Bask in the Bulkley Valley

Join in on the fun, explore some incredible backcountry and find out what ATVing in Smithers is all about

by Kali Love

A man and his dog sit and pose for the camera on an ATV on a trail through the forest and mountains

Dave Tolton goes ATVing every weekend in the summer around Smithers with his favourite riding companion—Jackson, his Jack Russell. — Photo courtesy Dave Tolten

Imagine a community that is rich in spirit and recreation; it is surrounded by mountains and every recreational pursuit is at your fingertips. If you haven’t already guessed—I’m talking about Smithers.

The community is set against the backdrop of Hudson Bay Mountain, with the Babine mountain range to the east; these mountains become hot spots in the summer for enthusiastic quadders. The riding areas here are known for forested trail systems, spectacular viewpoints and the potential for wildlife sightings. The Bulkley Valley (BV) Quad Riders is an active group that sees involvement in several communities around the region. One of the club’s main goals is to become a pillar in the ATVing community, with plans to host as many functions around the Bulkley Valley as possible.

Dave Tolton, the vice-president of the BV Quad Riders, said the members organize a club ride twice a month during the summer. The club’s biggest annual event is the poker ride; last year, there was so much community support that every participant received a prize. Tolton said the 2011 poker ride will be even better.

The club consists of more than 50 members. Tolton said that although it is a small group, each member is fun loving and has a passion for ATVing.

“We all like to get out and get dirty,” said Tolton. “Smithers is well known for its environmental issues and motorized vehicle access restrictions, and we as a group are determined to prove that responsible off-road use of motorized vehicles is not only possible but beneficial to other user groups in Smithers.”


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