August 18, 2010 | Tips from Travellers >
Smithers, Hiking
Find more information about Smithers - Hiking
View a larger image on flickr.com
Nestled in the pocket of Hudson Bay Mountain anyone of any age has the chance to gaze upon the "twin" falls that fall directly from Kathlyn Glacier. It's about 15 minutes from the town of Smithers and a 10 minute walk from the forest rec. parking lot. Once at the base of the falls the mist is carried through the valley leaving you cool and calm. It's a great place for a picnic or a nice leisure walk to experience the North in its purest form.
Also for the outdoor enthusiasts, Glacier Gulch recreational hiking trail meets the perfect need for exercise and a great view leading straight to the foot of the glacier. 2 and a half hours and you are in an elevated paradise. You can follow one of the falls all the way to where it begins its flow. Truly amazing!
I went for a picnic this past weekend at the base of the falls and ate a meal with my girlfriend and rested above. 15 minutes away from town and I have something peaceful and serene to look forward to. Isn't that something.
I have done the Glacier Gulch several times this year and it doesn't get old for me. I love the workout and the view motivates me. Pack a lunch and pack an empty water bottle because when you get to the top, the clearest and coldest glacier water is awaiting.
Enjoy a moment of your summer at Twin Falls/Glacier Gulch if you get the chance.
June 24, 2010 | Tips from Travellers >
Smithers, Hiking
Find more information about Smithers - Hiking
View a larger image on flickr.com
Its truly amazing to acknowledge how easy it is to jump in the vehicle and drive 30 minutes through switchbacks, trees, and mountainous terrain, ending up nearly above the clouds. Smithers B.C. is my hometown and the possibilities in the "Super Natural" outdoors that I call home are close to endless.
It was a clear and warm Monday this week and I was curious about the conditions on the Crater Lake hiking trail. I work at the Smithers Visitor Info Centre and I took the initiative to check it out on my day off. I wanted to know the conditions so my advice to the tourists was accurate. My girlfriend and I made way for the alpine valley.
Not even 20 minutes into our hike we ran into some tourists from Victoria B.C. who appeared to be lost. They just so happened to pull out their Crater Lake pamphlet and asked about the hike. It was the perfect opportunity to give them advice and also have them follow behind us. They were so happy to have ran into us up there.
As we walked passed the tree line we decided to stop for a break and eat some lunch. We had a great conversation and the tourists also had a pair of binoculars to gaze the view with. The hike was a bit pre-season but nonetheless it was well worth it. It also made me proud to have provided the guests from Victoria with my local knowledge of the area.
As we made it to Crater Lake the tourists commented with "This is definitely the highlight of our trip" and they thanked us kindly. Locals are the ambassadors of their towns and my girlfriend and I are lucky to be from a place where we can make visitors love the area we live in.
[Editor's note: Learn more about hiking in Smithers
here.]