Inspiration at Vancouver’s Outdoor Adventure & Travel Show

Looking for adventure and travel inspiration? I found it in spades when I spent a few hours yesterday at Vancouver’s Outdoor Adventure and Travel Show.

I don’t normally like shows – especially on weekends when I can think of better things to do. But this show is right up on my alley and does give me plenty of ideas for future trips – especially in British Columbia, the Yukon and Washington State.

Here are some of the highlights of the show.

I met Maria Coffey – a woman who in my opinion is adventure personified. She has sea kayaked in some crazy places – like the wild west coast of Vancouver Island, Malawi, the Ganges and the Solomon Islands. Plus she is an award winning author who has written many books including A Boat in My Baggage, Visions of the Wild and Three Moons in Vietnam. She and her photographer husband – Dag Goering – are now running a company Hidden Places. They offer small group adventures and private trips to some of the world’s most interesting places

The Yukon Territory

The Yukon Territory was well represented and if looking at their poster boards didn’t make you want to head up there to explore then you’re probably not the exploring type. What does the Yukon offer? Fabulous rafting, canoeing, fishing, dog sledding and northern lights. Throw in some world class hiking to places like the Chilkoot Trail (the famous gold rush trail), the Tombstone Mountains near Dawson City and three National Parks – two of which I’d never heard of before- Vuntut and Ivvavkl National Park. Here you might find part of the Porcupine caribou herd. Kluane National Park, the third park (and the one I knew about) – is a UNESCO world heritage site and part of the largest international protected area in the world. Raw unspoiled Canadian landscapes are what you’re going to find in the Yukon.

British Columbia’s Sunshine Coast

The Sunshine Coast is a hop, skip and a jump from Vancouver – and only 40 minutes by ferry from Horseshoe Bay. I asked Marlene, the Resort Manager for the Painted Boat Resort and friendly booth staffer what she liked to do best on the coast. Hands down it was kayaking but in the winter she’d discovered snowshoeing on the Dakota Ridge trails – which she said offers a similar experience to snowshoeing on Cypress Mountain. The Sunshine Coast is also one of the gateways to Lund and Desolation Sound - world class destinations for the boating crowd. Don’t miss a hike to Skookumchuck rapids either – famous for whirlpools and rapids and a fun spot to watch whitewater kayakers. There are loads of B&B’s and one resort in particular has received a lot of press – Rockwater – famous for its luxurious tenthouse suites complete with stunning views.

Whitewater Rafting

Lots of rafting companies had booths at the show.

Fraser River Raft Expeditions offers trips on the mighty Fraser and its tributaries – with one day to seven day itineraries possible. Some of the country looks like the photo below – dry and hot and perfect for summertime rafting.

Chilliwack River Rafting offers trips in an area of great beauty in the Cascade Mountains – about an hour east of Vancouver.

Interior Whitewater Expeditions operates on the Clearwater River in Wells Gray Provincial Park – a gorgeous park 450 kilometers north of Vancouver. Beautiful lakes and rivers and very few people ensure a true wilderness experience.

Westcoast Aquatic Safaris out of Tofino offers a boating experience – but not by raft. Instead go by motorboat and look for whales, bears and birds. A trip to Hot Springs Cove is also a possibility and the perfect destination on a dreary, wet, west coast day.

Squamish

The folks from Tourism Squamish were in attendance promoting all that the area has to offer. Contact them for their fantastic map of the area with all the trails and points of interest clearly marked. I’ve hiked Stawamus Chief but there’s so much more to investigate. Excellent hiking in Garibaldi (unfortunately without dogs) takes you to a small alpine lakes and old volcanic domes. Hit the mountain bike trails, raft and check out the bald eagles in Brackendale, rock climb, kayak and swim. There’s much more than meets the eye. And Squamish is only an hour from Vancouver

Other worthwhile booths were ones representing Gray’s Harbor in Washington, an area located in the southwest corner of the Olympic Peninsula. There’s plenty to do in that area – bike, hike, beachcomb, dig for clams, fly kites…

Northern BC was also well represented.  The picture below gives you a pretty good idea of what’s available in this part of the world – fishing, skiing (heli, cat and downhill) and fishing. Actually much more than that! It’s a great area for anyone interested in exploring the outdoors. Canoeing and kayaking is especially good.

A few countries were represented at the show (Iceland and the Philipines), many clothing companies, more travel companies (Gap and Intrepid come immediately to mind), and a few food companies. You could try your hand at paddleboarding and enter contests. Almost every booth was giving something away.

Many cities offer travel and adventure shows. If you need some fresh inspiration then it’s a worthwhile few hours; do chat up the booth people – they’re usually a wealth of ideas and inspiration.

Leigh McAdam

HikeBikeTravel

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