August 17, 2012 | Tips from Travellers >
Terrace, River Rafting
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It didn't take long after we'd launched for us to get into white water! Eric, from Kermode Tourism had his Go-Pro camera on and was hopeful he had it working since it was his first time using it! Eric and I were the first to get hit with the water, it was chilly but luckily our wetsuits kept us warm! There were two rafts, ours was first with all of us Visitor Councellors and then also a kayak in case something happened. We got so drenched! As we went through the white water we helped out our guide by paddling! However, once through the white water we took breaks and chatted away. It was so much fun! We went through so many spots of white water and we got so drenched!
After a while, when we were decidedly soaked our guides decided to take a quick break on a sand bar to stretch our legs. We hopped out and my co-worker and I made some sand castles in the sand and I searched for interesting stones. One of our guides decided he was hot and walked up the sand bar and jumped into some of the fast water! He floated down and then swamp and got caught in the eddy and swam back to shore! The guides then asked us of we'd like to take a dip and we did! One by one all of hopped into the water and copied what our guide had shown us! We cooled off in the glacial water and then warmed up fast in the sun which beat down on us. After a while we hopped back in the rafts and launched again into the water!
Seeing as there was not as much white water in this part of the river we proceeded to have awesome water fights by splashing the other rafts with our paddles! We went through a little more rapids and amng the water fights we'd have a Paddle Rally. This is where our guide counted to three and then we all pointed our paddles into the air and yelled at the top of our lungs to try and be the loudest! As it slowed down a bit we had a raft rodeo! We'd take a rope the connected across to the back of the raft and then we stood on the front and tried to balance as we floated. However, we'd go crashing in the water when our guide made sudden movements or our guide in the kayak bumped into us! We all took our turns, and would be rescued by Eric because the rest of us weren't strong enough to pull the others in and would often burst into a fit of giggles at our failures!
Read my last blog to here the end to our awesome adventure!!
August 17, 2012 | Tips from Travellers >
Terrace, River Rafting
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This was not my first raft trip. I've been down the Kispiox river practically five times in a summer, and I've had my share of raft trips down the Skeena. However, though both these rivers are exciting and offer diverse wildlife sightings and bucket loads of fun neither can compare to the fantastic time i had white water rafting on the Copper River in Terrace B.C. My co-worker and I started the day early to get ready to meet the employee's from the Terrace Visitor Centre and make our way to Skeena Valley Expeditions.
Meeting the others at the Kermode Tourism in Terrace we had lively conversation as we waited for the rest of our group. Kermode Tourism is a lovely stop and I would definitely reccomend it if you ae visiting the Terrace area. Myself and Ashley, my co-worker, rode with the employee's from Kermode Tourism to our guides. Once there we mingled with other folks that would be on this trip with us. In total there were five visitor councellors and seven others, not including our three guides.
To start there were introductions and a safety talk as well as instructions on wetsuits and booties and splash tops. After signing wavers we got dressed in our wetsuits etc and then loaded up on the bus and made our way to the launch site. On the way our lovely guides mingled and told us about what our day could hold and our excitement grew! Our day would be: Safety talk and preparation of rafting at the launch site, quick check of life-jackets and helmuts and other equipment, get out and raft, take a small break on a sand bar, continue on with some water fun, then finish by taking out our equipment and rafts and take off our wetsuits and then eat before travelling back!
The sun was out and it was a gorgeous day, not a single cloud in the sky! We had to change our launch site because of how much higher the river was. We continued on our way to the launch site and once we arrived we unloaded all the equipment and rafts. We were given our life-jackets and helmuts and we helped take the boats down to the river. Once everything was ready we had a quick drink and snack then our guides went through the safety talk and what to do in emergencies, though, we had none on our adventure!
We were organized into our boats and then we were off! I was lucky enough to be at the front with Eric from Kermode Tourism!
Check out part 2 to hear how much fun we had!
August 16, 2012 | Tips from Travellers >
Terrace, Farmers' Markets
Find more information about Terrace - Farmers' Markets
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The Farmers' Market is one of Terrace’s local favorite things to do. Every year people get excited to see what’s new, listen to some live music, now and then, and eat the amazing food. Local artists see the Farmers' Market as a great opportunity to show off what they can do; sometimes they work on a carving perhaps while people look at their work, it’s really fascinating to watch. They have everything from Filipino Foods, to Kettle Corn, to local vegetables. There is even homemade fudge sold! It is a great family event to check out, maybe go for a horse-pulled carriage ride with the kids? It is open from the first Saturday in May, until the last Saturday in October, 8am-1pm. If you’re ever in town on a Saturday during this time, feel free to head down to Spirit Square and enjoy yourself.
August 15, 2012 | Tips from Travellers >
Terrace, Aboriginal Experiences
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Canyon City, or Gitwinksihlkw, is one of the Nass Valley villages. It is home to a 400 year old suspension bridge. Up until 17 years ago this bridge was the only way in and out of the city. The bridge is just over a metre wide; therefore the only access was by foot. That meant the people living within the city would have had to carry anything they had across, meaning groceries, furniture, and any other necessities they had needed. The bridge is now restored, so if you have the time, feel free to check it out, along with the beautiful view of the river it comes with, and the 25 foot totem poles inside the city.
August 13, 2012 | Tips from Travellers >
Prince George, Arts, Culture & History Tours
This year was the 100th Anniversary of the Prince George Exhibition (PGX) and it has been getting better and better each and every year leading up to this monumental anniversary. Like always, it was a huge success with numerous midway rides, 4-H competitions, bully riding, Bull Rider's Ball, number amazing food stalls with so many different amazing tastes, live music and shows on the Community Stage throughout the day, Home Arts and Horticulture competitions, Prince George Heritage Lane, logger sports competitions, and one of everyone's (including myself) favourites the pig and duck races. The fair has something for everyone! People come from all over the place to compete in different areas of the fair, and to come enjoy the amazing opportunities for fun with friends and family. With this years event being the 100th Anniversary, they made the fair bigger and better than ever before; with this years fair being topped off with an INCREDIBLE display of fireworks!
Next year the fair will be back yet again, but this time with a name change - the British Columbia Northern Exhibition (BCNE). So even with a name change I will be back next year yet again for another incredible year at the fair! Hope to see you all there!
August 12, 2012 | Tips from Travellers >
Prince George, Science, Nature or Animals
Heading down south the other day on Highway 97, I was continuing my waterfall search for this summer and decided to make my way down to Hixon Falls. Located a short distance off Highway 97 heading south from Prince George, and just before arriving in Hixon, is located the turn off for Hixon Creek Road. After driving down the road you will come to three different forks in the road, and you will take the left turn option every single time. Eventually after about a 5-10 minute drive you will arrive at the parking lot where you can leave your car and make the short hike into the waterfall. The falls are incredible for being such a hidden gem off the highway, as most people driving past Hixon would not stop at them, or even know that they were there. The falls are not the biggest in the area or the most magnificent, but definitely worth the stop to see. The day was made even better as it was a nice warm day and I went for a cool dip in the falls. Whichever direction you are coming from, take a break at Hixon Falls and enjoy the cool mist of the falls in the daily sun.
August 12, 2012 | Tips from Travellers >
New Hazelton, Food or Wine
Found right along the Highway 16, right through New Hazelton, is a restaurant with a rustic ski lodge feel that serves some really amazing homestyle meals. The restaurant, Rob's Restaurant Comfort & Style, is a great little restaurant that cooks some really great meals at an affordable price. The building is a log house with a great atmosphere for everyone and their families. While I was there the restaurant was very busy with many different groups of people. It seemed like a perfect little local restaurant where people came and met for an evening meal. From talking to a few of the locals, it seemed like a great meeting spot and had a line waiting to be seated. Rob's Restaurant has the perfect feeling of the local restaurant and watering hole that you only read about in books or see in the movies. Make a stop into Rob's Restaurant for a great quality meal and you won't be disappointed.
August 12, 2012 | Tips from Travellers >
Smithers, Attractions
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I always enjoy my walks down Main Street in Smithers and, being in a small town, I always run into someone I know. Because of the mountainous backdrop this community has embraced an Alpine theme, which suits Smithers quite well. Smithers has been given the nickname of "BC's little Switzerland," and, if you walk down Main Street, you'll see why. There are many murals and statues within the town that tell stories of pioneer settlement, record-breaking hunting, local wildlife and solemn remembrance. One of our oldest statues is Alpine Al; he is located on Main Street and adds a lot of character to the area. Whether you are driving down Main Street or walking, this seven foot high statue with a ten foot long horn will grab your attention, so stop and take a picture or just admire him from a distance.
August 12, 2012 | Tips from Travellers >
Dawson Creek, Hiking
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If you look over the skyline in Dawson Creek you are bound to notice the wind turbines turning away on Bear Mountain. This beautiful scene is part of the Bear Mountain Wind Park, located 12.5 km outside of Dawson Creek. This wind park is the first of its kind in British Columbia and one of the most technologically advanced wind parks in the world. The type of turbines installed on Bear Mountain are called Enercon E-82’s which are gearless turbines that emit virtually no mechanical sounds making it the quietest wind technology available globally today. The wind turbines in Dawson Creek produce between 2,000 and 3,000 megawatt hours each in a year, that’s enough energy to run up to 300 households per wind turbine! With 34 turbines currently on Bear Mountain that means that in total the wind park produces enough electricity to power 10,200 households per year! The turbines are also outfitted with the most modern blades possible. These turbines are not only a marvel of modern technology they also provide an opportunity to experience the great outdoors while learning more about the benefits of green energy. Along the wind turbines (starting around turbine 24) there is a 9km walking trail. This trail provides some of the most spectacular views of Dawson Creek and the Peace Region. On a clear day it is possible to see all the way out to the Rockies. I have been out there a few times myself and I have to say that turbine 14 has the most amazing view a person could hope to see. If you’re lucky enough to arrive for sunrise or sunset it is incredible to watch the sky, valleys, mountains and of course turbines be painted with orange, purple, pink and red in the warmth of the sun. A picnic lunch, dinner or breakfast are definitely all options up on the mountain and make for a beautiful and memorable day.
August 12, 2012 | Tips from Travellers >
Dawson Creek, Shopping
Dawson Creek, though small, has some wonderful shopping opportunities. In the downtown area there are some spectacular locally owned and run shops that cater to almost every whimsy. One of the local treasures is the Olde Creek Store, located a block down from the Mile “0” Post. I love going into this store, their stock is always rotating and they always have amazing things in: old and new. If antiquing is your thing, then this store is a definite must. They carry an eclectic mix of new and vintage, some of the vintage stock is absolutely breath taking. My personal favourite collection of theirs is the antique books they have in the back. They are marvellous! There is an eccentric mix of books: from old medical journals to Hardy Boys. My mothers favourite part of the store is their jewelry collection. You honestly cannot leave this store without buying at least one trinket. The staff is always friendly and super helpful.
If after Olde Creek Store you’re shopping itch still has not been scratched be sure to check out Simple Pleasures, for another locally owned store with an array of stock: from kitchen items, to hand made soaps, to bags and purses. If you are shopping for little ones, next door to Simple Pleasures is the Northern Toy Box, a store that is sure to satisfy the kid in everyone! And, at last, if you’re a crafter, knitter, crocheter definitely drop by B&T Ceramics for all your hobby’s needs. Shopping in Dawson Creek’s downtown area is perfect for everyone and a great side expedition if you’re taking part in the Historical Downtown Walking Tour. If after all this walking and shopping, you’d like a cup of coffee and something to eat, drop by one of the many locally owned coffee shops and cafes in the area.