Bruce “The Lynx” Canowski has been putting some serious klicks on his truck lately, popping up everywhere in BC from coastal surf breaks to northern backroads. We caught up with him somewhere between a gas station coffee shop and a scenic pullout to hear about his road trip across BC.
1. Bruce, you’ve been all over the British Columbia map lately. What kicked off this road trip?
It was the kits (my niece and nephew) that gave me the idea for the roadtrip. I was digging around some boxes when I couldn’t find my bowling ball (long story) but then I did find my old scrapbook. All these memories turned into polaroids of me exploring the wild. When I was their age I was climbing, swimming, hiking, fishing. You name it I was doin’ it.
I showed it to the kits thinking, y’know, they’d get a kick out of it. But they didn’t care about the time I snagged a salmon bigger than me. You should’ve seen my face when they said: “unc, you’re out of touch!” They’re telling me my favourite wild places are just strip malls and selfie spots now.
That hit me. HARD. But was it true? I figured there’s only one way to find out — I loaded the pickup truck with snacks and some good tunes on tape, and set out. Thought I’d revisit all my favourite haunts from when I was growing up (and explore new ones while I’m at it) to see how wild spaces in BC have changed.
2. Where has the road taken you so far?
My trip began cruising around the island, exploring the rainforests, and hitting up the beach. There’s something about the sand between your paws that really makes you appreciate what we have. Along the West Coast, I stopped in Tofino to catch some waves and chase orcas.
But I’m in no rush! Every detour is a chance to find a hidden trail or a sprawling view. This trip is all about taking the scenic route and enjoying the journey. I’m excited to head across BC and get to know areas I’m less familiar with, like Fraser Valley, Osoyoos and Northern BC. I’m hoping to meet some folks along the way and learn about their favourite places too.
3. As you’ve made your way across the province, what have you been noticing about each place?
Everyone knows BC has amazing views. You can’t even throw a pinecone without hitting something totally spectacular around these parts. But what’s been getting me isn’t just the big postcard stuff, it’s all the moments in between. Like when you round a corner on some back road and boom, there’s this lookout you never knew existed with peaks and valleys stretching out forever. Or you take a detour down a gravel road on a hunch and end up somewhere that makes you want to just sit and stare for a while. Those spots you’d never find unless you were out there poking around? That’s the real gold.
What’s really stuck with me is how connected people are to their favourite wild places. And I’m not talking about the “I was here and took a selfie” kind of connection. I mean, folks who return to the same campground every summer. Anglers who know their river better than I know the menu at my local diner. Climbers who’ve been scaling the same mountain for a decade and still find new things to love about it.
Those people aren’t tourists in those spaces, they’re a part of them. It’s, like, in their DNA. That camping spot? That’s where their kids learned how to build a fire. That lookout? That’s where they got engaged. That fishing hole? That’s where three generations have been catching their dinner.
The wild isn’t just scenery, it’s where life happens.
4. Tell us a bit about the other road trippers you’ve met along the way
Meeting folks along the way has been the best part of my trip. I end up talking to people everywhere, gas stations, trailheads, tackle shops, you name it. I met a guy who told me about his biggest catch and exactly where to score my own. (Based on how wide his arms went when he described it, that fish was either massive or he’s a really good storyteller. I’m betting on storyteller.)
Diners have been my go-to for hearing stories about the good ol’ days. Met families who spend their weekends camping. Hikers and guides who know the best trails.
What really stands out to me is how much pride folks have for this land. There is a real respect for taking care of what we have. These are people who don’t just love the wild, they live for it.
5. Has anything surprised you along the way?
Yeah, actually! Hikers, climbers, anglers, hunters, people from all walks of life…they may have totally different ways of being outdoors, but they are saying the same thing. They LOVE BC’s nature.
Close your eyes for a second… Imagine the soft hum of critters in the forest, open spaces that go as far as the eye can see, the wind in your fur when you’re standing on a mountain peak. You know what I’m talking about. The feeling of being really small, but a part of something way bigger. That’s what people love about BC.
Here’s the thing, folks want that feeling to stick around, not disappear forever. Not just for us, but for the kits following in our footsteps. I want my niece and nephew to experience the real beauty of BC, not just scroll past it on their tablets. (Though knowing them, they’d probably be adding a filter to a mountain view. Joke’s on them because ya can’t fix perfect, kids!).
6. You’ve mentioned your niece and nephew a few times. Are they on your mind as you travel?
All the time!
Being on the road gives you time to think. I think about all the places I want to show them. I imagine seeing them proudly hold up their first catch, or their sleepy eyes go wide at a sunrise over the mountains. When they join me on the road, what will they enjoy too? I’m excited to figure it out with them.
I’m not a big tech guy. I am still rocking a flip phone while the kits are basically digital wizards. They’re on their screens a lot, but I’m hoping they can have their own scrapbook moments as they grow up, like real ones, not views they’ve only seen on social media.
That’s what this is all about for me, making sure the kits get the same experiences I did… and maybe even better ones (except with more snacks this time around).
7. Where are you headed next?
The road has been deciding where I go next, and right now it’s pointing North. I’ve got some friends in Lower Post, Hazelton, and Smithers I wanna hang out with. Planning to catch up, let them show me around, see what I’ve been missing.
I’ve heard that there are some really cool, hard-to-find views up there that I need to see for myself. Plus, anywhere the coffee’s strong and the conversations are good is where you can find me! That is my natural habitat, after all.
8. You’ve been pretty public about your trip! What are you hoping people will take away from all this?
I’m hoping we can start more conversations about keeping BC wild. Simple as that.
A lot of folks are feeling the same way. The outdoors has this way of bringing people together. People don’t want these wild places to disappear forever.
I’m hoping this road trip helps me learn more about protecting our wild spaces. That people start sharing their stories and comparing notes. Maybe even think seriously about how we, as British Columbians, can keep these places around for the long haul.
My niece and nephew got me online and set up a website at keepitwildbc.ca, so family and friends can follow along. I hope you drop me a line! I may have a flip phone, but tech support from the kits is on standby! And if you happen to see a lynx driving a pickup truck, give me a wave, would ya?
9. For readers planning their own trips, any advice?
My advice? Let Mother Nature take the wheel. Go with the flow and take your time. If you’re stuck to a rigid schedule, you’re gonna miss the best parts – the hidden places, the unexpected conversations, the moments that end up meaning more than any plan ever could.
When you see a view that catches your eye, pull over and enjoy it. Don’t just collect photos, collect memories instead. Talk to people. Meet as many folks as you can. Their stories and passion for the wild will
