Federation Member Club Profile: Bear Mountain Trail Society

We got featured! Our group and the trail we envision is featured this month at the Federation of Mountain Clubs of BC to website - super good news!  We are so pleased to have been granted membership in this important organization.

Here is a little information about this important group taken from their website:

The Federation of Mountain Clubs of BC (FMCBC) is a democratic, grassroots organization dedicated to protecting and maintaining access to quality non-motorized backcountry recreation in British Columbia’s mountains and wilderness areas. As our name indicates we are a federation of outdoor clubs with a membership of over 5000 people from outdoor clubs across BC. Our membership is comprised of a diverse group of non-motorized backcountry recreationists including hikers, rock climbers, mountaineers, trail runners, kayakers, mountain bikers, backcountry skiers and snowshoers. As an organization, we believe that the enjoyment of these pursuits in an unspoiled environment is a vital component to the quality of life for British Columbians and by acting under the policy of “talk, understand and persuade” we advocate for these interests.

Our Vision - Bear Mountain Trail Society

The enjoyment of the diverse beauty of the Coastal forest in the Eastern Fraser Valley and the appreciation of it through non-motorized experience on a network of trails.

Our first project concerns the creation of a non-motorized mountain trail connecting Harrison Hot Springs, Agassiz and Seabird Island.

Skiing the Green Grind

A lingering cold snap that started December 5th provided a rare commodity to the Agassiz community - snow - snow, that hung around for over a month. Taking advantage of the white stuff on local trails includes snow shoeing, hiking but could also as Todd explored downhill skiing. 

This is how he described the adventure,

"The ski down was great. Dry snow with good base most of the way down...lots of wide and tight turns. Near the end, I went off a jump that had been built by snow boarders."

ANOTHER, impressive use for a hillside trail system linking Harrison Hot Springs, Agassiz and Seabird Island community to community. Make you wonder what's next... tobogganing? 

Our Vision

The enjoyment of the diverse beauty of the Coastal forest in the Eastern Fraser Valley and the appreciation of it through non-motorized experience on a network of trails.

Our first project concerns the creation of a non-motorized mountain trail connecting Harrison Hot Springs, Agassiz and Seabird Island.

Bear Mountain Loop in Winter

We are still a long way away from realizing the vision of creating an all season trail that will connect, community to community, Harrison Hot Springs, Agassiz and Seabird Island through the forests of Bear Mountain to the Green Grind but that doesn't stop the locals from enjoying a winter hike. 

While it was a little overcast the snowy hillside and the quiet forest provided both exercise and a chance to socialize. 

The trees now bare of their leaves provided additional viewpoints over Bear Mountain and Seabird Island.

Bear Mountain

Seabird Isalnd

The return brings the valley floor and Mount Cheam into view a welcome sight after an 8km hike.

Mount Cheam coming into view

Our Vision

The enjoyment of the diverse beauty of the Coastal forest in the Eastern Fraser Valley and the appreciation of it through non-motorized experience on a network of trails.

Our first project concerns the creation of a non-motorized mountain trail connecting Harrison Hot Springs, Agassiz and Seabird Island.

Parks Canada 2017 Admissions Gift to The World.

Here is a great way to celebrate the new year, not with fireworks, but rather with a walk in the park. 

On Canada’s 150th anniversary Parks Canada is giving everyone a present …. Free admission to Canadians and visitors from all around the world to all Parks Canada Locations from coast to coast to coast.

To order your 2017 Parks Canada Discovery Pass go to this site, click HERE

For all of 2017 this pass gives you unlimited opportunities to enjoy National Parks, National Marine Conservation Areas and National Historic Sites across the country!

We congratulate the Canadian Government and Parks Canada on their sensitivity and foresight in granting this fine gift - happy anniversary. 

Profile - Laurens van Vliet - Founding Member

Lauren van Vliet ©

It's no surprise that our picture of Laurens van Vliet shows him centred in the middle of the frame taking a moment to refresh and drink in the view. This is a man of movement, precision and balance. 

I asked Lauren why he is involved in this volunteer grass roots project.

"Sports and the outdoors are playing an important role in my life. Outdoors activities include hiking, camping, canoeing, sailing, wind surfing. For sports, my focus continues to be Cross Country Skiing, competing in BC, Nationally and Internationally.I am promoting active living, and was selected an Olympic Torch Bearer for Agassiz for the 2010 Vancouver Olympic Winter Games. 

Over the years, I have hiked the local mountains surrounding Agassiz, and I have started to appreciate their beauty. My interest in developing a trail network on Green Mountain is for other people to enjoy the beautiful nature locally while being involved in hiking as a healthy activity."

Our Vision

The enjoyment of the diverse beauty of the Coastal forest in the Eastern Fraser Valley and the appreciation of it through non-motorized experience on a network of trails.

Our first project concerns the creation of a non-motorized mountain trail connecting Harrison Hot Springs, Agassiz and Seabird Island.

A Winter's Trail

For some the arrival of snow means that, finally, hiking can get converted into snowshoeing and cross country skiing. Imagine a local trail system that brought year round adventures in the peaceful woods. That sort of trail is exactly what our Agassiz to Harrison to Seabird initiative hopes to provide. 

The Dust of Snow

by Robert Frost

The way a crow

Shook down on me

The dust of snow

From a hemlock tree

Has given my heart

A change of mood

And saved some part

Of the day I had rued.

Stephen Mullock © Winter Hat

Large Hiking Body on Track With Trail

The largest, local, hiking group, Hermann's Hiking Group has come out in full support of a proposed new trail that will link Agassiz, Harrison and Seabird Island. President, Ken Burningham organizes, with his buddy Roberto, weekly local hikes for fellow trail enthusiasts that number above 250 people. His letter of recommendation and support is below.

Listen to Ken's podcast of the history and growth of the Hermann's Hiking Group.  If you are interested in hiking with the Hermann's Hikers contact Ken through their facebook page.

Thank you Ken and Hermann's Hiking Group for this support.

Ken, John and Roberto - Lady Peak©

22nd November 2016.

To whom it may concern,

Hermann’s Hikers are a local group of hikers based in the Agassiz Harrison area.

We have a data base of over 250 hikers and we specialize in Day Hikes mostly in the east end of the Fraser Valley, Coquihalla Highway, Fraser Canyon and Manning Park.

We generally hike each week in all weathers. We are a committed group who finds enjoyment in our beautiful local countryside.

I understand there is a plan to make a new trail between Agassiz and Harrison with a connection to Seabird Island.  This is an excellent idea as it will facilitate the connection between the communities and it will enhance recreation in the local area.

Our group fully supports the Bear Mountain Trail Society and will lend assistance as and when needed. Feel free to contact me in the future should you need further assistance.

Yours in Hiking,

Kenneth Burningham.
President of Hermann’s Hiking Group.