aztecs, Māori and Chinese, jade has been called the ‘stone from heaven’. And you’ll find slices of heaven all over Lillooet, the jade capital of British Columbia. George Vanderwolf, founder of the town’s first Jade mine and a gifted regaler of stories, took us on a tour of the 31 unique jade installations on Main Street. These boulders showcase the geological and artistic properties of this prized gemstone and also tell the story of Lillooet’s mining heritage, which shipped more jade from this town than anywhere in the world.
For more interesting stories about the town, visit the Lillooet Museum and Visitor’s Centre, a historic 1860 church, which houses eclectic displays of the many different aspects of Lillooet’s past, from Indigenous culture and Gold Rush artifacts to pioneer life and rock samples. It’s also the place to go if you’re looking for travel advice or info. on the region’s attractions.
Ranching into Wellness
Well-being permeates multiple layers at Echo Valley Ranch. First and foremost, it’s the location itself as it sits at the convergence of four distinct geographical regions: the Grasslands, the Cariboo Plateau, the Marble Mountain range and the Fraser Canyon.
Owners Norm and Nan Dove described how they immediately fell in love with the serenity and beauty of the landscape, saying they felt, “an overwhelming sense of spirituality and reverence for it.” We all felt that connection to nature during our stay. This sense of wellness is magnified by the ranch’s facilities, amenities and attention to detail.
The accommodations in the individual log cabins and in the main lodge blend in with the surroundings and display indigenous art that pays homage to the region’s natural surroundings.
Two spas offer a range of services, including traditional Thai massage at the Baan Thai Spa. Authenticity is important to Thai owner, Nan, who hires trained practitioners and even had the building designed by monks. Being stretched and pulled from head to toe was a blissful hour and a half of physical and mental release. Western and fusion massage, body wraps and facials are also available. Wellness facilities include an indoor pool, sauna, gym and yoga and meditation classes.
Connecting with animals is another component of wellness here at the ranch. Interestingly, researchers have shown that interacting with our four-legged friends reduces stress and increases feel-good hormones in the brain. Echo Valley Ranch’s Horse Harmony experience provides an immersive connection with your horse before a ride on the trails. Ranch dogs are always happy to accompany you on walks around the property and their cats, depending on their mood, will cosy up with you in the main sitting areas.
Fly fishing, e-mountain biking, archery and hiking are some of the myriad of activities on the roster, all of which are made even more enjoyable because of the views you’ll enjoy while doing them. Northwest is the Boreal Forest of oxygen-rich evergreens and a canopy of green; east are the Marble Mountains, whose limestone topography features caves, sink holes and striking rock formations; and to the South-West lies the Fraser River Valley and the deep gorge that some call ‘Canada’s Grand Canyon’.
