Ski Guide 2012/13

Super, Natural® British Columbia
Ski Guide 2012/13
Visit www.BritishColumbia.travel
13 WORLD-CLASS SKI RESORTS.
ONE UNFORGETTABLE HOLIDAY.
Escape to one of our 13 ski resorts and experience the huge verticals,
widely diverse terrain and spectacular scenery that make British
Columbia (BC) one of the world’s most iconic ski destinations.
Once you’re off the slopes, recharge with a gourmet meal at a trendy
eatery or enjoy the intimacy of a quaint alpine restaurant. Or maybe
you’ll just want to melt your stress away at a mountain spa.
Whether you’re wrestling with the rope tow or challenging the black
diamond slopes, you’ll enjoy endless runs, abundant powder and
plenty of outdoor activities to round out an unforgettable ski holiday.
No matter what you’re looking for in a ski getaway, you’ll find it
in British Columbia.
2
DISCOVER THE DIVERSITY OF B C SKI RESORTS & AREAS
BC SKI RESORTS
Resorts may include lodging options, restaurants,
and various amenities and services.
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
11
12
13
Whistler Blackcomb
Big White Ski Resort
Sun Peaks Resort
Fernie Alpine Resort
Panorama Mountain Village
Silver Star Mountain Resort
Apex Mountain Resort
Mount Washington Alpine Resort
Kicking Horse Mountain Resort
Kimberley Alpine Resort
Red Mountain Resort
Whitewater Ski Resort
Revelstoke Mountain Resort
FORT NELSON
CANADA
USA
FORT ST. JOHN
H
BC SKI AREAS
Ski areas can range in level of amenities from
basic ski lifts to resort-type offerings.
D
SMITHERS
E
F
A Cypress Mountain
B
C
D
E
F
G
H
I
J
K
L
M
N
O
P
Q
R
S
T
U
V
Grouse Mountain
Mount Seymour
Shames Mountain
Hudson Bay Mountain
Murray Ridge Ski Area
Powder King Mountain Resort
Bear Mountain Ski Hill
Tabor Mountain Ski Resort
Purden Ski Village
Troll Ski Resort
Mount Timothy Ski Area
Mount Cain
Hemlock Resort
Crystal Mountain
Harper Mountain
Summit Lake
Fairmont Hot Springs Ski Area
Manning Park Resort
Mount Baldy
Phoenix Mountain
Salmo Ski Hill
G
I
PRINCE GEORGE
J
K
L
WEST
VANCOUVER
A
B
3
NORTH
VANCOUVER
C
KAMLOOPS
M
VANCOUVER
INTERNATIONAL
AIRPORT
Q
6
WHISTLER
8
VANCOUVER
P
1
O
N
VANCOUVER
BANFF
9
13
5
KELOWNA
2
7
U
S
T
11
CALGARY
R
10
CRANBROOK
12
V
VICTORIA
SPOKANE
Airport
4
SEATTLE
USA
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Whistler Blackcomb
Imagine hanging in the sky between two snow-covered peaks,
looking through a glass floor at fir trees 436m (1,427ft) below.
Welcome to Whistler Blackcomb’s world-record-breaking
PEAK 2 PEAK Gondola. Blackcomb Mountain has some seriously
steep chutes and endless glacial descents, while Whistler
Mountain is a succession of heavenly powder bowls. There’s
also Whistler Village with more than 200 shops and almost
100 bars and restaurants. Consistently ranked #1 resort in North
America, this official alpine skiing venue for the 2010 Olympic and
Paralympic Winter Games has something for everyone.
BIG WHITE SKI Resort
RUNS: 200 +
VERTICAL: Whistler: 1,530m (5,020ft)
Blackcomb: 1,609m (5,280ft)
TERRAIN: 3,307ha (8,171ac)
18% Beginner
55% Intermediate
27% Advanced
If you’re after fantastic snow, don’t look any further than Big White.
They live up to their name with an average 750cm (25ft) of
Okanagan champagne powder falling annually, and were awarded
“Best Snow in North America” by Condé Nast Traveler magazine
(2008). With 118 runs fanning from the summit, 1,119ha (2,765ac)
of skiable terrain and 16 lifts, including 6 high speed, there’s a
great selection of terrain for everyone with deep powder bowls,
wide-open glades, and great cruising. Take a break and explore
Canada’s largest ski-in/ski-out resort village. There’s an awardwinning Kids’ Centre with childcare, Canada’s highest skating rink,
free nightly activities, snowmobiling, sleigh rides, Nordic skiing
and the new 18m (60ft) tall ice climbing tower.
whistlerblackcomb.com
SUN PEAKS Resort
For a unique, memorable and hassle-free ski holiday you need to
discover Sun Peaks. You’ll experience one of the most charming
and picturesque villages in Canada, where you’ll stay slopeside
on the mountains in ski-in/ski-out accommodation. What is
Canada’s third largest ski area provides diverse terrain suitable
for every ability level. The terrain circles the village in a unique
360 degree layout, so you can pop back throughout the day for a
hot chocolate and a world famous cinnamon bun while catching
up with family and friends. The plentiful dry powder and blue
skies lend well to other classic Canadian snow adventures, like
dogsledding, snowshoeing, snowmobiling, ice skating and more.
RUNS: 118
VERTICAL: 777m (2,550ft)
TERRAIN: 1,119ha (2,765ac)
18% Beginner
54% Intermediate
28% Advanced
bigwhite.com
FERNIE ALPINE RESORT
RUNS: 122
VERTICAL: 882m (2,894ft)
TERRAIN: 1,488ha (3,678ac)
10% Beginner
58% Intermediate
32% Advanced
sunpeaksresort.com
Does the idea of big mountain skiing with a small town vibe appeal
to you? Then Fernie is your resort. With an average of 8.75m (29ft)
of snow each season, this powder paradise features 5 massive
alpine bowls, endless chutes, cliffs and glades plus ski the peak this
season on the NEW Polar Peak chairlift, now giving Fernie the most
runs and most vertical in the Canadian Rockies. These peaks often
receive more snow than any major resort in the Canadian Rockies.
It’s a place where the beginner feels right at home and the
expert can find nirvana. Beyond the stellar slopes, try a dogsled or
snowmobile ride. This truly is an unforgettable destination.
RUNS: 142
VERTICAL: 1,082m (3,550ft)
TERRAIN: 1,013ha (2,503ac)
30% Beginner
40% Intermediate
30% Advanced
skifernie.com
4
Panorama Mountain Village
Care for a boutique resort with remote wilderness? You’ll find
it nestled between the Canadian Rockies and ancient Purcell
Mountains. Absorb Panorama’s easy ambiance, walk through the
village taking in beautiful views and breathe in the mountain air.
The terrain is ideal for beginners and intermediates so Panorama
is perfect for families while more serious skiers can explore
almost 405ha (1,000ac) of Taynton Bowl’s backcountry-style
terrain and one of North America’s biggest verticals. You can
even try heli-skiing – they specialize in taking out first-timers. And
don’t forget the Nordic skiing, dogsledding and snowmobiling.
No matter what you do, an after-slope soak is a must in Canada’s
largest slope-side hot pools. Ahhh, this is something you could
get used to.
RUNS: 120
VERTICAL: 1,220m (4,000ft)
TERRAIN: 1,152ha (2,847ac)
20% Beginner
55% Intermediate
25% Advanced
Feel like an ant on a massive hill – this huge mountain with three very
distinct faces is perfect for the whole family. From meticulously
groomed cross-country tracks to deep powder, this is the resort
that has it all. Award-winning Nordic trails mix with some of the
best tree-skiing in Canada. And for boarders, the dry Okanagan
powder, mild temps and sunshine are just what you need. At
mid-mountain, it’s like you’ve stepped back in time to a colourful
ski-in/ski-out Victorian-style village. Kids will love the tubing,
skating, sleigh rides, and even fireworks. This winter wonderland
almost seems too good to be true.
RUNS: 115
VERTICAL: 760m (2,493ft)
TERRAIN: 1,240ha (3,064ac)
20% Beginner
50% Intermediate
30% Advanced
skisilverstar.com
panoramaresort.com
Mount Washington Alpine Resort
Apex Mountain Resort
Heavy precipitation and low humidity. For a mountain resort
smack-dab in the centre of the Okanagan Valley, that weather
combination is a recipe for the best snow you can hope for.
Bowls, chutes, glades and impeccably groomed cruising runs
flow perfectly from the resort’s impressive peak. Double black
diamonds leave you breathless. And three terrain parks with
tables, rails and sliders make it a no-brainer destination for
boarders. There’s also an NHL-sized hockey rink, a 1km (0.6mi)
outdoor skate loop and a tube park. The ski-in village area
features licensed childcare, retail shops, restaurants and
après-ski bars to suit all tastes.
Silver Star Mountain Resort
RUNS: 68
VERTICAL: 610m (2,000ft)
TERRAIN: 450ha (1,112ac)
16% Beginner
48% Intermediate
36% Advanced
apexresort.com
Ski or board some of the deepest snow on the West Coast.
How much? How about a staggering annual average of 11m
(36ft)? Take in the unbelievable ski-to-surf views with the Pacific
Ocean as a backdrop and check out the towering mountains of
Vancouver Island’s interior from the mile-high summit. Explore
over 50km (31mi) of cross-country trails nestled in one of BC’s
oldest and most stunning parks. While there, try snowshoeing the
20km (12mi) of gentle slopes and rolling hills. If you’re learning
to ski or snowboard, check out the new Easy Acres learning area.
Four new Magic Carpet lifts will get you safely up the slopes for
one of the best learning experiences in North America. The vibe
here is 100% Island so enjoy the beautiful scenery, the friendly,
laid-back atmosphere and a day with endless possibilities!
RUNS: 81
VERTICAL: 505m (1,657ft)
TERRAIN: 688ha (1,700ac)
14% Beginner
35% Intermediate
51% Advanced
mountwashington.ca
5
Kicking Horse Mountain Resort
Kimberley Alpine Resort
Credit: Henry Georgi
This is the champagne powder capital of Canada and home to Rocky
Mountain vistas, 1,260m (4,133ft) of extraordinary terrain and a worldclass resort village. If you’re looking for a fresh adventure, look no further.
This year, Kicking Horse has added a new Learning Centre right in the
heart of the village which offers guidance and training for everyone;
for those looking to improve their chute wrangling to first-time riders.
Plus there is Canada’s most elevated dining experience, the Eagle’s
Eye Restaurant, with spectacular views from an eye-popping elevation
of 2,350m (7,710ft). And at the end of the day take advantage of the
impressive ski-in/ski-out village.
RUNS: 128
VERTICAL: 1,260m (4,133ft)
TERRAIN: 1,133+ha (2,800+ac)
20% Beginner
20% Intermediate
60% Advanced
In the heart of Kimberley lies the ultimate family-friendly alpine
destination. It’s a magical place to forget city life, relax and
recharge in the Purcell Mountains. Beginner skiers and boarders
will instantly bond with the meticulously groomed powder trails
on the front side of the mountain. Tree-lovers will enjoy the
hundreds of acres of gladed skiable terrain. Consistent snow
conditions, incredibly short lift lines and seemingly endless sunny
days make this a skier’s playground. To top it off, dogsledding,
ice skating, snowshoeing and live music will lure you to one
of many ski-in/ski-out accommodations in this charming
family resort.
RUNS: 80
VERTICAL: 751m (2,464ft)
TERRAIN: 728ha (1,800ac)
20% Beginner
42% Intermediate
38% Advanced
kickinghorseresort.com
Whitewater SKI Resort
Red Mountain Resort
Known as the big mountain with the small town feel, tree skiing is
what puts this laidback resort on the map. Follow the sun all day
long with 360-degree fall lines spread across two mountains. Ski
and snowboard amazingly diverse terrain with tremendous vertical,
powder-packed bowls and groomed runs. There are enough big
lines, glades and chutes to keep all levels of skiers and boarders
busy. Try your daredevil skills at the terrain park filled with jumps
and rails. Or slow the pace a little with plenty of winding crosscountry and snowshoe trails in the area. The fun doesn’t stop there
– stop by the recently modernized Rafters après bar located on the
3rd floor of the day lodge. It is a great place to meet people from all
over the world.
skikimberley.com
RUNS: 88
VERTICAL: 880m (2,887ft)
TERRAIN: 682ha (1,685ac)
15% Beginner
40% Intermediate
45% Advanced
redresort.com
If you’re searching for an authentic holiday destination, visit
Whitewater Ski Resort. Quietly legendary for its incomparable
vibe, Whitewater keeps on getting better each season. Last year,
the opening of the new Glory Ridge chair effectively doubled
Whitewater’s terrain and increased its vertical to an impressive
623m (2,044ft). Located on the Powder Highway, Whitewater is
just a 15 minute drive from Nelson, a city that features over 40
restaurants, an abundance of accommodations, hot springs, cat
and heli-skiing, and a winter vibe second to none. If you’re looking
for your life’s truest skiing experience, you’ve found it. Pure, Simple,
Real and …DEEP.
RUNS: 69
VERTICAL: 623m (2,044ft)
TERRAIN: 479ha (1,184ac)
13% Beginner
32% Intermediate
55% Advanced
skiwhitewater.com
6
Revelstoke Mountain Resort
Revelstoke Mountain Resort is the only destination where you’ll
find the highest lift-serviced vertical in North America, cat-skiing,
heli-skiing and backcountry skiing from one village base. The terrain
options are endless, with majestic alpine bowls, legendary tree
glades, lofty rolling groomers and a new base-area beginner slope.
Need more? Feel your pulse start to race with another half-million
acres of heli-skiing terrain and three alpine bowls for cat-skiing. The
village features ski-in/ski-out lodging at Nelsen Lodge and dining
options. The authentic ski-town atmosphere of downtown Revelstoke
is minutes away, offering a variety of restaurants, cafés and shops.
SKI BRITISH COLUMBIA NOW
RUNS: 56
VERTICAL: 1,713m (5,620ft)
TERRAIN: 1,263ha (3,121ac)
7% Beginner
45.5% Intermediate
47.5% Advanced
revelstokemountainresort.com
HIGHLY RECOMMENDED
Each one of our 13 ski resorts has had accolades bestowed upon it from the world’s premier ski and travel publications. So you’re sure to
end up with an award-winning resort—no matter which one you choose.
WHISTLER BLACKCOMB:
FERNIE ALPINE RESORT:
Best Overall Resort in North America
OnTheSnow.com Visitors’ Choice Awards (2011)
Best Winter Trips 2012
National Geographic
BIG WHITE SKI RESORT:
PANORAMA MOUNTAIN VILLAGE:
Best Terrain in the Pacific Northwest
OnTheSnow.com Visitors’ Choice Awards (2011)
Best Scenery
Ski Canada Magazine (2010)
KICKING HORSE
MOUNTAIN RESORT:
2nd in the 10 Best Ski-Resort Cafeterias
SKI Magazine (2011)
SUN PEAKS RESORT:
SILVER STAR MOUNTAIN RESORT:
REVELSTOKE MOUNTAIN RESORT:
3rd Best Place to Ski in Canada
(18th in North America)
Condé Nast Traveler Readers’ Poll (2011)
Best Nordic Ski Destination
Ski Canada Magazine (2011)
One of Top 5 Biggest Vertical (West)
Ski Canada Magazine (2009)
APEX MOUNTAIN RESORT:
Best Weather
Ski Canada Magazine (2011)
MOUNT WASHINGTON
ALPINE RESORT:
Biggest Snow
Ski Canada Magazine (2012)
KIMBERLEY ALPINE RESORT:
RED MOUNTAIN RESORT:
Most Consistent Fall-line Steeps
Ski Canada Magazine (2010)
WHITEWATER WINTER RESORT:
Top 5 Best Powder
Freeskier magazine (2011)
Best Tree Skiing
Ski Canada Magazine (2012)
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OFF THE SLOPES
After a big day on the slopes, it’s time for a big night out. British Columbia’s 13 resorts are
home to some of the best après-ski you’ll ever experience. Join the fun as the evening kicks into
high gear — or shake off the day’s excitement by slipping into something more relaxing. Either way,
you’re sure to enjoy an après-ski adventure that’s as celebrated as our slopes.
Give your skis a break
Refuel for tomorrow
Our slopes are awash with a mix of
exhilarating activities and family fun.
Strap on a pair of snowshoes and make
fresh tracks on tree-lined trails. Have a
tubing race or go tobogganing. Or
plough through powder, Nordic style,
in a dogsled.
The restaurants that dot our village
streets offer feasts for your taste buds
as well as your eyes. Take your pick from
award-winning restaurants with global
wine lists to hearty local fare at street
side cafés (with complimentary mountain
views provided by Mother Nature).
Knee deep in shopping
The sun sets,
but not the fun
Browse through boutiques, or shop
non-stop till you drop. Check out
everything from souvenirs to sporting
equipment, fresh produce to Aboriginal
art and trendy urban wear that is the
latest in ski chic.
Say spahhhh
Need to recover from the day’s
adrenaline-pumping action? Escape
to a luxury spa. Let your tiredness slip
away as expert therapists pamper your
mind, body and spirit with an array of
rejuvenating treatments — like massages,
full body wraps and acupuncture.
Trade in your ski boots for dancing
shoes and join revellers, friends and
fellow skiers for a party to remember.
On the other hand, if you’d prefer a
relaxing wine or chilled cocktail — you
could hang out at a local pub after
hanging up your skis for the day.
Walking in a winter
wonderland
Catch breathtaking views of snowkissed mountain peaks as you stroll
down charming village streets.
Check out restaurants, pubs, markets
and shops that are a mere snowball’s
throw away from each other.
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LOCAL VANCOUVER SKI AREAS
Need a quick ski or snowboard fix while you’re in Vancouver?
Hit one – or all three – of the local mountains for spectacular
views and great runs within 45 minutes of the city.
A Cypress Mountain, the freestyle ski and snowboard venue
for the 2010 Winter Games, has the most terrain and greatest
vertical of Vancouver’s hills.
B Grouse Mountain has great fall lines on its back runs – making
it an ideal choice on powder days – and two terrain parks that
are also must-hits.
WEST
VANCOUVER
C Mount Seymour is a
favourite for snow-filled
adventure among local
riders, with wall hits, hips
and drops flowing easily
from the lift. For family
fun, don’t miss the Snow
Tube Park.
A
B
B
grousemountain.com
C
mountseymour.com
NORTH
VANCOUVER
C
VANCOUVER
VANCOUVER
INTERNATIONAL
AIRPORT
A
cypressmountain.com
OTHER British Columbia SKI AREAS
BC has many other ski hills and resorts scattered throughout the province. These hills are playgrounds waiting to be discovered.
Take a road trip and seek out a brand new adventure. See map on page 3.
MAP
SKI AREA
LOCATION
WEBSITE
SKI AREA
LOCATION
WEBSITE
D
Shames Mountain
Terrace
friendsofshames.ca
MAP
N
Hemlock Resort
Agassiz/Mission
hemlockvalleyresort.com
E
Hudson Bay Mountain
Smithers
hudsonbaymountain.com
O
Crystal Mountain
Westbank (West Kelowna)
crystalresort.com
F
Murray Ridge Ski Area
Fort St. James
murrayridge.com
P
Harper Mountain
Kamloops
harpermountain.com
G
Powder King Mountain Resort
Mackenzie
powderking.com
Q
Summit Lake
Nakusp
skisummitlake.com
H
Bear Mountain Ski Hill
Dawson Creek
bearmountainskihill.ca
R
Fairmont Hot Springs Ski Area
Fairmont Hot Springs
fairmonthotsprings.com
I
Tabor Mountain Ski Resort
Prince George
tabormountain.com
S
Manning Park Resort
Manning Provincial Park
manningpark.com
J
Purden Ski Village Prince George
purden.com
T
Mount Baldy Oliver/Osoyoos
skibaldy.com
K
Troll Ski Resort
Quesnel
trollskiresort.com
U
Phoenix Mountain
Grand Forks
skiphoenix.com
L
Mount Timothy Ski Area
Lac la Hache
skitimothy.com
V
Salmo Ski Hill
Salmo
skisalmo.com
M
Mount Cain
Woss
mountcain.com
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Ski Activities
In British Columbia, skiing isn’t just skiing. There are many different
types beyond downhill. They all share a few things in common–
fresh BC mountain air, phenomenal snow and views, and are best
enjoyed with your favourite ski buddies (friends and/or family).
HELI-SKIING
CAT-SKIING
95% of the world’s heli-skiing takes
place in BC and it’s not because we have
more helicopters. The glacial climate,
vast wilderness and abundance of
powder snow make this area absolutely
ideal. In BC, the sky is literally the limit.
Backcountry skiing
Leave the lifts behind for snow that’s
untracked, super dry and waiting. BC has
more than two-dozen backcountry huts
and commercially operated lodges with
plenty of wilderness areas to explore.
Before skiing on backcountry trails, it’s
important to follow all necessary safety
procedures. Expert guides who know
the terrain are the way to go for
worry-free thrills.
First tracks take on a whole new
meaning when cat-skiing in BC. They
could be the first tracks ever. Your
licensed guide will transport you to
high alpine slopes with spectacular
views. After a day of cat-skiing you
might have a tough time getting that
smile off your face.
CROSS-COUNTRY skiing
(NORDIC)
The problem with downhill skiing is
that you’re going too fast to take in
all the amazing scenery. And there’s
lots of it. Cross-country skiing in BC
features amazing views, encounters
with all kinds of wildlife (the cute kind)
and a whole lot of quiet.
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WINTER Activities
There’s more to British Columbia’s mountains than just skiing and
snowboarding. During your holiday, why not mix it up and
take advantage of the abundant winter activities available
throughout BC, many of which can be enjoyed at your favorite
resort or ski area.
SNOWSHOEING
TUBING/TOBOGGANING
BC provides the trails, powder and
pristine winter scenery for one of North
America’s fastest-growing winter sports.
Fasten on a pair of snowshoes and
wander our trails at your own pace. It’s
perfect for families seeking
a fresh air activity, adventurers wanting a
cardio workout and outdoor lovers.
SNOWMOBILING
Relive those childhood winter days
hurtling down a hill on a crazy carpet. BC
is slider heaven with various designated
toboggan areas and snow-tube parks.
Enjoy the thrill and excitement of sliding
down the hill on a toboggan or in a
specially designed tube.
DOGSLEDDING
Snowmobilers have plenty of places
to play in BC. We have a wide variety
of terrain, including groomed trails,
massive glaciers and hillsides topped
with fresh snow. Beginners can zip along
established routes, while advanced
sledders will revel in steep and remote
riding areas.
Dogsledding is a unique way for you
to explore BC’s wilderness in winter.
Gliding quietly along snow-covered
trails, the sleds are pulled by teams
of enthusiastic dogs and offer a
memorable backcountry experience.
Scenery along the route can include
mountain views, frozen lakes or
powder-filled meadows.
11
INFORMATION FOR visitors
Passport Information
For all travel into Canada, visitors must present their passports. For updates, please
visit the Canada Border Services Agency website at www.cbsa-asfc.gc.ca
For individuals travelling from the United States to Canada, please visit the
U.S. Department of State website at www.travel.state.gov
Key Travel Information
For important information regarding currency exchange, customs and other travel
information, please check out www.BritishColumbia.travel
Departure Location & TRAVEL DURATION
To Vancouver
To Calgary
London
9.5 hours
London
9.5 hours
Frankfurt 10.5 hours
Frankfurt 10 hours
Amsterdam
9.5 hours
Amsterdam
9.5 hours
Sydney
14 hours
Sydney
17 hours
Auckland
13 hours
Auckland
16.5 hours
Seattle, Washington is also an airline gateway into British Columbia.
PLAN YOUR
BC SKI HOLIDAY
International Airlines Servicing British Columbia
Air Canada, Air New Zealand, Air Transat, Alaska Airlines, American Airlines,
British Airways, KLM, Lufthansa, Qantas, United Airlines
and Virgin Australia.
Airlines Servicing British Columbia’s Ski Resorts
Air Canada, Alaska Airlines, Central Mountain Air, Pacific Coastal Airlines and WestJet.
Roads, routes & Rail
For driving routes, road conditions, and information on border delays
in British Columbia, please visit www.DriveBC.ca
VIA Rail and Amtrack all offer scheduled trips to destinations within the province.
For more information on rail travel options, please visit www.BritishColumbia.travel
Links and references to any other websites are provided for information only and listing shall not be taken as endorsement of any kind. The Province of British Columbia is not responsible for the content or reliability of the linked websites and does not endorse
the content, products, services or views expressed within them.
©2012 – Province of British Columbia. ®Registered Trademark of the Province of British Columbia.
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