Things to Do in Abbotsford

Led by April Vokey—conservationist and casting instructor certified by the Federation of Fly Fishers—the guides at Fly Gal Ventures launched the wilderness enterprise to empower female fly fishermen. Today, Fly Gal's operations help hone the skills of all levels and ages of anglers through workshops and guided fly-fishing trips. Instruction tailored to both co-ed and women-only groups provides tutelage in techniques including fly tying, perfecting the cast, and how to stay calm when confronted by a talking fish. Alternatively, Fly Gal's crew leads walk-and-wade excursions primarily throughout the waterways of Lower British Columbia, claiming hauls of feisty steelhead, salmon, and sturgeon. Staying true to its roots of empowering female fishermen, Fly Gal's equipment experts also outfit damsels in women's fly-fishing gear.

Eight years ago, head sculptor Desneige Meyer began to apply her formal training from the Alberta College of Art and Design to her love for life casting, literally setting the human form and its emotions in stone. Today, Meyer runs Memory Castings along with fellow sculptor Kristina Rowse, graphic designer Cass Collins, and studio cat Gilmore. This troupe of talented artists forms tangible symbols of life and love by designing custom castings, whether crafting a plaster mould of a pregnant belly or making a cement impression of the concept of filial piety. Their casting process envelops body parts in safe, comfortable sheaths of liquid rubber or seaweed-based, hypoallergenic dental alginate, capturing a precise 3-D image before immortalizing memories in pourings of stone, hydrostone, concrete, resin, or cold-cast metal.

A group of seals basking in the early-morning sun on the shore of Harrison Lake gaze calmly at the humans staring back at them from their boat. Clad in their pyjamas, the floating brigade of houseboaters squeals with delight at their breakfast-time encounter and snaps photos of the sunning pod. Brokering surreal interactions with nature such as this is Harrison Houseboat Adventures' main goal, one accomplished thanks to the company's 59-foot houseboat available for rent throughout the year.

Eager to introduce visitors to the natural beauty of their mountain-dappled locale, staffers provide their patrons with all the amenities needed for adventures around Harrison Lake. Up to 10 guests can board the spacious vessel tastefully appointed with all the comforts of home, including queen-size beds, a fully functional kitchen, and framed photos of each guest's grandmother. Boaters can then embark on adventure-filled aquatic getaways replete with stops at local attractions including hot springs and golf courses, and enjoy relaxation time on the boat's top deck.:m]]