Episode 1/24

@ Lighthouse Park, Vancouver, BC
Gollum begins his tour of "Maples, Moose & Mounties - British Columbia" by downloading a map of specially chosen locations!
Lighthouse Park, Vancouver, BC
The popular phrases describing British Columbia on welcome signs and license plates, "The Best Place on Earth" and "Beautiful British Columbia," aptly describe the beauty you will find as you travel throughout the Canadian province. Lighthouse Park is a National Historic site and is a favorite of many tourists to Vancouver Island.

Episode 2/24

@ Vancouver Island, British Columbia
“Let's hope Foxy doesn't get as seasick on these Canadian lakes as he did on Lake Windermere in England that time, Gollum!” said Astraea, studying the future itinerary.
"Can you get seasick on a lake?" asked Gollum.
"Oh yes, indeedy," said Astraea.
Vancouver Island, British Columbia
Breathtaking vistas of the mountains and dense old forests are a sight you never grow weary of seeing if you love the rugged outdoors. Since they are situated near the ocean it provides many options for adventure seekers.

Episode 3/24

@ Tofino, Vancouver, British Columbia
“A picture of this would look lovely printed on Christmas cards, wouldn't it, Gollum?” Cocoa Puff said.
“It certainly would, Cocoa Puff!" said Gollum.
Tofino, Vancouver, British Columbia
Tofino, a hidden treasure about five hours from Victoria, BC is well-known to Canadians but the rest of the world is largely unaware of it. Many hiking trails beckon you to immerse yourself in the beauty of British Columbia's scenic landscapes.

Episode 4/24

@ Tofino Beach, British Columbia
“Pass me the binoculars, Gollum!” said Mistopheles. "I think that's a Northern Cardinal just taking off over there! They stay in Canada all year round, you know."
Tofino Beach, British Columbia
One of the many exciting things you can do in Tofino is surf! There are plenty of instructors available and the waves are calm, perfect for the first-time surfer. Just be sure to wear a wetsuit as the waters can be a bit chilly.

Episode 5/24

@ Great Blue Heron, Stanley Park, Vancouver
“Oh hello, Gollum!” cried Bigfoot. “Didn’t we bump into each other at the Fiat racetrack in Turin last month? This is quite the change of scene, isn't it?”
Great Blue Heron, Stanley Park, Vancouver
Stanley Park is home to one of the largest urban heron rookeries in North America, with 100-200 or more fledglings every year. Surprisingly, great blue herons nest high in the treetops and it is fascinating to watch them as the adult birds fly to and from the nest. It takes about 60 days for the fledglings to fly and 90 days for them to become independent and leave the nest.

Episode 6/24

@ Stanley Park Totem Poles, Vancouver, BC
“Wouldn't it be lovely to live in a lighthouse like this one pictured in our itinerary in Nova Scotia? So romantic!" mused Gollum, nibbling on a taffy lolly.
"Well, I don't know," said Lami. "It's not all about drinking coffee and gazing at the sea. You have to run up and down stairs, operate the light and the foghorn, and there may be no running water or electricity apart from a generator."
Gollum considered this. "Mine would be a luxurious, converted, non-operational lighthouse, then."
Stanley Park Totem Poles, Vancouver, BC
Totem poles are monuments created by indigenous peoples of the Pacific Northwest and represent real events or mythical stories. Every symbol has a meaning and they were used to pass on their stories to younger generations. Nine of these totems from various locations across British Columbia can be seen in the park.

Episode 7/24

@ Minter Gardens, Chilliwack, BC
“Oh wow, Gollum, there's a butterfly!” Kalila cried out.
“It looks like a Great Spangled Fritillary," replied Gollum knowledgeably.
Minter Gardens, Chilliwack, BC
Minter Gardens was opened by Brian and Faye Minter in 1980 and spans 32 acres at the foot of Mt. Cheam. It's not as large or well-known as Butchart Gardens in Victoria but it is still a beautifully landscaped must-see destination.

Episode 8/24

@ Lions Gate Bridge, Vancouver, BC
“If there's time at the end when we get back to the hotel tonight, I might do some initial sketches for a watercolour painting," Starla said, offering Gollum a maple syrup toffee from the bag and then unwrapping one for herself.
“That sounds like a good plan, Starla!" said Gollum.
Lions Gate Bridge, Vancouver, BC
Lions Gate Bridge (officially First Narrows Bridge) spans the narrows of Burrard Inlet which separates the city of Vancouver from the rest of the mainland of British Columbia.

Episode 9/24

@ The Golden Hour, Vancouver, BC
Gollum was listening enraptured to strains of music reaching them from a street violin player. “My mum used to sing this, Ouray!” he exclaimed happily. "Leonard Cohen’s Hallelujah. This takes me back!"
The Golden Hour, Vancouver, BC
A favorite time of the day to capture dramatic photographs is the golden hour and the modern skyline of Vancouver, British Columbia wears the mantle spectacularly.

Episode 10/24

@ Vancouver, BC Night Reflections
"Have you seen this in our travel brochure, Gollum? There's a town in Vancouver Island called 'Youbou'—the founders of its mill, Mr Yount and Mr Bounton, combined the first halves of their respective surnames to make Youbou in 1914."
Mousey grinned and thought about it for a minute. "I guess it's like Waitrose in England, from Mr Waite and Mr Rose."
"Waitrose isn't a town, though, Mousey."
"Edgar wishes it was!"
Vancouver, BC Night Reflections
Night reflections on the water are not as dramatic as the golden hour a bit earlier in the evening but they are still a captivating sight nonetheless.

Episode 11/24

@ Granville Street, Vancouver, BC
“Let's just drink in this scene, shall we, Gollum?” suggested Arty, sinking down on a convenient tree stump.
Gollum agreed it was well worth spending some time there!
Granville Street, Vancouver, BC
A recent rainshower has enhanced the dramatic bright lights of Granville Street in downtown Vancouver, British Columbia.

Episode 12/24

@ Vancouver, British Columbia
“I'm enjoying the tour very much but it's getting quite cold, isn't it, Gollum?” shivered Toby.
“Here, wrap my scarf around yourself," replied Gollum. "And you can look forward to a lovely mug of hot chocolate when we get back to our accommodation!"
Vancouver, British Columbia
The most populated city in the province, Vancouver, is also the most densely populated area in Canada, with over 5400 people per square kilometer. Vancouver is proof that not everyone in Canada prefers the pristine wilderness.

Episode 13/24

@ Squamish, British Columbia
Gollum was listening enraptured to strains of music reaching them from a street violin player. “My mum used to sing this, Julius!” he exclaimed happily. "Leonard Cohen’s Hallelujah. This takes me back!"
Squamish, British Columbia
Squamish is a town north of Vancouver, in British Columbia, Canada. It's at the northern tip of the island-dotted Howe Sound, and surrounded by mountains like the Stawamus Chief, a huge granite monolith.

Episode 14/24

@ Milky Way at Lost Lake, BC
Gollum was very happy to meet Bill here! They both swapped tales of their experiences of their travels so far!
Milky Way at Lost Lake, BC
Stargazers have nearly unlimited opportunities to view the natural wonders in the night sky over Lost Lake as long as there are no clouds. There are no other obstacles here. The only possible competition to a display this dazzling might be sparks from a crackling campfire.

Episode 15/24

@ Lost Lake Dock, Whistler, BC
Oh look ... a Canadian pet!
Lost Lake Dock, Whistler, BC
After a day of hiking or biking throughout the rugged nearby trails, this dock offers the perfect spot for taking a dip into the chilly glacier-fed waters of Lost Lake.

Episode 16/24

@ Seton Lake, British Columbia
“Ooh, it's just starting to drizzle, Gollum!” said Azure Beauty. “Can you hold my torch and map while I dig out my Pac-a-Mac?"
Gollum good-naturedly took charge of Azure Beauty's possessions while he emptied his rucksack of a pack of sandwiches, a Thermos flask, a pair of galoshes, a bag of toffees, a paperback novel, a bottle of mineral water, an address book, some postage stamps, an assortment of different coloured biros, a bottle opener, a couple of old train tickets, a handful of golden and silver moles, a hotel key, some shopping receipts and a selection of rather battered sachets of salt, sugar and tomato ketchup before locating the Pac-a-Mac right at the bottom. This he donned and then Gollum helped him put everything back in his rucksack.
Seton Lake, British Columbia
Seton Lake is a naturally formed freshwater fjord which is located by the First Nations town of Lillooet and is nestled into the outer edge of the Coastal Mountains, often referred to as Canada’s version of the Himalayan Mountains. There is also a scenic passenger train ride that takes you along the shores of Seton Lake and goes from Lillooet to Seton Portage and back again and is said to be one of the most scenic rail trips in the world.

Episode 17/24

@ Walhachin, British Columbia
"It's turned a bit hot, Gollum. I'm going to put my sunhat on," said Noctema.
"Good scheme! I'll dig mine out as well," said Gollum.
Walhachin, British Columbia
Deadman Junction Ranch on the Trans-Canada Highway in Walhachin, British Columbia is a historic replica of an Old West ghost town. Step back in time to the gun-slinging days of the Wild West in the late 1800s and check out the large collection of authentic artifacts and weapons of the era. The collection is so large that movie producers often rent the items to use as props.

Episode 18/24

@ Canim Lake, British Columbia
"It's turned a bit hot, Gollum. I'm going to put my sunhat on," said Mystique.
"Good scheme! I'll dig mine out as well," said Gollum.
Canim Lake, British Columbia
Canim Lake is a lake in British Columbia, Canada and it is known for its many all-season activities. "Canim" means a type of large canoe in the Chinook language, but canoeing is only one of the many activities available here. In the summer you can go fishing, hiking, camping, mountiain biking, horseback riding, kayaking, water skiing, and even cliff jumping! No room for boredom here! If you prefer cold-weather sport there is fun aplenty! Snowmobiling, cross-country skiing, dog-sledding and ice fishing are the favorite activities to do here in the winter. So start planning your next fun vacation and be sure to make this one of your stops.

Episode 19/24

@ Black Bear, British Columbia
“Wouldn't it be lovely to live in a lighthouse like this one pictured in our itinerary in Nova Scotia? So romantic!" mused Gollum, nibbling on a taffy lolly.
"Well, I don't know," said Avogadro. "It's not all about drinking coffee and gazing at the sea. You have to run up and down stairs, operate the light and the foghorn, and there may be no running water or electricity apart from a generator."
Gollum considered this. "Mine would be a luxurious, converted, non-operational lighthouse, then."
Black Bear, British Columbia
Black bears are the most widely distributed mammal in British Columbia’s forests. Experts estimate the BC black bear population to be between 120,000 and 160,000. Black bears can be distinguished from grizzlies by their facial profiles, shoulders, smaller size, and shorter claws. Despite their name, black bears can be blue-gray or blue-black, brown, cinnamon, or even (very rarely) white.

Episode 20/24

@ Canim Lake Rainbow, British Columbia
“It would be great fun to camp overnight, wouldn't it, Kia?” said Gollum.
Kia shivered. “Brrrrrrrr! I think it would be a little too cold, Gollum! I like my creature comforts!"
Canim Lake Rainbow, British Columbia
What lies at the end of the rainbow, you ask? The treasure that is British Columbia, of course! One visit is all you need to see for yourself at the vast unspoiled beauty all through this spectacular province.

Episode 21/24

@ Wintry Canim Lake, BC
“You know, I'd like to spend a whole week in this province here, Gollum!” said Cocoa Puff.
"It's very pleasant indeed—but you never know, the next part of the tour might be even better!" replied Gollum.
Wintry Canim Lake, BC
An exhilarating hike on the trail alongside Canim Lake is just what the doctor ordered for the winter doldrums. It's exhilarating for several reasons. One, to enjoy the pristine beauty of the forest and lake, two, to feel the crisp cool air on your face, and, three, to look for animal tracks to see what pets like to live out here. Maybe you will meet a new friend?

Episode 22/24

@ Snowy Picnic, British Columbia
“A picture of this would look lovely printed on Christmas cards, wouldn't it, Gollum?” Penelope said.
“It certainly would, Penelope!" said Gollum.
Snowy Picnic, British Columbia
Don't let a little snow stop you from having a picnic in the park! Just pack a lunch and strap on your snowshoes. There's nothing like a walk in the fresh air to reinvigorate your spirit. When the paws get a little chilly head home to a cup of hot cocoa and curl up in front of the fireplace. Sounds like a perfect day to me.

Episode 23/24

@ Painted Turtles, Shuswap Lake, BC
Gollum was very happy to meet Safeara here! They both swapped tales of their experiences of their travels so far!
Painted Turtles, Shuswap Lake, BC
There aren't many sunny days left and these painted turtles at Shuswap Lake, British Columbia are taking full advantage of that fact to warm up. Do you think they have seen the local lake monster in the deep waters below? What monster, you ask? You have never heard of the legend of "Shugumu" or "Shuswaggi?" It's a 25-foot-long serpentine creature, so be on the lookout! Shuswap Lake is a lake located in the southern interior of British Columbia, Canada that drains via the Little Shuswap River into Little Shuswap Lake. Little Shuswap Lake is the source of the South Thompson River, a branch of the Thompson River, a tributary of the Fraser River. It is at the heart of a region known as the Columbia Shuswap or "the Shuswap", noted for its recreational lakeshore communities including the city of Salmon Arm. The name "Shuswap" is derived from the Shuswap or Secwepemc First Nations people, the most northern of the Interior Salish peoples, whose territory includes the Shuswap.]

Episode 24/24

@ Yoho National Park, British Columbia
As Gollum's tour of "Maples, Moose & Mounties - British Columbia" comes to an end, he noshes some poutine and is surprised to discover Canada left him a parting gift!
Dramatic Blue Sky Effect
When you see this in the sky, it probably means a hail of frogs is coming!
Yoho National Park, British Columbia
Yoho National Park is in the Rocky Mountains, in eastern British Columbia, Canada. Waterfalls include Wapta Falls, on the Kicking Horse River, and towering Takakkaw Falls. A trail circles turquoise-colored Emerald Lake, with a nearby natural stone bridge. The Lake O’Hara area contains alpine lakes, cliffs, and wooded trails. Viewpoints overlook trains entering the Spiral Tunnels on Kicking Horse Pass.
Gollum has completed his tour of "Maples, Moose & Mounties - British Columbia"! Please select another pet as visitor, so it can also tour part of Canada!