| imprssion of SLocan Park area |
May 3rd, 2006 |
Having just returned from Western Canada I thought that your readers might be intereted in the impression that Slocan park made on my husband and myself. We will definitely encourage friends to visit and hope to return ourselves one day.
A recent visit to Western Canada left me with the feeling that the discerning visitor to this beautiful part of our planet should expect the unexpected and they will not be disappointed.
Flying into Vancouver on a warm autumn day, we were immediately struck by just how clean and vibrant the city was. The people had good manners, there was an efficient clean bus system in operation and no one seemed to be rushing around with a mobile phone glued to their ears.
A bus tour of the city took us around the main attractions and for me the best two were Stanley Park and Gastown. We only intended to spend one hour at Stanley Park but were so enthralled by the totem poles, the scenery and the walks that we ended up staying all day. Gastown, with its quaint shops, historic buildings, steam clock and baskets of flowers, stimulated my imagination and I found it very easy to imagine myself in the London of Charles Dickens.
Setting out onto the open road we were astonished to discover many parts of Europe represented in this great land. By visiting the towns of Whistler, Canmore and Kimberley we could easily imagine ourselves to be in Switzerland, Norway and Bavaria. It felt quite surreal and at times I imagined that we were inside a huge movie location and that around every corner, new scenes were being filmed.
The highlight of our trip must surely be our drive from Jasper to Banff, through the majestic Rocky Mountains. We made time to explore the busy railroad town of Jasper on a bright spring like morning before setting off to climb high up into the mountain peaks.
The scenery was breathtaking and changed constantly with every kilometre that we drove. Reaching the highest point on our drive, we were confronted with a winter wonderland of soft swirling snowflakes, snow powdered Christmas trees and emerald green lakes. There was definitely something magical about this part of the trip.
Banff proved to be very hot and one of the best shopping centres that we encountered on our travels with each shop displaying unique wares. We could easily have spent all of our holiday money here.
Wanting to experience life off the beaten track, we decided to stay at local B/B establishments and were not disappointed with this decision.
The Rustic Rooster at Slocan Park left a lasting impression on us and I would wholeheartedly recommend it to any traveller. This idyllic estate borders the Slocan River, where the Moose and Elk come to drink and the beavers swim in its waters. The proprietors treated us more like friends and the gourmet breakfast served the following morning, left us wishing that we could have spent more time with them.
Guided by our hosts at the Rustic Rooster we decided to take the route back to Vancouver over the Kootenay Mountains and in many ways, they provided just as spectacular views as did the Rockies, but in a different way. Wending our way through the twisting turning roads and crossing the river on the picturesque little Needles Ferry meant that we were able to experience another adventure not usually covered by the tourist on a short holiday.
Preparing to leave Vancouver on an early October morning, we knew that it was time to go home. The Canadian weather was changing and rain and snow were beginning to sweep their way across the country.
In this day of a diminished travellers’ world due to the threat of tsunamis, hurricanes and earthquakes, Western Canada with its clear skies, fresh air and protected lands proves to be a stunning alternative destination.
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