David Hancock and Karen Bills of Hancock Wildlife Foundation View Eagles

And while you’re visiting the area, check out the scenery aboard a riverboat tour with Fraser River Safari.  For schedules and tour details visit www.fraserriversafari.com.

Sandpiper Golf Resort's Owner, Betty Anne Faulkner and eagle,Sonsie share a wink

The Greater Vancouver Zoo is working with the team at Xa:ytem Interpretive Centre  during the festival as well.  Drop by to see the live exhibit of the Great Horned Owl, Barn Owl and maybe, if you’re lucky, Meredith the Bald Eagle may be visiting.  Xa:ytem features local native art and gifts in their First Nations gift gallery too.  There are great gift ideas for Christmas.  For directions and hours of operation visit www.xaytem.ca.

Extend your eagle viewing adventure with an overnight stay at Sandpiper Golf Resort and Rowena’s Inn.  This exquisite heritage Manor is the former summer home of the Pretty Family. Filled with favourite family antiques and heirlooms, including a photo wall revealing the faces of the family behind the home, the ambiance is cultured and luxurious.  Enjoy a lavish hot and cold breakfast in the solarium located off the main dining lounge, or stay in one of the four west coast chic cabins – each complete with king-sized bed, soaker jacuzzi tub and river rock fireplace – a perfect retreat to relax with a glass of wine while admiring the view out over the river.  Whether you choose to stay at the Inn or in a cabin, the eagles will soar past gracing you with their majesty.  Visit www.sandpiperresort.ca for package details.

The Orphaned Wildlife Rehabilitation Society – OWL – is a dynamic organization comprised of people who care deeply about the safety of birds of prey.  The web site offers information on educational programs and special events, as well as contact information should you site a bird in need.  Please visit www.owlcanada.ca.

All Photos Courtesy of R. Bond, CtoC Productions

Interior cabin at Sandpiper Golf Resort and Rowena's Inn

And one of the largest and most popular of those reasons is Golden Ears Provincial Park, an incredible 55,590 hectares of widely undeveloped wilderness.

Named for the twin peaks of Mount Blanshard, which are said to shine gold from the setting winter sun, Golden Ears lies in the Coast Mountains, north of the mighty Fraser River.

It extends north through untouched mountain areas to the wall of mountain peaks and valleys which divide it and Garibaldi Provincial Park.

The park houses one of the largest campgrounds in the province with 353 vehicle/tent campsites welcoming visitors to two locations inside the park, at Alouette Lake and Gold Creek campgrounds, backcountry or walk-in camping at Alder Flats on the West Canyon Trail and Panorama Ridge on the Golden Ears trail, with advisories that some of the more out of the way sites do not have facilities provided.

Fifty-five campsites also adorn sandy North Beach, an open beach in front of the forested sites, and a great place to watch meteor showers in early August.

Underneath a canopy of second growth western Hemlock, western red Cedar and Douglas Fir tress, campers and day trippers can be found exploring the park on foot, by boat, on their bikes and on horseback.

Campers can swim at all campgrounds and day-use areas and canoeing is popular on Alouette Lake with rentals available in the Alouette day-use area.

Freshwater fishing is also available at Alouette Lake, Mike Lake and Gold Creek.

A four-lane cement surface boat launch at the south end of Alouette Lake has overnight parking available for vehicles and trailers.

Boaters should note, there is no nearby marina to moor boats overnight.

The highlight of the park is the scenery and the highlight of Golden Ear’s is the camper’s ability to enjoy the exposure to so much of what makes British Columbia famous.

An extensive network of trails through which campers can enjoy the scenery and explore the area makes up over 20-kilometres of gravel/dirt paved adventure.

Hiking, cycling and horseback riding can be done on any one of a series of trails which make up the web throughout the park.

Golden Ears has the most available hiking trails this close to Vancouver. Over a dozen trails lead to various destinations throughout the park, including the – 8-mile/12-km – one-way journey to the Golden Ears themselves.

Near the park headquarters, small Mike Lake is the starting point for the Alouette Mountain Hiking Trail – 12-miles/20-km return – to the summit of Alouette Mountain. Once finished, you can enjoy a panoramic view across the Fraser Valley into Washington and west across the Strait of Georgia to Vancouver Island.

A shorter possibility is the – 2.6-mile/4.2-km – Mike Lake Trail. Search the understorey for signs of old logging equipment and wildflowers such as the delicate pink azalea, with petals shaped like five-pointed stars.

Golden Ears is a desired destination and beginning of a British Columbia adventure for the first time and return traveler.

Golden Ears Provincial Park lies in the Coast Mountains 11 km north of Maple Ridge on the north side of the Fraser River. Access to the park is by vehicle via Highway 7 or Dewdney Trunk Road through the District of Maple Ridge. If heading west, turn right onto 232nd and if heading east, turn left onto 232nd; then turn right onto Fern Crescent and follow road into park.

Campground dates:

Alouette campground is open from April 1 – October 9

Gold Creek campground is open from April 1 – October 9

North Beach campground is open from June 16 – September 4.

Camp fees range from $10-24 per party, per vehicle per night, with rates available to persons with disabilities and no fees for campers under 13 years of age.

Winter fees from October 10 to March 31; reduced services.

The closest store is in Maple Ridge approximately 14 kilometres away. There is a pay phone located at the park entrance.;

The award-winning country fair is more than 100 years old and comes to town each July, taking place this year July 19 and 20 at the Albion Fairgrounds, located on 105th Avenue.

Agricultural activities abound as well as demonstrations and competitions, food, fun and entertainment for the whole family.

Some examples of the fun in store include the 4-H show, midway, logging sport demonstration, KidStuff area and more.

Non-stop musical entertainment roves around the site and stage performances take place throughout the two-day event.

Admission is $6 for adults, $4 for students and seniors and is free for children six and under. Two-day passes are available for $10. Parking at the fairgrounds is available for $2.

The gates open at 9 a.m. both days.

To get to the fairgrounds, take Lougheed Highway eastbound from downtown Maple Ridge and tun left at 105th Avenue.

Info: 604-463-6922 or www.mapleridgefair.com.

Home show

Also taking place each year is the annual Ridge Meadows Home Show, which is also held at the fairgrounds and Planet Ice, adjacent to the grounds.

This year’s home show takes place May 2-4. The event typically boasts 300 or more exhibitors, one of the largest home shows outside of Vancouver.

Demonstrations and seminars take place throughout the days and there is even a children’s festival for the kids.

Concession, a wellness fair and psychic fair round out the annual event.

Admission is $2 per person, $5 for families, and free for seniors.

Info: 604-467-3950 or www.ridgemeadowshomeshow.com.;

“We call it the largest in North America,” said Elaine Golds, conservation chair and vice-president of the Burke Mountain Naturalists. “It can’t be confirmed which is the largest in the world, Pitt is second, I believe.”

Surrounded by terrain which makes only the south end accessible by road, it’s just 16-kilometres north of Maple Ridge.

The lake is a collection of untapped resources and spectacular sceneries surrounding a body of water known for its large waves and temperamental nature.

A sunny cruise down 208th Street will lead to the Grant Narrows Regional Park at the southern end of the Lake, where camping, boating, fishing, water sports and hiking await.

And the rivers upstream from the lake into the valley are considered some of the best fly-fishing in the world.

“The oceanic tidal action of the lake and the many waterfalls make for active water,” said Golds. “Canoers and campers can be quite surprised sometimes by the strong lapping at the side of their boat.”

The lake has more than 50-kilometres of shore line ripe with natural wonders. The south end of the shore is a piece of the Widgeon Valley natural wildlife reserve-accessible from Pitt Lake by canoe, day-hikers can plan a trip to the Widgeon falls.

The lake is a popular boating and camping destination for the variety of activity available. Marked trails prepared for the hiker, dot the shoreline. A collage of views are available throughout the trails and the southern marshes are renowned as an excellent bird-watching area. They’re a frequent haunt of the amateur ornithologist, and contain ready-to-use bird stands.

The web of rivers and streams which mark the coast line offer a number of opportunities for exploration. Known for rocky coves containing small islands, the sandy beaches are consistent stopping points for boaters and great spots for fishing.

And relaxation can continue in a natural hot bath. The lake boasts what some campers, including Golds, consider the best hot springs in B.C.

Fishing is what made this area famous though and the upper rivers of the Pitt valley boast great year-round fishing. Linked with a number of other water sources, it offers a variety of species in its waters, giving anglers the opportunity to fight steelhead and choose between their days catch of bull trout. For Dolly Varden and trouts, casters stick to the deeper bays, however a good five-pound rainbow trout is not abnormal in the open lake.

The lake boasts a number of small natural campsites with full accommodations, facilities and services being available in Maple Ridge.

- www.bcadventure.com/adventure/explore/vancouver/fraser_valley/pitt.htm

Some popular local spots:

Golden Ears Provincial Park

Golden Ears park is the province’s busiest park and most popular campgrounds.

The park has three vehicle-accessible campgrounds: Alouette has 205 sites; Gold Creek has 148 sites; and North Beach has 55 sites.

There are also two group campgrounds and walk-in back country camping.

Alouette and Gold Creek have hot showers and flushing and pit toilets, while the more rustic North Beach has no showers and pit toilets.

Campfires are allowed in the provided fire rings only, unless there is a fire ban, and firewood can be purchased.

Camping fees in the regular season are $22 for Alouette and Gold Creek, $14 for North Beach, $5 for back country and $22/party for group sites. Shoulder seasons offer discounted rates.

To avoid disappointment, use the reservation system. Between 40 and 62 per cent of the campsites are dedicated for reservations, with the remainder offered throughout the season on a first come, first served basis.

The first-come sites fill up quickly, with the “full” sign often appearing about mid-week throughout the spring and summer.

You can reserve up to three months in advance. Reservations are taken at www.discovercamping.ca, 604-689-9025 or 1-800-689-9025 for a fee of $6.42/night to a maximum of $19.26.

Access is from Dewdney Trunk Road – turn north on 232nd Street, right on Fern Crescent and follow the signs.

Maple Ridge Campsite

Maple Ridge Campsite is a 50-site private campground offering both tent and RV sites, each equipped with one community fire pit, free wood and picnic tables.

There are no electrical hook-ups available, but a pay phone is on-site as well as wheelchair-accessible restrooms with flush toilets.

Campers are offered one free family pass to the Leisure Centre facility in downtown Maple Ridge.

Maple Ridge Campsite has a stream running through, a series of nature trails and a children’s playground.

It is a great place to enjoy local fishing, hiking and the amenities offered at nearby Maple Ridge Park.

This is a municipally-owned campground and which runs May 1 to Oct. 1. To book ahead, phone 604-467-7357.

This site is located in the 23400 block of Fern Crescent, on the way to Golden Ears Park.

Rolley Lake Provincial Park

Located nearby in northern Mission, Rolley Lake is also quick to fill up – catching much of the overflow from Golden Ears.

Rolley Lake offers 64 vehicle-accessible campsites. The campground has flush toilets and hot showers. Campfires are allowed in provided fire rings only, unless a fire ban is in place, and firewood may be purchased.

The vehicle-accessible regular season camping fee is $22 per party per night. The seniors’ rate (during shoulder season only) is $11 per couple per night.

Campsite reservations are accepted and first come, first served sites are also available. For reservation information, see the Golden Ears Provincial Park listing.

To access the park, take Dewdney Trunk Road east into Mission, then turn left on Bell Road.;

Opening each year in May, Raptors Ridge offers several different experiences for those wanting to learn more about the nature and handling of birds of prey, most notably hawks and falcons.

Raptors Ridge was developed by Karen Kamstra. She uses strictly captive-bred birds and has on-site a number of red-tailed hawks, Harris hawks, peregrine falcons and owls.

The facility is open by appointment, seven days a week, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.

There are several different adventures to choose from, depending on how much time you care to spend and how much you want to learn:

- The Hawk Walk provides you with instruction on handling raptors, with a demonstration by a Harris hawk and falconer.

Learn about local birds of prey during this one-hour course.

Cost: $32 per person.

- Raptor Discovery is a three-hour course for those wanting to learn more about the handling of birds of prey. An experienced falconer teaches you how to approach, handle and pick up hawks and falcons.

Cost: $75 per person.

- Falconer for a Day is a full-day course lasting six hours, teaching enquiring minds the art of basic falconry. Experience the thrill of having a trained raptor fly to and from your fist, learn the falconers’ knot and how to make some simple equipment, assist in hunt training with decoys and learn more about birds of prey. Bring a packed lunch.

Cost: $138 per person ($145 with lunch).

- Falconry beginners course.

Five days. Learn the basics about falconry, like husbandry of birds, first aid, hunting and legal aspects of owning a raptor.

Contact Kamstra for more details.

Raptors Ridge is also seeking donations for its Barn Owl Box Project. In partnership with local schools, nest boxes are placed at selected sites for barn owls.

All courses must be pre-booked and are dependent entirely on good weather.

Raptors Ridge is located at 26021 100th Ave. in Maple Ridge. From Vancouver, follow Lougheed Highway east, making a left on 240th Street and a right on 102nd Avenue. Follow 102 until it becomes 100th Avenue and watch for the Raptors Ridge sign.

Info: 604-831-HAWK (4295).;

From 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. each Saturday, the fair operates in the heart of Maple Ridge’s downtown with something for everyone.

The market opens Saturday, May 10 and continues until Saturday, Oct. 11.

In addition to all the goodies to view and purchase, activities are available to keep children entertained.

Each November the market society hosts a harvest market, while each December brings a winter market.

Purchase fresh produce, baked goods and preserves direct from their producers and experience a natural taste of Maple Ridge.

If you don’t feel like taking home some of our great fresh foods, visit the artisan booths for a peek at the local artistic community.

- Visit haneyfarmmarket@hotmail.com for more information.;

Maple Ridge has an endless array of recreation opportunities for everyone – for the high level adventurist, for the explorer in all of us or the family wanting to make lasting vacation memories. It is no wonder why those who live here love their community so much and why those who visit wish they could stay. Residents and visitors alike enjoy the scenic beauty, friendly neighbourhoods and year-round family-friendly activities.

On behalf of council and our citizens, I welcome you to our community.

Gordy Robson, mayor of Maple Ridge

Phone: 604-463-5221

Fax: 604-467-7329

E-mail: grobson@mapleridge.org

Maple Ridge website: www.mapleridge.ca

June 7

Pitt Meadows Day is an annual celebration of the founding of Pitt Meadows, taking place on the first Saturday in June.

A pancake breakfast and parade begin the morning, followed by entertainment at Harris Road Park and YouthFest at the Pitt Meadows Rec. Centre. Enjoy the tasty chicken and salmon BBQ at the Heritage Hall. Fireworks at Pitt Meadows Athletic Park complete the day. Parade begins at 11 a.m. Info: festival@mapleridge.org.

July 1

Canada Day festivities take place in both communities. Maple Ridge holds a day-long festival with flag-raising ceremony at 11 a.m. in Memorial Peace Park on 224 Street followed by a variety of family activities. Info: 604-467-7325.

Pitt Meadows hosts the Pitt Meadows 7km Canada Day Run at 8 a.m. at the Pitt Meadows Family Rec. Centre, 12027 Harris Rd. The official ceremony takes place at municipal hall, 12007 Harris Rd., at the cenotaph at 10:30 a.m. Info: 604-465-2453.

July 4-5

Art Goes Boom – a progressive arts festival at Memorial Peace Park in Maple Ridge. Enjoy live original music, dance, arts, poetry, an interactive jam circle and art gallery.

July-August

- Music on the Wharf is a summer music series hosted by the Maple Ridge Historical Society at Port Haney Wharf on River Road. Info: 604-463-5311.

- Twilight Tuesdays is an annual summer concert series held on Tuesday evenings at the Memorial Peace Park bandstand (off 224 Street) featuring the Maple Ridge Concert Band.

July 12-13

The Caribbean Street Festival boasts live Caribbean music, delicious Caribbean food, local vendors and artisans and more. Come in costume and dance the day away; 224th Street is closed down to accommodate the festival. Info: 604-467-7325.

July 19-20

Maple Ridge Country Fest, formerly the Maple Ridge Fair, has run for more than 100 years and offers agricultural activities, demos and competitions, 4-H shows and lots of entertainment. A kids’ area keeps the young ones entertained. There is much to see and do over the two days. All events are at the Albion Fairgrounds, located on 105th Avenue (take Lougheed Highway east, turn left at 105th). Info: 604-463-6922 or www.mapleridgefair.com.

July 24-27

Bard on the Bandstand, 8-10 p.m.

Join the Emerald Pig Theatrical Society at the Memorial Peace Park for their presentation of The Taming of the Shrew. Bring a lawn chair, blanket, warm clothes, and a donation to the food bank.

August 9

The 12th annual Maple Ridge Jazz and Blues Festival is an affordable outdoor music festival featuring some of B.C.’s best local and regional jazz, roots and blues artists. Co-ordinated by executive director “Storman Norman” Casler, it includes an arts and crafts village, international food fair, children’s activities and more. Three stages of first-class music. Festival takes place in Memorial Peace Park on 224 Street, noon-to 11 p.m. Info: 6004-467-7325 or www.jazzblues.ca. Admission: $6 adults.

July 26-27

The Bees and Blueberries Festival is at Dr. Bee’s Honeyland Canada on Ford Road in Pitt Meadows, 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.

August 16-17

Pitt Meadows Airport Day this year features the return of the air show. Event also includes a pancake breakfast, opening ceremonies, skydiving, vintage cars and aircraft, free airplane rides for kids and musical entertainment. Airport is located at 11465 Baynes Rd., Pitt Meadows. Info: 604-465-8977.

September 14

The Terry Fox Run, an annual event to raise funds for cancer research, starts and ends at Hammond Community Centre, 20601 Westfield Ave. Participants can walk, run, rollerblade or wheel a one-, five- or 10 km route. Info: 604-464-2666.

September 20

The second annual Spirit of Wood Community Carving event takes place at Harris Road Park, 11:00 a.m. to 3 p.m. Enjoy wood carving demonstrations, interactive make-and-take projects, and live entertainment. Also make suggestions for the theme and design of a fabulous wood carving that will be displayed in Pitt Meadows as a community legacy.

September 28

Whonnock Lake Family Fun Day is an annual fair that traditionally starts off with an inter-denominational church service and pancake breakfast. The event includes food, crafts, children’s activities, musical entertainment and the popular Whon-auction. Info: 604-462-8212.

September 28

B.C. Rivers Day is celebrated locally with special activities at the Rivers Heritage Centre and Allco Park to raise awareness of our streams and rivers. Info: 604-467-6401. Ask for Jenny. The Bell Irving Fish Hatchery also holds a Rivers Day event. Info: 604-462-8643.

November 11

There will be Remembrance Day ceremonies in both Maple Ridge and Pitt Meadows. In Maple Ridge, a parade to the cenotaph in Memorial Peace Park (224 Street) leaves from the Royal Canadian Legion, 12101 224 St. at 10:30 a.m. In Pitt Meadows, there is a ceremony at the cenotaph next to municipal hall, 12007 Harris Rd., at 10:30 a.m.

December 6

Christmas in the Park and the Santa Claus Parade rings in the holiday season with an annual community parade that circles Memorial Peace Park on 224 Street in downtown Maple Ridge, along with live entertainment, carols, hot chocolate and pictures with Santa. Info: Art Solomon, 604-467-6573 or mrchristmasfestival@shaw.ca.;

The centre is a camp retreat for groups. School research groups, firefighters, religious congregations and a group of kids and volunteers with bigger hearts than notebooks; almost anyone is welcome at one of B.C.’s unique park spaces.

“It was originally built to house UBC forestry students,” said Paul Lawson, manager of the Malcolm Knapp Research Forest. “But it became evident that there was a wider audience interested in the area and we started renting it, and by the 1980s we had a well-developed bunch of customers coming to use it.”

Opened in 1949, the camp was intended to provide a stable and natural research facility for UBC’s forestry students. The camp continues to provide the landscape for their work, while now providing a site for many groups looking for a weekend of natural exploration, outdoor activity, or just a vacation from the grey-flannel grind.

“This past weekend we welcomed a group of firefighters who were putting on a retreat,” said Lawson. “And the weekend before that we had a Buddhist group where no one spoke for six days.

“I think what we offer is a secluded conference retreat that has good value and a beautiful setting.”

The campsite is a small, but growing part of the research forest. And as its list of prospective tenants begins to grow, so to will the facility.

Presently the camp has sections for youth and adult groups, and according to Lawson, can house anywhere from 10 to 100 people in its six residential buildings.

However, three new buildings, the first of which was finished in 2004 with the last to be completed in the next year, will make the camp all that much more spacious and accessible for those interested.

The new facility will include adult bunks with two beds and a bathroom per room. Youth dorms will have eight beds per rooms. The camp will have a mess hall, as well as a gym, a rope course, a climbing wall and docks.

New additions include computer labs, an outdoor playing field and a lounge.

Once completed, the new facilities will be capable of housing and feeding up to 180 people.

The camp has restrictions on the outdoor activities which can be performed by groups staying there.

Fishing and hunting are restricted due to ongoing research projects (some of which have been active for up to 50 years), while there are restrictions on biking, horses and other destructive activities because of certain projects.

However, activity can always be found.

Besides groups which provide their own private programming, UBC has partnered with Pinnacle Pursuits, to hold rock-climbing, water-sports, repelling and other activities and courses for campers.

The Canadian Cancer society is a permanent fixture at the Loon Lake camp, as the group holds Camp Goodtimes for youth there every summer.

The facility itself, as well as the location and surrounding geography, make Loon Lake Camp a premier retreat centre.

From Vancouver take Hwy. 1 to exit 44 and follow signs for Maple Ridge/Mission via Hwy. 7b (Mary Hill Bypass). From the east, travel west on Lougheed Hwy #7 to Maple Ridge. Turn north off Lougheed Hwy onto 240th Ave. Turn west on Dewdney Trunk Rd. Turn north on 232nd Ave.;