“Many outdoor enthusiasts are looking to the North Shore Mountains for hiking especially Dog Mountain on Mt Seymour…. but there is more to explore than just a simple overused trail!” The message introduced Alex Douglas.
For forty years Alex has lived atop Mt Seymour. An explorer, an educator and an avid outdoorsman, he has made a home for himself in one of the last remaining cabins on the mountain. In the short film Echoes Across Seymour, which premiered at the Beautiful BC Showcase during the Vancouver International Mountain Film Festival in 2019, Alex hopes to inspire a new generation to appreciate the mountain he calls home.
Mt Seymour History Tours
When the resort opened in 1938 local skiers began building cabins to stay in during the winter season. At its peak there were more than 300 cabins on the mountain while today only ten are still standing.
“It would be nice if more people knew that these are probably more interesting. I hope to encourage people to collect the history, go for a walk in the woods.”
Alex’s passion for preserving the history of the mountain permeates every aspect of his life. He spends his days educating the public and exploring the hills for remnants of the forgotten cabins that once dominated the landscape.
With a watchful eye and a curious mind, ‘Uncle Al’ has discovered dozens of abandoned cabin sites and put together an impressive collection of artifacts found on his adventures.
“If I didn’t start this 30 years ago, I think there would be quite a few pioneers whose stories would have just gone off into the ether,” Alex says in the film.
“I guess my biggest worry, and that’s what I say to people that do my hikes or that I meet, it’s is not that I want it, I just don’t want you to throw it away. So your dad’s or your grandfather’s or grandmother’s albums, photo albums, etc. when they finally move out of their old house and you’re rummaging through the basement – an old pair of wood skis – you know it’s just two pieces of wood but it maybe tells a story. A little thing can tell a very long story.
1950 – View of Stanley Park and Point Grey from Seymour. Archives# CVA 586-5087.
You can watch the film (above) and help support Alex’s efforts to preserve the history of the Mt Seymour area online here.
Private Tours
Due to COVID-19 the Uncle Al’s Cabin Tours have been on hold, but you can contact Alex to inquire about private history tours for six people or less. He has also setup a Pop-Up Museum set up in the back of the AAC building, and encourages you to call him to book a visit.
Follow the Mt Seymour History Project on Facebook for info.
The mountainous terrain of Mount Seymour Provincial Park can be extremely rugged and unforgiving. Park visitors accessing any of the terrain in this park should be experienced and properly equipped. Anyone planning to travel overnight or even for just a few hours, should inform a friend or family member of their intended route and anticipated return time. A good trip planning form and additional information about what to bring on your trip can be found on the AdventureSmart website.
As we vacation around our province to enjoy summer safely during Phase 3 reopening, we must be mindful as travellers. Responsible tourism means that the experience creates a positive impact for all involved–not just the traveller. Responsible Indigenous tourism in BC means that travel includes consideration of all which is of value to Indigenous Peoples–their communities, languages, and cultures; water, animals, and lands.
Indigenous Cultural Centres to Visit in Southern BC
To really get to know the community you are visiting, I highly recommend stopping into these engaging and informative museums and cultural centres. I have been to every one of the following and really appreciate the knowledge I gained at each venue:
The SLCC is a three-story, 30,400-square foot award-winning cultural centre designed to blend the traditional Squamish Longhouse with the Lil’wat Istken. Cultural Ambassadors share their knowledge and stories with guests, augmenting the information shared throughout the centre’s curated collection of artifacts and contemporary pieces.
A 9,000 square-foot interpretive centre that exhibits 2 films, the Inkameep Day School Art Collection, indoor and outdoor interactive exhibits, a 1.5 km walking trail, and reconstructed traditional Okanagan village, and (visitor favourite) interpreter hosted programs for all ages.
The Sncewips Heritage Museum represents the heritage of Westbank First Nation and the stories of the syilx/ Okanagan Nation as a whole, First Nations people across Canada, and the World. They believe in the power of our own voice to inspire, educate and transform and are working hard to build cultural capacity and language awareness along with programming development.
At the Williams Lake Tourism Discovery Centre (1660 Broadway Avenue South, Williams Lake) you’ll find the Museum of the Cariboo-Chilcotin. It’s free to visit and within it I found history and information about the Secwepemc, Dakelh, and Tsilhqot’in People.
The Museum of Anthropology (6393 NW Marine Drive, Vancouver) is also reopening July 8th, on the traditional, ancestral and unceded land of the xʷməθkʷəy̓əm Musqueam People. The MOA is a place of world arts and cultures with a special emphasis on the First Nations peoples and other cultural communities of BC.
At the St. Eugene Golf Resort (7777 Mission Rd, Cranbrook), they host Indigenous Culture and Relations Training led by Ktunaxa Nations’ knowledge holders and Elders in a hands-on environment. The hotel itself was once a residential school and if you even just stop by for the day, on the lower level there is a gift shop (with proceeds supporting Ktunaxa language programs) with a number of exhibits and documentary viewing room.
Check the websites before you go for specific COVID-19 safety info, updated hours, and more. Indigenous Tourism BC has a full list of galleries, museums, and historic sites here.
While the start to July was more like March, the summer sunshine should be just around the corner. There’s a nice lineup of things to do in Vancouver this weekend that include online workshops, films, music, dance and more.
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In this month’s guest post from Visit Coquitlam you’ll find a Coquitlam bike and Patio Guide! It’s your resource for finding great spots to bike around the city followed by some open air après options at local restaurants:
Coquitlam Bike and Patio Guide
Sunny days call for bike rides followed by cold drinks and snacks on the patio. For those of you in and around Coquitlam, the trails beckon – whether they’re paved and cruisy, gravel and forested, or rugged and adventurous.
And now, with patios reopening, you can soak in the summer atmosphere while replenishing your fluids and taking in the sights. Here are some tips for places to ride and relax, whatever your pace.
Mundy Park
Where to Ride
Wondering about the top trails to explore around Coquitlam? Check out Coquitlam’s Biking page for information about exploring the city on two wheels.
If you want easy forested trails, try Mundy Park or the Coquitlam River trails for a wildlife adventure through the forest.
If it’s wide open spaces you’d prefer, DeBoville Slough and Colony Farm Regional Park are two to try. Find out more at visitcoquitlam.ca and check out Let’s Go Biking for other family-friendly routes.
Want to try out mountain biking but don’t know where to start? Download your free copy of TORCA – A Beginner’s Guide to Mountain Biking in the Tri-Cities, brought to you by the Tri-Cities Off-Road Cycling Organization. You’ll find out about Coquitlam’s best trail networks, including Pinecone Burke Provincial Park (Burke Mountain), Eagle Mountain and Riverview Forest. Consider a membership with TORCA as a way to support the trail network in the Tri Cities.
Kinetik Cycles and Canadian Tire in Coquitlam have all of your biking needs covered from parts to accessories to bikes.
Where to Patio
Maybe you seek a sunny spot for people-watching? Or a buzzy spot to catch up (physical distance-style) with friends? Or a kid-friendly refuge with sun umbrellas?
The list of patios now reopened for business in Coquitlam is growing fast. You’ll find some suggestions below, and be sure to refer to their map with all businesses open for dine-in, takeout, and patio service online here.
Coquitlam Patios Reopening Soon
Though not the entire list, here are some to try!
For Big Views
It’s hard to beat the view from Westwood Plateau & Country Club. Kick back for a drink and bite to eat at Fairways Grill & Patio or Rogues Bar & Grill, where you can gaze over into the skyline as far as Mt. Baker.
Also, try out the licensed patio at Eaglequest Golf, Sandwedges Café.
For Seeing Friends
Sometimes the view isn’t just about nature. For some people-watching on the patio, try Browns Socialhouse Town Centre & Schoolhouse, Cactus Club Coquitlam, Milestones Coquitlam or JOEY Coquitlam.
For a Craft Brewery
Head to Mariner Brewing for locally brewed beer on the front or back (pet friendly) patio.
For Pub Life
Thinking beer and wings? Try the patios at John B. Neighbourhood Pub, the Golden Parrots Pub, Woody’s or The Taphouse Coquitlam.
Me n Ed’s Coquitlam
For Families
Check out ‘happier’ hour at Mr. Mikes Steakhouse Casual, which has a large, open outdoor patio. Other family-friendly patio options include Pasta Polo, Doppio Zero Pizza, White Spot, and Me-n-Ed’s Coquitlam. Kooks Cooks is also a great spot for breakfast and brunch with the family.
For Meat Feasts
Head to The Keg Steakhouse + Bar’s large patio, with outdoor heaters for those chilly evenings. And don’t miss the Rio Brazilian Steakhouse for all-you-can-eat barbecued meat – al fresco.
Do you have a favourite patio to add to the list? Share your photos on social media using #ExploreCoquitlam.
75 Days of Summer in Coquitlam
Celebrate 75 Days of Summer in Coquitlam ON NOW until September 7. Follow @visitcoquitlam on Facebook and Instagram for daily ideas and inspiration to explore all of the spectacular culture, nature, and adventure our City has to offer. Enter to win weekly giveaways for great prizes and share how you are participating with your friends and family by tagging your posts with #SummerintheCQ.
Coquitlam Celebrates Canada Day
Join in the fun at home July 1st as Coquitlam presents its annual Canada Day celebrations online with live music, dance, interactive activities and more.
Kicking off with a welcome parade, the 12th annual Coquitlam Celebrates Canada Day will be broadcast online from 12:00pm to 7:00pm with many of the much-loved aspects of the celebrations traditionally held at Town Centre Park.
A full schedule will be posted online prior to the event. Featuring a mix of live and pre-recorded segments, the broadcast will go live at noon July 1st and remain online until the evening of July 5th.
Playland will be reopening this summer, with COVID safety measures in place. Twelve family-favourite rides including Pacific Adventure Mini Golf will be a part of this limited reopening. You can book times to visit on Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays starting July 10, 2020.
Playland Reopening with COVID Safety Measures
Tickets are now available via TicketLeader for date-specific time slots: Mornings: 10:30am to 2:30pm or Afternoons: 3:30pm to 7:30pm.
There are a limited number of tickets per time slot. A single price admission gets everyone into the amusement park to ride. Kids 3 and younger are free with paid adult admission.
A Souvenir Playland Face Mask is included with admission. Face coverings will be required in all queue lines and on rides. Other safety measures include:
Stay home if you’re sick.
Purchase tickets in advance for date/time specific entry. Cash will not be accepted.
Practice social distancing, keep 6 feet/2 metres between your party and other guests. Plexiglass shields have been installed where possible.
Wash hands regularly with soap. Use sanitizer before and after each ride. Enhanced cleaning measures have been added throughout the park.
Wear a face covering in queue lines and on rides.
People with no symptoms can spread COVID-19 if they are infected. Interacting with the general public increases your risk of exposes. Playland cannot guarantee you will not be exposed during your visit. Please follow all posted signage and instruction from staff while visiting.
Enjoy the Sea to Sky Swinger, the Kettle Creek Mine Coaster, Tea Cups, Honeybee Express and more. For food, Fundunkers mini donuts, Triple O’s, and candy floss will be available.
UPDATE July 27, 2020: Additional thrill rides will come back online August 1st including: AtmosFear, The Beast, Breakdance, Dizzy Drop, Gladiator, Music Express, Pirate Ship, Revelation (extra charge), Rock’n’Cars, Westcoast Wheel, Wooden Roller Coaster.
