Golden, British Columbia
An alpine adventure
This ATVer was captured by the beauty of the mountains near Golden
Wow—that’s a word you will use many times if you take the ride we did in September 2008. My husband, Ed, and I joined members of the Golden ATV Club for a weekend to do some riding in the Bush Arm of Kinbasket Lake. I had heard this was a ride not to miss so, even though it was teeming rain in Revelstoke, we trusted the weather forecast and took off for camp at 57.5 kilometres on the Bush River Forest Service Road (FSR) where we found the gang from Golden.
So Much To See: Moira and Ed Jaatteenmaki discovered towering mountain peaks, lush forests and crystal-clear rivers on their ride in the Golden area last September. —photo by Moira Jaatteenmaki
The next morning was—surprise, surprise—exactly as the weather man had predicted: mainly sunny with some clouds. Ten ATVs took off up the Bush River FSR and quickly entered typical Rocky Mountain country. The mountain tops were covered with the first snow of the season which emphasized the weathering and layering of the mountains. The first mountain to catch my eye was one that was very similar to Castle Mountain in Banff National Park, just smaller. Then we came into a valley and there was an incredible sight of a banded mountain where the bands were multi coloured. When the mountain was formed the bands were thrust upwards and sideways so that they varied from vertical to convoluted, wow.
Next was the spectacular Mt. Bryce and the cameras started what would be a day long activity of taking incredible photos. Mt. Bryce, towering above us at 11,515 feet, is at one time a smaller version of Mt. Robson, then from another angle it’s the Matterhorn and yet another it is a large vertical plug rising out of severe vertical slopes. Off to our left was Mt. Columbia all white and towering over everything else at 12,293 feet; this is the highest point in Alberta. Just when you thought it couldn’t get any better, we next caught a glimpse in the distance of a horizontal wall of snow and ice. Further up the valley, we went up Bryce Creek FSR, turned the corner and the biggest wow possible. The lookout point was at 4,600 feet and we were looking at the south edge of the Columbia Icefields. Below us was a valley with a meandering river spawned from the ice melt. We spotted two hikers and a herd of elk in the valley. At the head of the valley rose three glacier tongues coming down from walls of fractured and convoluted glacier ice. The whole horizon was filled with this awesome sight. Just 20 kilometres over the top and you would arrive at the Columbia Icefields visitor centre on the Banff-Jasper highway. It was hard to leave this awesome sight but our next trip was up Rice Brook, climbing up the valley with towering, dry, vertical faces until we were stopped by deactivation only three kilometres from the Alberta border.
We went back to the Bush River FSR then to the north where we would pass snow-covered Mt. Columbia and arrive again at the edge of the icefield. Unfortunately, a bridge was missing on the road and someone had cut out the alternate bridge so we were thwarted.
Back to camp we went, stopping repeatedly for picture opportunities. After refueling, we started up Valenciennes River FSR branching up the Icefall Brook FSR to a lookout to view the Southwest Lyell Icefield. On the way, we passed Bush peak and Rostrum Peak—both 10,000+ peaks. We could see the icefield growing at the end of the valley but we were stopped in our tracks by a huge washout. Obviously the spring runoff had caused this. After much examination and consultation, a very rough way around was found and two ATVs took off to see what lay ahead. Once again, the road was washed out two kilometres up and that was that.
What a great day. We rode about 180 kilometres in total and saw incredible country that is totally awesome. And this opinion is coming from someone who lives in the midst of the Selkirk and Monashee mountains and every day has her breakfast gazing out the window at a 180 degree view of 8,963-foot Mt. Begbie with its glaciated peaks and Mt. McPherson at 7,874 on my right then Mt. MacKenzie and Mt Cartier at 8,071 and 8,666 feet respectively on my left and the wetlands of the Columbia River and its wildlife below me.
This trip combined the best of ATVing: good riding, totally awesome country and great company. This is absolutely a ride not to be missed. Thanks for the hospitality, Golden ATV Club, and we will be back next year—no doubt about that.
British Columbia key contacts
SAAS FEE VALEMOUNT VILLAGE RESORT & SPA
The peak of perfection
The Saas Fee Valemount Village Resort & Spa combines the indulgent comforts of resort living with small town character and natural charm. The condominiums and townhomes border on a beautifully landscaped courtyard and the building’s exterior finishes emphasize stone and heavy timber while high windows let in the light and majesty of the brilliant surroundings. You’ll find manicured greens for golfing and switch into high gear for snowmobile excitement in the winter. Whether you're looking to retire to this friendly burg, to bring your family to the exciting outdoors or merely to invest, Saas Fee Valemount Village Resort & Spa has the option for you.
B&F Sales & Service Ltd.
Your Honda headquarters
At B&F Sales & Service Ltd., located in Grand Forks, B.C., we specialize in superior customer service. Our large supply of Honda products includes ATVs, motorcycles, lawn and garden wares, generators, snowblowers, walk-behind mowers and water pumps.
Equipped with a fully stocked parts department, we'll help you find all the accessories and dress-up items you've been searching for. Our qualified technicians are ready and willing to help with any question or concern you may have.
Let our friendly sales staff and competitive service be the reasons why you choose B&F Sales & Service Ltd. for all your recreation needs.
B&F Sales & Service Ltd.
Stay & Play in Golden!
Enjoy comfort and fun in Golden. The Sportsman Lodge is an enjoyable hotel facility, including a pool, waterslide, hot tub and sauna. Rooms with fully equipped kitchenettes as well as family and Jacuzzi suites are available. Our spacious outdoor property features picnic tables, a teepee, fire pit, horseshoe pit and volleyball area as well as a barbecue setting. Please inquire about our golf packages.
Greater Vancouver Powersports
At Greater Vancouver Powersports, you will find a huge selection of BRP's newest Ski-Doos, from the ever-popular Summit to the ultimate touring machine—and everything in between. Our full-service shop and highly equipped technicians are happy to provide assistance and answer any technical questions you may have. Be sure to check out our hugely expanded showroom and find any accessory or dress-up item you require.
We are an all-season powersports dealer and carry a massive selection of ATVs, PWCs, motorcycles and boats. So if you are in the market for a new toy, seeking the perfect accessory or need some technical help, head to Greater Vancouver Powersports for a superb selection and superior customer service.
Greater Vancouver Powersports#1 18565 96th AveSurrey, BC V4N 3P7, CanadaPHONE: (604) 888-8700
Golden, BC
A revolution in avalanche safety
The Snowpulse Life Bag Backpack is the only avalanche technology designed to keep your head on the surface. This avalanche flotation device is equipped with a refillable Transport Canada-approved canister of compressed air which inflates the Life Bag within three seconds of the handle being pulled. When inflated, the Life Bag prevents asphyxiation and trauma to the wearer’s head and thorax. The backpack is durable and weighs only 2.8 kilograms. It is a functional, ergonomical and comes in three volume sizes and availalbe at dealers across Canada. Avalanche airbags offer a 93 per cent survival rate
Avalanche Safety Solutions
Nanaimo, BC
Load ’em up
The SuperDeck XL Hydraulic Loading System by AmeriDeck™ is designed to make loading and unloading your toys easier. With the push of a button, the deck lowers to provide access to equipment at ground level. It is rated for up to 2,000 pounds and is 102 inches wide and 96 inches long. The deck is constructed of durable materials and includes a lift arm, hydraulic cylinder and 12-volt DC Power Pack. AmeriDeck says the SuperDeck XL installs easily and fits any full-sized long or short box pickup truck.
Steel Container Systems Inc.
North Battleford
Open Skies Program
Open Skies is the only program offering: Third Party Liability and Physical Damage in one policy, with one application, one expiry date, one agent and one adjuster to deal with in the event of a claim • Definition of Insured extending coverage to anyone with owner’s permission, eliminating the common restriction of “immediate family residing at home” • No restriction on operating with a passenger • Up to $25,000 for Sudden & Accidental Pollution as a result of an accident • Section B, Accident Benefits on the operator and/or rider • All your snowmobile, ATVs and/or trail bikes insured under one policy with a multi-vehicle discount applicable to all sleds or quads when 4 or more are insured in one policy • Replacement cost at no extra charge for 24 months from date of delivery of your snowmobile (no depreciation) • Up to $1,000 on decks or dedicated trailers for the same coverage on the unit at no extra charge.
Open Skies supports your local agents with over 200 (and growing) to serve you. Instead of purchasing insurance as an add-on to your membership, why not deal with your LICENSED local agent doing business in YOUR community or contact ken@oasisinsurance.ca.
Kelowna, BC
Buy and Sell What Moves You
Find Blue Book values for ATVs, motorcycles, snowmobiles and watercraft at www.canadianbluebook.com. Our parent company is All Seasons Publications Ltd., publishers of the Canadian Blue Book. With more than 65 years of combined experience, we want to share, educate and empower you to make informed decisions when buying or selling your powersports vehicle. Our site allows you to browse listings, post your ad, find retail and trade-in values and read industry news reports.
All Seasons Publications Ltd.
