August 11, 2012 | Tips from Travellers >
Houston, Historic & Heritage Sites
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I went and explored the historic buildings in Houston the other day. The most prominent features of this historic walk are the first school house and first church built in Houston. While the historic walk is a work in progress, it is already very interesting. On weekdays during the summer anyone can tour through the first church and truly step into the past.
The Houston Visitor Center offered information on the first school house constructed. Apparently the school house has been standing since 1916! The school house is one room with no washroom or running water; it was heated by a wood space heater. The school was used until 1954 as a school and as a meeting area for council members.
I was able to find information about the church as well. The church was the Church of St. Clement and it too was originally constructed in 1916. Originally it was used as a Mission House, but was later rebuilt as a Church of St. Clement in 1953. When the church became too small for the growing Houston population, a new church was built and the old church was retired.
It amazes me how well the old buildings are preserved. Along the walk as well you can see some old fire equipment along with other miscellaneous things. Taking in all the historic buildings and things really helped me connect with the town I was raised in.
August 11, 2012 | Tips from Travellers >
Duncan, Kayaking & Canoeing
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Cowichan Bay is a beautiful fishing village on Vancouver Island that is centered in a region that offers so much to see and do.
One of the more popular options are the guided kayaking tours offered by Cowichan Bay Kayaks. Oceanfront Suites at Cowichan Bay had a discussion with Huw Jones, the owner, recently in a web video series produced to showcase the region.
August 11, 2012 | Tips from Travellers >
Houston, Fishing
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For Father's Day this year I went with my dad to Irrigation (Dunalter) Lake to see if the fish were biting. Usually we are never disappointed and this trip was no exception. In the three hours we were out on the lake we caught and released five rainbow trout. The lake, which is so close to Houston, is my favorite spot to enjoy peaceful fishing. With electric motors only allowed on the lake, few people go to Irrigation Lake to fish. Everyone is missing out though; you are enveloped by the quiet, pristine surroundings during the spring and early summer. While fishing I love watching the eagles catch fish and loons move so gracefully around the lake. As the summer continues the fish tend to dive deeper and bite less often due to the heat.
The heat does have an upside though. People are drawn to Irrigation Lake in the summer, but they aren't fishing they are swimming.
Irrigation Lake is one of the most popular swimming areas in the summer when the weather turns hot. With a small beached area and picnic spots all around, the spot is very well-liked. Irrigation Lake still offers more for people to enjoy though! Walking trails start on either side of the parking lot and take you almost all around the lake. Also with campfire pits, it is a relaxing area to enjoy your evening.
Though I enjoy cooling down at Irrigation Lake this summer, I cannot wait for fall to come. When the weather starts cooling down again the fish will be biting once more and that's my favorite thing about Irrigation Lake.
August 11, 2012 | Tips from Travellers >
Smithers, Water Activity Tours
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The Bulkley River follows highway 16 for more than 160 km, and there are numerous locations where the river is accessible and which offer excellent fishing for both resident and see-run sport species. A few of my favorite spots are accessible right in town or close by. The spot I went to just the other day is located at the end of Main Street and has an incredible view. Although I didn't do any fishing on this river trip, the fishing in the Bulkley River can be great; besides rainbow trout and dolly varden, the Bulkley also offers outstanding fishing for steelhead, chinook salmon, and coho salmon. I enjoyed the view and the sound of the water flowing by, then took a short walk on a trail nearby to enjoy more sights and sounds of nature. If you come to Smithers, a trip to the river is a great way to spend some time fishing, swimming, having a picnic, or just enjoying the scenery.
August 11, 2012 | Tips from Travellers >
Houston, Attractions
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Staring at the big grizzly bear outside of the Houston Visitor Center gives me, and everyone else who witnesses it, an idea of the enormous power found in the wild. I can't help but feel in awe of this 11 foot tall brute, and know the sheer terror that must have gone through the people who saw it when it was still alive. The phantom bear lived on Hungry Hill, feeding off the livestock owned by local ranchers. The bear was caught in 2005, when it was finally discovered by a predator control officer. After the bear was caught he was estimated to be 18-22 years old. Taking a picture of the phantom bear of Hungry Hill was very difficult. The glass surrounding the bear causes reflections so you need to be cautious when taking a picture or you'll end up with unwanted artifacts in the image. I was lucky enough to take a decent picture of the bear, but I probably looked pretty silly trying to take it at the perfect angle. In order to truly value the power, beauty, and magnificence of the 975 pound bear I encourage everyone to stop and check him out.
August 10, 2012 | Tips from Travellers >
Houston, Hiking
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The walking trails located along Buck Creek is so easy to get to, I've spent the majority of my summers on it. We always take our dogs down to the trail as well because there are different pull outs that lead to the river. The dogs love to wade out into the slow moving current to cool off during the warm summer months and I'm no exceptions. The cool water feels great during the summer and because it is lower and slower moving it is easy to wander through. The trail offers more than just an easy place to cool off. In previous years we could walk down the Creek and watch beavers build their dams. Even though the trail is located right in town you can usually expect to see some wildlife. The Buck Creek Dike trail can also be a long walk. I've walked along the entire trail before, it reaches from behind Supervalu all the way to the motor cross track. The trail is very secluded in areas and always close to nature. The Buck Creek Dike has just been upgraded as well in these last couple of years. New benches have been placed all along the trail making it more relaxing. This easy walking trail is one of my favorite areas to visit in Houston.
August 10, 2012 | Tips from Travellers >
Houston, Science, Nature or Animals
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The other day I took a drive out to Silverthorne Lake just to check out the area but it turned into a bigger adventure then I expected. While I was there I ran into different animals including woodpeckers, grouse, rabbits, and even a lynx! Sadly I didn't have time to grab my camera before the lynx had disappeared back into the bush. I wandered through the trails enjoying the nature and scenery laid out all around me. After the walk I wandered back to the lake and had a picnic in the covered shelter. I enjoyed the walk, water and wildlife found at Silverthorne Lake and definitely plan on going back.
The paths are well maintained because during the winter they are cross country ski trails. If you are interested in heading onto the advanced trails you can find other shelters along the trip. To find Silverthorne Lake, head south of Houston on Buck Flats Road. While the road isn't paved the entire way it is well maintained and easy to find.
I am heading back soon to hopefully get a picture of my lynx and enjoy the peacefulness of the area once again.
August 10, 2012 | Tips from Travellers >
Chetwynd, Arts, Culture & History Tours
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On a beautiful Saturday afternoon I ventured from Dawson Creek to Chetwynd, which is about 100 kilometers west on highway 97 South. The destination was to find out what Chetwynd had to offer. Right when we hit the Chetwynd town limits we realized there was something to see. Chetwynd is filled with wooden statues we didn’t realize the story and experience behind it! I went to the Visitor Centre to find out more. Once inside the Visitor Centre staff let me know that these intricate wooden statues/pieces of art were made by chainsaw! The Visitor Centre staff then truly made this destination a great experience – they walk groups of visitors around the town to share the story of each chainsaw carving. So I thought I would indulge – the staff member brought me around to the newest carvings from the latest competition and talked about the inspiration of the carving, the artist and answered any questions I had about HOW you carve a statue from a tree trunk! These chainsaw carvings are a must see for anyone!
August 10, 2012 | Tips from Travellers >
Dawson Creek, Auto/Transportation (Air, Land)
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Last week for the first time I headed north to the Yukon along the Alaska Highway. The highway was fantastic and I had a very enjoyable journey! I was pleasantly surprised by the amount of wildlife I saw along the way. There were moose, black bears, deer, dall sheep, caribou, and plenty of bison to my amazement! The bison at times were gathered right on the highway, and it was interesting to see them from such a short distance. I can’t think of another stretch of highway where I have seen so much wildlife!
The scenery along the highway is very lovely. I was stunned by how beautiful it was! The landscape varies with plenty of boreal forest, mountains, valleys, rivers, and lakes along the highway. One view I found particularly beautiful was all the fireweed growing by the trees, however the whole drive I found to be quite wonderful in terms of scenery. Thankfully there are plenty of places to pull over if you want to take pictures. There are also quite a few places to camp and hike along the way if you want to spend more time exploring and taking in the beauty of the areas.
The highway itself was fairly well maintained. It was paved with the odd small patch of gravel, but nothing too big to worry about. For fuel there were several places to stop and gas up in between the major towns. In the future I hope to return on a less time restrictive schedule in order to really take in the beauty of the highway and the surrounding areas.
August 10, 2012 | Tips from Travellers >
Fort Nelson, Hot Springs
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Recently I went on a trip up North, and on the way decided to stop at Liard Hot springs. I had heard that the hot springs were very rustic and natural, and was interested in seeing for park for myself. Upon arrival at the gate for the Provincial Park you have the option of paying for day use of the hot springs and park, or for camping, with the fee for the hot spring already included in the price. The fee is quite reasonable at $5.00 for an adult for the day. There is about a five minute walk from the parking lot to the hot springs along a wooden boardwalk. The walk to get to the hot springs is very beautiful and interesting with signs along the way describing types of hot water fish that live in the marshy areas near the hot springs. Upon arrival at the hot springs I was surprised to see that it was not quite as rustic as I’d heard. There are change rooms by the hot springs and a patio area for sitting and cooling down. The pools however appeared to be naturally made. There are two pools that make up the hot springs – a warm pool and a hot pool, separated by a wooden wall. Both pools appeared to be quite popular with the visitors, and have several wooden benches inserted under the water. Despite not being quite as rustic as I had hoped the hot springs were a nice, relaxing way to spend an afternoon, and I look forward to visiting again!