See map on page 67
Spillimacheen & Brisco With a population just shy of 70, Spillimacheen — named after the Spillimacheen River that empties into the Columbia — is located halfway between Golden and Invermere. Home to a number of artists and studios, Spilli, as it is affectionately known by locals, is also supported by an economy largely based on farming and ranching, and a number of home businesses including catering, bookkeeping and contractors. It’s also home to the seasonal Spilli Bean café known for its terrific homemade meals and great view overlooking the Columbia River Wetlands. Dedicated to the preservation and appreciation of these wetlands is the Friends of the Columbia Wetlands Society, also based in Spillimacheen. In addition to its popular sport climbing area, Spilli Rock, one of Spillimacheen’s most famous attractions is Beeland, the valley’s apiary specializing in alpine honey. Located in the historic Spillimacheen Trading Post (est. 1912) just off Highway 95, Beeland produces a wide array of locally-made honeybee products, from unique flavoured honeys such as Bugaboo
Gold Wildflower to honey-based jams, vinegars, salsas, soaps and more. Located 13 kilometres south of Spillimacheen and 27 kilometres north of Edgewater, Brisco is considered the gateway to Bugaboo Provincial Park, which boasts the deluxe Canadian Mountain Holidays Bugaboo Lodge, the Conrad Kain Hut (available for overnight bookings through the Alpine Club of Canada from June to September) located at the base of some of the largest glaciers in the Purcell Mountains, and impressive glacier-sculpted granite spires that attract climbers from around the world. With a permanent population of about 170, Brisco offers amenities that include the Brisco General Store & Greenhouse (est. 1911), a gas station, a community hall, a riding club and arena, postal service, and easy access to the backcountry. World class rock climbing in the Jubilee Mountain area, mountain biking off Westside and Giant Mine roads, and hiking on the Lower Bugaboo Falls and Salmon Falls trails are just some of the options. Because of their proximity to the Columbia River Wetlands, both the Spilli and Brisco communities also offer easy access to canoeing and kayaking on the river.
Photo © Nicole Trigg
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nown for their peaceful rural setting and quiet way of life, Spillimacheen and Brisco are located at the northern end of the Columbia Valley.
Conrad Kain Hut in Bugaboo Provincial Park.
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2015 Columbia Valley Map Book