SNOW WITH the FLOW! CARIBOO STRONG - Pacific Coastal Airlines
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Inflight
Magazine for
Pacific Coastal
Airlines
SNOW WITH
the FLOW!
It’s snow time in BC
CARIBOO STRONG
Williams Lake exhibit revisits
the 2017 wildfires
ON TAP!
Something’s brewing in the
West Kootenays
December/January 2020/21 | Volume 14 | Number 6
Your
ED HANDJA
& SHELLEY MCKAY
Personal Real Estate Corporation
BC Oceanfront Real Estate Team
Personal Real Estate Corporation
Specializing in Unique Coastal Real Estate in British Columbia
Ed 250.287.0011 • Shelley 250.830.4435
Office 250.286.3293 Toll Free 1.888.286.1932
edhandja@bcoceanfront.com
Great Choices for Recreational Use & Year-round Living • www.bcoceanfront.com • Great Choices for Recreational Use & Year-round Living • www.bcoceanfront.com
shelleymckay@bcoceanfront.com
Great Choices for Recreational Use & Year-round Living • www.bcoceanfront.com • Great Choices for Recreational Use & Year-round Living • www.bcoceanfront.com
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w w w. b c o c e a n f r o n t . c o m
Cover: Big White Ski Resort.
CONTENTS
Features Departments
9 A WINTER DISCOVERY: 18 CARIBOO STRONG 4 UP FRONT
UNESCO Global Geopark 2017 wildfires exhibit President’s Message
11 SNOW YOUR OWN WAY! 6 MEET A PCA EMPLOYEE
22 ON TAP!
It’s snow time in BC
Find your new beer style in the 6 AROUND BC
15 SOAKING IN THE SENSES West Kootenays News from Pacific Coastal
Whistler’s Scandinave Spa Airlines
Group Publisher Penny Sakamoto, psakamoto@blackpress.ca - 250.480.3204 Advertising • Patty Doering, pdoering@vicnews.com - 250.480.3244 • Ruby Della Siega, ruby@mondaymag.com - 250.480.3222
Managing Editor Susan Lundy, lundys@shaw.ca • Natasha Griffiths, natasha.griffiths@northislandgazette.com - 250.902.8040
Creative Director Lily Chan | Graphic Design Janice Marshall, Michelle Gjerde • Mario Gedicke, mario.gedicke@blackpress.ca - 250.891.5627 • Vicki Clark, vicki.clark@blackpress.ca - 250.588.2424
Published by Black Press | www.blackpress.ca • 818 Broughton Street , Victoria, BC V8W 1E4
SOAR magazine is published six times per year and is distributed on all Pacific Coastal Airlines flights. The points of view or opinions expressed herein are those of the authors and do not necessarily reflect the views of the publisher
or Pacific Coastal Airlines. The contents of SOAR magazine are protected by copyright, including the designed advertising. Reproduction is prohibited without written consent of the publisher.
Black Press Media Brand Assets Guide
INTERNAL DOCUMENT Version 1.0 - May 2018
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December/January 2020/21 | 3 | pacificcoastal.com
ADAPTING TO COVID-19 AND
THE NEW WORLD OF TRAVEL
PRESIDENT’S MESSAGE
A
s many of you are aware, COV- Since we returned our scheduled
ID-19 has had a massive impact service, we have introduced additional
on the travel industry and, in safety measures, including a mandatory
particular, the aviation sector. In mask policy, enhanced aircraft sanita-
March, we made the decision to imple- tion practices, physical distancing and
ment a temporary suspension of Pacific hand-sanitizer stations at airport facilities,
Coastal network operations. Following reduced contact between customers and
government and healthcare official’s staff, and a health check questionnaire at
guidance, on June 1, we reinitiated our check-in. We have currently suspended
scheduled service with many enhanced the offering of our in-flight magazine
safety practices to ensure the health and to reduce unnecessary contact. Moving
well-being of our customers, employees forward, you can expect to receive SOAR
and the communities that we serve. magazine as a digital publication that
can be viewed on our website or your
There is no historical precedence or personal mobile device.
data to forecast the pace at which the
demand for air travel will return. As a I want to thank all of our custom-
business, we can only move forward as ers, partners and employees for your
we adapt to the new world of travel. We continued understanding, patience and
will continue to monitor the demand support. We all have a role to play in
throughout our network and publish ensuring safe and responsible travel in
schedule changes on our website in British Columbia.
advance to provide customers with a reli- Stay safe, stay healthy and thank you
able schedule to book with confidence for choosing to fly with us.
and make travel plans accordingly.
Quentin Smith
December/January 2020/21 | 4 | pacificcoastal.com
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MEET A AROUND BC
PACIFIC COASTAL
EMPLOYEE PCA annouces new
seat-selection option
RICHMOND: ful deliberation, consultation and
Pacific Coastal Airlines has intro- consideration of provincial health
duced new seat-selection options orders (PHOs), they plan to present an
for scheduled flights within the PCA exciting, safe and comfortable 2021
network, effective November 30. edition of the famed Coldsnap live
“It has been a long-time goal to in- music festival!
troduce seat selection at Pacific Coastal The Prince George winter music
Airlines,” said Johnathan Richardson, festival will happen between Janu-
Pacific Coastal’s vice president of com- ary 29 and February 6. The lineup of
Photo courtesy Apex Adventure Plex
mercial services. “We believe that cus- exceptional Northern BC and visiting
tomers will value the option to choose performers, as well as the venues, will
their preferred seat on our aircraft.” be announced soon.
The seat-selection option will be The plan is to present live music in
available for customers during the on- front of a small-but-live audience—if
ARLENE BALITOS line booking process. Customers may permitted by PHOs—at the usual
Flight Attendant / Calgary, AB also select a seat after their reservation reasonable ticket price. The society
Time with Pacific Coastal: 2 years has been made by going online or by plans to present live music shows
contacting the airline’s Call Centre. throughout the festival week, with
Job description: My primary role is to
Seat selection will be complimen- two performers per evening show for
guide and assist for safety and comfort
tary to customers travelling on Encore a maximum of 90 minutes with no
to passengers, while providing the best
Fares and QuikPass Encore. Custom- intermission.
customer service. I monitor, manage and
ers travelling on all other fares will Also on tap is “Coldsnap for Kids”
secure the cabin and handle emergency
have the option to select their seat with a live audience (if possible)! A
situations as they arise.
in advance for $5 per passenger, per fully developed safety plan is in place,
flight. Seat selection is available for all following current PHOs, and formu-
Where were you born and where did
customers choosing available seats lated with safety consultants from the
you grow up?
within 24 hours of departure during entertainment world. To maximize
I was born and raised in Manila, Philip-
online check-in or check-in at one of an the number of people that can enjoy
pines.
airport counters. the music, all the shows will be live-
Pacific Coastal Airlines has also streamed on various online platforms
What path did you take to get this
adopted additional safety measures at no charge, courtesy of the society’s
job?
to ensure the health and wellbeing funders and sponsors!.
Initially, I graduated with a nursing “We will also present our famous
of staff and customers. The measures
degree. During a short break after gradu- daytime outreach series during the
include enhanced aircraft sanitation
ation, my friend invited me to apply to week, although right now we plan to
practices, physical distancing at airport
a local airline. It wasn’t my first choice, do most or all of these online with no
facilities, reduced contact points and
but everything fell into place as if it was live audience,” say festival organizers.
the requirement for all customers to
meant to be. And the rest is history. After “The safety of our audience, artists,
travel with a face mask and answer
20 years in this industry, it is true that volunteers and staff is paramount, so
health-check questions before board-
time flies when you’re flying. please know that we need to stay flex-
ing. Learn more about the additional
safety measures online. ible in our presentation and plans. But
What do you like best about this job? we are very excited and grateful to be
My name plate has “I care” printed on it. planning for Coldsnap 2021 with all
I am grateful to have the chance to con- the support we have received from
nect with people from all walks of life —
from elderly passengers, mothers with
Coldsnap 2021 our funders, sponsors, members and
is happening!
volunteers.
babies and small children. It gives me Watch the festival website, cold-
such joy to be able to touch someone’s snapfestival.com, for details on the
day by giving them the best possible
PRINCE GEORGE:
artist lineup, schedule, venues, safety
experience in flights. The board and staff of Prince
protocols and when and how to buy
George Folkfest Society have an-
nounced that, after months of care- tickets.
December/January 2020/21 | 6 | pacificcoastal.com
GRIZZLY BEARS:
TEACHERS OF THE LAND
A new art exhibit explores the lessons of the Grizzly
F
or Indigenous peoples in North As a keystone species, saving the Bateman’s 90th birthday!”
America, the grizzly is a teacher. grizzly and conserving its habitat not Many of the artists featured in the
Knowledge of it strengthens our only creates sustainable natural land- exhibit have original paintings, prints
relationship with the land, guides scapes, but helps to enrich our own and art cards available in the Bateman
stewardship and offers insights into human- lives as co-inhabitants of our shared Gallery Shop, which also stocks Grizzly
ity. By observing a society so outwardly lands. Bear Foundation merchandise. All sales
different from our own, through reverence Nicholas Scapillati, executive direc- support the artists, grizzly bear conser-
and kinship, we grow closer to finding our tor of the Grizzly Bear Foundation, vation efforts, and the philanthropic
place within the whole. said: “The Grizzly Bear Foundation is work of the Bateman Foundation.
Grizzly Bears: Teachers of the Land proud to partner with the Bateman Grizzly Bears: Teachers of the Land
is a brand new exhibit at the Bate- Foundation on this one-of-a-kind will be at the Bateman Gallery until
man Gallery in downtown Victoria, on exhibition celebrating an icon of the January 23, running alongside a new
Lekwungen Territory, produced by the North American wilderness: the grizzly permanent exhibit, The World of Robert
Bateman Foundation and the Grizzly bear. This culturally and ecologically Bateman, which celebrates the career
Bear Foundation. It features work from important species captures our hearts of the iconic Canadian artist. The gal-
more than 20 artists, and includes and imaginations. Through art, griz- lery is open Tuesday to Saturday, 11
paintings, photography and sculptures zlies inspire a sense of wonder and am to 4 pm, with physical distancing
that capture this majestic creature strengthen our connection to the wild. protocols in place. A late night open-
from a range of perspectives, along- Thank you to all the talented painters, ing takes place on the third Thursday
side an immersive storytelling space, sculptors, carvers, photographers and of the month from 4:30 to 7 pm.
and a family activity area with drawing artists who have come together to Admission is by donation.
materials. celebrate the grizzly bear, and Robert
December/January 2020/21 | 7 | pacificcoastal.com
Art own way!
inspired by the natural world.
Background image by Robert Bateman
The Gallery of Nature Gift Shop
carries Robert Bateman prints and
handmade items by BC artists.
BATEMANFOUNDATION.ORG | 250.940.3630
470 Belleville Street, Victoria, B.C
Located on Victoria’s downtown waterfront on the
traditional lands of the Songhees & Esquimalt First Nations.
December/January 2020/21 | 8 | pacificcoastal.com
PRINCE GEORGE
!
Discover BC’s UNESCO
Global Geopark this winter!
A
By Carleen Nugent kind spot—rich with heritage, cap- ine Trail system is a popular choice
s sunshine fades and the last of tivating landscapes and remarkable for many, with the 10-kilometre route
the leaves fall, it can mean just biodiversity. showcasing stunning forest views, and
one thing—winter is here. And, With more than 50 geosites to many interlocking loops letting you
when cold weather calls, Canadi- visit year-round, there are numerous turn back whenever you want to.
ans will be the first to answer! opportunities to connect to the earth
Snowmobiling:
This year as winter beckons, grab and explore, and activities that reach
Ready to rev up the adrenaline
your gear and make your way to Tum- far beyond hiking and exploring. With
this winter season? Exploring Tumbler
bler Ridge Global Geopark, located dropping temperatures, here are a
Ridge trails on a snowmobile is a sure-
about 4.5 hours from Pacific Coastal few favourite winter festivities to take
fire way to get your heart pounding!
Air’s Prince George destination. advantage of this season.
Snaking through the foothills of the
Here are the reasons that it is THE
Cross-Country Skiing: Rockies, speeding up hills and racing
place to be this winter!
With many Nordic trails to choose back down, find thick layers of white
What is a UNESCO Global from for traditional and skate skiing, glistening powder greeting your quest
Geopark? Tumbler Ridge has something for all for adventure.
To earn the title of a UNESCO skill levels. Whether you’re in the mood
Snowshoeing:
Global Geopark, an area must have for rugged ski mountaineering or if a
Once the cold weather hits, what
international geological significance. cruising trip is more your cup of cocoa,
was once a summer trail transforms
Rare to come by, with only five in all of nearby hills, valleys and flatlands offer
into a snowshoer’s paradise, meaning
Canada, Tumbler Ridge is a one-of-a- something for everyone. The Wolver-
December/January 2020/21 | 9 | pacificcoastal.com
there’s a good selection of trails for
everyone. If you wait a little longer
to strap on your snowshoes, the
patience will be well worth it—rivers
become frozen highways winding
to the base of thundering waterfalls
that you can’t reach come summer.
Ice Climbing:
As the Waterfall Capital of the
North, Tumbler Ridge offers doz-
ens of seeps and falls for climbers
to conquer. With so many of these
natural wonders throughout the area,
you might be the first to stumble
across one—leading your own kind
of discovery.
Whether you’re on the hunt for
a short, easy climb or a challenging
technical ascent, you’ll be sure to
find something in your skill range. A
popular choice for many in winter is
Babcock Falls.
Toboganning:
There’s nothing quite like sledding
down a snowy hill and feeling the
rush of this wild winter pass time. Get
close and cosy and load up the family
together to go soaring down or fly
solo and send snow spraying!
Before you go:
Before you head to Tumbler Ridge
this winter, make sure to check local
information about conditions, includ-
ing snow and avalanche reports. You
can find this information on Tumbler
Ridge’s website, or you can visit their
Facebook and Twitter pages for activ-
ity reports.
Also check in advance for CO-
VID-19 safety and protocols. Dress
warmly, plan ahead, and get ready for
a wild winter season! Visit tumbler-
ridgegeopark.ca to learn more and
plan your visit.
This story first appeared on west-
coasttraveller.com. Plan your travel
adventures here and on Facebook and
Instagram @thewestcoasttraveller.
Ice climbing at Tumbler
Ridge.
December/January 2020/21 | 10 | pacificcoastal.comSnow
with the flow! Big White Ski Resort.
A
By Susan Quinn legitimately feel confident” about the ties or as we find efficiencies, on an
lpine resorts across British season ahead because of the collabo- ongoing basis,” says Cypress Mountain
Columbia have re-tooled winter ration of resorts to include COVID-19 president and general manager Russell
operations in the wake of the protocols in their operations, mini- Chamberlain. He called for patience,
novel coronavirus pandemic mizing risk to guests and staff alike. flexibility and understanding this year.
that hit last year in the prime of the 2019-20 Resorts have posted their protocols on “We are all in this together.”
season. their individual websites. All—like oth-
This year, many resorts were poised er businesses in BC—require guests to
KELOWNA
to open on a solid snow season in wear face coverings, wash their hands,
early and mid-November when BC’s observe social distancing and not visit Big White
medical health officer temporarily put if they are feeling unwell. Big White is ready for a big season.
the brakes on non-essential travel, in- The impact of ski areas in western “Everyone in our resort has done a
cluding travel for recreation. Operators Canada accounts for $2.51 billion huge amount of work, we have a really
are holding out hope that the travel annually to provincial and national strong and amazing winter product,
restrictions will be lifted as the prov- economies, according to a 2018-19 and I want us to convey to our guests
ince “flattens the curve” on COVID-19. valuation conducted by the CWSAA. that their skiing experience will not be
“The adrenaline of opening day is a More than 27,000 employees earned compromised,” president and CEO Pe-
favourite part of the year for many of $1.12 billion in wages and benefits. ter Plimmer wrote in a letter to visitors.
us, and admittedly, this year is espe- Resorts were forced to close their Staff spent the off-season working
cially significant,” wrote Christopher doors last March as Canada’s federal on ways to accommodate COVID-19
Nicolson in a November 2020 Canada government instituted emergency protocols: automatic sliding doors to
West Ski Area Association newsletter. measures in the face of the pandemic. reduce contact points, touchless taps
The CWSAA is considered the voice of As they work to recover financially, in public washrooms, and plexiglass
the ski industry in western Canada. operators have been quick to adjust to partitions installed in all day lodges. As
“The ski season is no longer a the swiftly changing landscape. well, the lodges will be operating at 50
concept or distant abstract viewed “We expect that we may need to per cent seating capacity to abide by
through a pandemic haze…it is here make some revisions and adjustments, physical distancing standards.
and we are in it.” sometimes day to day, based on the The resort has instituted online-on-
Nicolson said the industry “can recommendations of health authori- ly booking for seasons’ passes and day
December/January 2020/21 | 11 | pacificcoastal.comBig White Ski Resort.
Red Mountain Red Mountain was due to open
tickets. Walk-ups won’t be accom- Red Mountain is ready for guests. December 12.
modated. Rentals must also be pre- With COVID-19 protocols in place, the redresort.com
booked online. Lifts will be loaded ski and snowboard experience may
according to visitors’ “bubbles.” look a bit different this year. CRANBROOK
Among the changes for 2020-21 Some of the changes include Fernie and Kimberley Alpine
is the lack of express-bus service to having a parking attendant in the Resorts were still formulating their
the resort from central Okanagan/ parking lot, the removal of guest opening plans in late November.
Kelowna. services’ indoor area and a move to Resorts of the Canadian Rockies
Big White was able to keep all its solely outdoors. Visitors are asked to suspended operations March 15
employees despite an early closure boot up before they get to the lodge, and cancelled the remainder of its
last ski season; something manage- as indoor boot-up areas have been 2019-20 winter season at all their
ment felt was significant. removed. With food services, staff western Canadian resorts shortly
Big White was due to open No- recommends spreading out the time thereafter.
vember 23. you want to eat to avoid a lunch rush. “Here at RCR our No. 1 priority is
bigwhite.com Online ordering and reservations the safety, health and well-being of
will be available, and there will be our guests, team members and the
outdoor seating in some areas. communities which we live,” presi-
TRAIL
December/January 2020/21 | 12 | pacificcoastal.comdent and Chief Resorts Officer John Shea said. Grouse Mountain
skircr.com Grouse Mountain opened with limited terrain access on
November 20. In addition to the requirement of face cov-
VANCOUVER ISLAND erings inside all resort facilities, access will only be granted
with advanced Skyride reservations. Visitors may reserve
Mount Washington Alpine Resort
upload and download times as part of their lift ticket
“There has never been a time when I anticipated the purchases or with the passholder Skyride reservations.
arrival of a winter season more than this year,” Mount Loading of individual chairlifts will be limited to family or
Washington Alpine Resort general manager Dean Pren- household groupings.
tice said. “The magic of winter—snow silently falling, the grousemountain.com
crisp winter air and the excitement of linking turns on
every unique run is always special.” Mount Seymour
He added: “This year it’s safe to say ‘special’ could be Mt. Seymour has introduced staggered, reservable
expanded to include therapeutic. In a sense, we need four-hour time slots on weekend and holidays for visitors
this ski season for our emotional and physical wellbeing with season’s passes or purchased lift tickets. This will help
as much as for the enjoyment. We believe recreation is manage capacity while keeping to COVID-19 protocols.
one of the essential food groups—now more than ever.” All activities at Mt. Seymour will need to be booked and
Embracing unexpected changes is going to be critical paid for in advance this year.
to a successful ski season, he added. Season’s pass hold- mtseymour.ca
ers will be given priority, and capacity will be managed
by limiting the number of daily lift tickets, if necessary. Cypress Mountain
An online advanced reservation system has been cre- Cypress Mountain on Vancouver’s North Shore was
ated in the event terrain is limited. the first coastal resort to open in 2020-21, opening their
Mount Washington was slated to open December 4, downhill area on November 13. Like other resorts, its plan
with a base of both natural and man-made snow. is to ease into operations as conditions dictate. Lift tickets
mountwashington.ca and tickets to the Gnarly Tube Park need to be purchased
in advance.
Mount Cain cypressmountain.com
Mount Cain is playing its 2020-21 season cautiously.
Accommodation bookings were being put on hold until Discover Vancouver Island’s Best
mid-November. Opening day was tentatively scheduled
POWDER
for December 12, depending on snow and provincial
travel recommendations.
The Mount Cain Alpine Park Society has yet to reveal
its COVID-19 operating strategy.
mountcain.com
LOWER MAINLAND
Whistler Blackcomb
“Safety first” is the mantra at Whistler Blackcomb this
season, says Rob Katz, CEO of parent company Vail Re-
sorts. In a lengthy letter to stakeholders and visitors, Katz
outlines changes to operations during the pandemic
and said community health recommendations will drive
the winter season.
Physical distancing, health screenings and pre-
booking are requirements this year, especially in ski and
snowboard rental locations. Face coverings are a must
throughout the resort. Food options will be affected this
year, depending on restaurant configurations. Chairlifts
and gondolas will be loaded with related parties and
physical distancing will be required in lineups. Capacity
will be managed through a reservation system. Visit us for your next ski vacation
Any changes will be updated on the resorts’ website. 1-888-668-6622
whistlerblackcomb.com www.mountcain.com
December/January 2020/21 | 13 | pacificcoastal.comWHISTLER
Soaking in the
Senses
December/January 2020/21 | 14 | pacificcoastal.comOutdoor spa adds to the Whistler experience
By Susan Lundy As we entered the main lodge, we were immedi-
Photos courtesy Scaninave Spa and Tourism Whistler ately transported to a place of peace: it seemed as
E
though our entire bodies exhaled. Embraced by the
ach of my fives sense comes to life as I move be- building’s beauty and its calm and sweet scent, we
tween warm, cold and relax cycles at the outdoor peered through the windows at a ring of forest that
Scandinave Spa in Whistler. surrounded grassy-roofed buildings, hot pools and
Sitting in the hot pool, I feel the brush of a trickling creek winding its way through the entire
breeze on my face and hear a gentle whistle of wind scene.
in the spruce trees above me. Moving indoors, and Set within a spruce and cedar forest, and over-
now relaxing on a cushiony recliner, I take in the looking Whistler’s white mountain vistas, this
beauty of lush foliage seen though floor-to-ceiling 20,000-square-foot outdoor day spa is a Nordic-
windows. And the moment after I run through an inspired oasis of calm. Here, visitors can access any
icy cold waterfall, my skin tingles with an electric- number of massage treatments and/or flow through
like buzz. the various hydrotherapy stations. We spent the rec-
There’s the heat of a fire pit, the cosy embrace of a ommended minimum of two hours, moving several
blanket, the sound of a running stream, the scent of times through the hot, cold and relax cycle, which
essential oils and the sensation of steam and sweat promised to soothe tired muscles, eliminate toxins
lingering on my skin. and improve circulation.
Most important—the experience of every sense Hot cycles take place in eucalyptus steam rooms,
is exaggerated due to the absolute and mandatory outdoor hot baths, a Finnish wood-burning sauna or
silence. People move between the various stations a dry sauna. Cold cycles—a bracing-but-necessary step
without a word. And I understand completely: silence to achieving the full benefits of the hydrotherapy experi-
is golden. ence—include a Nordic waterfall, rain showers and cold
We discovered Scandinave Spa on a trip to plunges. We were less fond of this part of the cycle, but
Whistler late last fall. After driving just five minutes up emerged proud of ourselves for doing them!
the highway from Whistler Village, we were unsure The final stage of “rest” offers choices between loung-
of what to expect when we arrived. But we left a few ing peacefully beside an outdoor firepit, in one of the
hours later as absolute converts to this year-round, solariums, in a quiet room in front of the fireplace or in a
outdoor spa experience. fully-stocked, multi-purpose yoga studio.
Set within a spruce
and cedar forest, and
overlooking Whistler’s
white mountain vistas,
this 20,000-square-
foot outdoor day spa is
a Nordic-inspired oasis
of calm.
December/January 2020/21 | 15 | pacificcoastal.comEventually, fully refreshed
and relaxed, we headed
back into the main build-
ing to discover a small food
outlet offering hot and cold
beverages, as well as healthy
snacks from one of our
favourite Whistler restaurants,
The Green Moustache Or-
ganic Cafe. Now completely
satiated, we headed back to
Whistler Village—and every-
thing it has to offer.
Consistently ranked
among the world’s top golf,
biking and skiing resorts,
Whistler is a year-round
destination, located just 120
kilometres north of Vancou-
ver.
Whistler has a range of
accommodations, totalling
10,000 bedrooms in more
than 24 hotels, as well as
an extensive assortment of
townhomes, condos, B&Bs
and chalets.
On this trip, we stayed at
Crystal Lodge. Our room was
super spacious and comfort-
able, but the very best thing
about this hotel might be its
location right in the heart of
the Village. In fact, the hotel’s
slogan is: “At the centre of
it all.” Within easy walking
distance of the base of the
mountain, shopping and res-
taurants, Crystal Lodge also
offers a heated outdoor pool,
hot tub, sauna, fitness centre
and several on-site retail and
dining options.
As a winter playground,
Whistler and adjoining Black-
comb mountains feature 8,171
acres of terrain and receive an
average of 38.2 feet of snow
annually. It’s definitely a place
to revel in all of the senses —
starting (or ending) with the
Scandinave Spa experience.
No reservations required, and
baths are open from 10 am to
9 pm daily.
December/January 2020/21 | 16 | pacificcoastal.comPHOTO BY MIKE CRANE.
PCA ROUTE MAP
December/January 2020/21 | 17 | pacificcoastal.comWILLIAMS LAKE
Cariboo Strong
December/January 2020/21 | 18 | pacificcoastal.comDecember/January 2020/21 | 19 | pacificcoastal.com
Museum exhibit shares stories, experiences through 2017 wildfires
A
Story and photos by Greg Sabatino
new exhibition at the Museum exhibition’s opening. “You’ll see sad One museum wall is entirely dedi-
of the Cariboo Chilcotin has stories; you’ll see uplifting stories. It’s cated to photos and story excerpts
Cariboo residents sharing their really something that everyone here submitted by residents. The muse-
stories and experiences in the [in the Cariboo] can relate to—it af- um’s website will further share those
historic 2017 wildfires. fected everybody.” stories in their entirety in what will be
Cariboo Strong—Resiliency in the Alex Geris, MCC manager, said a living, virtual exhibit. Submissions
Face of the 2017 Wildfires aims to paint initial work on the project got un- will also be collected throughout the
a picture of how the community derway in 2018 after they received a exhibit’s run at the museum, which
banded together in the face of the grant from the Canadian Red Cross, staff expects to stay open for at least
devastating impacts of the wildfires, as part of the MCC’s relocation and a year.
which forced an almost two-week restoration project. “We’re hoping the online portion
evacuation of the city in July of 2017. Initial plans to have the Cariboo will provide a nice space for people
The exhibition showcases a vast Strong exhibit open to the public to interact and have those shared
collection of submitted stories, earlier this year were dashed due to experiences, as well as when they
photographs, videos and objects the pandemic, which also presented visit the museum,” Geris said.
loaned to the museum by residents, its own challenges in coming up Objects on display at the museum,
businesses and first responders on with ways to share and display the to name a few, include three logs,
how they were affected during the vast amount of information through donated by Pioneer Log Homes of BC
wildfires. submissions and interviews received and bearing hundreds of signatures
“I think the overall theme through- from the community. from emergency personnel who
out is it’s something that connects “It’s definitely been a difficult year assisted during the wildfires in the
and unites us,” said Casey Bennett, to open an exhibit where we are Cariboo-Chilcotin, and a bench built
project assistant with the MCC who, hoping to engage the community, from reclaimed wood created by Bill
along with fellow staff members, has but it’s come together very nicely,” James, and featuring metal fabrication
been hard at work setting up for the Geris said. done by Monster Industries Ltd.
December/January 2020/21 | 20 | pacificcoastal.comNemiah Valley resident Jesaja Class at the MCC for its help, including MCC to spearhead the MCC’s ongoing
also created a film titled Afterlight— marketing and promotions coordinator deaccessioning project, added the
captured entirely by drone and Davana Mahon, artifact technician and submissions in the exhibit have
depicting the devastating impacts of professional museum conservator Raene helped her empathize and connect
the wildfires in the Chilcotin—which Poisson, the MCC directors, former proj- with people.
is viewable at the museum. ect assistant Nadia Erasmus and research “In my work I’m usually in the
Due to its location at the Tourism assistant Rowan Paulsen. back, but this made me more aware
Discovery Centre, the exhibit will also “It’s been an entire team effort,” she of how I should prepare for and
provide an opportunity to educate said. think about this type of disaster
visitors from outside the community Bennett noted that for him, it’s been actually happening,” she said.
on the series of events that transpired an insightful process to revisit the sum- The MCC and the Cariboo
during the summer of 2017. mer of 2017. Strong—Resiliency in the Face of the
Bennett and Geris both noted that “It’s been quite eye-opening for me 2017 Wildfires exhibition is open
a lot of thought and time has gone to hear what other people experienced Monday to Friday from 9 am to 5
into the project by many members of during that time,” he said. “I’d only been pm To view the online exhibit visit:
the community; they are extremely back here in Williams Lake for two years, cowboy-museum.com/cariboo-
grateful to residents for sharing their and to come back and have something strong-exhibit.
stories with the museum. like that happen, it really shows you how
“Without their stories and with- a community can pull itself together and
This story first appeared on west-
out their information, this exhibit operate.”
coasttraveller.com. Plan your travel
wouldn’t be possible,” Bennett said. Poisson, who arrived in Williams Lake
adventures here and on Facebook and
Geris also thanked the entire team from Saskatchewan during the summer
Instagram @thewestcoasttraveller.
December/January 2020/21 | 21 | pacificcoastal.comOn Tap!
Find your new favourite beer style in the
West Kootenays
By Kate Robertson some unforgettable brews. food [think beef carpaccio and grilled
S
First stop is the Trail Beer Refin- cheese pizza]. Check out our weekly
ince the very first BC micro- ery, Trail’s first microbrewery, which burger Instagram post!” says co-own-
brewery, Horseshoe Bay Brew- opened in 2017. The décor of the er Mike Konkin. In the summer of 2020
ery, was established in 1982, British 75-seat all-ages taproom gives a nod they will release a new Radler brand.
Columbians have had a love affair to the city’s main industry of zinc and Ten minutes up the moun-
with craft beers. Today, with more than 150 lead smelting and refining, with its tain in Rossland is the Rossland Beer
breweries strewn across the province, craft- modern twist on industrial, reclaimed Co., where as soon as you go through
brewery tourism is alive and well, and the elements. the door, you’re overlooking floor-to-
West Kootenays, with five breweries within “Trail Beer Refinery is quite differ- ceiling tanks. Petri Raito, co-founder/
an hour’s drive from the runway at the Trail ent from other local breweries. We not owner and CEO, says, “The vibe of our
airport, are no exception. So assign your only make a full range of beers and tap room is very happy and easy. It’s a
designated driver and be prepared to taste vodka sodas but we serve amazing place where you don’t see people on
December/January 2020/21 | 22 | pacificcoastal.comCraft-brewery tourism is
alive and well, and the
West Kootenays, with five
breweries within an hour’s
drive from the runway at
the Trail airport, are no
exception.
their phones. The beer menu changes all the time, there Brent Malysh, founder and CEO. “We’ve gone for a very cosy
are almost always one-offs on the menu, and our beers are cabin vibe. All our tables are community seating, and we
always very distinct from each other.” don’t have TV or WiFi, so it all encourages strangers to sit
The taproom is small so get there early (especially on together and talk to one another. If you’re one of the lucky
Friday nights when there’s live music), but in the sum- ones to get a seat on the patio on a sunny afternoon, it’s
mer there’s also a sunny patio to enjoy your beverage. pretty special. Baker Street is known for being really eclec-
Either way, it’s guaranteed you’ll be rubbing shoulders tic and sometimes just plain weird, so the people -watch-
with friendly locals dropping in for a pint of their favou- ing is next-level.”
rite brew after a day of shredding it up on the mountain At BBC they make a lot of traditional beers, plus explore
bike or ski trails. lesser-seen styles and do some playful experimentation.
A half-hour drive brings you to the new kid on the “There’s been a huge increase in the number of com-
block, Tailout Brewing, opened in late 2019 in Castlegar. panies producing beer in our region, and this has really
“Tailout” is a fishing term that refers to a pool of water helped get locals interested in trying a lot more different
where fish like to hang out, and true to form, you will styles of beer. Right now, probably the biggest trends are
see fishing references throughout their taproom. Tai- hazy beers and sour beers,” says Brent.
lout doesn’t serve food in house, but they encourage Down closer to Kootenay Lake is Torchlight Brewing Co.,
patrons to bring their own, or arrange for local deliv- where they serve up craft beers in a spacious industrial-
ery straight to their table. style setting.
A 40-minute drive and you’re in Nelson. With three craft “It doesn’t have the feel of a conventional bar and
breweries and easy walkability, this is the perfect place that’s deliberate,” says managing director and brewmaster
to park the car. Stretch your legs with a walk up the hill to Craig Swendson. “We wanted it to be a different and more
the Nelson Brewing Company, the OG of the West Koote- open space. You can see, and sometimes hear, the equip-
nay breweries, established in 1991. In 2006, NBC went fully ment in the back. There are pipes and ducts running on
organic to set themselves apart and to cater to Nelson’s the ceiling. We want everyone to know where their beer is
all-natural setting and population. They have a very small actually made. At Torchlight we like to pursue the ethos of
tasting room, where you can sample some limited edition delicious innovation.”
brews and one-offs. Torchlight also has a full kitchen and a menu of tasty
Then there’s Backroads Brewing Co, located in pub grub with a twist as well as their own house-made
the heart of Nelson’s downtown action. BBC is all about lo- craft sodas on tap as a non-alcoholic option.
cal — the 100-seat taproom is made from wood from local Think you can’t be budged from your current favourite
mills and forests, and filled with custom-made furniture beer style? A tasting flight at any one of these West Koote-
and local art. nay breweries might just change your mind.
“Our taproom is for sure our biggest differentiator,” says
December/January 2020/21 | 23 | pacificcoastal.comMore than Meals program
It’s a new world.
Our focus is to help our community get through COVID-19, as we recover
and rebuild.
For isolated seniors and elders, we are raising funds to offer weekly meals,
reassurance calls, and assistance with errands and appointments through
an exciting new program More than Meals.
You can help. Please donate today at uwgv.ca so no senior or elder will
have to worry about their next meal.
We thank you in advance for your generosity and for showing your love for
your community.
Show your local love
Let’s rally to recover. #YYJ needs you.
December/January 2020/21 | 24 | pacificcoastal.comYou can also read
