July 25, 2012 | Tips from Travellers >
Smithers, Hiking
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I was up at 7 am, slathered with sunscreen, covered with mosquito repellent and ready for a full day hike in the beautiful Babine Mountains. With a trail map in hand and the hiking expertise of my dad and younger brother I found myself well on my way to a successful alpine adventure. The trail starts at a fairly high altitude of 1000m and travels along a wooded ridge for about the first 1.5 hours of the hike. Once the trail breaks out into the clearing of the basin the hike becomes a little more challenging, especially as we had to make our way over a few snowy patches. About 2 hours into the hike we came to a magical little meadow tucked against the side of the mountain. Here we found remnants of an old mining cabin standing close to the creek, and a large alpine pool, which provided a refreshing place to cool our feet. This picturesque spot is about 50 meters of the main trail, but it is a worthwhile detour. We caught sight of the first lake after about 5 km of hiking at which point we continued along, high above the shore for another 3 km. After such a long hike on a hot day we had definitely deserved a lunch break. At this elevation of about 1500m the wind kept the mosquitos away and we could enjoy the view while sipping fresh glacial water. Just like the many other trails in the Babine Mountains Provincial Park, Little Joe Lakes trail was well marked, easily accessible and boasted a breath-taking view. My dad, brother and I took lots of pictures and made some great memories, I hope you do too!
July 24, 2012 | Tips from Travellers >
Smithers, Hiking
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Ever wonder what Alpine Alice does in her free time? Well having been born and raised in the alpine meadows and mountains of the Bulkley Valley, she can't wait to showoff one of her favourite places.
July 11, 2012 | Tips from Travellers >
Smithers, Hiking
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As the snow retreats from the Alpine meadows gushing down icy cool creeks into the swollen Bulkley River it's a perfect time to explore the Hudson Bay Mountain prairie. On Sunday, my family and I drove the scenic switchbacks of Hudson Bay Mountain Road to the top of the ski hill. While this is usually thought of as an ideal location for winter recreation, many people do not know that is also an awesome place for summer adventures. Just past the Ski lodge at the base of the “Cabin Runs” is the trail head for Crater Lake trail. This trail is the fastest way to get above tree line and access alpine hiking. The trail is approximately 1.5 hours each way, and leads to a frigid alpine lake, which on a hot day is definitely a welcom relief. My family found that it was the perfect adventure for a sunny afternoon with an easy grade and a beautiful view, but be sure to bring some bug spray!
June 28, 2012 | Tips from Travellers >
Smithers, Hiking
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Everyone knows about mosquito itch, and you have to be careful to avoid duck itch otherwise known as swimmer's itch…but have you heard of alpine itch? That is when people like me, simply can not wait to strap on a pack (and maybe some Swiss lederhosen) and take a hike through alpine meadows, past glacial streams up to marvelous mountain peak views. In fact it is only a few more weeks until the snow and high water levels recede and my Zoggeli, (traditional Swiss footwear) can travel these trails once more. So in the mean time I have found a fantastic alternative right in the town of Smithers—the Perimeter trail. This trail travels the circumference of the town, running along the Bulkley River, and past the scenic down-town. The entire loop is about 12.5km, but it is easy to access and exit the trail at various points throughout the town. As I walk I hear birds singing and the laughter of three kids on bikes who race past me, it’s the perfect trail for a family walk or a morning jog. The trail is easily accessible from Riverside Municipal Campground and provides the perfect opportunity to stretch your legs after a long day of travelling.
June 18, 2011 | Tips from Travellers >
Smithers, Hiking
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About a week ago I took the walk up to the Twin Falls in Smithers B.C; it was a spectacualar sight and i got some amazing pictures for my summer scrapbook! Even the view driving up to the parking lot was spectacular. It is a moderately easy hike and perfect for families with kids. The best part is that its only a short 15minute drive from downtown Smithers and there are plenty of day use picnic areas open to the public so you can even have a scenic lunch as well. Definatly something you should check into doing while you're in Smithers!!
August 18, 2010 | Tips from Travellers >
Smithers, Hiking
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Nestled in the pocket of Hudson Bay Mountain anyone of any age has the chance to gaze upon the "twin" falls that fall directly from Kathlyn Glacier. It's about 15 minutes from the town of Smithers and a 10 minute walk from the forest rec. parking lot. Once at the base of the falls the mist is carried through the valley leaving you cool and calm. It's a great place for a picnic or a nice leisure walk to experience the North in its purest form.
Also for the outdoor enthusiasts, Glacier Gulch recreational hiking trail meets the perfect need for exercise and a great view leading straight to the foot of the glacier. 2 and a half hours and you are in an elevated paradise. You can follow one of the falls all the way to where it begins its flow. Truly amazing!
I went for a picnic this past weekend at the base of the falls and ate a meal with my girlfriend and rested above. 15 minutes away from town and I have something peaceful and serene to look forward to. Isn't that something.
I have done the Glacier Gulch several times this year and it doesn't get old for me. I love the workout and the view motivates me. Pack a lunch and pack an empty water bottle because when you get to the top, the clearest and coldest glacier water is awaiting.
Enjoy a moment of your summer at Twin Falls/Glacier Gulch if you get the chance.
August 09, 2010 | Tips from Travellers >
Smithers, Hiking
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One of my favorite regular hikes is Call Lake Provincial Park. The other day, we ventured out for an adventure. We hiked the 3 kilometer loop, that brings you from the trail head, sort of past Call Lake (if you squint through the trees), up to "the bench" (an actual bench) and then back again.
This makes for a nice after-dinner hike that isn't too strenuous but long enough that you are satisfied. My favorite part is making it up to the bench, and looking down over the valley, especially if the sun is setting. It creates a beautiful glow that I can't really describe.
The other loop is 5 kilometers, for those who want a bit longer of a trek. I like how small the park is, and how the people living in the area of it are somewhat of a community. Go see this local favorite - either if you're hiking or biking!
August 07, 2010 | Tips from Travellers >
Smithers, Hiking
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The other day, I decided to go hiking in the Babine Mountains. A beautiful place to go for an adventure, it is definitely not for the faint of heart.
With many options, the trails can take you for days into these spectacular mountains. There’s even the Joe L’Orsa cabin that you can stay in on the Silverking Trail. I only went to sunnypoint, taking 1 hour-roundtrip.
On the way out of the park on the road, we stopped and watched as a family of 5 foxes ran across the road. I’ve never seen foxes come up so close to humans before, so it was a pretty exciting experience. Down the road, we had to stop again as a doe and her baby fawn ran into the forest. And still, as we continued, a moose ran across the road!
If you’re looking for wildlife in the Smithers area, I recommend going into the Babine Mountain area to see the diverse amount of animals in this area.
Editor's note: Learn more about hiking in Smithers
here.
June 24, 2010 | Tips from Travellers >
Smithers, Hiking
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Its truly amazing to acknowledge how easy it is to jump in the vehicle and drive 30 minutes through switchbacks, trees, and mountainous terrain, ending up nearly above the clouds. Smithers B.C. is my hometown and the possibilities in the "Super Natural" outdoors that I call home are close to endless.
It was a clear and warm Monday this week and I was curious about the conditions on the Crater Lake hiking trail. I work at the Smithers Visitor Info Centre and I took the initiative to check it out on my day off. I wanted to know the conditions so my advice to the tourists was accurate. My girlfriend and I made way for the alpine valley.
Not even 20 minutes into our hike we ran into some tourists from Victoria B.C. who appeared to be lost. They just so happened to pull out their Crater Lake pamphlet and asked about the hike. It was the perfect opportunity to give them advice and also have them follow behind us. They were so happy to have ran into us up there.
As we walked passed the tree line we decided to stop for a break and eat some lunch. We had a great conversation and the tourists also had a pair of binoculars to gaze the view with. The hike was a bit pre-season but nonetheless it was well worth it. It also made me proud to have provided the guests from Victoria with my local knowledge of the area.
As we made it to Crater Lake the tourists commented with "This is definitely the highlight of our trip" and they thanked us kindly. Locals are the ambassadors of their towns and my girlfriend and I are lucky to be from a place where we can make visitors love the area we live in.
[Editor's note: Learn more about hiking in Smithers
here.]
May 13, 2010 | Tips from Travellers >
Smithers, Hiking
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My name is Ali, and I work a the visitor's centre in Smithers. This is my second summer working as a visitor information counsellor, and I'm excited to be back for four months of hiking, biking, canoeing, swimming, shopping, eating and everything else that Northern BC has to offer(and happens to be quite good at). One of my favorite areas in Smithers is the Twin Falls. Set at the base of our beautiful Hudson Bay Mountain, melted glacier water turns into a set of falls that are a 15 minute drive out of town(another perk about Smithers- you really don't have to drive that far to get anywhere) and can be hiked close enough to to get soaked. On a hot summer day, there's nothing better. I will post more later on my favorite spots around Smithers, and tips for travelling around the Bulkley Valley.