An alpine adventure
This ATVer was captured by the beauty of the mountains near Golden
So Much To See: Moira and Ed Jaatteenmaki discovered towering mountain peaks, lush forests and crystal-clear rivers on their ride in the Golden area last September — photo by Moira Jaatteenmaki
Wow—that’s a word you will use many times if you take the ride we did in September 2008. My husband, Ed, and I joined members of the Golden ATV Club for a weekend to do some riding in the Bush Arm of Kinbasket Lake. I had heard this was a ride not to miss so, even though it was teeming rain in Revelstoke, we trusted the weather forecast and took off for camp at 57.5 kilometres on the Bush River Forest Service Road (FSR) where we found the gang from Golden. The next morning was—surprise, surprise—exactly as the weather man had predicted: mainly sunny with some clouds. Ten ATVs took off up the Bush River FSR and quickly entered typical Rocky Mountain country. The mountain tops were covered with the first snow of the season which emphasized the weathering and layering of the mountains. The first mountain to catch my eye was one that was very similar to Castle Mountain in Banff National Park, just smaller. Then we came into a valley and there was an incredible sight of a banded mountain where the bands were multi coloured. When the mountain was formed the bands were thrust upwards and sideways so that they varied from vertical to convoluted, wow. Next was the spectacular Mt. Bryce and the cameras started what would be a day long activity of taking incredible photos. Mt. Bryce, towering above us at 11,515 feet, is at one time a smaller version of Mt. Robson, then from another angle it’s the Matterhorn and yet another it is a large vertical plug rising out of severe vertical slopes. Off to our left was Mt. Columbia all white and towering over everything else at 12,293 feet; this is the highest point in Alberta. Just when you thought it couldn’t get any better, we next caught a glimpse in the distance of a horizontal wall of snow and ice. Further up the valley, we went up Bryce Creek FSR, turned the corner and the biggest wow possible. The lookout point was at 4,600 feet and we were looking at the south edge of the Columbia Icefields. Below us was a valley with a meandering river spawned from the ice melt. We spotted two hikers and a herd of elk in the valley. At the head of the valley rose three glacier tongues coming down from walls of fractured and convoluted glacier ice. The whole horizon was filled with this awesome sight. Just 20 kilometres over the top and you would arrive at the Columbia Icefields visitor centre on the Banff-Jasper highway. It was hard to leave this awesome sight but our next trip was up Rice Brook, climbing up the valley with towering, dry, vertical faces until we were stopped by deactivation only three kilometres from the Alberta border. We went back to the Bush River FSR then to the north where we would pass snow-covered Mt. Columbia and arrive again at the edge of the icefield. Unfortunately, a bridge was missing on the road and someone had cut out the alternate bridge so we were thwarted. Back to camp we went, stopping repeatedly for picture opportunities. After refueling, we started up Valenciennes River FSR branching up the Icefall Brook FSR to a lookout to view the Southwest Lyell Icefield. On the way, we passed Bush peak and Rostrum Peak—both 10,000+ peaks. We could see the icefield growing at the end of the valley but we were stopped in our tracks by a huge washout. Obviously the spring runoff had caused this. After much examination and consultation, a very rough way around was found and two ATVs took off to see what lay ahead. Once again, the road was washed out two kilometres up and that was that. What a great day. We rode about 180 kilometres in total and saw incredible country that is totally awesome. And this opinion is coming from someone who lives in the midst of the Selkirk and Monashee mountains and every day has her breakfast gazing out the window at a 180 degree view of 8,963-foot Mt. Begbie with its glaciated peaks and Mt. McPherson at 7,874 on my right then Mt. MacKenzie and Mt Cartier at 8,071 and 8,666 feet respectively on my left and the wetlands of the Columbia River and its wildlife below me. This trip combined the best of ATVing: good riding, totally awesome country and great company. This is absolutely a ride not to be missed. Thanks for the hospitality, Golden ATV Club, and we will be back next year—no doubt about that.
British Columbia key contacts
Cranbrook, BCFinding the right ride for you
All Seasons Motor Sports Ltd. is located in Cranbrook, B.C. We base our success on our commitment to customer service, personal attention and in our opinion, the best product lineups in the business! We carry Arctic Cat, Kawasaki and Suzuki, so whether you are looking for a snowmobile, ATV, a side-by-side or motorcycle, let our experienced staff assist you in finding the right ride for you. We offer a great selection of parts, accessories and clothing. Here you will also receive quality service for all makes and models of small engines; even generators, weed whackers, lawnmowers and snowblowers. Having a team that's passionate about motor sports makes coming into All Seasons Motor Sports all the more welcoming, we look forward to meeting you.
All Season's Motor Sports Ltd.www.allseasonsmotorsports.ca-
Aldergrove, BCQuality products from Can-Am, Ski-Doo and Sea-Doo
At Ski and Trail Powersports Ltd., we specialize in sales, parts and service of all BRP recreational products. Whether you are looking for Ski-Doo, SeaDoo, Can-Am ATVs or the Commander side-by-side, we have it! We stock a huge selection of accessories, parts, helmets and riding gear for all ages. Our knowledgeable staff can help you find what you need. Visit our website to see sales promotions, used inventory, unit specs or compare units, online shopping and much more.
Ski & Trail Powersportswww.skiandtrail.com 
Northern BCYour home away from home
When you plan your outdoor recreation adventure, let the Pomeroy Inn & Suites be your home away from home. Our hotels are designed with your comfort in mind. We offer oversized suites with full kitchens, family bunk bed rooms and executive king rooms. Did we also mention that all of our hotels are 100% pet friendly? Every room features Hypnos sleep system beds, free high speed internet, mini fridge, microwave and more. Our continental breakfast features guest favorites such as make-your-own Belgian waffles complete with a topping station, fruit, yogurt, bagels, pastries, juice, coffee and more. When you return from the trails you can indulge in our pool, waterslide and hot tub.
Rural Discovery Destination Marketing Fundwww.pomeroyinnandsuites.com
Sicamous, BCA friendly atmosphere awaits
Nestled between the Eagle River and the TransCanada Highway, in Sicamous, British Columbia, a friendly atmosphere awaits you. You can enjoy a meal off the menu at our cozy fully licensed restaurant or choose one of the three daily specials that we provide. If you arrive by motorcycle you can park in our corral and clean the windshield at the complimentary bug wash station. If you want to stay with us we can offer rides varying from two hours to two days with many motorcycle-friendly stops along the way. We like to think all roads lead to Joe's, where you can sit on the deck at the end of a ride and enjoy a pint of Mt. Begbie’s famous cream ale.
Joe Schmuck's Roadhousewww.joeschmucks.ca
Calgary, ABImproving your safety with Smart-Antenna technology
At Ortovox we consider safety our number one priority. We are known globally for high-quality mountain sports products for summer and winter, which meet the highest standards of quality, functionality and design and allow a safe mountain adventure. We offer top-of-the-line products, such as the new S1+ avalanche transceiver, which combines two unique transceiver innovations, and the 3+ transceiver, a three-antenna device with a special extra function to first enhance your own safety. The intelligent position recognition system analyzes the position of the antennas and automatically switches to the optimal transmitting antenna. There is no longer any such thing as the 'worst position.'
Ortovox Canada Ltd.www.ortovox.com
Cranbrook, BCYour four-season headquarters to enjoy all outdoor activities
Voted by Trip Advisor as "Top 10 in the country for best value" for three years running, this new lodge is located at the west entrance to Cranbrook, overlooking the 250-acre Elizabeth Lake Lodge Bird Sanctuary. Every unit has a full kitchen with a real hardwood floor entrance. The rooms feature Windsor beds, flat-screen TVs and heated Italian tile in every bathroom. There is high-speed wireless and plug-in Internet, and lots of secure parking for longer units. An RV park and History of the Kootenays mini-golf course are also located on the premises.
Elizabeth Lake Lodgewww.elizabethlakelodge.com
A global company with a proven track record
Camoplast Solideal is a world leader in the design, manufacturing and distribution of off-road tires, rubber tracks, undercarriage systems, wheels, body dressing parts, under-the-hood plastic components and assemblies, molded skis, engine covers, thermal and air induction systems. As a strategic supplier to leading Original Equipment Manufacturers (OEMs), we deliver our products directly to their assembly lines. We use the full power of our experience, engineering expertise, innovation skills, support and best-in-class manufacturing capabilities to deliver high-performance products of unrivalled quality and value. On the strength of a global team of close to 8,000 dedicated experts, we operate advanced research and development centres, manufacturing plants in Canada, the USA, Europe and Asia, and distribution facilities on all continents.
Camoplastwww.camoplastsolideal.com
Revelstoke, BCInvest in Revelstoke: Now in development, opening winter 2011/2012
Mountain Springs Lodges and Resort sits at the base of Boulder Mountain, with convenient access to the mountain's western trail access. Just six minutes from downtown Revelstoke overlooking Revelstoke Mountain Resort and the majestic Selkirk and Monashee Mountains, comfortable cabin lodging is a meeting place for snowmobilers in the winter months and sightseers and hikers in the summer months. The resort will include hot pools, snowmobile maintenance areas, walking and biking trails and central reservations. Invest in Mountain Springs and enjoy affordable ownership and rental pool revenues. Investment opportunities exist in development, management or purchase ownership. Call for information or make your winter 2011/12 bookings at 250-837-4420.
Canada West RV Park - Black Tie Propertieswww.canadawestrevelstoke.com-
Calgary, AB
Go over the top!
What better way to spend those bleak winter days than by riding in the breathtaking scenery of the Canadian Rockies? Over the Top Rentals offers new 2012 Arctic Cat, Ski-Doo and Polaris mountain sleds. Thrill-seekers will enjoy our Yamaha Nytro Turbo. Over the Top Rentals is in a great location in south Calgary, just five minutes off Deer Foot Trail. We offer to shuttle sleds to the Crowsnest Pass and B.C. for weekend rentals, and we also rent avalanche beacons. For more information on our company, including the tour options available, visit our website www.overthetoprentals.com.
Over The Top Rentals 
100 Mile HouseThe latest and best in powersports products
At Performance All Terrain & Ren. Ltd., our mission is to offer you the latest in parts and products, at the best prices, and with unparalleled service. Offering a great selection of high quality construction equipment and recreational unit rentals is just part of the package. We also sell parts and accessories, and service all the lines we carry, such as Can-am, Ski-Doo, Honda, and KTM - and even the ones we don't. We pledge our best efforts to make your experience both beneficial and enjoyable. Once you give us a try, we’re sure you'll be back for more!
Performance All Terrainwww.performanceallterrain.com-
Surrey and Chilliwack, BCA top choice for powersports machines, service and gear
Greater Vancouver Powersports (GVP), the largest Bombardier Recreational Products (BRP) dealer in the lower mainland with locations in Surrey (Port Kells) and Chilliwack, B.C., is committed to providing best in class sales and service to customers. Our growth is fueled by the continuous innovation delivered in BRP products we carry, including Can-Am ATVs, Ski-Doo snowmobiles, Sea-Doo personal watercraft, Sea-Doo sport boats, and the Spyder Roadsters (exclusive to Greater Vancouver Powersports). We offer the widest selection of units, parts, accessories and technical riding gear. Most of all, our knowledgeable staff will help you customize your ride to suit your needs.
Greater Vancouver Powersportswww.gvps.ca -
Broadway Williams Lake
Getting you out there on a Polaris!
We know that you have high expectations, and as a dealer we enjoy the challenge of meeting and exceeding those expectations - every time.
Spectra Powersports Ltd.www.spectrapowersports.com -
British Columbia
We're here to help you get where you need to go.
At B & F Sales & Service Ltd., we stand behind the products we sell and the service provided by our factory-trained technicians.
B & F Sales & Service Ltd.www.bandfsales.com -
British Columbia
Offering a great selection of new and pre-owned snowmobiles and ATVs.
At Ghostrider Motorsports, we sell the best models of all your favourite recreational machines - including Arctic Cat and Yamaha snowmobiles, Arctic Cat ATVs, and Honda and Yamaha motorcycles to name a few.
Ghostrider Motorsportswww.ghostridermotorsports.ca -
British Columbia
Our expertise will meet all your motorsports needs
In addition to our vast lineup of new and pre-owned machines, we also have the experience and expertise you need for motorsports repairs and service.
BP Motorsportswww.bpmotorsports.ca -
British Columbia
Your recreation specialists
Browse our site to view our custom-built machines, check out our hot sellers in the winter and summer lineups, or schedule your next service visit.
Neid Enterprises Ltd.www.neidenterprises.com -
Alberta
Proudly serving the Westlock area with top Arctic Cat models
See our latest Arctic Cat machines, and enjoy our top-notch customer service.
CC Cyclecccycle@cccycle.ca -
British Columbia
We provide recreational vehicles for all types of riders
Whether you are looking for an ATV, snowmobile, side by side, dirt bike, or motorcycle, we have options for you! Check out our latest models from Yamaha, and be amazed at the selection and service we offer.
Mountain Motorsportswww.mountainmotorsports.ca -
British Columbia
Service is our specialty
At Northern Services Yamaha, we carry all different types of snowmobiles, ATVs, motorcycles, side-by-sides and other recreational machines to suit your needs.
Northern Services Yamahawww.norser.ca -
British Columbia
Making tracks in the powersports industry
Main Jet's team has a long history in the power sports and equipment industries. We have been involved in everything from the motorcycle racing circuit, to snowmobiling the backcountry of the Kootenays, to building leading edge mod sleds. We also take family outings on ATVs and side-by-sides and have a solid understanding of the needs of land owners and forestry workers. All of this gives us an expertise in serving you better. The oldest dealership in the area, Main Jet is proud to carry the very best in Arctic Cat, Honda, Polaris and KTM machines.
Main Jet Motorsports Inc.www.manjet.ca -
British Columbia
The foremost supplier of sport machines in Kamloops
Choose from a wide selection of Kawasaki Street and motocross bikes, ATVs, two-seater side-by-side ATVs, jetskis for water fun, Arctic Cat snowmobiles and Triton trailers so you can transport all these great toys to wherever you go.
Leading Edge Motorsportswww.leadingedgeonline.ca