We left the vineyards and smoke filled air of Kelowna and traveled northeast to the smoke filled air of Revelstoke and Glacier National Parks in British Colombia. There were over 566 wildfires in British Colombia. A state of emergency was declared. Most of the fires were caused by lightning. Even though the fires took away from the rugged beauty of the Rocky Mountains and severely limited our activities, we still explored and enjoyed the hiking trails and waterfalls.
Sicamous
On our way to Revelstoke, we stopped in Sicamous. Our site was private and surrounded by trees, but they only had 30 amp service, no satellite reception and no internet. They had a great open field where Jake was able to run free.
Revelstoke National Park
Revelstoke is known as a hiker’s park, not so much while we were there because of the smoke.
Meadows in the Sky Parkway
The parkway climbs to a mile high over 16 miles of road. Even though there were numerous viewpoints, the smoke obscured any view. At the trailhead, a ranger had silicone examples of the various animal scat that could be found along the hiking trails, including grizzly bear. Bear poop is a little bit larger than Jakes but at this time of year, they eat so many berries that it appears more like a blob.
A hiking trail to Eva Lake goes through subalpine meadows with abundant wildflowers such as western anemone (also called mop-tops and hippy heads; Sandy calls them “Cousin It”), lupine, and paintbrush.
Skunk Cabbage
A nice boardwalk through wetlands. Unlike US National Parks, dogs are allowed on leash on most hiking trails. Based on the abundant wildlife we came across in Canada compared to the US, our National Park Service argument that dogs scare away wildlife doesn’t seem to hold water.
Giant Cedars
A boardwalk though old growth enchanted forest. It truly was like walking through the forest from Lord of the Rings! It’s that beautiful and peaceful.
Delicious lunch at the Main Street Cafe. Carrot ginger soup, Turkey Breast/Cranberry Chutney Sandwich and Banh Mi Sandwich(pork, pickled carrots and cucumber, cilantro). Variety is always good.
We stayed at the Revelstoke Campground. Because of the smoke, trees and mountains we couldn’t get satellite. They had 50 amp service, sewer, and good water pressure. Wifi was only at the office. Jake loved this campground because they had resident goats and he was obsessed with watching them.
Glacier
The Colombia Mountains are steep with narrow valleys. We enjoyed the trails and Jake was rewarded with spotting the occasional squirrel.
Hemlock Grove
A boardwalk through old growth cedar and hemlock forest. The picture doesn’t do it justice. It was enchanting.
Rock Garden
A short and easy hike though moss covered rocks.
Bear Creek Falls
A nice unpopulated trail to a beautiful waterfall.
