B.C’s Diverse Landscape BC Nature Study and Outdoor Education

Every corner of our province has its own unique landscape and climate.  From our moderate coastal rainforest to the western side of the Rocky Mountains.  There are 10 major mountain ranges in our province and of course the valleys in between.  Some are lush and green while other are harsh and rocky and covered in snow throughout most of the year.  From rainforest to desert, to high alpine vistas.  B.C. has it all.

Our journey to Osoyoos start from home (elevation 1027m) to a maximum on the Cariboo Plateau at Mt. Begbie (elevation 1267m).  It was downhill from there to Ashcroft on the banks of the Thompson River (elevation 335m).  Our south easterly journey took us up and over many hills to Princeton (elevation 700m).  Heading east we reached our lowest elevation at Osoyoos (283m).  On our return journey we reach our highest elevation at Pennask Summit (1728). During that drive we saw  many changes in plant growth.  At the Pennask Summit there were no leaves on the trees and many patches of snow on the roadside.  Other areas had the Aspens in full leaf and some wildflowers blooming.

Hans-Juerg and Esther’s trip took them to the Chilcotin Plateau.  That vast rolling land of grass and spindly trees.  The highest elevation on the Chilcotin Plateau is near Anahim Lake (elevation 1350m) In the distance the coast mountains loom (Rainbow Mt. elevation 2485m) and then it is down the Precipice into the lush Bella Coola Valley (elevation 19m).