When American publisher and poet John B.L. Soule first coined the phrase “Go West, young man, go West” in an 1851 Terre Haute Express editorial, he was referring to western expansion and the opportunities that awaited anyone daring enough to venture into the North American wilderness in search of a new life and untold prosperity.
Obviously, he wasn’t referring to the game of golf; however, fast forward 200 years and it’s ironic that his phrase remains applicable today for avid golfers in pursuit of a totally unique golf experience.
As someone who grew up in southern Ontario, I have always been intrigued by the naturalness and beauty of western Canada. Perhaps it’s the awe-inspiring Pacific Ocean, the rugged, snow-capped Rocky Mountains, the abundant wildlife or simply finding yourself in the middle of nowhere within an hour’s drive from major urban areas like Vancouver, Edmonton, or Calgary.
Recently I had the good fortune to visit beautiful British Columbia. While the likes of Whistler, Kelowna and Vancouver Island tend to be top-of-mind among visitors to the province, it is the lesser-known Columbia Valley that is equally extraordinary.
Getting to the Columbia Valley requires a bit of patience and perseverance. Upon your arrival to Calgary, be prepared for a three-hour drive along winding highways notched through the majestic Rocky Mountains. Fortunately, in less than an hour, any previously encountered airport stress will quickly dissipate as you coil your way along Hwy. 93 through virgin mountain valleys, glimmering glacial lakes and evergreen forests.
My only advice – adhere to the speed limit where it frequently drops to 30km/hr. Also be prepared to lose your phone service for part of the drive – 105 km to be exact. While your initial reaction will likely be one of frustration, consider this a euphemistic cue to temporarily relinquish the busyness of the life you’ve left behind, if only for a week or two. More
