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Long Beach, Pacific
Rim National Park | Those
who devote themselves to adventurous exploration eventually make their way to
British Columbia to hike trophy trails, ski trophy peaks, and paddle trophy waters.
The range of outdoor adventure to be found in British Columbia attracts
explorers from around the world. The farther afield you venture, the more appreciation
you'll develop for its staggering abundance.
Don't be deceived by the
cozy but thin veneer of civilization that has been thrown up around the wilderness.
Those who do not respect the neighbouring wilds often face uncompromising consequences.
With proper preparation and a confident spirit you can negotiate your way in and
around the landscape, emerging with untarnishable memories of your encounter with
the natural world. Fortunately, most travellers don't have to resort to extremes
in order to get an inside look at these fantastic features.
While many
of BC's recreational activities can be enjoyed on your own, or in private groups,
many are best enjoyed under the care and guidance of experienced tour operators.
Casual visitors to British Columbia are seldom able to venture into the backroads
and experience the real wilderness - that's where offroad tour operators play
a valuable role, offering full or half day trips.
Pacific Rim
On the west coast
of Vancouver Island, exciting backroad adventures are offered out of Tofino and
Ucluelet in the comfort and safety of 4 x 4 vehicles. Experience breathtaking
panoramic views of the rugged west coast with an offroad trip up Mt. Ozzard, from
where the view stretches from Barkley Sound and the Broken Islands Group, across
Long Beach and beyond that past Tofino to Clayoquot Sound. After leaving Mt. Ozzard,
take a short walk along the beautiful nature Trails at Kennedy Lake and view the
huge old-growth cedar trees.
Offroading
along the shoreline of Barkley Sound east of Ucluelet is a great wildlife experience.
Eagles gather to feed on herring spawn, waterfowl gather along the shores to rest
during their spring migration. In late summer, bears linger near the salmon bearing
Thornton Creek.
The gravel road hugs Tofino Inlet providing breathtaking
views of Clayoquot Sound. Watch for bears along the shoreline, and birds and waterfowl
along the beaches and mudflats of the estuaries feeding the sound. After leaving
the Inlet the road climbs high into the mountains, with Tofino Creek as a companion.
Huge rock formations evidence a landscape shaped by the girth of glacial
ice that until quite recently covered the entire landmass. So strong was the force
exerted by this miles-thick crush that, as it retreated, it cast a ragged impression
in the bedrock.
Central Island
Explore the beautiful and challenging
off-roads of South and Central Vancouver Island. From weekend adventures, to challenging
6-day safaris, weekend 4x4 schools, and corporate weekend challenges.
Fun-filled and intense weekends are for all comers, designed for anyone wishing
to learn safe operation of 4x4 vehicles in the wilderness. Go offroad in the wilderness
areas surrounding Shawnigan Lake and north to Cowichan Lake.
The weekend 4x4 schools include qualified instruction on safety, winching, vehicle
recovery and the philosophy of treading lightly in the wilderness. New
Regulations for Off-roaders
British Columbia announced new regulations
for offroad vehicles in 2011, including safety and environmental regulations,
and requirements regarding licensing and registration.
Only a licence will be required for crossing highways at designated areas, rather
than the operations permit previously required. The designated crossings will
help connect trails across the province. Off-road vehicle users are also required
to have a one-time registration permit.
The changes will apply to all-terrain vehicles, quads, off-highway motorcycles
and utility vehicles, as well as snowmobiles. By fall 2012, all of BC’s new requirements
should be in effect, including required helmet use, spark arrestors to avoid forest
fires, and new mufflers to control noise.
Responsible off-road riders welcome the new regulations in BC, particularly the
registration and display of plates, as it may help to identify off-road users
who damage the environment. A portion of the registration and licensing fees will
go back to the associations to build trails.
The new policy regulations were implemented by ICBC in consultation with the Quad
Riders Association of B.C. and the Private Forest Landowners Association.
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