July 13, 2009 | Tips from Travellers >
Fort St. John, Festivals & Events
View a larger image on flickr.com
Being a Canadian resident for all my life, I have never had the opportunity to experience a Canada Day parade. When I found out that the City of Fort St. John has a parade each year on this special day, my body was roaring with excitement. What would this parade entail??? The only parade I have ever experienced in the past was followed by Santa riding a sleigh.
The parade was everything I had hoped for and more. The pride exhibited by the numerous individuals who came out on a cold, rainy day to watch the parade absolutely amazed me. There were residents of all ages waving Canadian flags with excitement. Children and adults had Canadian flags tattooed to their faces and most people wore red and white.
The floats were all very well done. Several exhibited different cultures which I really enjoyed as it reinforced the fact that our country is one big salad bowl. I felt sorry for some of the dancers who danced their way through the parade shoeless in the rain; however they continued to smile and enjoy themselves. I think it was wonderful that there were several live animals, mainly horses, marching as well, which made the event even more festive.
The parade was followed by several booths of activities. I have been told that usually the events are outside however due to the poor weather, they were forced to be in the arena. It didn’t faze the individuals, as they continued to enjoy themselves. There was tons of food, live music, and an enormous Canadian flag made entirely of cupcakes, which, of course, was my favourite part! All in all, the day was an enormous success. I definitely enjoyed my first ever Canada Day Parade!
July 02, 2009 | Tips from Travellers >
Fort St. John, Dining
Find more information about Fort St. John - Dining
View a larger image on flickr.com
Yee Haw!!! My first country experience was certainly a most memorable one. Being from a large city, I have always associated country dancing with doing a couple of steps to Cotton Eyed Joe, so when several fine gentlemen cowboys asked me to “two-step”, I was completely baffled. What is this “two-step”? Will I completely embarrass myself if I attempt this dance? It wasn’t until a friend of mine pulled me onto the dance floor, at New Frontier in Fort St John, and insisted on teaching me how it was done, that I immediately excelled at this new dance. Well, maybe not excelled, but I certainly did a lot better than I had ever imagined.
After the dancing, I got the opportunity to meet some real cowboys. I had no idea that real cowboys even existed, so you can imagine my excitement. I finally had an epiphany and although I had travelled the world and currently resided in Toronto, I had lived a very sheltered life. I went from believing that cowboys merely existed in those old western films to actually grasping that they are, in fact, real. The New Frontier is a great place for a fun night out and, for a tourist such as myself, it provides a brand new experience.
The festive music, live band, and affordable beverages provided for a great night. When my feet got too tired from the ample two-stepping, there was always a place to sit. This nightclub is additionally a great place to go if you are the type of individual who wants to sit back, relax, and have a drink. The dancing isn’t necessary but is always a great form of entertainment. Earlier in the night, the New Frontier offers a variety of food items on their menu and functions as a bar and grill. It is located at 10320-100th Avenue. I will most certainly be returning there in the near future to have another great experience!
June 28, 2009 | Tips from Travellers >
Fort St. John, Theatre & Performing Arts
View a larger image on flickr.com
Ever wonder what it would be like to star in a movie? I sure have but in reality, that’s just not going to happen and therefore I have to settle for the next best thing which is to sit back, relax in a comfy chair, and watch the movie on a big screen. Coming from a large city, I expected the cinema here to have one theatre, plastic chairs, and a tiny screen. I was most certainly proven wrong when I stepped into the Aurora Cinema at the Totem Mall. The large comfortable seats allow you to feel as though you are on that Pelham train with the stimulating John Travolta or soaring through the skies in the film, Up.
When I watch a movie, food is an absolute requirement. This theatre not only has a popcorn concession stand but they additionally sell New York Fries and Frozen Yogurt.
Have you ever gotten extremely frustrated with those audience members who feel it necessary to yell out sarcastic comments as if the actors can actually hear them? Well at the Aurora Cinema, the staff is required to ensure this does not happen in order to create a more enjoyable movie watching experience.
Furthermore, the theatres in larger cities can charge up to $12.95 for one admission. This ridiculous price is comparable to the $8.95 charged here. So if you are looking for a fun-filled family night that is also affordable, I would suggest seeking out the newest flick and making a trip to the Aurora Cinema.
June 26, 2009 | Tips from Travellers >
Fort St. John, Dining
Find more information about Fort St. John - Dining
View a larger image on flickr.com
On the eve of June 25th, my boyfriend and I were interested in finding a classy restaurant in Fort St. John to celebrate my 21st Birthday. We decided to return to Uptown Grill, as I had visited and thoroughly enjoyed their delicious food during the “Be a Tourist in Your Own Town Week”. Since it was my Birthday, I had given myself permission to eat anything and everything in sight, so I was more than prepared to enjoy a delicious meal.
We started the evening out by selecting a wine from their wine list. Our waitress was very helpful and informative as she assisted us in selecting a fantastic wine. Afterwards, we decided to split the oriental spring rolls as an appetizer. They were absolutely incredible! We most certainly did not need them however, as our meals included a complimentary salad. I decided to try the teriyaki sirloin as a main course, which proved to be nine ounces of deliciousness! Unfortunately, since I had been such a birthday pig for most of the day, I could barely get through half of it. I am a carnivore and definitely love my meat but for those who are not, Uptown Grill marks all of their vegetarian meals with a small symbol in order to appropriately inform the customer. In addition, they have specials for each day of the week. Each day is a different theme and the daily features include an appetizer, main course, and a dessert.
During the meal, my boyfriend did the usual sneak off to the “bathroom” in order to inform our waitress that it was my birthday. The restaurant was so great that they allowed me to select a dessert and of course, it was on the house.
The general atmosphere in Uptown Grill provides for a relaxing and classy night out in Fort St. John. The outstanding cuisine and friendly service are sure to make the evening a success. I had a fantastic birthday and I will most certainly be returning there soon for our next festive event.
May 28, 2009 | Tips from Travellers >
Fort St. John, Dining
Find more information about Fort St. John - Dining
View a larger image on flickr.com
Being from a city such as Toronto, one would assume that I would be an experienced coffee drinker what with having a Starbucks on every corner. However, this girl prefers the taste of a Tim Hortons coffee with just a dash of milk as oppose to some over-priced frappa-mocha-low fat-latte (or whatever you want to call it).
When a friend of mine asked me to go with him to Cosmic Grounds, I must admit I was somewhat skeptical at first. What would I order? Would I be able to pronounce any of these intense sugar infested beverages? I must have stared at the board for at least ten minutes trying to decide what to get. The lady at the counter was extremely helpful and recommended that I try a caramel macchiato. hmmmm....I pondered for a moment and then agreed to try it.
The drink was absolutely incredible. It was an amazing combination of a hot beverage with the taste of a dessert. Although I found the pricing a bit steep, I definitely recommend this place as I felt it was worth every penny. With a multi-national money grubbing organization such as starbucks slowly taking over this industry, we must cherish the little coffee houses that provide an intimate feel and a terrific atmosphere.
Another aspect I enjoyed was the fact that you could sit outside and take in some rays while enjoying your tasty beverage. Since I had just experienced snow in May for the first time in my entire life, I was content that I could actually sit outside on a rare but beautiful sunny day!
So to all those travelling, living, or just passing through Fort St. John, be sure to make a pit stop at this quaint little shop located at 10430-100th street.