British Columbia's Bugaboo Glacier Provincial Park is located in the
Purcell Mountains which are over 1500 million years old. Much of the
weak, overlying rock has been removed by the erosive forces of water
and glacial ice to reveal the solid granite spires for which the park
is known.
The area
has been popular with mountaineers since the days of the Palliser Expedition
of 1857 to 1860. The firm rock, significant altitude and fierce weather
conditions make for world-class challenges for experienced climbers
and mountaineers. The early routes of pitons and bolts have been replaced
with less damaging aluminum chocks for protection. The Purcells were
named for Goodwin Purcell, the expedition sponsor. Although road access
is reasonably easy, the few trails within the park are dangerous and
demanding. Inexperienced and/or ill-equipped visitors should make arrangements
to visit a more suitable area.
Information & Services
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LOCATION
The
access road begins at Brisco (27 km north of Radium Hot Springs) on
Highway 95. The entrance to Bugaboo Glacier Provincial Park is 45
km west of Brisco.
PARK
FACILITIES & ACTIVITIES
Camping
-There are tent pads available below the Canrad Kain Hut, an overnight
accomadation available for up to 50 people. Propane stoves and sleeping
pads are provided. The Malloy Igloo (hut) accomodates six persons;
no facilities are available here.
Hiking
& Trails - Extensive trails of varying length and difficulty
provide access to the most notable features of Bugaboo Glacier Provincial
Park. A comprehensive guide to the Bugaboos is "A Climbers Guide"
by Randall Green and Joe Bensen and "A Climbers Guide to the Interior
Ranges of British Columbia" by W.L. Putnam describes the routes
of the Purcells.
COMMERCIAL
FACILITIES
A nearby
lodge provides accommodations, meals, heli-skiing and heli-hiking
services.
