Whistler, BC 56 degrees, chilly, cloudy)
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| Brown's Bay RV Park - Campbell River |
It was a pretty park with no hookups and a relaxing place to hang out. From here we traveled north to Campbell River and our destination for three nights was a place our campground book (
Mike and Terri Church) said was one of the nicest campgrounds in North America. They were so right.
Brown's Bay Resort has stunning sites overlooking the ocean from two levels. It's quiet and peaceful with full hook ups. We pulled out our lawn chairs and after a somewhat hectic two months of traveling just chilled out. It was delightful. The birding was great and there was an excellent indoor hot tub which John really enjoyed. Jann got out her hummingbird feeder and within minutes some visitors arrived to our delight.
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| Anna's Hummingbird |
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| Prothonotary Warbler |
This little warbler sang it's heart out the whole time we were there. He loved the views too.
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| Western Kingbird stopped by for a brief visit |
From here we went back south to the ferry port called Departure Bay after an overnight in Qualicum Beach.
The hour and half ferry ride landed at Horseshoe Bay and our next stop was Alice Lake Provincial Park in Squamish. The highway to our campground is called Sea to Sky and it was so spectacular.
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| Coming in to dock at Horseshoe Bay |
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| Whistler |
Our main destination here was Whistler about a 45 minute drive further north. It's a pretty touristy ski town with high end accommodations and restaurants. We spent most of our time checking out the waterfalls and scenic overlooks. We enjoyed the beautiful evergreen forests, steep mountain ranges and tranquil lakes.
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| Brandywine Falls |
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| Shannon Falls |
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| Coffee and croissant break at Pemberton |
A clerk at the Visitor Center suggested we buy a combination ticket to two museums. The Squamish Lil'Wat Cultural Center had displays of two First Nation Tribes. There are tours at the beginning of each hour which start with a native drumming. movie and then a guided tour of the museum with a tribe member. Outside you can also see a traditional longhouse, The handmade canoe was a masterpiece.
Our ticket also included the Audain Art Museum. The building itself is a piece of art. There was a special exhibit of Beau Dick which we found fascinating. Some of the masks were kind of scarey but really well done. A docent tour of the rest of the British Columbia artists collection was included. It is well worth the admission. I especially liked the Emily Carre works.
And the highlight for all of us was the Peak to Peak gondola ride which links Whistler and Blackcomb Mountains. The views and heights in the gondola were jaw dropping. It's an engineering marvel with the longest unsupported span in the world. Gulp! When we got to that part it took our breath away. The ski season had just ended and there was still plenty of snow at the top. You can even take your bike on this lift and ride part of the way down on special trails.
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| Barry and Jann |
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| Me and John |
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| This was an Olympic site in the past |
Check back soon to read about our next stop in Harrison Hot Springs.We also will soon meet up in the Okanagan Lake area with Bob and Becky, another couple who will be joining this adventure.
Up the steep grade again from Tofino and across Vancouver Island we went to spent two nights at Little Qualicum Falls Provincial Park .
It was a pretty park with no hookups and a relaxing place to hang out. From here we traveled north to Campbell River and our destination for three nights was a place our campground book (Mike and Terri Church) said was one of the nicest campgrounds in North America. They were so right.
Our ticket also included the Audain Art Museum. The building itself is a piece of art. There was a special exhibit of Beau Dick which we found fascinating. Some of the masks were kind of scarey but really well done. A docent tour of the rest of the British Columbia artists collection was included. It is well worth the admission. I especially liked the Emily Carre works.
Nice museum tour and really beautiful country.
ReplyDeleteLove the gondola rides that are so breathtaking, great photos from such a high point. I had no idea Whistler was so close to the water, somehow imagined it farther inland, although I have heard of it forever. Friends from Northern Idaho where I lived were always going to "whistler" for skiing. The museums looked wonderful too. Such artistry. Isn't it amazing how patterns are often repeated throughout the world? Masks reminded me of the Maiori.
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