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PLAYSTAY IN THE BEAUTIFUL COLUMBIA VALLEY

Entertainment and activity guide for the whole family!

Serving Spillimacheen, Brisco, Radium, Edgewater, , Invermere, Windermere, Fairmont and Canal Flats

Ryker Tallis, 4, son of Brenda Carr and Bill Tallis of Invermere, enjoys a lollipop and a beautiful afternoon at Kinsmen Beach.

Photo by Cayla Gabruck

“For all your real estate needs”

“2 locations to serve you”

Invermere 526 B - 13th St., 250-342-6911 • 1-877-342-6914

Fairmont Hot Springs 4 - 4992 - Fairmont Frontage 250-345-4000 • 1-866-345-4004

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2 ~ Play ’n’ Stay • The Columbia Valley Pioneer

June 29, 2007

MAIN STREET INVERMERE (250) 342-6151 Village Arts features the handcrafted work of over 50 artisans.

Best selection of Canadian Fine Craft in the Region Open year round Monday to Saturday 10 am to 5:30 pm Summer Sundays 11 am - 4 pm

www.villagearts.ca

Featuring these artisans and more… beads Sandra Arnold-Beingessner Glass Bead Artist-Designer

Collectable, Wearable Art Shop Online

www.blissbeads.ca Consultation & Showroom

814 – 13th St. Invermere, BC

250.342.6507

Brian Hoffos Wood Designs Brian & Jenny Hoffos

For an unforgettable experience, take your bicycle to the top of Panorama’s chair lift and then ride down the mountain on one of several trails, ranging from easy to difficult. For more, see Page 25.

Photo by Cayla Gabruck

Unique mirrors, lamps and hand-turned wooden items.

250-342-3819

Downtown Windermere Open year-round seven days a week 814 - 13th Street, Invermere

Kapristo Mountain Woodcraft Dean Spence & Cathie Green Distinctive rustic furniture and household accessories www.kmv.ca

(250) 344-6734

Columbia Valley Vacations Specials/Packages and Savings!

Book Now with your Valley Planner, Sherry We supply part and service FOR ALL MAKES of: • snowmobiles • motorcycles • quads

• Custom Stay and Play Packages • Tee Time Bookings – Radium to Cranbrook • Adventure Bookings – ATV, Whitewater, Spa, Trail Rides, Canoeing, Hot Springs Pool • All Types of Accommodations Hassle Free Reservations and Bookings

Go To: www.ColumbiaValleyVacations.com Email: sherry@columbiavalleyvacations.com 1-888-488-4FUN(386) 250-347-9111 Located at the Prestige Inn, Radium

Play ’n’ Stay • The Columbia Valley Pioneer ~ 3

June 29, 2007

Take a ride to the top of Panorama

By Cayla Gabruck Pioneer Staff If you think that the mile-long chair lift ride at Panorama Mountain Village is beautiful in the winter, wait until you have experienced it in the summer.

Once you have enjoyed the 10-minute ride to the top of the Mile 1 Quad, nearly 400 metres above Panorama village, you can take a leisurely hike back down the mountain.

If you are looking for something more interesting, you can follow one of three trails offered after the lift.

Cox’s Creek Trail is a short but reasonably strenuous trail that climbs above the Mile 1 Quad, before descending Panorama’s World Cup Downhill back to the top of the chairlift.

There are great views of Mount Nelson and Panorama Village on this hike, which takes about one hour.

You can also hike to Fort Hide ‘N’ Seek. Your kids will definitely appreciate it if you take them to the hidden play area near the top of the Mile 1 Quad.

It is a short stroll down to the slides of Fort Hide ‘N’ Seek and a moderate climb back to the chairlift. Guests are advised to avoid walking on the mountain bike trails, as there could be someone coming down them on a bike.

The most challenging of the three trails is definitely the Summit Trail. Se-

rious hikers can climb to the top of Panorama Mountain at a height of 2,400 metres.

Once you have reached the summit, there is a beautiful outlook over Panorama’s renowned “View of 1000 Peaks.”

Please keep in mind that alpine weather can change rapidly, so make sure you are properly equipped. This hike will take at least six hours.

If hiking is not your style, numerous mountain biking trails begin at the Mile 1 Quad. The bike park trails range in difficulty from easy to expertonly. Rental bikes are available at Lusti’s shop near the day lodge and all bikers are must follow the Mountain Bike Responsibility Code.

Helmets are mandatory.

If you would just like to relax and enjoy the view, there is a wooden deck located at the top of the lift.

A sightseeing chairlift pass is $19 for adults, $13 for children ages 5-12, and $5 for children 4 and under. A maximum five person family pass is also available for $42.

Sightseeing passes are not valid for the bike park. Mountain biking prices are as follows: $36 for adults and $19 for children 12 and under.

For more information on the many summer activities offered at Panorama Mountain Resort, visit their website at www.panoramaresort.com.

INDERMERE WV ALLEY (PMG $PVSTF

Player Friendly, Walkable & Affordable 18 HOLES - $27.50 weekdays & $29.50 weekends

KARI’S KITCHEN is open for your convenience

Tee Times • (250) 342-3004

Dreaming of a wonderful wedding?

Lucky in Love will take the stress out of planning.

Call today for your complimentary consultation.

4 ~ Play ’n’ Stay • The Columbia Valley Pioneer

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18-H le Miniature G lf G -Kart Track OPEN APRIL TO OC TOBER

C pper City Café Water Bumper B ats Hw y. 9 3 / 9 5 • Windermere • (250) 341-3640

June 29, 2007

Take a winery tour in downtown Invermere

By Cayla Gabruck Pioneer Staff “We call it the golden triangle - when people come to the valley, they golf, spa, and make wine.”

These are the words of Bob Page, co-owner and operator of Majestic U-Brew Winery in Invermere.

Throughout the summer, the staff at Majestic will be offering winery tours of their establishment.

Majestic brews over 200 different varieties of wine from all over the world, along with 14 different ciders, 20 different coolers and 12 different types of beer.

All items are made with no sugar and 1/52 the sulfides and preservatives. Simplified, their beverages are much better for you, with less cost.

Majestic is much more than just a winery, since customers actually get to take part in making their own product.

The process begins with customers selecting their wine and pouring their own yeast. The wine then sits at Majestic to ferment.

When it is ready, customers make an appointment to finish up the process by bottling their wine.

The front of the shop carries all kinds of wine-

making supplies for sale, along with wine wares, and the back room is the “winery” where hundreds of containers of wine are fermenting.

“Customers can tap, cork, label and shrink top,” Bob said.

“We promote the idea of how you can make wine on premises, and for a good price and good quality.”

There is also the social aspect.

“We are more than just a winery store,” Bob said.

“We look after our wine clients for the rest of their lives once they become ‘wine family’.”

“It is nice because we get to see our customers grow up,” said his wife and business partner Peggy.

“We have had three generations of a family in here at once.”

If you don’t know much about wine, don’t be discouraged.

A tour of the winery is also an educational experience.

“First we educate about the grape,” Bob said, “where it comes from, the style and the body.”

Continued on next page

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Join us for Canada Day Celebrations at our 3rd Annual Tent Sale Featuring a special Canada Day buffet on Carrick’s deck and a tent sale outside the golf shop offering huge savings. From Friday June 29th - Sunday July 1st.

The tent sale will feature:

• A free Greywolf logo hat & ball with every $50 purchase ($28 value).

• Men’s Aureus Mock Golf Shirts (long sleeve or short sleeve) - 2 for $69.99.

• All apparel in the tent will be 35-95% off.

Tee Times: (250) 341-4100 or 1-888-473-9965

www.greywolfgolf.com

Play ’n’ Stay • The Columbia Valley Pioneer ~ 5

June 29, 2007

S ol i d W o od Bl i n d s Call The Blind Guy!

Interior World

(250) 342 4406

Peggy and Bob Page have a business that allows customers to brew heir own wine on the premises.

Continued from previous page The tours are free, and there is no time limit.

“A tour can last from 10 minutes to a lifetime,” Peggy said.

Added Bob: “It’s a personal tour to bring together the person and the wine.”

If you enjoy your tour and later decide you would like to venture into wine-making. Majestic U-Brew is

here to serve you. Peggy and Bob make sure that the wine is specialized to your needs. For instance, if you do not like the taste of oak, then they simply do not add oak to your wine.

Majestic U-Brew is located on the north side of the yellow AG Valley Foods building on main street Invermere.

Drop in any time, as winery tours do not have to be booked in advance.

Whether it’s challenging whitewater, family rafting or wetland float trips – Kootenay River Runners will fulfill your spirit of adventure!

• Raft world-class whitewater on the Kicking Horse River • Bring your family for fun, food and adventure on the Kootenay River • Experience Toby Creek Whitewater Fun • Enjoy the Columbia River Wetlands Float Radium Hot Springs: On Highway #93 • (250) 347-9210

1-800-599-4399 info@raftingtherockies.com • www.raftingtherockies.com

T HE P RESTIGE R ADIUM H OT S PRINGS

250-347-2300 T OLL F REE R ESERVATIONS

1-87-PRESTIGE Located in the Okanagan and Kootenay Rockies

www.PrestigeHotelsAndResorts.com

THE PIONEER The valley’s only locally owned, locally operated newspaper

6 ~ Play ’n’ Stay • The Columbia Valley Pioneer

June 29, 2007

Take a hike in the north valley

LONG

WEEKEND SPECIAL Good until July 7

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2 Green Fees for 1 when you rent a power cart

•48 hour advance booking

250-427-4161 Also book with 1st Tee Golf:

250-427-4893

Bootleg Gap Golf Kimberly, BC

“Golf. . . for the fun of it!�

Green Fees

Weekday (Mon-Thurs non holiday) $49 plus tax Weekend (Fri-Sun & holidays) $55 plus tax Jr. Rates $35 plus tax

Recreational 9 Green Fees Adult $18 plus tax Jr. $12 plus tax

By Cayla Gabruck Pioneer Sta Both hikes taken from the book “Hikes around Invermere and the Columbia River Valley" by Aaron Cameron and Matt Gunn.

McMurdo Creek and Spillimacheen Glacier: This route is popular for many reasons. Some people are interested in camping out in the log cabin and some people ďŹ nd the old mine shaft located past the cabin of particular interest.

The cabin is maintained by the Invermere Forest District’s Recreation department and can be booked up to 30 days in advance. It is extremely popular, so people are encouraged to book well in advance. The cabin is stocked with foamies, a woodstove, a cook stove and dishes.

Rating: day hike/backpacking Distance: 0.6 km to cabin Time: 15 minutes to cabin another hour after to the old mine site.

Directions: Drive north of Radium on Highway 95 towards Parson. Turn left onto the Spillimacheen Forest Service Road. At a fork at 17 kilometres, continue straight ahead on Spillimacheen Forest Service Road. Remain on this road until you can turn left onto the Spillimacheen McMurdo Creek Forest Ser-

If you are interested in golf information or to book a tee time, please do not hesitate to contact us by phone or email at:

vice Road. After crossing the Spillimacheen River stay on the principal road until you see a small road that cuts up to the left at around 57 kilometres. This leads to McMurdo Cabin.

Silent Pass: This route leads to a beautiful location below the Spillimacheen Glacier. There is a small campsite near Silent Lake, making this a great place to escape to for a few days.

Rating: day hike/backpacking Distance: 1.9 km Time: 30 minutes, 1.5 hours to Silent Lake.

Directions: Drive north of Radium on Highway 95 towards Parson. Turn left onto the Spillimacheen Forest Service Road. At a fork at 17 kilometres, continue straight ahead on Spillimacheen Forest Service Road. Remain on this road until you can turn left onto the Spillimacheen McMurdo Creek Forest Service Road. After crossing the Spillimacheen River, stay on the principal road until you see a small road that cuts up to the left at around 57 kilometres. This leads to McMurdo Cabin.

Continue on the main high-clearance road to the right for 1.8 kilometres to a landing. The Silent Pass trailhead is marked by a sign at the right end of the landing. An old road leading up to the right of the sign is the beginning of the trail.

Kountry Kitchen

TOLL FREE: 1.877.427.7077 EMAIL: admin@bootleggapgolf.com

OPEN

Wednesday - Sunday

Complete product lines for: • Harley Davidson • Honda • ATV’s • Bikes • Power Products • Suzuki • Bombardier/ATV

Daily and Weekly Dream Vacation Rental Homes Panorama • Fairmont • Radium • Invermere • Windermere

Four Season Vacations • Golf Getaways Ski & Spa Weekends • Family Reunions Weddings • Corporate Retreats

Let High Country Properties arrange your next Columbia Valley Vacation

1.800.665.1801

www.highcountryproperties.com Call April at 341-6299 to place your classified.

1817 Cranbrook St. North • Cranbrook BC www.cranbrookmotorsports.com

1-800-398-6606

Soup & Sandwich Burgers & Fries Daily Special Wood Oven Pizza (Fri., Sat., Sun.) and of course

Fishy Friday Come in and check out our freezer of prepared meals See ya soon! Anne & Terry

Windermere

342-6437

there’s more for your golďƒžng dollar at th’ Flats!

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Aordable quality vacation rentals throughout the Columbia Valley.

Angela Ross

www.mountainvacationsbc.com (250) 341-3263 • Toll-free 1-877-341-3263 Box 2441, Invermere, BC V0A 1K0 • Fax (250) 341-6219

Play ’n’ Stay • The Columbia Valley Pioneer ~ 7

June 29, 2007

DISCOVER

Lake Windermere • Wakeboard & Waterski Lessons, All ages and abilities • Boat charters - driver, instruction & equipment included • New boats & equipment • Professional instruction • Equipment proshop and gas sales on the lake

Windermere’s Boating Professionals 342-8799

DYNASTY STANDS FOR QUALITY UP AND AWAY - Paragliding is a popular sport in the valley, due to the surrounding high peaks and gentle breezes. Here a paraglider is winched off the ground by a boat on Lake Windermere. Paragliders participate in the Lakeside Event, where they jump off Mount Swansea and splash down in the lake. The 31st annual event will be held August 11th, weather permitting.

locally owned and operated

Phone/Fax

Service After The Sale

Neil & Coralie Woele • woeles@canyonrv.com

347-9762

www.dynastyspas.com

Pete’s Marina offers a variety of services to meet all of your boating and water play needs. We’re the largest on-water rental/ service/sales facility on Lake Windermere.

25 Laurier Street, Invermere Marina (250) 342-9626 · Service (250) 342-9625

www.petesmarina.ca

From boat and SeaDoo rentals to water toys and fuel, we have all you need to enjoy the lake. When the season is over, you can rely on us for all of your winterization and storage needs.

8 ~ Play ’n’ Stay • The Columbia Valley Pioneer

June 29, 2007

Glass show at hot pool

tee times 1 (888) 211-8855

A stained glass art show called The Brilliance of Birds is now on display in the lobby of the Radium Hot Springs Pool.

This is the sixth annual stained glass show, featuring work by Western Canadian artists.

The artists were invited to create original pieces using various glass techniques to interpret the beauty and nature of native birds found in Kootenay National Park.

These dramatic panels reect the passion and love of nature that these artisans have translated into the colourful glass art show.

It’s a lovely venue for the show, since the lobby is brightly-lit with natural

light through many windows. The pool attracts hundreds of visitors each week.

All works featured are for sale, and purchasers will receive a free annual pass to the hot springs.

Brochures are also available for those seeking to commission custom work from a particular artist.

The show will be hung from now until December 2nd, 2007. Until October 8th, the pool is open daily from 9 a.m. to 11 p.m.

From October 9th to December 2nd, the pool is open Sunday to Thursday, noon until 9 p.m. and Friday and Saturday, noon until 10 p.m.

For more information, call 3479485.

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June 29, 2007

Play ’n’ Stay • The Columbia Valley Pioneer ~ 9

Summer at Nipika R O C K Y M O U N TA I N E C O  L O D G E

Offering unique outdoor activities for the whole family: ~ Wetlands Paddling / Birding Tours ~ ~ Paddle & Hike Adventure Week ~ ~ Guided Alpine Day Hikes ~ ~ Whitewater Rafting ~ Register now to experience Nipika, a one-of-akind escape into the heart of the natural world.

Simply Spectacular, Spectacularly Simple

www.nipika.com 1.877.647.4525

Divine Prey, by Victoria Ann Jongenburger of Langley, B.C., is one of the beautiful stained glass works on display at the Radium Hot Springs Pool until December 2nd.

10 ~ Play ’n’ Stay • The Columbia Valley Pioneer

June 29, 2007

Full service clubhouse and golf shop with unmatched friendly service.

Golf Digest **** Star Rating This is a must play picturesque 18 hole course with magnificent mountain views, cascading creeks and waterfalls.

Rated best value in B.C. by Score Magazine.

Call 1-866-727-7222 to book your tee time.

Located minutes from the junction of Hwy #1 & Hwy #95, Golden, B.C. www.golfgolden.com ~ teeoff@golfgolden.com

Owen Lebourdais and Kristi Denby will once again be keeping valley kids and visitors busy with their daily sports camps, running throughout the summer. See Page 41 for more information.

Photo by Cayla Gabruck

Swim, dine, golf, relax and stay at the four season, 4 1/2 star Fairmont Hot Springs Resort

1-800-663-4979 or 250-345-6311 www.fairmonthotsprings.com

Play ’n’ Stay • The Columbia Valley Pioneer ~ 11

June 29, 2007

Popular sports camps return

By Cayla Gabruck Pioneer Staff Get ready, boys and girls - Rocky Mountain Sports camp is kicking off again this summer.

The camp is for kids aged 7 to 12 and this year there are five one-week camps running during the summer. “It’s good to get kids out and running, and out of the house,” said Kristi Denby, co-operator of the camp.

She and friend Owen Lebourdais took over the camp six years ago. They were hired as councillors there when they were 17 years old. When the previous operator of the camp left, the two seized the opportunity. Both Kristi and Owen are long-time Invermere residents and have had lots of sports experience.

Owen is currently working as a Grade 5 teacher at J. A Laird Elementary School, but he has been a teacher all over the word in places such as Spain and Australia. He graduated from the University of Lethbridge with a degree in education, specialized in Physical Education.

Kristi is currently completing her degree in international business and economics at Thompson Rivers University in Kamloops. She was a member of their volleyball team her first year.

Owen and Kristi pride themselves on creating a positive environment where kids can have fun, meet other kids and learn basic sports skills.

The week is filled with various activities and on

Thursdays, Owen and Kristi hold mini-Olympics.

Owen said that Thursdays are usually the busiest days, but they are also the most fun. For the mini-Olympics, the kids are divided up into four groups or countries and play games throughout the day.

“It is all about fun and participation and appreciation of any sport,” Owen said.

When Friday rolls around, it is time to hit the beach. Owen and Kristi take their campers down to the beach to play games.

Owen and Kristi are both certified in First Aid. As for feedback, the two have received nothing but positive response.

“All the parents rave about it,” Kristi said.

“We have never had a kid that hasn’t come back,” Owen said. “We have even had kids that stay all five weeks!”

The camps run July 16-20, July 23-27, July 30August 3, August 6-10 and August 13-17 at J. A. Laird Elementary School.

The cost is $100 per week or $25 per day and drop-ins are welcome. Registration forms are available ad D. R. Sports in Invermere or you can register by emailing rockymountainsportscamp@hotmail.com.

For more information, you can call Owen at 3415919 or Kristi at 341-7308. There are only 36 spots available in each camp, so register soon.

“We are really looking forward to seeing the kids again,” Kristi said. “’O and I have just as much fun as the kids do.”

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OPEN YEAR ROUND N EW M E N U!

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And Eatery

NOW IN RADIUM OPEN ALL YEAR ROUND 7549B West Main Street

347-9206

ALSO IN INVERMERE WITH FULL SERVICE RESTAURANT FULL MENU

342-7374

315 - 3rd Ave., Invermere (across from the Reddi-Mart)

Watch for our Play ‘n’ Stay section every long weekend!

Elevate Your Dining Experience

Elevate Your Game As if our view and course weren’t enough, the brand new Clubhouse at Eagle Ranch is now open featuring Saliken Fine Dining, Traders Lounge and a retail experience not to be missed! Add our commitment to Service Beyond and you’ll agree that, simply put, Eagle Ranch is a magical place offering the ultimate golf experience. Voted 4.5 stars by Golf Digest and proud winner of SCOREGolf Magazine’s “Best Course Conditions in B.C.”

call 1-877-877-3889 or locally 342-0562 to make a reservation today or visit www.eagleranchresort.com

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EAGLE RANCH RESORT PHASE ONE Eagle Summit • Estate Lots from low $200s

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June 29, 2007 12 ~ Play ’n’ Stay • The Columbia Valley Pioneer

A gourmet dining experience at Saliken

Clubhouse at Eagle Ranch - Now Open

The Cabins

Patio dining at the Traders Lounge

Private dining at the Pioneer Room

Terrifc selection of top quality brands

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Eagle Ranch Trail Now Open

Showhome open Friday - Sunday 10am - 5pm

(250) 342-0486

Friendly, professional staff to complete your world-class experience

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