Don't forget about Big River this summer. Quadding and fishing are a perfect match according to Bill Gerow, the president of the Timber Trails ATV Club.
“There are 40 lakes within an hour's drive from Big River,” said Gerow. “You can catch any kind of fish you want. Many of these lakes are available only with ATVs, while some have motorhome hookups and everything in between.”
Gerow's favourite places to fish? Delaronde and Cowan Lakes. Delaronde Lake is 10 kilometres out of Big River, with 14 great sandy, pristine beaches and lots of trails to ride. Gerow said that South Stoney is a new development at the end of Delaronde Lake that has a large marina. The lake itself is the largest in the area; it is 32 miles long and up to 160 feet deep at the north end.
“Cowan Lake is great for fishing with kids because you can stand on the dock at the end of Main Street and catch all the fish you want,” said Gerow. “You can also camp right on the lake and catch your limit within an hour.”
Gerow's favourite place to ride? The Timberlost area on the west side of Big River. Gerow explained that it has a rich history.
“It was first settled in the mid-1930s when the farmers created trails between the homesteads and created a small townsite including a school," said Gerow. "They were moved out in the mid-'50s, and the land that was cleared was reforested in the early '60s. Many of the old homestead buildings still remain today, along with the trails joining everything together. This is all Crown land and you are able to get to many of the areas only by ATV or snowmobile."
Gerow said there are five lakes in the area, most of which are accessible only by ATV or sled. Gerow also recommends the area known locally as the Moonlight-Pancake Lake area.
In total, Gerow said, there are over 300 kilometres of trails to explore and you can leave right from town on the trail.
“It is its own destination and you can spend a week and never hit the same trail twice," said Gerow, adding that a GPS is helpful because there are so many trails.
For more information, check out Big River's information centre.