Cheryl Young's Blog

Posted by: cherylyoung | May 19, 2013

THE DISCOVERY COAST PASSAGE OPENS UP A BRAND NEW CIRCLE TOUR THROUGH SOME OF THE WORLD’S MOST BEAUTIFUL TERRAIN

The Discovery Coast is the southern section of the

Inside Passage that stretches from Port Hardy to

Prince Rupert, through the protected waters of

British Columbia’s central and northern coastline.

The Discovery Coast extends from Port Hardy to

Bella Coola on the Central Coast, and includes the

communities of Namu, McLoughlin Bay, Bella Bella,

Shearwater, Klemtu, Ocean Falls, and the Hakai

Pass area.

There are some places, luckily, that are still

inaccessible by road.

British Columbia’s Central Coast is one of them.

Until BC Ferries launched its Discovery Coast Passage

run in the summer of 1996, the Central Coast was also

largely inaccessible by water.

Now, to the delight of adventurers and locals alike,

from June to September the Queen of Chilliwack

connects the community of Port Hardy, at the

northeastern end of Vancouver Island, with

Bella Coola, at the head of the North Bentinck Arm,

making regular stops along the way.

For cycle tourists and RVers, the Discovery Coast

Passage service opens up a brand-new circle tour

through some of the province’s most beautiful terrain.

From Bella Coola, Highway 20 leads across the

Chilcotin Plateau to the Cariboo, from where any

number of routes lead back to the Lower Mainland.

But one of the bonuses of this trip is that you needn’t

take a (four-wheeled) vehicle at all.

For kayakers, backpackers and campers choose your

destination, explore some territory, then reboard

the ferry on a subsequent day.

Planning your trip, which involves detailed study

of the ferry schedule, is half the fun.

As yet, the Discovery Coast Passage remains largely

undiscovered. Book soon.

When European explorers arrived along this coast

in the 18th century, it was inhabited by Natives from

several cultural groups.

Although hunters and gatherers like the tribes of the

Interior, the coastal natives, due to their abundant

food supply, were able to establish permanent

villages.

Their complex cultures were distinguished by an

emphasis on wealth, a refined artistic tradition,

and a rich spirit life.

Travel along the coast was accomplished via cedar

dugout canoes that could be impressive in their

length.

Although there’s nothing more inspiring than to see

one of these massive canoes in action, they are only

brought out for ceremonial occasions, such as a

paddle trip to Vancouver or the Olympic

Peninsula in Washington.

These days, aluminum-hulled, high-speed boats are

the vessels of choice among all inhabitants of the

coast.

Explorers from Russia, Britain, France, and Spain

converged on this coastline in the last quarter of the

18th century, motivated by trade possibilities or -

in the case of Spain – a desire to protect territorial

waters.

Two British explorers, Captain James Cook in 1778-79

and Captain George Vancouver in 1792-93, did the

most systematic charting of the coast.

After an international tussle, the British eventually

gained control of what would later become the coast

of British Columbia.

Colonization and settlement began in the 19th

century, although British Columbia’s Central and

Northern Coast is still not heavily populated.

Logging, fishing, and tourism are the primary

industries, though with the decline in stocks and

automation in the forest, fewer people live here

now than in previous decades.

After a disastrous decline in Native populations

(by as much as 90 percent in some nations)

that began over a century ago due to infectious

diseases such as smallpox and tuberculosis, today’s

numbers match those of precontact times.

The Queen of Chilliwack, 377 feet (115 m) long,

carrying 115 vehicles and 375 passengers, sails

from its southern terminus in Port Hardy, 250 miles

(400 km) north of Nanaimo on Highway 19.

The drive from Nanaimo to Port Hardy takes four

to five hours.

Bella Coola, the ferry’s main northern terminus,

is 283 miles (456 km) west of Williams Lake on

Highway 20.

There are scheduled flights to Bella Bella and

Bella Coola (airport at Hagensborg)

from Vancouver Airport.

Pacific Coastal Airlines in Vancouver offers

a scheduledservice into both Port Hardy

and Bella Bella.

As cruises go, the Discovery Coast Passage is

hardly lavish.

The Queen of Chilliwack is a working freight boat,

serving the needs of the local communities.

It’s just as well that luxuries aboard this refurbished

Norwegian vessel don’t distract from the scenery

which is spectacular, with long fjords and narrow

channels forming the backdrop to the Inside Passage.

The roughest portion of the trip is just out of

Port Hardy, as the ferry navigates the unprotected

waters of Queen Charlotte Sound.

This is a good time for a nap.

The most stunning scenery is between Bella Bella

and Bella Coola.

With the setting sun behind you, the monolithic rock

formations looming over the narrow Burke Channel

give the cruise a European flavour.

You’ll get an even better look at the scenic Dean

Channel during daylight hours if you board the ferry

in Bella Coola for the southbound sailing.

Weather permitting, the ship’s two upper decks

are an excellent vantage point from which to watch

for the logging camps, barge houses, and abandoned

settlements that indicate a human presence on this

rugged coastline.

Although Natives have inhabited the area for

thousands of years, the inhospitable terrain has

limited development and exploration by European

settlers until comparatively recently.

Wildlife viewing – the ferry slows for orcas – is

another bonus of this trip.

Don’t forget your binoculars.

Facilities aboard the Queen of Chilliwack include

reclining sleeper seats, a cafeteria, and small

licenced lounge, a gift shop and – a boon for

kayakers – pay showers.

Service is friendly, the food is better-than-average

for BC Ferries, and there is a staff member dedicated to

customer service who can assist you with your onboard

needs or travel plans.The Discovery Coast is the

southern section of the Inside Passage that stretches

from Port Hardy (on Vancouver Island) to Prince

Rupert (mainland) through the protected waters

of British Columbia’s central and northern

coastline.

Access is via B.C. Ferries from Prince Rupert and

Bella Coola and Port Hardy on Vancouver Island
If you would like information on this work of art please feel free to contact me or go to my website http://www.cherylyoung.ca

CHERYL YOUNG, REALTOR AND BLOGGER

SAANICH PENINSULA REALTY

VICTORIA B.C WWW.

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Posted by: cherylyoung | May 19, 2013

DUNCAN B.C ON VANCOUVER ISLAND IS MOSTLY KNOWN AS THE “CITY OF TOTEM POLES”

Duncan, BC (also referred to as “The City of Totems”) is

a recreation and cultural centre located in the

Cowichan Valley on Vancouver Island, British Columbia,

Canada.

The region includes the waterfront neighbourhoods of

Maple Bay, Genoa Bay and the village of Crofton.

Duncan is centrally located in the valley and is

considered the commercial centre of the region.

Services important to travelers range from small

specialty shops and boutiques in the downtown core

to the big box stores in the outlying areas.

Some of the services important to travelers located

in the community include accommodations,

restaurants, tours, guides, banks, grocery stores,

laundromat, internet, pubs, gas stations, post office

and more.

In the downtown core of Duncan there are murals, an

historic railway station, shops, city hall clock tower and

Totem Poles.

Acquire a map of the community and there is a

Totem Pole walking tour.

The walking route is a great way to sightsee when in

the community.

Venture out of town and there are more activities and

attractions to visit.

Some of the popular attractions include the Quw’utsun

Cultural and Conference Centre, Forest Museum,

World’s Largest Hockey Stick, Wineries, Vineyards

and the Cowichan Bay Fishing Village.

Continue exploring further out of town and there are

the Chemainus Murals and a BC Ferry leaving Crofton

connecting you to Saltspring Island.

Many of the wineries and vineyards are located

throughout the South Cowichan Valley which includes

the smaller villages of Shawnigan Lake, Cowichan Bay,

Mill Bay, and Cobble Hill.

Duncan is situated in a lush forested valley with raging

rivers and looming mountains.

An ideal environment for recreation.

The Cowichan and Koksilah Rivers and the mountains

of Prevost and Tzouhalem are all dominant features

in the valley, as well as, very popular recreation

destinations.

Some of the activities enjoyed in Duncan include river

and ocean kayaking, sailing, scuba diving, ocean fishing,

fly fishing, swimming, golfing, hiking, mountain

biking, road cycling, hang gliding, boating, water skiing,

beachcombing and much more.

THIS BLOG IS BROUGH TO YOU BY

CHERYL YOUNG, REALTOR AND BLOGGER

SAANICH PENINSULA REALTY

VICTORIA B.C WWW.CHERYLYOUNG.CA

MOUNT TZOUHALEM IS ONE OF THE MOST CAPTIVATING RAPT MOUNTAINS IN THE WORLD

When you reach the Cowichan Valley community

on Vancouver Island in Canada and you will find

yourself enthralled to see the fascinating and

mesmerizing mountains basking in the sun.

Mount Tzouhalem is one of the most captivating and

rapt mountains in the entire Cowichan area.

Visitors find themselves awestruck with a single glimpse

of this mountain series

At 536 Meters, Mount Tzouhalem is a masterpiece

recreated for hikers and nature lovers.

Throughout the year you will find hikers on this

mountain enjoying the ravishing beauty on and around

the mountain.

The extravagant views over the Salt Spring Island,

Cowichan Bay and the distant mountains on the

British Columbia mainland and Washington State are

breathtaking and truly astonishing for all.

Mount Tzouhalem is nothing but beauty basking in

the sun.

Mount Tzouhalem is famous for its hiking, biking, and

sightseeing.

On Mount Tzouhalem one will always find professional

mountain bikers and hikers trying to conquer the

adventurous roads of the mountain to its peak.

Mount Tzouhalem’s over crags, rough cliffs and beautiful

path to the summit offers some of the most exciting

journeys one can have.

People from all over the world visit this incredible

mountain for not just for the hiking and biking

but also for appreciating nature’s most beautiful palate

of wildflowers that carpet the slopes.

The view from the summit is regarded to be the most

beautiful in the area as it covers the entire Cowichan

River Estuary and beyond.

Just a few meters above the cross is a grassy knoll which has

been used by hang gliders for jumping off the cliff

and setting them off the mountain Loose rocks.

exposed roots of trees, dead falls and boulders

make it look like irk.

A number of stories are linked to this mountain.

Some stories recite the time when this mountain was

named in the year 1911 and how many times it was

remained.

This mountain peak finally was named Tzouhalem in

the year 2000.

Actually Mount Tzouhalem was named after a warrior

who had fondness for killing people.

He had many followers but because of his liking for

killing was asked to leave his native place.

There are stories in which Mount Tzouhalem was

called a haunted place.

Though there are no corroborations supporting such

stories, many people still are scared of this place.

It seems like such unconfirmed stories are hardly

affecting the visitors because each year many

photographers, botanists, hikers and bikers come and

visit Mt Tzouhalem and are pleased about the beauty

that is surmounted in this mesmerizing place.

You must also come and see how nature has preserved

its beauty in the east of the Duncan community

THIS BLOG IS A MY FAVORITE HOBBY AND I HOPE THAT

YOU ENJOY IT AS MUCH AS I DO.

I REALLY APPREACIATE ALL YOUR NICE COMMENTS .

I AM LOOKING FORWARD TO MORE EXCITING BLOGS

ABOUT BRITISH COLUMBIA.

CHERYL YOUNG, REALTOR

SAANICH PENINSULA REALTY

VICTORIA. B.C WWW.CHERYLYOUNG.CA

cbythesea@shaw.ca

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Posted by: cherylyoung | May 19, 2013

THE CHILKOOT TRAIL IN BC IS THE LARGEST NATIONAL HISTORIC SITE IN CANADA

THE CHILKOOT TRAIL IN BC IS THE LARGEST NATIONAHISTORIC SITE IN CANADA

Prior to the arrival of European and North American

traders, the Chilkoot Trail served as a trade route to the

interior for the coastal Tlingit Indians.

It was the lure of Klondike gold that led thousands of

fortune seekers to travel the Chilkoot Trail, rising from

dockside in Alaska to Lake Bennett in Canada’s North.

Although numerous routes to the gold fields were

available to the stampeders,

the Chilkoot Trail provided the shortest and cheapest way to the Klondike

Consequently, the Chilkoot attracted the majority of the gold seekers. So arduous

were the conditions on the trail and in the Klondike, and so unprepared

were the prospectors, that the North West Mounted Police sent to monitor

the pass turned back anyone who did not carry a year’s worth of supplies.

The Klondike Gold Rush had an immediate and lasting impact on Western

Canada and the United State

Seattle became a major staging point for fortune hunters headed north,

a steady stream of rail cars doubled Vancouver’s size, and

Edmonton’s population tripled overnight.

The legacy left the Yukon with most of its present day

settlements including Whitehorse, Dawson City,

Haines Junction, Watson Lake and Carmacks.

Klondike fever left the route strewn with boots, shovels,

picks, wagon wheels, pot-bellied stoves and other

artifacts of a time long past.

Unfortunately, like many of the Chilkoot’s treasures,

they have been plundered over the years.

Numerous items have since been distributed to

various museums.

Today, the Chilkoot Trail is as demanding on hikers

as it was on gold seekers 100 years ago.

Summer weather and modern backpacks ease the

strain, but adventure seekers must still be prepared

for the challenges that mother nature dishes out.

Even in the middle of the summer, a hiker needs to be

prepared for just about any kind of weather at the

summit, including snow.

Today’s visitors aren’t rewarded with gold, but rather

a hike through history.

In fact, the Chilkoot Trail is the largest National Historic

Site in Canada.

The entire hike takes from three to five days.

The Chilkoot Trail is recommended for intermediate

to advanced backpackers only.

Hiking with a partner, or with a small group,

is preferable.

The maximum group size allowed is 12.

The trail is isolated, strenuous, physically challenging

and potentially hazardous.

The glaciers, which surround the west side of the park,

were instrumental in shaping the present landforms.

The highest elevation along the trail, 1122 m (3680 ft.),

occurs at Chilkoot Pass.

Interesting geomorphologic features in the park include

braided streams near Stone Crib and the alluvial fans

at the south end of Mountain and Lindeman lakes.

Not only do modern hikers enjoy the benefits of a well-

maintained trail, they also avoid some of the challenges

the stampeders faced.

For most backpackers, direction of travel over the

Chilkoot route is not an issue – they want to follow in

the stampeders’ footsteps, starting at the coast and

ending at the headwaters of the Yukon River.

Trekkers usually go from south to north; it’s easier

and safer.

The most famous, and the most dreaded, portion of the

trail has always been the nearly 45-degree ascent that

became known during the Klondike era as the Golden Stairs.

Climbing up the Golden Stairs is more of a cardiovascular

workout, but descending this rocky slope places a much

greater strain on knees and ankles, and is more

treacherous, especially in wet, windy or foggy conditions.

The timing of travel over the pass is also better for

northbound hikers.

Another factor is the weather.

Almost all summer storms flow inland from the

Pacific Ocean, blowing up the valley and over the

mountains in a northerly direction.

Therefore, no matter how bad it gets, if you’re heading

north you can nearly always count on the wind and rain

being at your back.

This is an important consideration for the one-third of

the trail that is above the treeline and fully exposed

to the elements.

The trail is also extremely rewarding, with great natural

beauty and spectacular mountain scenery as you climb

through lush coastal rainforest to high country atop

the pass.

The boreal forest beyond attracts modern-day outdoor

enthusiasts wishing to replicate this historic journey.

A world of recreational opportunities awaits, whether

you’re a weekend adventurer or a trail-hardened

backpacker.

People who go out unprepared into this wilderness,

however, don’t come back.

Ignorance and arrogance in the face of nature are the

surest ways of getting yourself killed.

Come prepared, and enjoy the rich and varied

wilderness, a place where people are scarce,

but the exploits plentiful.

You also need to register at the ranger station located at

the trailhead in Dyea, Alaska.

Every person using and hiking the Canadian portion

of the Chilkoot Trailrequires a permit.

Day hikers remaining on the US portion of the trail

do not require a permit.

The Chilkoot area is subject to cool, wet weather

during the visitor season (June to September).

Strong winds blow through the valley all year long, and

waterways are ice-free for about five months of the year,

however snow can be expected at higher elevations

in any season.

The Chilkoot Trail is maintained cooperatively by the

Canadian and U.S. parks services – half in the U.S. and

half in Canada.

The trail is accessed from the town of Skagway, Alaska.

By car or bus, Skagway is a scenic drive from Whitehorse

on a paved road known as the Klondike Highway.

Otherwise, access is by ferry or air from Juneau.

The Alaska Marine Highway System, runs ferries from

Bellingham, Washington, and Prince Rupert,

British Columbia, up the Inside Passage to Skagway

and Haines.

Three local airlines fly daily between Juneau and

Skagway.

If you are not taking your own vehicle to Skagway,

a number of local operators run shuttle buses or taxis

to the trailhead at Dyea.

The White Pass and Yukon Railway, which was

completed in 1900, runs an historic train in summer

from Skagway up through the White Pass on the

Canadian border and on to Bennet Lake.

Native control of the trail by the Chilkoot tribe of the

Tlingit weakened in the latter half of the 19th century

as the entire Tlingit trading system came under pressure

from the Hudson’s Bay Company and American traders.

By the 1880′s, the Indians were allowing prospectors

and exploration groups to make limited use of the

Chilkoot route.

CHERYL YOUNG, REALTOR

SAANICH PENINSULA REALTY

VICTORIA, B.C CANADA WWW.CHERYLYOUNG.CA

TOFINO B.C, VANCOUVER ISLAND IS THE PARADISE OF WESTERN CANADA AND THE WORLDHave you ever been to Paradise.

TOFINO B.C, VANCOUVER ISLAND IS THE PARADISE OF WESTERN CANADA AND THE WORLD

Have you ever been to Paradise.

Tofino, BC, is the Paradise of Western Canada.
Where else can you experience temperate rainforests,
abundant wildlife, long clean sandy beaches, beautiful
surf and amazing people?

Tofino, BC, is like nowhere else in the world,
quite literally.
As there is less than 3% of the world’s temperate
rainforest left in the world, just that makes Tofino one
of the most rare places in the world.

Couple that with the fact the city is at the end of a
peninsula containing the world-famous Pacific Rim
National Park and is in the Kennedy and Clayoquot
watersheds, considered some of the most pristine
wilderness in the world and designated a UNESCO
Biosphere Reserve.

When you arrive in this Pacific playground you will
quickly see why it is truly a world-class vacation destination.

Beauty abounds at every turn; clean, uncrowded beaches
at the end of every street.

With a thriving eco-tourism economy, Tofino, BC, is the
place for adventure

But wait, there is more.
Perhaps you don’t want to hike the rainforest trail,
witness eagles swooping for salmon while you’r
e hiking up Mears Mountain on Mears island.

Or perhaps renting sea kayaks and paddling to
the Broken Island group to camp in total isolation is
what interests you.

Maybe you’ve always wanted to try surfing?

You can find some of the best waves in the world on
the west coast of Vancouver Island!

Maybe you just want to sit in the hot tub on the deck
of your vacation accommodations and watch the waves
roll in.

Did you perhaps come for one of the amazing spas and
resorts, or perhaps you would just like to do some fishing?

Whatever fits your interest, Tofino BC is right there
with you in all its beauty.

To travel by car to Tofino, you have a scenic four- to
five-hour drive from Victoria North to Highway 4 in
Parksville, and then west, across the island to arrive
in Tofino and Ucluelet.

As this area is so close to the natural ways of the past,
there was no road until the 1960s and no paved access
suntil the 1980s.

Though fishermen have called the picturesque seaside
town of Tofino home since the Spanish landed on its
coast in 1792, Tofino’s rich history dates much farther
back, when the First Nation’s band the Nuu-chah-nulth
Indians habited the area for thousands of years.

Now the traditional inhabitants of the area remain a
strong presence by showing and sharing their arts,
crafts, artifacts and culture.

The town of Tofino, BC, has many spectacular galleries
including that of Roy Henry Vickers, one of the most
famous Native artists from the area.

Tofino and Ucluelet are two gems secluded on the
West Coast of Vancouver Island in the province
of British Columbia, Canada.

At Tofino’s doorstep is the Clayoquot Sound region,
a world UNESCO biosphere reserve.

This area boasts one of British Columbia’s most
prized nature reserves, Pacific Rim National Park.

Tofino offers the best way to experience BC’s pristine
wilderness first hand.

Over the winter months, storm watching is popular.

You will find competitive rates on accommodation
during these quieter months.

We recommend you reserve accommodations well
in advance of Tofino’s busy summer months.

Planning ahead will ensure you find the cabin, condo,
vacation rental, or resort suitable to your needs.

Tofino offers a variety of outdoor activities for visitors.
Whale watching, hiking, surfing, hot springs excursions
and beach combing are just a few popular activities
at Tofino’s doorstep.
Enjoy your next vacation in spectacular Tofino,
British Columbia, Canada

The Wickaninnish Inn could be reasonably be described
as a lodge at the edge of the world.

Backed by rippling ridges and old-growth evergreens,
the 75-room chalet is perched on a promontory
overlooking the ocean.

In the winter, well-heeled visitors gather behind sturdy
windows and are warmed by a crackling fire as they
watch ferocious storms batter the coastline.

It sounds like one would have to travel to New Zealand
or Patagonia in order to observe such a spectacle.