Results 1 - 10 are shown.
November 28, 2008 | Tips from Travellers > Terrace, Festivals & Events
View a larger image on flickr.com
We went to Terrace, my husband's hometown, for "Riverboat Days" this summer. Although I was somewhat skeptical of how big of a festival it would be, I was happy to go anyway because Terrace is lush and beautiful, with lots of outdoor stuff to do.
Riverboat Days is a really well organised 9 day festival. It definitely had a kind of old-time, northern vibe going on - I went to the "Happy Gang" pancake breakfast, and ended up sitting next to community matriarch, Betty Campbell. Dressed in her loveliest dress, she was ready to take her place on the parade float as the "2008 Riverboat Days Queen". The breakfast was packed, but everyone made room, rescued spilling juice from excited children, and talked to whoever sat nearby.
The parade was over an hour long, and included the Nisga'a dancers in traditional regalia, fire trucks (I had my 3 year old with me, so that was a hit!), some pretty talented bands, and Vancouver 2010 Olympic mascots Miga, Quatchi and Sumi.
The same day, we checked out the farmers market (mmm.... pakoras), went to the Kitsumkalum Salmon barbeque, and later watched Chilliwack perform in the park!
Another day, we went to Kitselas Canyon National Historic Site, (15km from Terrace) and watched four new Crest Poles - Wolf, Eagle, Raven and Killerwhate - being raised. Then, more salmon from the bbq! It was a crazy hot day, so on the way back, we stopped in at Kleanza Creek Provincial Park, and plunged into the ice-cold stream to cool down.
There was more to do as part of the festival and in the Terrace area, but I'll save that for another entry!
November 28, 2008 | Tips from Travellers > Prince George, Flora
View a larger image on flickr.com
When I moved to the north 4 years ago, I had no idea how beautiful the wildflowers are here in the early summer. When my husband, son and I went for a drive on a Sunday afternoon in late June, we saw THOUSANDS of wildflowers, and even sat and watched (and photographed) a cow moose.
We also went to Goodsir Nature Park, about 30km north of Prince George, and wandered around on the trails. The whole place has been built by one man, Jim Good, who has been collecting plant samples from all over Canada. In addition to seeing the typical wildflowers - lupines, indian paintbrush and columbine - there are some more unususal species. I hadn't seen a chocolate lily before. There is also an old homestead cabin on the grounds. Take your camera, water and a snack with you if you go, as we ended up spending about 3 hours there. Admission is by donation.
This picture is actually taken in a ditch, at the side of Highway 97. (June 22, 2008)
November 26, 2008 | Tips from Travellers > Port Alberni, Multi-Adventure Excursions
View a larger image on flickr.com
Many people drive right though Port Alberni without giving any thought to all the great things that are available in the town. So here are a few things to whet your appetite:
Stamp Falls Provincial Park: The best place to see migrating and jumping salmon on Vancouver Island. Best times are September and October when the largest species, the Chinook, are in the river. Features include interpretive signage, a fish ladder, a television monitor tracking the fish through the ladder, a scenic canyon and camping. Another good time is in April when masses of a beautiful and delicate lily called Trout Lily are in bloom.
Martin Mars Bomber Base: Home of the largest (and oldest) amphibious waterbombers in the world. Still operational. Used to great effect in California recently. There is a museum and gift shop on site. Open June to September.
The Frances Barclay: A small freighter plying the waters of the Alberni Inlet and Barclay Sound gives scenic cruises year round and seven days a week in the summer.
McLean Mill National Historic Site: A working steam-driven sawmill from the days when railway logging was king. Features period buildings from the community that once was around the mill, a cafeteria, a theatre troupe in period costume in the summer nd guided tours and demonstrations of the mill itself.
The steam train: A real working steam train that takes visitors from down town Port Alberni and transports them back in time to the Mclean Mill; a half hour journey through the valley.
Harbour Quay: Great views of the finest harbour on Vancouver Island combined with several resaurants, coffee shops, gallery, gift shops and the focus of local special events during the summer.
The Farmer's Market: Find local produce and crafts by local artisans every Saturday at Harbour Quay near the Train Station. There are also cafes and lunch spots in the immediate vicinity.
November 26, 2008 | Tips from Travellers > Chilliwack, Hiking
Find more information about Chilliwack, Hiking
View a larger image on flickr.com
Had to share with you the best hiking experience I encountered during my stay in Western Canada. I spent the last 3 months touring BC and Alberta and some of the best hiking trails I experienced were in Chilliwack in the Fraser Valley.
Upon arriving in the city, we checked out the local Visitor Centre which was easy to find by following the yellow and blue 'I' signs posted all over BC. These became very familiar during my travels and were always a good source of information.
I picked up a Chilliwack Hiking Trail guide and was advised to check out the hike up Elk mountain and the Lindeman Lake trail. I decided to do the Lindeman trail first following a morning visit to Cultus Lake which was beautiful. The Lindeman trailhead was easy to find and parking was on the Chilliwack Lake Road which was right by the trailhead. The trail itself was well marked and involved a little scrambling over fallen trees and over rocks which added to the sense of adventure. After about an hour and a quarter I arrived at this glacial lake with a beautiful green glow similar to that of which I saw at Lake Louise but in natural surroundings which were truly unspoilt.
Blessed with 2 days good weather in a row I headed up Elk mountain which after about an hours steady hiking and another 20 minutes slightly more challenging climbing I arrived at an opening which provided me with a view of Mount Baker in the US which I will never forget! The climb to the summit is so close at this point and more rewards awaited me as I made the last few challenging steps to the summit. The view of the Fraser Valley was exceptional - I could see for miles! I spent a good hour taking in the view with the best picnic spot in town.
For anyone visiting Chilliwack, I highly recommend these 2 hikes and make sure you climb Elk on a good weather day for the best views. Please note that the map location is for the hike up Elk Mountain.
November 25, 2008 | Tips from Travellers > Vancouver, Dining
Find more information about Vancouver, Dining
View a larger image on flickr.com
Traveling to Vancouver and want to enjoy a fine meal, in an informal, yet intimate setting, personally served to you by one of Vancouver's finest chefs? Then sign up for one of Edible British Columbia's many great events...including Cooking with BC's Best which I attended last night.
Vikram Vij, one of Vancouver's finest chefs, most gracious hosts, owner of Vij's and Rangoli, and generally enteraining guy, taught us some Indian cooking basics and took the intimidation right out of the preparation. Five delicious courses later (including three different curries), including each of the 20 guests attempting to make their own Naan bread, and accompanied by Eric Pateman of Edible BC's carefully chosen beer and wine accompaniments for each course (including two delicious, hard to get Orofino whites), we were fat and happy and ready to take advantage of Eric's kind gift of discounts on the delectable BC-only products sold in the Edible BC store.
The Edible BC store is in the heart of the Granville Island market and features an assortment of BC artisan-made culinary delights from sea salt, to jam, to marinated cherries, to hazelnut oil, to adventurous organic chocolate bars and everything in between. These make great gifts to take home to your family and friends who will be jealous of your trip to this foodies destination.
Find out more about Edible BC and the great events it hosts including chef for a day, shop like a chef, cooking with BC's best, gourmet kayaking and more at:
http://www.edible-britishcolumbia.com/
November 24, 2008 | Podcasts > Qualicum Beach, Festivals & Events
View a larger image on flickr.com
Listen to this Podcast for all the Christmas sights, events, and activities in Parksville and Qualicum Beach on Vancouver Island this season. Learn about craft fairs, Milner Gardens & Woodland’s Christmas Magic, and seasonal special offers.
November 20, 2008 | Tips from Travellers > Whistler, Aboriginal & Cultural
Find more information about Whistler, Aboriginal & Cultural
View a larger image on flickr.com
If you are looking for something cultural to do next time you visit Whistler, check out the new Squamish Lil'wat Cultural Centre. The new Aboriginal museum showcases the local Squamish and Lil'wat First Nations through Native art, awesome exhibits and engaging performances, like the Cheif Jimmy Jimmy dance. You also get to view a spectacular 15 minute movie in HD and make a craft with real cedar bark in the upstairs gallery. The building is amazing, over 30,000 square feet with floor to ceiling windows revealing panoramic views of the surrounding mountains and forest. You can be inside warm and dry while still be able to appreciate the beautiful nature that Whistler has to offer. The Squamish and Lil'wat hosts are super friendly and genuine and provide interesting guided tours of the exhibits. The cafe has a modern indigenous menu like the Mountain Hoagie with bison salami, arctic muskox and wild boar prosciutto. They also have more familiar foods like salmon chowder and a variety of salads. The gift shop is staked with incredible Native art, carvings, moccassins, clothing etc. This place is a major addition to Whistler and a must see! It is so unique.
November 18, 2008 | Tips from Us > Victoria, Shopping
Find more information about Victoria, Shopping
On my lunch break while waiting for my delicious Greek Chicken Salad Wrap, I picked up a cool brochure I wanted to share. Its called Victoria Modern Urban Guides, and it lists a whole bunch of shops that make Victoria unique and funky and a great map of downtown Victoria and Oak Bay where most of the shops are located. I was especially pleased to find a couple of my favourite haunts, The Papery - awesome cards, and Romanoff Home & Interiors - gorgeous home design. There is a a website,
http://modernurbanguides.com. Turns out there is a brochure and a website for Vancouver too! Check it out!
November 17, 2008 | Field Reports > Squamish, Hiking
Find more information about Squamish, Hiking
On the advice of locals, I checked out the Stawamus Chief in Squamish, BC. At the summit, you get to look over the edge... 2,100ft straight down!
November 16, 2008 | Tips from Travellers > Princeton, Snowmobiling
View a larger image on flickr.com
We stayed at a great place called Tulameen, there is unbelivable amounts of beautiful powder, lots of trails. And open areas to cut new ones. There is a wonderful cabin we stayed at on Nicola St. There we road right from the cabin, up to Rabbit Mountain. If you are needing a break from the grind of the work week, and or you love to snowmobile,ski,snowshoe, cross country, ice skate, playing hockey. There is many things to do this winter. Tulameen is the place to be. It is only 3 hours from Vancouver. Its a must see.
Results 1 - 10 are shown.