Alberta Trip Day I
As I mentioned a few days ago, we took a little driving holiday last week. We enjoy car trips which allow us the flexibility to stop and enjoy whatever catches our interest (within some time limits of course) and have a picnic lunch somewhere along the way. We have lived in BC for a lot of years and still haven’t seen all of this province, nor that of Alberta, our destination. It has been a couple of decades since we drove the scenic Crowsnest Highway from Hope (east of Vancouver) all the way to Lethbridge, Alberta. British Columbia has several mountain ranges running north south with valleys in between, so the road does wind up and down until we cross the Rockies into Alberta.
Whenever we travel in BC, we take along our now dog-eared copy of the Beautiful British Columbia Travel Guide (1994) which was published by a magazine of that name (now called British Columbia magazine). While my husband drives, I read out loud the interesting history and facts about the communities along our route. The Crowsnest website is as interesting as the book, with much more detailed histories. I’ll just mention a few highlights of the day’s journey.
I was thrilled to see the wild rhododendrons in bloom in Manning Provincial Park, three hours east of Vancouver. This species of rhododendron is similar to the Himalayan ones, and is found in just a few locations in North America. (I wish I’d written down the information from the park.) This was the first time we were there in June to see them in bloom. We have fond memories of several cross-country skiing holidays in Manning Park when our family was younger.
Osoyoos is located on Canada’s only desert – the northern most tip of the Sonora Desert. Situated in the heart of the South Okanagan, and boasting the lowest annual rainfall and the highest average temperatures, this is appropriately called BC’s Desert Wine Country! It’s too hot for me, Spanish/Mexican looking, and popular with families and retirees. Some cool day I would like to visit the Desert Centre here.
We stopped for the night at Christina Lake, a pretty little town with cottages rimming the lake. It will be very busy in July and August but now it was still quiet, without fast food joints, hotels or fancy restaurants. These tired travellers found a lovely spot to unwind on the public beach by the quiet waters surrounded by mountains before retiring to a motel.
(Read more about the trip: Day 2, Day 3, Day 4 and Days 5 & 6)
June 13, 2006 in Being an Artist, History by Marja-Leena
Oh, how beautiful! Looks like a nice trip. I know nothing about that part of the country – thanks for sharing it with us.
Thanks Leslee – I know I sound like a tourism promoter, but I honestly do think BC is a very beautiful and geographically diverse province. One doesn’t have to fly to the other side of the world to find oceans, mountains, rolling farmlands, desert and enough wilderness to get lost in. Come visit, Leslee!
You have just described my favorite way of traveling. My best vacations with my husband have been the same–leisurely, dictated by what piqued our interest.
Thanks for the stunning shots of BC. It’s good to see that it is still pristine.
Patry, it’s also a great way to spend time together, isn’t it? BC has many pristine areas, but there are also many areas that are damaged by mining, clearcuts and industry, like in other parts of the continent and the world. (I’m restraining myself from getting on my environmental high horse here!)
Hm, we have all those things but desert in New England! Perhaps not as stunning as out in BC. Yes, would love to get out there sometime. On my list!
Leslee – I think you’ll find our mountains are quite magnificent! Let me know when you come and I’ll give you a tour around Vancouver.
There used to be a swimming float you could swim out to in Christina Lake…sunset around 10 pm was spectacular this time of year.
Then you could drive into Grand Forks for a good Chinese supper.
Ah…memories of BC…and it extends on and on…
Thanks.
Glad this brought back some good memories for you, Chuck!
Christina Lake is known for being very warm because it is shallow, so it’s popular. I think I saw a beached float when we were there – probably just about ready to be set out for the summer season.