Readers of RidersWest recently voted Telkwa as one of the best spots in the province to tool around on all-terrain vehicles.
“I believe this is quite an honour for Telkwa,” Village of Telkwa councillor Rimas Zitkauskas said.
Telkwa was recognized in two separate categories in RidersWest’s annual Rider’s Choice Awards.
In the category of favourite scenic ATV area in British Columbia, Telkwa took home silver, behind Valemount in the platinum position, Fernie’s Flathead Valley in the gold position and ahead of McBride.
In the most challenging ATV area, online readers put Telkwa in the bronze position, behind Crowsnest Pass, Alta. in the platinum position, Elk Valley - Elkford and Sparwood, B.C. in gold and Owl Head, Sicamous, B.C. in the silver position.
“I’m not surprised,” long-time ATV rider Ted Cullis said.
The former president of the Bulkley Valley Quad Riders rattled off several trails around Telkwa he thought were scenic and some that could also pose a challenge. Most notable on the scenic list was Telkwa Pass, he said..
“I took a friend from Prince George to Telkwa Pass and he was very impressed,” Cullis said.
“It’s very scenic.”
The awards, Zitkauskas said, presented an opportunity for the village to promote tourism in the Telkwa area and the Bulkley Valley in general.
“This could be very, very positive for Telkwa,” Zitkauskas said.
“It’s very rare that we get recognized, so when we do get recognized we should try to maximize the recognition.”
To that end, Zitkauskas suggested council contact Tourism Smithers as well as Tourism B.C. to relay the news as well as have the distinction noted on their respective web pages.