CAMPING AND THE “F” WORD
B Y S T E V E H A I N SWO R T H
FREE
It’s a word that grabs peoples’ attention like say, bumping into a backcountry black bear. In our consumer-driven society free can sometimes be as elusive as that bruin too. But in the wilds surrounding Vancou- ver you might just find both. This summer, park the gas-guzzling road-trip, cancel the pricey reservations, shelf the shopping spree and reject admission fees by explor- ing some very budget friendly destinations in Vancouver’s big backyard.
Cypress Mountain is the trailhead for the little-known Howe Sound Crest Trail. Hikers scale Mt. Strachan, summit Mt. Unnecessary, pass between the Lions and traverse Brunswick Mountain along Howe Sound’s 30 kilometre trail. The route is half the length of the legendary West Coast Trail but just as rugged and at none of the cost. Views of Howe Sound and Vancouver Island’s eastern shores set the decor for this alpine adventure. Free camping exists along the trail at Magnesia Meadows and Brunswick Lake, both of
8 / get out there / may + june 2010
which have new overnight shelters. Deeks Lake bookends the northern end of the trail, making for a final night’s camp or a refreshing swim stop.
Also on Vancouver’s North Shore is Elsay Lake. Its’ cool waters and lakeside backcountry cabin are the rewards for hikers that persevere the seven kilometre treacherous trail from the Mt. Seymour trailhead to the lake. The cabin’s log book provides an evening’s worth of free entertainment chronicling the misadven- tures of previous guests. The trail to Elsay Lake can be difficult and poorly marked in places, please be both prepared and experienced before taking on this challenging but inexpensive adventure.
To Vancouver’s east, Golden Ears Pro- vincial Park has backcountry camping at Alder Flats, five forested kilometres away from the trailhead. Adventurous hikers can also camp on Panorama Ridge, on the flanks of Golden Ears Mountain. Manning
Park’s Lightning Lakes Trail is another popular pathway leading to a free, forested campsite. Check with Parks staff for trail conditions and updates. Parking fees do exist in these two parks, so carpool to the trailhead for cost-effectiveness. Carry a camp stove too, often campfires are not permitted within these BC Parks.
Slightly further afield, the Sunshine Coast is a fountain of free adventure. Hike the 180 kilometre Sunshine Coast Trail in portions or as a multi week thru-hike. Camping is free at numerous sites along the route. Trailside Bed and Breakfasts offer support for the occasional splurge or necessary shower. Beg, borrow or rent a canoe for the Voyageur- worthy Powell Forest Canoe Route. Paddlers can ponder the paradox of this canoe circuit, which was created by the local forestry industry, while navigating 80 kilometres of pad- dling and 11 kilometres of portaging, all free. Economy paddling can also be found in the Sechelt Inlet Marine Park.
Beachfront campsites serve up complimen- tary accommodations to the sea kayakers who explore the forested coastline of the Sechelt Inlet’s sheltered salt waters.
If your summer vacation just isn’t complete without a trip to our Southern neighbours, why not try cross-border camping? Whatcom County’s Chuckanut area boasts beautiful lakes like Lily, Lizard, Pine and Cedar. These alpine pools are all within an afternoon’s hike from the trailhead on a well marked and maintained network of Chuckanut area trails. Camping is free at the sites and the area is easily accessible from I-5, just south of Bellingham.
With so many budget-friendly, wild destinations within reach, it’s easy to ensure your “What I did this summer...” story doesn’t include “spending too much money.” Not only are visits to these places free, you’ll probably end up with stories and friendships of gold.
I L L U S T R AT I O N : A S H L E Y K I R K
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