vol8issue26_-_pns

PLAYSTAYNin the beautiful columbia valley

Entertainment and activity guide for the whole family!

ServingSpillimacheen, Brisco, Radium, Edgewater,

Invermere, Windermere, Fairmont and Canal Flats

pull outSUNSHINE

RANCH

The Columbia Valley is rich with colour at this time of year, as was captured by Invermere photographer, Joe Lucas, in this photo of a field near Mt. Swansea. The yellow-hued expanse is in bloom with Wild Mustard flower.

Hours: 11:30 a.m. – 10:00 p.m. • Phone: 250-342-6866 • www.lakesidepub.com

pen 7 Days A Week!

Beside James Chabot Provincial Park in Athalmer

ALL YOU CAN EAT FISH N’ CHIPS FRIDAYS

Only $12.95

THE BEST SUNDAY BRUNCH IN TOWN11 am – 3 pm • $17.95

OUR BIGGER,

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DOCKS ARE BACK

IN THE WATER!

Photo by Joe Lucas

2 ~ Play ’n’ Stay • The Columbia Valley Pioneer July 1, 2011

Registration at [email protected] or call 250-347-9562

All levels every session.Pool and Beach Lessons

See full program at our websitewww. columbiavalleyswim.com

SUMMER SWIM LESSONS

A bird’s eye view

By Joshua EstabrooksPioneer Staff

Since the beginning of time, humans have tried to develop and perfect the ability to fly. Usually the art of flight is reserved for the privileged few who can afford the time and money required to reach the heavens in their own personal craft, or for those travelling on imper-sonal commercial flights to and from one major city to the next. But here in the Columbia Valley, you can soar with the eagles for very reasonable prices.

Those interested in seeing the valley from the air have a choice of whether to go up in a conventional air-craft or a glider. Each option has its distinct benefits, and one can choose from predetermined sightseeing routes through some of the most remarkable mountain features imaginable, or customize their own route in consultation with experienced pilots.

If the thought of silently gliding through the skies above Lake Windermere and its surrounding mountains tickles your fancy, the Invermere Soaring Centre is where you want to take off. Professional glider pilots are waiting to show you why the Columbia Valley is an internation-ally recognized destination in the gliding world, boasting some of the best conditions for thermal flying anywhere.

The Soaring Centre is one of only three commercial gliding tour companies in the country, so it is an activ-ity not many people get to enjoy on a regular basis. The

cost of a tour is a little bit higher than in a conventional aircraft, as the costs to get a glider airborne are steeper, but it is still a very affordable activity, contrary to what you might think. Check out www.soartherockies.com for more information.

Another unforgettable airborne adventure option is heading up in one of Babin Air’s conventional aircraft sfor a sightseeing adventure you will not soon forget. Just imagine getting to see more unique, breathtaking, alpine features in one, hour-long flight than most backcountry enthusiasts see in a lifetime. It is also a great way to plan a land based trip, as seeing it from the air can help uncover unknown features or dangers that one wouldn’t other-wise know existed if exploring by foot.

The pilots are not only highly skilled in the op-eration of the aircraft, but they also act as interpreters along the way, pointing out the most majestic and awe inspiring landmarks and locations imaginable. It’s truly amazing what they can pack into such an affordable, yet seldom thought of, experience. Find out more at www.BabinAir.com.

So when you’re thinking of activities for you and your family during your stay in the Columbia Valley, or you live here and have not yet experienced your home from the air, why not follow that long standing dream of our ancestors, and explore the area from the air. It’s an experience you won’t soon forget.

Cameras are mandatory.

SILENT SOARING — A glider soars over the Columbia Valley on a regular flight originating at the Invermere Airport. Photo courtesy of the Invermere Soaring Centre.

733 - 12th St. Invermere (Across from the Post Offi ce)

Phone 250-342-0012

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From the

Happy Canada Day

N EW S PA P E R

Phone: (250) 341-6299 Fax: (250) 341-6229

Email: [email protected] www.columbiavalleypioneer.com

Display advertising deadlines for the July 8th issue is Monday July 4th at 12:00 noon. Classifieds deadline is Tuesday, July 5th

at 12:00 noon

July 1, 2011 The Columbia Valley Pioneer • Play ’n’ Stay ~ 3

TANNINGMonday to Saturday Open till 7:00 p.m.,

Monday, Wednesday & Friday

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YEAR-ROUNDRV & PARK MODEL

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This unique RV community boastsspectacular views of the

Rocky Mountains and the Hoodoos.

These beautiful treed lots range in sizefrom 5,000 to over 12,800 square feet.

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5 km south of Fairmont Hot Springswww.dutchcreekresort.com • 250-345-6558

From $69,000

This unique RV community boasts spectacular views of the Rocky Mountains and the Hoodoos.These beautiful treed lots range in size from 5,000 to over 12,800 square feet.

Each RV lot backs onto the natural forest.

YEAR-ROUND RV & PARK MODEL LOTS FOR SALE

FLIGHT SIGHTS — Clockwise from top: Horsethief Creek; Radium Hot Springs; Panorama; an Lake Windermere. Flight courtesy of Babin Air.

Photos by Joshua Estabrooks


Show your love for Lake Windermere

Photo by Joshua Estabrooks

Submitted by Kirsten HarmaLake Windermere Ambassadors

Now that it is officially summer it’s time to start thinking about fun days on Lake Windermere.

The Lake Windermere Ambassadors, a society com-mitted to monitoring lake water quality and educating people about watershed and lake health, are going to be hosting a great family event to celebrate the lake as part of Summerlude this July.

The event, the Lake Windermere Regatta, celebrates beautiful Lake Windermere and the people who care about it, commemorating the completion of the Lake Windermere Project, a five-year water quality monitor-ing and water stewardship education program.

The ‘Love Your Lake’ photo contest will take place as part of the regatta. Shutterbugs are asked to snap photos fitting this year’s theme: My Favourite Place on the Lake.

Snap-happy lake enthusiasts have until July 18th to submit their favourite shots of Lake Windermere, with a maximum of two submissions per person. Winners will be announced during the regatta on July 23rd.

A panel of expert photographers will judge the pho-tographs. Great prizes will be awarded for this event — so submit your photos soon!

Photos will be judged on technical quality, clarity and composition, but also a flair for the unexpected and the ability to capture a picture-perfect moment.

Photographs must have been shot by the entrant. Digitally or otherwise enhanced or altered photos will not be accepted.

For more information about the Love Your Lake photo contest or to submit a photo, contact Kirsten, Program Coordinator for the Lake Windermere Ambas-sadors, at 250-341-6898.

Lake Windermere


Fairmont Pioneer 20110613.indd 1 13/6/11 12:00:48

Check out the great supply of � shing gear and supplies…Discover the Columbia River � rst hand with a � oat tube trip

that meanders itself around Fairmont Hot Springs andthru the beautiful vistas of the famous Riverside Golf Course

and winding its way to the Fairmont Meadows. Prices start at $10

We now have full service RV parts and supplies.

We rent � shing boats, kayaks, canoes, � oat tubesand just about everything for a great time in Fairmont.

It’s kool, we have 16 � avours of Ice cream to serve you…kids ice cream $1.85 and adults single $2.99

4962 Fairmont Frontage, Fairmont Hot Springs • 250-342-1034

Submitted by Dorothy BlundenWindermere Valley Museum

Looking for a place for a family pic-nic? The museum is open for the summer. Bring your picnic basket and enjoy an af-ternoon sharing memories of the past with family and friends.

Visit our buildings to find the answers to our summer quiz, try your hand with some old golf clubs, or just enjoy our summer exhibit “Toys Alive”. For those with a family history in the valley, it is the opportunity to do a little research, or even find an old photo or two to add to your ‘story’.

The Children’s Program (for kids six-

11) begins Wednesday July 6 at 10:30 a.m. until noon and will happen each Wednes-day throughout the summer. There is no charge but we welcome donations to the

museum. We offer activi-ties, games and crafts

with a historical theme.

The Muse-um thanks the Rotary Club for

once again pro-viding the won-derful provincial

flag display on our grounds. Tourists and

residents enjoy the challenge of putting the correct province to each

flag.Thought for the day: “History is what

is written; the past is what really hap-pened.”

The Windermere Valley Museum specializes in both! Come and visit us.

Bring your picnic basket to the museum


RAILWAYHow the

helped sh

ape the Columbia Valley

By Kelsey VerboomPioneer Staff

There was a great hiss, and a bellow of white steam gushed from the train’s smokestack. A whoosh of steam blasted from the cylinders and seeped across the rails of the track and between the wheels of the locomotive, giv-ing the impression the polished steel giant was hovering on a cloud.

The whistle sounded and the train jostled forward, causing the cars and couplings to creak and clank as it crept along the tracks, slowly chugging faster. After leav-ing the yard, the train began to pick up speed, making the rivulets of raindrops on the passenger car windows streak diagonally as the train swooshed past the churning Kicking Horse River and walls of limestone rock.

This scene was common fodder during the first half of the 1900s, but it is incredibly rare today in Canada. The train described here is the CP Empress 2816 steam train — the very last operating H1b Hudson-type steam engine in the Canadian Pacific Railway’s fleet of trains. The magnificent restored engine recently visited the area, taking a nostalgic steam from Golden to Field, and Field to Banff, in celebration of Yoho National Park’s 125 an-niversary and the Canadian National Parks’ 100th.

The CP Empress 2816 was built in 1930 by Mon-treal Locomotive Works. During its career on the Ca-nadian Pacific Railway line, it ran westward from Win-nipeg to Calgary and eastward to Fort William, Ontario, and later on the route from Windsor to Quebec City. It never worked on the line running through the Columbia Valley, although before its celebratory journey through Yoho, the crew took it for a test drive to Invermere.

Like many Canadian towns, the building of the Ca-nadian Pacific Railway (CPR) strongly influenced the settlements along the Columbia Valley.

Until the railway arrived in the valley, the area relied heavily on transport of both goods and people along the steamboat line that ran the length of the Columbia Riv-er. The lively steamboat era lasted from 1886-1920, and during this time, the steam-powered boats were respon-

The Canadian Pacific Railway station in Athalmer during the 1940s. The building is now the main structure at the Windermere Valley Museum.

Photo A283 courtesy of the Windermere District Historical Society

sible for hauling barges loaded with steam shovels and equipment that would help build the Kootenay Central Railway, which was the stretch of line between Golden and Fernie, and was part of the CPR.

The railway was perhaps the most influential factor in how the valley was shaped, and where towns were placed. Some of the townsites, like Brisco, were hand-picked by the CPR as favourable places to build. In 1912, the CPR bought 50 acres where Brisco now sits and dubbed it the Kootenay Central Railway Townsite of Brisco.

Using horse, mule, and manpower, the railway build pushed on towards the newly-formed Brisco. By 1913, the line was completed from Golden to Spillimacheen, where another station was built. For two years it oper-ated this short distance, hauling mail and transporting workers of the Galena Mine.

Just as it had in other Canadian towns, mail ceased being transported by stagecoach and was hauled mainly by the trains.

By 1914, the Kootenay Central line was completed from Golden to Fort Steele, and on January 1st, 1915,

the first train travelled through the valley. The train was filled with passengers, some of whom were being trans-ported on their way to fight in the First World War.

The development of the CPR brought with it a surge of employment opportunities for the Columbia Valley. In addition to providing work building the line, camps sprung up all along the route for the railway’s construc-tion, giving local farmers the chance to sell timber from their lands to help build the railway’s ties.

In Hedi Trescher’s book, Brisco & Spillimacheen: A History, The Harrison family of Galena remembers the impact the railway had on their existence:

“When the CPR arrived, wood from the homestead became valuable again. With sons Jack and Stan Jr. and neighbor Jack Banks, Stanley took a contract for 600 ties. They were able to cut 20 ties a day.

“The CPR changed the ways of the valley ... there were large construction camps set up along the surveyed railway bed ... the boys got to know the cooks and they would often go down and visit, as well as enjoy the treats. They would spend hours watching the horses and mules work with the equipment. One grader was pulled by 26 horses and pushed by two as it moved dirt along to fill in low spots and cut down hills.”

Continued on next page . . .


The historic Empress 2816 steam train puffs along the tracks between Golden and Field, winding along the Kicking Horse River.

Photo by Kelsey Verboom

WORKING THE LINE — A group of labourers work to construct the rail line be-side Lake Dorothy in 1914 (above); the stationmaster of the Athalmer station, William L. Kelly, with his children, Ed and Josephine Kelly, in 1926 (left). Mr. Kelly was the sta-tionmaster from 1916 until 1935.

Photos courtesy of the Windermere District

Historical Society

Enterprising individuals also grabbed at the poten-tial financial opportunities the development of the CPR brought with it.

Well-known early valley resident, Robert Randolph Bruce, was one such entrepreneur. Mr. Bruce, who even-tually became the Lieutenant Governor of British Co-lumbia, was a land surveyor for the CPR, and had immi-grated to the Columbia Valley in 1897, from Scotland. While surveying the valley nearly a decade later, he pur-chased a block of CPR land that he named the Columbia Valley Irrigated Fruitlands Company.

Mr. Bruce subdivided the land and advertised it as a lush, apple growing expanse of orchards. He distributed pamphlets for the land as far away as England, and at-tracted many European settlers who were lured by the dream of owning profitable land.

One such family was the Phillips family, who came from Windsor, England, by ship and rode the CPR line to their new land in the Columbia Valley. Even after they arrived, the railway and CPR office in Athalmer remained a central hub for the family, as evidenced by letters sent back home by members of the Phillips family. In some of the letters, the family writes of how the CPR lent them a tent, blankets, and supplies when they first arrived, and how frequently they visited the station to send mail and receive essentials, like a stove for their home.

The railway line running through the valley is still in operation, although with less frequency than days past. The mighty trains ship supplies and equipment across the country today, pushing industrial development and helping keep the economy running, just as they did when the train tracks were still freshly laid.

Without the arrival of the CPR in the Columbia Valley, the lay of the land and the positioning of the towns we live in would have most certainly had a differ-ent outcome.

. . . Continued from Page 8


Located 1 block west of Main St., across from the playground, in the

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Evening sponsor Elk Park Ranch

Dry Gulch Ramblers

July 2nd 7 to 9 p.m.

Evening sponsor The Cedar Motel

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July 8th 7 to 9 p.m.Evening sponsor

Kootenay Savings Credit Union

Brought to you by Tourism Radium and your local businesses.

Pioneer Classifieds

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N EW S PA P E R250-341-6299 • [email protected]

Paddling your boat on the ColumbiaBy Joshua EstabrooksPioneer Staff

Have you ever sat along the edge of a lake or river, wishing you could just get out on the water and explore what’s around the bend? Well this summer is your chance to get out on one of the many waterways in the Columbia Valley, and depending on whether you are looking for a gentle float trip or a lively river rapid run, there are routes to serve every need.

For those without a boat, there are a number of rafting companies that you can book a tour with, or you could rent a boat from an outfitter and go it alone. Those with their own boats have their pick of the river, so to speak, as whatever you’re looking for can be found right here.

Two of the most popular river float trips are along two different stretches of the Columbia River. The first, and shortest of the routes takes aquatic explorers through the Fair-mont Hot Springs area, putting in where Columbia Lake narrows at the north end and taking out just west of the Fairmont community. From your boat you will wind your way through the Riverside Golf Course, past many gorgeous homes and under some uniquely constructed wooden bridges, all the while surrounded by breathtak-ing mountain vistas. This is a good trip for the first timer, as it is relatively slow moving and only takes about two hours to complete. Take out on Riv-er Drive, which is accessed by Wills Road (off of Highway 93/95).

Between Invermere and Radium Hot Springs lies a stretch of wet-lands that can be explored for hours.

The Columbia River winds its way through the area, allowing for more relaxed floating, and many opportuni-ties to shoot off into the marshes that are home to more than 250 species of birds. These delicate wetlands are only accessible to paddle boats.

The intrepid explorer can dis-cover many hidden islands and wa-terways that allow for a truly unique way of getting closer with nature. Pay special attention to the banks as you approach Radium and you will see Hoodoos forming along the rail-road tracks. Most paddlers put in at Pete’s Marina, in Althalmer. One can also rent a boat, or hire a guide from Columbia River Outfitters in this lo-cation, which is highly recommended if it is your first time on the water. The take out for this route is located on Forsters Landing Road, which inter-sects Highway 93/95 in Radium. Al-low between 3-5+ hours for this trip, depending on water levels and how much time you may decide to spend exploring the wetlands.

There are also many lakes on which boaters of any skill level can enjoy a day on the water. Columbia Lake and Lake Wind-ermere are two of the largest and most popular, but a quick look at a map of the surrounding area reveals the perfect location for almost any desired lake experi-ence. When in doubt, ask around. You’d be surprised what you can find out from the locals.

Because boating does have some risks, always make sure you have

the proper gear and safety equipment on board before you embark. Being properly prepared is always impor-tant, and will allow you to relax and enjoy the majestic beauty the valley’s many waterways have to offer.

For more information about boat or equipment rentals, or general in-formation regarding paddling routes, safety equipment or guided tours, visit www.ColumbiaRiverOutfitters.com.

Photo by Joshua Estabrooks


Check out our selection of beautiful

Canadian-made furniture, and our full line of TVs, appliances and

accessories.

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250-342-3659#3, 109 Industrial Road #2 • Invermere

BOAT WITH A VIEW — A pair of canoeists paddle down the Columbia River North of Invermere.

HOODOOS IN TRAINING — As you approach Radium Hot Springs, boaters will be able to see these hoodoos slowly forming along the eastern shoreline.

REFLECTIVE REVERENCE — The impressive beauty of the Columbia Valley’s famous wetlands are apparent from many unique vantage points along the way from Invermere to Radium. Photos by Joshua Estabrooks and Kate Irwin

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Gazing up at the Canadian Rockies from a quiet location in one of North America’s premier resort destinations, the alpine-styled townhomes and luxury bungalow villas of Borrego Ridge are an outdoor enthusiast’s dream come true. For a limited time, Schickedanz West – a builder of high-quality homes since 1951 – is offering enticing price reductions on the few new homes still available in this intimate neighbourhood. Enjoy glorious maintenance freedom with low monthly strata fees, full 2-5-10 year coverage under the National Home Warranty program…and the Columbia Valley retreat you’ve always talked about!

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www.heartoftherockies.ca • 250-342-3373

Heart of the Rockies Triathlon

Sunday, July 17

Sprint/Olympic/Relay

Ages 16+

Young Hearts Triathlon

Saturday, July 16

Ages 5-15

New whitewater rafting company opens in Fairmont

WET AND WILD — Glacier Raft Company has a new Fairmont Hot Springs branch, offering whitewater and float trips in Fairmont, Panorama and Golden. Photo submitted

Our deadline to book advertising is

Monday at noon.

N EW S PA P E R

To place an ad please call:250-341-6299 or

e-mail: [email protected]


Lake WindermereDistrict Lions Club

8th Annual Charity Golf DayTuesday, July 19th, 2011 at Copper Point

6:30 a.m. to DuskFor only $65 per person you can play

18 holes of golf with a cart at the

beautiful Copper Point Course

plus full use of the driving range.

All proceeds from the day will

be donated by the Lake Windermere District Lions Club

towards a new helipad* at the Invermere District Hospital. Harold Hazelaar,Event Coordinator

To book a Charity Day Golf tee time call Copper Point Golf Course

250-341-3392or 1-877-418-4653Fax receipts on donations over $100

*In the event the helipad is not approved in the foreseeable future, all funds raised will be re-directed to another area of need within the East Kootenay Health Region.

Let’s have a little taste of Hungary

Authentic Hungarian CuisineEnjoy our “Million Dollar View”

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Across from A&W • 250 -341-1087

and Market GardenPatty’s Greenhouse

JULY 1st ~ ALL ANNUALS

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Have something to say? Letters to the editor can be e-mailed to [email protected]

By Kate IrwinPioneer Staff

A nearby rafting company has opened a new branch in Fairmont Hot Springs, offering scenic float trips along the Columbia River, whitewater adventures on Toby Creek and an on-demand shuttle to raft the Kicking Horse River near Golden.

Glacier Raft, based out of Golden, opened its new Fairmont branch at the end of May, filling the space va-cated by Columbia Rafting Adventures, which closed when owners Wendy Booth and Glenn Findlay retired from rafting in the fall of 2009.

After a summer without a dedicated raft company in Fairmont, Glacier Rafting took over the rafting licence and premises vacated by Columbia Rafting, hired local guides and started offering a variety of river trips.

“Fairmont is a really nice location; a bit of a destina-tion and hot spot for summer vacationers wanting to raft Toby Creek and do float trips on Columbia River,” said Ryan Johannesen, owner of Glacier Raft Company. “On a hot summer’s day you can come and splash around and cool off on a river and put a smile on your face.”

Novice boaters looking for a peaceful way to view the countryside and wildlife in and around Fairmont can try out the Columbia Scenic Float trips.

Leaving daily at 6:30 p.m., the one-and-a-half hour guided excursions offer wildlife viewing and a leisurely float through wetlands and Riverside Golf Course. Along the way there’s the chance to see Lewis’s Woodpeckers, Bald Eagles, beavers, bears, deer and more.

“The trips are in the evening when all the animals come out, so there’s a good chance to see some wildlife,” Mr. Johannesen explained. “You can go out in your regu-lar clothing; there’s no need to paddle, and you can bring binoculars and camera to catch the sights along the way.”

Those seeking a little more adventure can test the waters of Toby Creek on the twice daily trips which start high up in the Purcell Mountains above Panorama Mountain Village, travelling down to just below the re-sort. The class one to class three rapids offer moderate whitewater and beautiful scenery, with possible wildlife spotting along the way.

“Toby Creek is a great introduction for anyone who hasn’t done whitewater rafting,” Mr. Johannesen ex-plained. “It’s very friendly whitewater, nothing too scary, which is suitable for kids from the age of eight and up.”

Also available each Wednesday is a day trip to Gold-en which includes rafting, a trip to the nearby grizzly bear refuge and dinner.

Toby Creek trips — which last a total of four hours — leave Fairmont at 9 a.m. and 2 p.m. daily, with pick-ups in Fairmont and Invermere. Suitable for adults and children aged eight and over, the trip is $70 per adult and $60 per child.

The Scenic Float trips leave the Fairmont office at 6:30 p.m. and cost $45 per adult and $30 per child; chil-dren must be five or older. Shuttles to Golden depart Fairmont on Wednesdays at 7:30 a.m.

For more information visit www.glacierraft.com, call 250-688-1064 or drop by 4985 Hot Springs Road, Fairmont.


1-888-766-9637 • [email protected]

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