Tips from Us

The BC Parks Great Ranger Experience – South Okanagan Grasslands

October 27, 2011 | Tips from Us > Osoyoos, Hiking
Find more information about Osoyoos - Hiking

This week in the Great Ranger Experience, Ranger Sara Bunge and Ranger Mark Weston want to share the spectacular ecosystems that are protected within the South Okanagan Grassland Provincial Park. The grassland ecosystem is one of the most rare and sensitive landscapes in British Columbia. Park rangers monitor the subtle changes within the ecosystem and endeavour to limit stress to the ecosystem by controlling recreation impacts and managing invasive weeds. BC Parks strives to maintain and protect healthy diverse ecosystems to ensure these special places will be here for generations to come.

As BC Parks turns 100 years old, Park Rangers want to share their experience of working as stewards of BC’s wonderful parks. These short videos capture spectacular landscapes, and showcase a little bit of what our Park Rangers are up to throughout the Province. Featured Park Rangers share what is special about their favourite provincial parks, and most importantly, share why they are passionate about being a ranger! There are four videos in total, we’ll share one per week.

Links:
The Great Ranger Experience

South Okanagan Grasslands Protected Area

Skaha Bluffs Provincial Park

Rock Climbing & Mountaineering in the Thompson Okanagan region

Viewpoints in the Thompson Okanagan region

Other Great Ranger Experience posts:
BC Marine Parks

Bugaboo Provincial Park

Garibaldi Provincial Park

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Posted by Leah P, at 10:47 AM

The BC Parks Great Ranger Experience - Bugaboo Provincial Park

October 19, 2011 | Tips from Us > Golden, Hiking
Find more information about Golden - Hiking

This week in the Great Ranger Experience, Rangers Tay Hanson and Jeff Volp invite you to join them on an expedition into Bugaboo Provincial Park. Bugaboo Provincial Park protects a unique ecosystem of rock spires that protrude out of ancient glaciers. See how a group of enthusiastic local high school students handle a climbing adventure into one of the world's most amazing climbing destinations! Ranger Tay Hansen explains the everyday duties of a ranger, albeit in an extraordinary place. One visit to Bugaboo Provincial Park will inspire a lifetime of passion for outdoor recreation.

As BC Parks turns 100 years old, park rangers want to share their experience of working as stewards of BC’s wonderful parks. These short videos capture spectacular landscapes, and showcase a little bit of what our Park Rangers are up to throughout the Province. Featured park rangers share what is special about their favourite provincial parks, and most importantly, share why they are passionate about being a ranger! There are four videos in total, we’ll share one per week.

Links:
The Great Ranger Experience

Bugaboo Provincial Park

Hiking in the Kootenay Rockies region

Rock Climbing & Mountaineering in the Kootenay Rockies region

Other Great Ranger Experience posts:
South Okanagan Grasslands

BC Marine Parks

Garibaldi Provincial Park

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Posted by Leah P, at 10:02 AM

Camping at Monck Provincial Park on Nicola Lake

August 23, 2011 | Tips from Us > Merritt, Camping

The final camping trip of the year: it has all the potential to be a sad occasion. But as we found out, it's hard to be sad when you're lounging lakeside on a sandy beach in 30 degree weather. Very hard indeed.

We got to enjoy 3 days of this on our recent trip to Monck Provincial Park on Nicola Lake. Established in 1951, the original land was donated and was the site of an old homestead. Today it's home to 120 dry and dusty campsites, nestled in the pine trees, plus access to the lovely Nicola Lake. It's just 30 minutes or so north-east of Merritt, BC.

The climate is very hot and dry, so expect to spend most of the day by the lake (oh, darn). Adjacent to the sandy swimming area is a day use area with uncovered and covered picnic tables. There's also a playground and horseshoe pits (just ask at the entrance gate for shoes). The large, open field is great for bocce, frisbee or whatever other lawn games you might have brought along. There are also two First Nations pit house depressions in the field - story goes, the local First Nations peoples used to winter in them (although as some kids discovered, they also make sweet bike jumps).

The park also features a 5km interpretive hike. We decided to do this on the second day - in hindsight, we probably should have left earlier when it wasn't quite as hot, as the trail was quite exposed and the temperature was close to 30 degrees. But it was still enjoyable. The first half saw us climb up the hill behind the park and experience some fantastic views of the lake from between the pine trees. There's also a neat section where you walk along a huge exposed rock face. The second half took us down the hill, across the road and along the water. Near the end, you end up passing right by the park's swimming area - so bring your suits along, you'll want a dip! Note that there are several steep sections on this hike (going both up and down) and that you have to cross the road twice. It took us about an hour total. There is an alternative, much shorter loop that starts from the same spot and only takes about 20 minutes. I'd recommend the longer route though, if not simply for the views!

As I mentioned above, the campsites are quite dusty due to the hot climate. If possible, try to score one of the spots with partial or full shade (as some of them are quite exposed). The upside of the hot summer temperatures is that it stays warm quite late into the evening, so even with the fire ban we were able to hang out in t-shirts quite comfortably at night. If you have a boat, bring it - there's a boat launch in the day use area and the lake is quite large so there's lots to explore on the water. If you have kids, bring them too - there were all kinds of little ones playing on the beach and riding bikes around the campground.

Although our camping is done for the season, our last trip was probably the best of the summer. We'll definitely be visiting Monck Park again!

ps - if you do go and aren't in a rush on your way home, consider stopping in at a cool heritage site - Murray United Church.

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Posted by Leah P, at 11:02 AM

1800s church in Nicola Valley

August 23, 2011 | Tips from Us > Merritt, Attractions

No matter what your religious leanings are, there's something fascinating about old churches. Especially churches from the late 1800s that remain untouched (except by time) over a century later.

Murray United Church is located in the Nicola Valley, in the hot, dry climate just north-east of Merritt, BC. We stopped in on our way home from a weekend of camping at Monck Lake Provincial Park (which is just 20 minutes up the road). There are no guides or fees at this historical site - you just park in the adjacent parking lot and walk onto the small fenced lot.

The information on the church's sign told us that it was once the hub of Nicola Valley, a bustling gold rush community. It was unique in that it welcomed people of all faiths, colours and creeds. When the gold rush died out, the community shrunk as well. But those first settlers laid the foundations for the farmers that call the Nicola Valley home today.

The most interesting thing about Murray United wasn't actually the building itself - it was the cemetery surrounding it. There were several dozen gravestones, some crumbled and worn, but mostly still legible. These told the story of a harder period in history, when many didn't make it past the age of 50. One headstone marked the grave of a young mother who died just 19 days before her infant daughter. There was also a number of unmarked graves, distinguished only by small piles of rocks or wooden fences (which hadn't rotted away thanks to the extremely dry climate). Walking amongst these graves, some marked with ornate marble headstones and some just with a pile of stones, was a somber but fascinating experience.

The church itself is locked, but if you're tall enough you can peek in the windows to see inside. The scene is that of a 19th century church ready for service - pulpit at the front, pews waiting to be filled, paintings on the walls. There is some lovely stained glass in the windows at the back. It's a shame we weren't able to go inside, but that's probably the reason it's been preserved so well, so it's understandable.

If you're heading up the Coquihala Highway and are interested in experiencing a little piece of history, consider taking a 10-minute detour to visit Murray United Church. It's just off exit 290, on the Princeton-Kamloops Highway (Hwy 5a). It's worth the visit!

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Posted by Leah P, at 10:05 AM

BC Day hike on the north shore mountains

August 02, 2011 | Tips from Us > North Vancouver, Hiking
Find more information about North Vancouver - Hiking

Ah, long weekends: that precious commodity that we BC'ers get to enjoy just 10 times a year. The BC Day long weekend is one of the best in Vancouver, as the weather usually cooperates. And this year was no exception. With the sun out and not a cloud in the sky, we decided we had to get out and celebrate BC Day the proper way - in the great outdoors.  And so, with our sneakers on and water bottles full, we headed over the bridge for a hike in North Vancouver.

Situated at the base of the North shore mountains, North Van really is the urban adventurer's paradise - snowboarding all winter, and hiking and mountain biking galore in the sunny summer months. And best of all, it's less than half an hour from the downtown core.

Our BC Day route started at the Pipeline Bridge (accessible from Riverside Drive). We jumped onto the Baden Powell trail, with the plan to head towards Lynn Canyon Park and the suspension bridge, up to Rice Lake, and back down the Twin Bridges trail.

After a difficult (but gorgeous) climb up on the Baden Powell trail, we crossed Lilloet Road and headed down the side of Lynn Canyon. The trail is quite steep in parts here, so tread carefully! At the bottom of the canyon, there are neat wooden walkways to keep your feet high and dry from the marshy ground. At this point, it's hard to believe you're only 30 minutes from downtown Vancouver - moss-covered trees tower around you, and it's wonderfully quiet, save for the sound of birds and running water. Although this was the toughest part of our hike, it was my favourite (and the least crowded). If you're up for a bit of a challenge, I'd highly recommend it.

After we crossed the canyon (on a bridge over deep, rushing glacier water that was an amazing green colour), we climbed back up the other side of the canyon. At this point, the Baden Powell trail meets up with Lynn Canyon Park and the suspension bridge. Being a holiday Monday, it was very busy. But we got to enjoy some fresh blackberries from a farmer's booth in the parking lot, so it was worth it :)

After we made our way across the suspension bridge (still gives me butterflies), we climbed up a bit further to the Rice Lake loop. We didn't walk around the lake (just took a peek), but there is a nice easy trail around that takes under an hour.

At this point we got onto the Twin Bridges trail, which runs alongside the Seymour River. The gentle downward slope of this section was a nice break after the steep ups-and-downs of the Baden Powell trail earlier. We finally made our way back to the Pipeline Bridge entrance in just over 3 hours.

The great thing about the North Shore trails is that the trails are all inter-connected, and there are lots of points of access (many with parking), so you can adjust the length and difficulty of your route easily. For example, to cut about an hour and the heavy climbing off of the route we did, skip the Baden Powell section and park at Lynn Canyon Park. Here, cross the suspension bridge and walk up and around Rice Lake. Or, for a nice easy walk in the woods, you could park in the lot at the top of Lilloet Road and just do the loop around Rice Lake. Lots of options!

Happy hiking!

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Posted by Leah P, at 03:25 PM

Whiterock Summer Dining at it's Best!

August 02, 2011 | Tips from Us > White Rock, Dining
Find more information about White Rock - Dining

 If you're looking for a great dining experience in Whiterock you should definitely try Cielos Tapas and Oyster Bar!

Four of us headed out to this lovely open air restaurant on the main boardwalk,with a spectacular view of the ocean and a front row seat for people viewing if you are seated on the patio. We opted to sit inside the restaurant as there was  more room but later moved to the patio for after dinner drinks.

Our first choice was a mouth-watering House Special Bruschetta which featured gorgonzola cheese, a tomatoe puree and a balsamic reduction which wet our appetites for the candied salmon along with crab cakes and lamb popcicles which were delicious. We also sampled their secret blend of sangria which was perfect for a warm summer's evening. Next we opted for the raw oysters served with fresh shaved horseradish and roe and were pleased to see a favorite vinegar sauce served also at Rodney's Oyster Bar in Vancouver ( I believe there is some connection there).  Still feeling we had some room left we opted for an order of their scrumptious fries served with 3 tastey sauces and a round of baked brie that was a gooey and delectable combination! They also served us with an interesting unleavened bread that reminded me of yorkshire pudding. We ended the meal with a shared desert with the flavours of chocolate, peanut butter and icecream, simply irresistable!

We also met the owner and his wife who were charming and did make us feel very welcome and bought us a round of drinks once they found out it was our first time there.Our server, Laurie was fun and entertaining, as well as very attentive without being intrusive. She even laughed at some of our lame jokes, trust me they were lame! She was a good sport! All in all it was a fabulous way to spend a summer evening, with great friends, a lovely sea breeze atmosphere and an interesting and delicious array of tempting food offerings.  I would go back in a heartbeat!

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Posted by Sheryl, Vancouver at 02:31 PM

Canada Day camping at Wood Lake

July 05, 2011 | Tips from Us > Harrison Hot Springs, Camping

One of my favourite things about living in Vancouver is that I can hop in the car, and within an hour or two be setting up my tent beside one of many gorgeous lakes and rivers. On the recent Canada Day long weekend, I decided to do exactly that.

There are a number of provincial campsites within a short drive of Vancouver, but I prefer the more rustic recreation sites (which are less maintained  - think pit toilets and bear-proof garbage cans). This long weekend, I decided to head to Wood Lake, a small rec site on the west side of the much larger Harrison Lake.

With less than 30 campsites, it can be tough to snag a spot, especially on a long weekend. But luckily Wood Lake is one of only a few rec sites participating in a pilot reservation program, so my party was able to reserve spots in advance. I'm glad we did, because I'm pretty sure we got the best spots on the lake - up on a hill with a view, complete with our own path down to the water!

The weather was great (for the most part) and everyone was in good spirits for Canada's 144th birthday. Our entire side of the lake even broke out singing the national anthem around our campfires at one point on Friday night! Very Canadian :)

There are no powerboats allowed in this little lake, but people were out on the water all day in canoes, kayaks, dinghys and even air mattresses. Wood is warmer than other lakes in the area, so it's perfect for swimming when the temperature climbs.

If fishing's more your thing, you can throw a line in the water from a boat or from shore - Wood Lake is stocked with trout every May. The area is also popular with ATVers and dirtbikers as there are trails up into the mountains off the main road.

To get to Wood Lake, just drive east on Hwy 7 past Maple Ridge and Mission, then head up the Harrison West Forest Service Road (FSR) for about 18km. The FSR is essentially a logging road, so it's a bit of a bumpy ride, but definitely do-able in a regular car. There are several other places to camp along the West Harrison FSR - I'd suggest grabbing a Backroads Book for the Vancouver, Coast & Mountains region and taking a look! You can also check out the Recreation Sites and Trails BC website for full rec site listings around the province.

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Posted by Leah P, at 10:00 AM

Metal, Make-up, and Fire = KISS

June 30, 2011 | Tips from Us > Prince George, Festivals & Events

KISS is rolling through British Columbia on their Lost Cities Tour and I had the chance to check out the show last night in Prince George. Even though this tour is taking them to smaller cities around the province, the band still brings the full show set and does deliver the "Hottest Show on Earth". It was awesome to get to see such a large act in a great venue like the CN Centre, which hosts it's fair share of great shows throughout the year and holds about 6500 people. These types of concerts are a welcome addition to the already existing festivals that take place throughout the region. I am sure as the band travels even further north to Dawson Creek and the Encana Events Centre that they will be inspired by the great beauty of the province and I am sure that will assist them in putting on a great show there - not that they need it!

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Posted by Clint, at 02:06 PM

Canada Day events: Vancouver, Coast and Mountains & Vancouver Island

June 30, 2011 | Tips from Us > Abbotsford, Festivals & Events

Travelling in BC this long weekend July 1-3rd? Staying close to home? No matter what corner of the province you find yourself in on Friday, there are lots of opportunities to celebrate Canada's 144th birthday! Here are some of our insider tips for fun events:


Vancouver, Coast & Mountains

Abbotsford
Start the day off with a pancake breakfast at the Abbotsford Exhibition Park, then check out the parade through downtown. Festivities continue all day at the Exhibition Park, including live music from Charlotte Diamond and others. 8am-10pm.

Gibsons
Be at Winegarden Park from 12-6pm for live music, and food. Also check out paddling demonstrations by the Gibsons Paddle Club.

Langley
Free concerts, mini golf, bike demos, a craft fair, a food fair, vendors, magicians, face painting, and fireworks! 11am-11pm, McLeod Park.

Mission
Head to Fraser River Heritage Park for a pancake breakfast, Superdawgs performance, extreme biking, gladiator jousting, loggers and fireworks! 8am-11pm.

North Vancouver
The parade starts at 10am at 13th Street and Grand Boulevard and proceeds down 13th Street to Lonsdale, turning north on Lonsdale. Then head to Waterfront Park from 12-4pm for live performances, with everything from bagpiping to juggling to martial arts.

Pemberton
Parade and family events at Pemberton Cottonwood Community Centre. More info

Powell River
Open Air Market 10:30-2:30 for live music and farmers' market, then on to Willingdon Beach from 4-10pm with cake and a bonfire on the beach.

Richmond
Steveston Village in Richmond closes the streets and and festivities abound near the Steveston Community Centre, including the famous salmon BBQ and Japanese martial arts, bonsai, and ikebana demonstrations. 10am-5pm.

Sechelt
Lions Club Pancake Breakfast - 8-11am. Bicycle decorating contest to be ready for the big parade at 11. Live entertainment, kids games, bike clinics and craft festival in Hackett Park and on Cowrie Street.

Surrey
Western Canada's largest Canada Day celebration includes live entertainment, fireworks and a kid zone. All concerts are free, and there are attractions and rides. More info

Vancouver
Art, entertainment and activities at the Waterfront Party from 10 am - 6 pm, featuring over 30 bands on five stages. The Canada Day Parade is at 7 pm followed by the Canada Day Burrard Inlet Fireworks at 10:30 pm. More info

Whistler
Starting at 8am in the village with yoga, pancake breakfast, parade, entertainment, live music and fireworks! Events continue all weekend and into July 4, to celebrate our American friends' Independence Day. More info


Vancouver Island

Cowichan Lake
Annual Canada Day Multicultural Storytelling Festival: multicultural music, theatre, dancing, storytelling, artists in dialogue, arts, crafts and foods. Face painting, childrens' crafts, games, and local folklore. More info

Duncan
Live entertainment, crafts, face painting and ol' time sports day. Island Savings and Peter Baljet provide the admission and train rides. More info

Gulf Islands
Fireworks, car show and music on Saltspring Island. BBQ, music, vendors, kids games and beer garden on Saturna Island.

Ladysmith
Family activities and fun, sun and music at Transfer Beach. More info

Nanaimo
Roving entertainment, cultural food, farmer's market, parade and more. 11am-3pm, Maffeo Sutton Park.

Parksville
Canada Day parade, kite flying demonstration, go karts, live music and vendors from 10am-11pm.

Port Hardy
Parade, craft booths, live music, food and more at at Storey's Beach. More info

Tofino/Ucluelet
Face painting, music, arts and crafts. 12-3pm at the Village Greens in both communities.

Victoria
Victoria Celebrates Canada Day 2011 will include family-frienddly events, music performances, fireworks, and 'A Flavour of Canada' July 1-3, 2011, at Victoria's Inner Harbour! More info


Are there any big Canada Day events going on in your BC community that we missed? Feel free to post a comment!

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Posted by Leah P, at 09:54 AM

Canada Day events: Cariboo Chilcotin Coast & Kootenay Rockies

June 30, 2011 | Tips from Us > 100 Mile House, Festivals & Events

Travelling in BC this long weekend July 1-3rd? Staying close to home? No matter what corner of the province you find yourself in on Friday, there are lots of opportunities to celebrate Canada's 144th birthday! Here are some of our insider tips for fun events:


Cariboo Chilcotin Coast

100 Mile House
Watson Barn area in the 108 Mile Heritage Site, from 11-4:30 July 1st. Music, entertainment, petting zoo, food and more.

Barkerville
Tug o' war, funny face contest, greasy pole climb, children’s races and family fun. And PBS travel documentary series Travelscope will also be joining the festivities, apparently. More info

Bella Coola
The Bella Coola Rodeo, one of the largest amateur rodeos in Western Canada, takes place annually during this weekend. Cowhands show their skills and there’s bronco riding, barrel racing, calf tie-down, team roping, bull riding and the infamous cow patty bingo (July 2-3rd). More info

Williams Lake
Celebrate at Boitanio Park - entertainment, clowns, games, displays, prizes, plus a Great Big Canada Cake! 1-4pm July 1st. The 85th annual Williams Lake Stampede also starts on Friday. Yeeha! More info


Kootenay Rockies

Cranbrook
Birthday cake and fireworks at Moir Centennial Athletic Park. More info

Fernie
Check out a mountain market with artisans and family games. There’ll also be a cake cutting ceremony, playground unveiling, luminary workshop and a Samba band. More info

Fort Steele
Kimberley Community Band start the celebrations, followed by birthday cake, family games, wagon and steam train rides, living history street dramas and more. More info

Nakusp
Celebrations begin with a Pancake Breakfast by the volunteer firefighters, a parade, plus a variety of family activities, music and games at the community. More info

Revelstoke
Pancake breakfast, parade, flag raising, cake cutting, live music, children's games, slow pitch tournament and a bocce tournament. More info

Trail
Pancake breakfast followed by the official opening ceremonies including the raising of the flag, cutting of the cake and speeches. Face painting, games and races and more.

Are there any big Canada Day e

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Posted by Leah P, at 09:03 AM