PHOTO CREDIT: STOCK.ADOBE.COM/LITTLESTOCKER; STOCK.ADOBE.COM /SIMONEGILIOLI; STOCK.ADOBE.COM/ELENA MUZYKOVA
HOT AIR BALLOONING
Skim treetops and corn fields, and
soar upwards of 3,000 feet near
almost any major city along the
Yellowhead. Although you can usually
purchase a flight for any time of day,
sunrise is suggested as the best for
weather (and the view!).
Head to Kelowna (or Vernon) for a
leisurely float in wine country and the hospitality
of a family-owned and -operated company
(okanaganballooning.com). The experience includes a
traditional champagne celebration and picnic.
For a scenic one-hour flight over Edmonton,
Saskatoon, or Winnipeg, try Sundance Balloons
(sundanceballoons.com). Get stunning bird’s-eye views of Hope,
Kamloops, Prince Rupert (britishcolumbiaballoonrides.com), Jasper,
Edmonton, Vegreville (albertaballoonrides.com), North Battleford,
Saskatoon (saskatchewanballoonrides.com), and Winnipeg
(manitobaballoonrides.com).
RAFTING & CANOEING
Strap on a lifejacket and helmet
and get ready to brave the
refreshing rapids! With the
help of a professional guide
and an adventurous spirit,
you’ll be zooming down a river
in no time. Check out all the
whitewater rafting opportunities
available in Kamloops
(tourismkamloops.com), where
you have your pick of sceneries
— from the desert-like
atmosphere of the Thompson
River to the mountain ranges
along the Clearwater River. Or
head north to ride the Class
III rapids of the Fraser River
(mountrobsonwhitewater.com)
within view of the highest point
in the Canadian Rockies or to
brave the Beaver River and the
only Class IV rapids in the area
(stellardescents.com).
Jasper National Park has
several options available
for Class II and III whitewater
adventures and those that
want to float leisurely and
enjoy the spectacular views
(jasper.travel/things-to-do).
Many other rivers and lakes
along the Yellowhead also offer
a more relaxing time on the
water, and you can rent canoes
or kayaks in most
cities before setting
out. Canoe in the
heart of Winnipeg
(splashdash.ca)
or down the North
Saskatchewan
River in Edmonton
(edmonton
canoe.com), or take
a guided kayak tour
in Haida Gwaii.
CLIMBING
Whether it’s a wall of granite
or ice, you have plenty of
options, particularly around the
mountainous regions in British
Columbia and Alberta year-round.
Scale rocks and boulders at
various places around Kamloops
(tourismkamloops.com), or head
north to one of the many rugged
options around Prince Rupert and
Terrace, such as Tyee and Onion
Lake. In winter, strap on some
crampons and scale a frozen
waterfall in Jasper National Park
(rockaboo.ca).
For a more controlled
environment or to get some
practice before you head
out into the wild, visit a
climbing wall! Learn to belay
at an indoor wall in Kamloops
(cliffsideclimbing.com), Prince
George (overhang.ca), Edmonton
(verticallyinclined.com), or
Saskatoon (gripitclimbing.com),
or use an automatic belayer in
Winnipeg (verticaladventures.ca).
Combine an outdoor climbing wall
experience with an exhilarating
zipline ride near North Battleford
(bluemountaincanada.com) or
Winnipeg (adrenalinemb.com).
goyellowhead.com
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