Birken & D’Arcy

The Valley holds many other surprises. Birken and D’Arcy are located up the Valley northeast of the Village of Pemberton and Mt Currie.

A Spectacular Salmon Run

It is one of the few places in the province where salmon enter from two sides. From the north, they enter the valley, from Anderson Lake into the Gates River system, and from the south, from Lillooet Lake into the Birkenhead River system. Good places to see the salmon are at the hatchery on the N’Quatqua Reserve near D’Arcy and from the suspension bridge across the Birkenhead River just past Mount Currie. The best time to see the salmon in the Gates River, is during the last two weeks of August, and in the Birkenhead River, during the last half of September.

Great Bald Eagle Viewing

In the wintertime, dozens of bald eagles reside along the Birkenhead River to feed on the salmon carcasses. In the spring time deer come out to feed along the roadside and there are several orchards in full bloom along the road. The valley is also home to several artists’ studios and some are open to the public.

Unique Artisans & Cafes

The Mute Raven studio shows photographs, feather collages and paintings by Wim Tewinkel. Our Glass Works Studio was first opened in 1979 and is owned and operated by Judy and Hugh Bourhis. Often you can see actual stained glass work in progress, they specialize in custom design and fabrication and their studio gallery, showcases a selection of completed glass projects. Visit the new glassblowing studio of Patrick Vrolyk.

Red Beard Glassblowing Studio is located in Poole Creek and will open its doors to public viewing of glass blowing demonstrations this summer. Look for studio “Open” signs on Portage Road, or to ensure your visit, call ahead to make an appointment.

The Red Barn Cafe at the end of the Portage Road, serves up lunches with a touch of traditional native influence, including bannock and x’osum slushies (soapalali berries). The restaurant also features local arts and crafts. Besides and crafts there are little hobby farms and herbalists, like Sharon’s Old Fashion Natural Products offering medicinal botanicals and herbal concoctions.

Outdoor Recreation Paradise

If you are active, you can go swimming or boating on the lakes, numerous mountain bike trails (including the last stretch of the Sea to Sky Bike Trail) and Portage Road itself, is a favourite with many road bikers. Hiking and rock climbing locations are numerous and if you are lucky you may spot lots of different wildlife, including mountain goats, deer, cougars, wolves, grizzly and black bears.

Photo Credit: James Wheeler, souvenirpixels.com