Tour #5: Mountains of Flora and Fauna

This journey starts where the Canadian Prairie meets the foothills of the Rocky Mountains and continues into the heart of these rugged, magnificent peaks. Across crystal clear rivers and lakes, climbing high over mountain passes to Canada’s only true desert, at the northern most tip of the Upper Sonoran desert system. Originating in Mexico, the Sonoran desert system extends through North America as the Great Basin. See huge cedars in a rare old growth forest, mountainsides of deep emerald conifers, mountain meadows carpeted in flowers and the toasted gold and sage greens of the desert.

Moving through this myriad of diverse ecosystems, the abundant species of animal life is evident. From Big Horn Sheep clinging precariously to rock cliffs, to the graceful eagles flying over head. Painted turtles, rattlesnakes and even scorpions are all part of the wealth of wildlife that live in and around Canada’s Rocky Mountains.

Come away with a greater knowledge of the interaction of flora and fauna in this wild and glorious landscape.

Day 1 Calgary to Fernie

Welcome to where the vast, flat prairie ends and the majestic Rocky Mountains begin. Today you will trek along the miner’s path and uncover the secrets of five ecological zones. Also, you will be able to examine the resurgence of plant life amongst the ruins of Turtle Mountain and observe the flora and fauna around Chinook Lake.

Later, at the base of the dramatic Lizard Range you’ll come upon some very inviting tamarack lodges. Away from the fray of everyday life, delicious food, spectacular scenery and a comfortable bed await you at Island Lake Lodge!

Day 2 Fernie

After an energizing breakfast, begin your hike in a magical towering interior rainforest. Clamber over ancient logs blanketed in soft mosses, stroll beside translucent waters and carefully negotiate rocky mountain slopes. Your guide will reveal the wonders of the magnificent alpine environment that surrounds you. The scents are intoxicating! A full day in fresh mountain air and well fed, you’ll sleep well again tonight.

Day 3 Fernie

When the morning sun creeps up and begins to illuminate the jagged facades just beyond, you might hear the eerie call of a loon, or catch a glimpse of a moose grazing in the reeds at water’s edge. You will follow the sun to the west side of this ridge into a wide valley known as the Rocky Mountain Trench.

On your way, you’ll have the chance to tour with a forest technician from the local logging company to learn about logging and reforestation practices in the area.
Now in drier climes experience the distinct beauty of this Bunch-grass, Ponderosa Pine and Douglas fir ecosystem.

Lunch is in a lovely grassland park nearby, where small crystal clear spring-fed lakes provide a home for the endangered painted turtle. Marvel at these little creatures as they suntan motionless on the smooth waterlogged deadfall.

Here you’ll discover that these turtles are not the only endangered life here.

Day 4 Fernie to Nelson

Leaving your backcountry haven of the last few days you’ll re-enter the Rocky Mountain Trench, on your way to the Kootenay Trout Hatchery, the origin of many of the region’s fish. Lead by an interpreter you’ll see up to 2 million Rainbow, Brook and Cutthroat Trout from small fry to fingerlings. Ask about the mysterious disappearance of the Columbia River’s 200 million year old white giants. You’ll be fascinated!

Continuing westward, you’ll have time for a picnic by a popular lakeside spot. Perhaps a refreshing swim is in order for dessert.

This afternoon, time stands still as you revel in a new aquatic environment canoeing silently among the cat-tails and bull rushes. Two hundred and sixty-five species of migrating and nesting birds and ducks inhabit this lush 17,000 acre (7,000 hectare) wetland. It’s also home to a variety of other wildlife. Designated a RAMSAR site in 1993, confirmed its status as a wetland of international significance.

Continuing to the charming mountainside town of Nelson you’ll climb to the summit of Kootenay Pass, the highest paved highway in Canada.

Day 5 Nelson to Kelowna

Leaving Nelson and the BC Rockies thick emerald forests fade into soft sages and gold of a more arid environment. Upon ‘Golden Heights’ you’ll have lunch and a chance to take-in your new surroundings.

Onward through Boundary Country to the Okanagan Valley, until you reach a sandy bench perched above fruited orchards. You’ll stop here for a fascinating tour of a unique Canadian landscape, “a national treasure of international importance”. Antelope brush, prickly pear cactus, black widow spiders, scorpions, rattlesnakes, coyotes, eagles and many more species of flora and fauna live in this fragile and endangered ecosystem.

This evening, you are invited to enjoy a fine dining experience on the shores of beautiful Skaha Lake.

Day 6 Kelowna

Breakfast with a view begins your day of culinary adventure. Visiting a local apiary this morning, you’ll experience what the ancient Greeks described as the ‘Nectar of the Gods’. Honey and its many byproducts have been revered for its medicinal properties for centuries. See the busy bees at work and taste a variety of the fruits of their labour.

Afterwards, the grape-laden vineyards of Mission Hill welcome you. Lunch on the terrace then tour this renowned Family Estate Winery. Later, experience more from the ‘Horn-of-Plenty’, a veritable feast for your eyes.

Summerland Ornamental Gardens features 15 Acres (6 hectares) of spectacular flowers and trees. After an informative and leisurely walk around this ‘research station’ it is time to move on. As the sun slowly inches its way down to the western horizon, you’ll arrive at The Cellar Door. Walk inside and sample a world of epicurean delights and toast to Champagne Nights!

Day 7 Kelowna

This morning, the Allen Brooks Nature Centre serves up an incredible panoramic view. A guide will help reveal the great beauty and natural diversity of this serene habitat in the North Okanagan.

Heading south, you’ll arrive at a ‘most visited place’. Here you’ll tickle your taste buds and unlock the secrets of the pyramid. Minutes away, a wagon ride through a 140 acre orchard helps you learn about old Asian technology to help grow the perfect apple. It is a great end to a perfect day.

Day 8 Kelowna to Nelson

Start your scenic Sunday drive with sweets for the sweet at a local Jammery before traveling the scenic route back to the prominent peaks of the West Kootenay. You’ll stop along the way to witness unique ‘arts of the wilderness’ and to partake in a heavenly wild salmon BBQ.

A little further along the highway a cable-operated ferry will whisk you over Lower Arrow Lake, on your way to the raw majesty of the Slocan Valley.

By the time you reach the shores of picturesque Kootenay Lake, the dinner bell is ringing. Bon Apetit!

Day 9 Nelson

Awake today to a Kootenay adventure that’s ‘under this world’! Spelunk your way through a system of tunnels and galleries that have been sculpted by water into the limestone layers of the Selkirk Mountains. See magical formations like soda straws and stalagmites growing imperceptibly in this delicate and dark environment.

Out of the dark and into the light, you’ll hike to mountain meadows displaying brilliant tapestries of brightly coloured wildflowers: “For the delight of the eyes”! Exercise and fresh air, your appetite is looming somewhere over the rainbow. A Rainbow Room delivers a delicious dining experience, while you ponder an evening soak in the hot springs. Maybe you’ll stop and relax in the ‘healing waters’ that make their way from the searing depths of the earth and surface in a dark, humid cave. Soothe your body and absorb the magnificent vista before you.

Day 10 Nelson to Fernie

Take a snapshot from the ferry as you cross the azure expanse of Kootenay Lake. A short ride from the docks, you’ll stop to visit some local artisans. Watch on as they create a parade of artful objects out of glass, wood, cotton, wool and broomcorn. You might just have to bring ‘a few things’ home.

Driving the hilly and meandering East Shore you’ll find a sparkling example of recycling. It’s also a great place for a picnic and daydreams.

The day passes, as you gaze out at the wild expanses beyond. Dinner will be waiting.

Day 11 Fernie to Waterton Park

From the mountains to the prairies and back into the mountains… today you’ll travel from Fernie to an enchanting place where you will be astounded by the beauty before your eyes. Recognized as a world heritage site and UNESCO biosphere reserve you’ll spend three blissful nights in this International Peace Park that straddles Canadian and American borders.

Take the afternoon to explore the inviting town site and visit many interesting shops.

Day 12 Waterton Lakes National Park

An early breakfast in historic surroundings before setting out for a few enthralling hours of wildlife viewing. While paddling on the crystalline waters of an ancient lake, your guide will acquaint you with some of the fauna that inhabit these pristine environs.

Back at the lodge, lunch is served. Afterwards, you’ll head out to meet the folks down the road. A family operation for over a century, your hosts are expecting you and eager to show off the natural treasures on this 15,000 acre ranch. Their well trained ‘cow-pony’ will take you by the ‘trembling’ Aspen groves, through meadows, sprinkled in gem-coloured wildflowers and to countless postcard vistas.

Day 13 Waterton Lakes National Park

Today, you get more time to explore this exquisite mountain amphitheatre. Cruising on the deepest lake in the Canadian Rockies to the American side of the park, your guide will point out the man-made borderline. A narrow corridor slashed into the vegetation on opposite shores indicates where one country begins and the other one ends. An intriguing sight. Back on shore you’ll follow the ‘Trail of the Great Bear’ and discover the wonder contained here.

Tonight, after a fine food experience farewells are on the horizon.

Day 14 Waterton Park to Calgary

On your way home, you’ll take a side-trip to a place where, for thousands of years, people of the plains stampeded thunderous herds of buffalo to their deaths. Discover the culture that saw this event into obsolescence. Partake in a very traditional meal.
Back on the road, nearing Calgary, the bustle of the city reminds you of your imminent departure.

We hope your journey has left you with visions that will remain imprinted on your mind for a life time.

Next...Tour #6: Golfing Mania...Greens, Tees & Vines