British Columbia a perfect place to ply a paddle

By STAN PINNEGAR

British Columbians take a simple pleasure in their gardens and parks and swell with pride over the province's forests, lakes and snowcapped mountains, the bald eagles watching from lofty eyries and the otters and sealions gazing curiously at those who fish for salmon or trout.

The province is not just a place to feast the eye - thrills and adventure abound for the tourist, particularly at Campbell River on the eastern shore of Vancouver Island.

This legendary fishing place was discovered in a quest for the Pacific North-west Passage by Captain George Vancouver in 1792, when he came upon surroundings of snowcapped peaks, immense fiords, clean rivers and friendly Indians.

With the help of native guides in dugout canoes, the area soon became a mecca for fishing the mighty chinook salmon. Early last century a modest tourist trade began with a few tents set up for fishers. Its reputation grew and eventually became a retreat for Hollywood movie stars of yesteryear, including John Wayne, Bob Hope and Bing Crosby (On the Road to Campbell River?).

Today, Campbell River is a vibrant community of 29,000, with a diversified economy and high income. Visitors will find a wide variety of pursuits, but whether attracted to the birdlife, bears, fishing or scenery, an absolute must is kayaking from one of the many rocky islets in the Straits of Georgia.

"Anybody can kayak," said the guide from Wonders of the Wild as I stepped nervously into the craft. He was right. I soon learned how to move forwards at speed, reverse, or just stop and keep my place.

"Remember to move your body in synch with your arms, it's not so tiring on your shoulders," he reminded me.

It was a warm, sunny day in paradise, with the only noise the soft splashing of oars and an occasional bird cry or bark of a sealion.

Yes, anybody can kayak - and where better than in the island wonderland of the Straits of Georgia.

* Wonders of the Wild can be contacted on www.vquest.com/crtourism/wow/index.html. For adventures at Vancouver Island: http://www.campbellrivertourism.bc.ca