Indigenous Spotlight: Steps to take in your adventures with Reconciliation in mind
The adventure spirit is all about embracing spontaneity, but it’s important to understand the land you plan to explore. This means respecting the history of these lands and the people that have protected them for thousands of years. In the continuing journey of reconciliation, it’s imperative that adventurers understand that access to these lands is a privilege, one that needs to be cherished and nourished.
Here are some important things to consider in your adventures.
The journey towards reconciliation is a long and complicated one so its important to understand these steps are the bare minimum for a BC adventurer. Remain vigilant and respectful in your travels and don’t forget to do the legwork because we all have a part to play.
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Hidden Gems: The Natural Waterslides in Syringa Provincial Park
It’s August in the Central Kootenays. Summer is coming to an end, the last vestiges of that sweltering valley heat are slowly burning away, and the days are growing shorter. Thousands of tourists from all over the world have come and gone throughout the season, marveling at the natural splendor of this beautiful little corner of Canada. They’ve seen the usual sites; Kootenay Lake, Kokanee Creek, Pulpit Hike, and all the places you’ll find in the brochure. To be sure, these sites are incredible, but you’ll find the locals venturing elsewhere to beat the summer heat. Enter: The hidden natural waterslides in Syringa Provincial Park. Eroded over the course of millions of years, this geological marvel is both a sight to behold and an exhilarating adventure experience. Accessed via a bumpy, steep forestry service road (Deer Park Rd) just beyond the conventional stop for tourists, the slides immediately put the keenness of the average adventurer to the test. Most cars will make it, and drivers brave enough to continue onward will be treated to some truly stunning views of Upper Arrow Lake. Keep an eye out for wild blackberry bushes on the sides of the road too. The next part of the puzzle is knowing where to stop, as the slides aren’t marked on any sign. Look for two indicators: a “14Km” sign, and a bridge with a small parking space on the left. Upon arrival, you will be greeted with a steep trail to the right of the bridge that descends towards a crystal-clear creek. You might begin to hear the excited hoots of children and adults echoing in the slot canyon, and once you reach the pool you’ll see why! Congratulations, you’ve made it to a hidden natural wonder millions of years in the making. All that’s left to do is take the plunge!
Some housekeeping notes: The water rushing down the slide is COLD. Prepare yourself by pre-emptively splashing some in your face. Next, beware of the second slide that drops out of the first slide’s exit pool; the first slide’s risk is relatively low; however the following chute is steep, and historically has had a log jammed in it. For thrill-seekers only! For children, it is recommended that a parent or guardian stand watch at the bottom of the first slide.
This is a special place. It is nestled amongst hundreds of towering Interior Douglas Firs, a species that the park aims to protect, and the water feeding the creek is glacial-fed and clean. If you seek further respite from the hustle and bustle, it is easy to wade upstream around the craggy bend. Here you will find calm plunge pools, smaller slides, and a rare peaceful serenity. You are now aware of this hidden gem, and all we ask is that you treat it with respect and care, so that others may enjoy it for years to come.