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A Fine Canadian Journey…

I’ve just returned from a whistle-stop tour of Alberta & British Columbia. My aim, to find a small portfolio of lodges with owners who are as passionate about wildlife and all things outdoors as we are, and whilst I’d never recommend this hectic route for you, it certainly meant I saw some fantastic properties and sights.

First stop, the starting point for many journeys into the Rockies…. Banff. Driving up from Calgary my surprise of the morning was a bear at the side of the highway! Once in Banff, The Juniper was a welcoming sight, coffee in hand sitting on the patio overlooking the spectacular Vermillion Lakes and surrounding snow topped mountain peaks. The owner is an Environmental Engineer and dedicated to the preservation of the natural environment. Running through the property is part of a ‘wildlife corridor’ and cameras have been strategically positioned to capture the passing ‘traffic’ with some surprising results.

Venturing further north, in sister lodges Moraine Lake and Cathedral Mountain, I find two outstanding properties. Their cosy mountain cabin feeling and roaring fires are just the thing for a wilderness experience. Local naturalist guides are on hand for lectures and interpretive guided walks to fully appreciate the abundance of flora and fauna found in the Bow Valley region.

After a scenic north-westerly drive through mountain passes over to the drier plains of the Cariboo, I arrive at Echo Valley Ranch owned and run by Norm & Nan Dove and the welcoming committee of eight sheep dogs of varying size and age. Whilst riding is the main passion here, there are endless number of other activities and wildlife like bears and cougars are regular visitors to the surrounding plains. Not being a rider, my novice lesson was quite a tame event but riders of all capabilities are welcomed and catered for. The feather in the cap though has to be the fully equipped Thai Spa. This again was another first for me, a traditional Thai massage. No oils or smelly candles just an unfeasible strong yet tiny Thai therapist bending and stretching my limbs in ways I wasn’t aware my body capable of, after a hour and a half I was exhausted but felt fabulous.

From the Cariboo with stops en route in Vancouver and Campbell River, my destination is the Clayoquot Sound just north of Tofino on Vancouver Island. The Outpost at Bedwell River is a unique camp in the heart of the wilderness. It’s hard to sum up in just a few words what a truly amazing place this is. What you notice first is the people; John & Adele who run the camp don’t have staff, just a large family of dedicated individuals who think of everything to make your stay unforgettable. Accommodation is in huge traditional prospector style tents with really cosy hand made wooden beds and gas fired stoves, with a deck out front to sit and admire the views and soak up the atmosphere. Your stay here is all inclusive from the cookies on the treats counter to the zodiac bear watching trip, the surprisingly excellent choice of BC wines to the horse riding trek through the forests, not forgetting the all important spa tents which overlook the estuary. I must make special mention to the chef’s, being a big fan of food my hardest decision of the day was just what to have for breakfast, although there’s a menu, if they have it, they’ll make it for you and it will be the best you’ve ever tasted! This has to be one of the best safari experiences in the whole of Canada.

Sheena

If you are interested in further information please call and talk to me direct, I will enthuse and inspire you!.

All photos © Sheena Ogley at Wildlife & Wilderness

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