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Vale Callaghan
Cheio de florestas antigas e cercado por montanhas costeiras do Pacífico a 90 km ao norte de Vancouver, o Vale Callaghan é um verdadeiro sertão da Colúmbia Britânica. No verão, o vale é o lar de mochileiros e caminhantes que procuram uma experiência na selva, enquanto no inverno, esqui cross-country e caminhada na neve são populares, com mais de 45 milhas (70 km) de trilhas cross-country e seis milhas (10 km) de trilhas com raquetes de neve para explorar.
Sede dos eventos nórdicos dos Jogos Olímpicos de Inverno de 2010, a parede de montanhas que rodeia o vale cria um clima único que apresenta uma das neves mais profundas de todo o Canadá. A temporada de esqui costuma durar 150 dias, indo até meados de abril.
Na primavera e no verão, o Vale Callaghan é todo cheio de prados de flores silvestres e pântanos, onde você pode acampar à beira do lago, fazer canoagem, passeios de barco, pesca e caminhadas. O parque de 6.590 acres (2.667 hectares) também é um importante território para observação da vida selvagem. Procure linces e esquilos, veados e alces de cauda preta, ursos pretos e pardos.
The basics
Callaghan Valley is known for its reliable winter snow. Adventure-seeking visitors arrive in the snow-sure valley to take advantage of the numerous opportunities for outdoor fun. Together, Callaghan Country and Whistler Olympic Park offer an extensive network of skiing, snowshoeing, and ski touring routes, as well as biathlon and tobogganing facilities. For high-speed thrills, opt for a snowmobile tour around the valley, navigating your way through forest trails and across frozen lakes. In summer, guided walking and e-bike tours focus on nature and the sporting legacy of the 2010 Winter Olympics.
Things to know before you go
- Driving conditions in the valley can be difficult in winter, especially after heavy snow, and secondary roads may not be plowed; ensure your car has winter tires and carry chains.
- Forest service roads in the valley are not well-maintained and are best tackled with a four-wheel drive.
- Cross-country ski and snowshoe equipment can be rented from Callaghan Country’s Alexander Falls Touring Centre and from Whistler Olympic Park Day Lodge.
How to get there
Callaghan Valley is just off the Sea to Sky Highway (Highway 99), about a 20-minute drive south of Whistler. Shuttle buses run between Whistler Village and Whistler Olympic Park between late December and the end of March.
When to get there
The snow season in Callaghan Valley is long, with snow typically present between December and April. On Wednesdays between January and mid-March, you can try late-night skiing at Whistler Olympic Park.
Callaghan Lake Provincial Park
In summer, visitors to the area can camp at Callaghan Lake Provincial Park. Drive-in camping spots are available at the lake’s edge. The low water temperature hinders the growth of algae, keeping the lake surface mirror-clear and reflecting the surrounding peaks.
- Brandywine Falls
- Rio Cheakamus
- Parque Olímpico de Whistler
- Alexander Falls
- FireRock Lounge
- Parque de Mountain Bike de Whistler
- Whistler Village
- Audain Art Museum
- Peak 2 Peak Gondola
- Montanhas Whistler-Blackcomb
- Fairmont Chateau Whistler
- Centro Cultural Squamish Lil'wat (SLCC)
- Fitzsimmons Creek
- Lago Verde
- Callaghan Lake Provincial Park