August 10, 2011 | Tips from Travellers >
Smithers, Historic & Heritage Sites
Join me on a tour of the Driftwood Canyon fossil beds in Smithers, BC!
August 10, 2011 | Tips from Travellers >
Prince Rupert, Car / Truck / Motorcycle
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I recently found myself with 2 days off of work and no plans, so I decided to take a trip to Prince Rupert. This is only a 4 hour drive from my home in Smithers, and it's one of my favourite highways in the province to travel.
With a cold drink in my cupholder and good tunes in the cd player, I began my trip west on Highway 16. There is rarely a stretch of road that doesn't give you spectacular mountain views, but my favourite spot in particular is the small pullout shortly after the turnoff to Hwy 37 where you can get a great view of the peaks of the Seven Sisters (see photo). Between Terrace and Prince Rupert, the scenery only gets better. The road is squeezed between the Skeena River and towering mountains, so you're never without beautiful scenery - it's so pretty it's almost distracting! The fishing in the Skeena must be great right now because the road was lined the whole way with parked vehicles and whenever you got a clear view of the river you could see fishermen lined up along the banks.
I arrived in Prince Rupert and headed directly down Bill Murray Ave passed Pillsbury House to the nice waterfront access park. I found myself a comfy spot among the big rocks at the water's edge and watched the fishing boats pass by. During a previous visit, I saw an otter come up on shore here but sadly he didn't come see me this time. It was then time to check in to my room at the Crest Hotel and get cleaned up for dinner. I met a friend at the Crest's restaurant and we had dinner on the patio with an awesome view over the water - can't beat great food with a great view! We then decided to head over to Moresby Park, a really nice creekside trail through a cool mossy forest that's right on Moresby Ave in town.
After a comfy night at the Crest Hotel, I woke up early the next morning and had breakfast at Cowpuccino's, a coffee shop in Cow Bay (mmmm apple carrot raisin muffin and caramel latte!). There were a few really cool little shops in Cow Bay to check out as well. After resisting the urge to spend toooo much money, I met again with my friend to hike the Butze Rapids trail. The trail was 5.4 km long with a few short steep hills, but was overall moderately easy and took about 1.5 hours. The trail leads you right to a lookout over the rapids (caused by uneven water levels during tide changes in this narrow area), and we were also able to walk right to the water over a rocky beach from a couple of points along the trail.
The hike had really worked up our appetites, so we had lunch at Breaker's Pub with another great waterfront view before I had to head for home.
There are tons of other fun things to do and see in Prince Rupert - the Northern BC Museum, tours to Pike Island, the Cannery, and lots more - so I've still got lots to do the next time I visit!
August 04, 2011 | Tips from Travellers >
Smithers, Car / Truck / Motorcycle
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On July 30th, I attended BioBlitz in Smithers. This event, hosted by the BV Naturalists and the BV Research Centre, featured 24 hours of flora and fauna fun out at Twin Falls!
My friend and I arrived at BioBlitz to find a large crowd of people of all ages filling the parking lot of Twin Falls. There were local experts who were conducting different presentations throughout the day, and for each presentation, they needed help to gather samples. As we arrived, there was a group of kids heading off to hunt for insects, and there were a couple people returning to one of the tents with a frog in each hand. The researchers recorded the species of every plant and animal found to compare to past and present BioBlitz years. We attempted to find a frog to add to the list, but instead found a really cool jelly fungus! Well, we didn't know it was called that at the time - we were pretty sure we'd uncovered a new scientific discovery of an alien species! Apparently this year has been a great year for fungi growth, so the list of fungi was getting pretty long. My photo is of a HUGE mushroom that somebody had added to the collection - I'd never seen one this big before!
After looking at our jelly fungus under the microscope, we joined the fun at the art table. They had Foxtail plants that we used as paintbrushes and we placed juicy berries all over our pages before placing a board on top of the page and jumped on them to create "Squished Berry Art". I think the 7 year old next to me made a prettier picture than I did, but I still had fun making it!
At about 10pm, I returned to BioBlitz to see a demonstration about bats. The experts set up nets and used a neat sonar-detecting instrument to try to catch a bat or two and while we waited, the experts told me a bunch of neat facts about bats. Unfortunately bats don't like rain, so we didn't manage to catch any to look at, but I really enjoyed talking with the experts about their past research experiences and learning about the bats in our area (and we also ventured into talking about owls and other night-time animals).
If you get a chance to attend next year's BioBlitz, it would definitely be a lot of fun! Whether you're interested in plants, fungi, mammals, insects, or birds, you'll be able to learn something new about the different ecosystems around Smithers!
August 04, 2011 | Tips from Travellers >
Smithers, Museums
Having trouble spotting Northern BC's elusive wildlife? A trip to Adam's Igloo 8km west of Smithers on Hwy 16 will give you ample viewing opportunities of all the region's animals! Just look for the big white igloo alongside the highway!
I recently visited Adam's Igloo and was surprised at the huge variety of wildlife that is there! He has specimens of every animal from a bumblebee to the biggest moose I've ever seen! The animals are all displayed in a very natural looking setting, often interacting with each other against the beautifully painted mural backdrop. Be sure to look in every nook and cranny of the scenes, because there's sure to be some little animal poking out to say hello! I especially enjoyed the lynx that's trying to swat a bird out of the sky!
The museum is open 9am-7pm daily, but even if the open sign isn't on and the silver truck is in the driveway, feel free to ring the doorbell. If the owner's around, he'll happily let you in and tell you all about his collection!
August 04, 2011 | Tips from Travellers >
Smithers, Fishing
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If you're travelling west of Smithers on Hwy 16, be sure to stop at the Toboggan Creek Fish Hatchery! I visited yesterday and was surprised at how much there is to see and learn.
The Toboggan Creek Fish Hatchery is located 13km west of Smithers. It was really easy to follow the big signs welcoming visitors to the site! The hatchery was established in order to increase the number of Coho and Spring salmon in the Bulkley River system, as well as monitor local salmon populations. Young salmon usually only have a 1% survival rate, but here at the hatchery, that increases to 96%!
I was greeted by the girl who usually provides free tours to visitors, but today she and the other few staff members were busy "clipping" young fish - this is how fishermen identify the hatchery's fish and can report the location where they caught the fish to help track the salmon's journey. It was really interesting to watch the clipping process and how quick but gentle the staff are when handling the fish! I viewed the swarms of young fish in the tanks inside the hatchery (the water flowing through these tanks actually comes from the stream outside) and checked out the large depiction of the salmon's life cycle on the wall. I then wandered outside to the trail along Toboggan Creek - this creek is so nice, I could have happily lounged on its banks for a couple of hours but it was time to hit the road once again.
I really enjoyed my visit to the hatchery and I think it would be interesting to visit at different times throughout the year to see all the different jobs they do. Make sure to drop by any time you're in the neighbourhood - the folks at the Toboggan Creek Fish Hatchery will happily welcome you!
July 29, 2011 | Tips from Travellers >
Smithers, Attractions
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...well actually there is no old lady, but it IS a shoe! I visited one of Smithers' most fantastic but little known points of interest - the "shoe house"!
I only recently found out about this house and I just had to go see it for myself! I was a little shy about going to gawk at a stranger's house, but the owner and builder, Ed, has been quoted as saying, "would I have built a house that looks like a shoe if I didn't want people to come look at it?", so I'd say that's as good of an invitation as any!
The shoe house is located on Kitseguecla Lake Rd, which is about 8 km East of Moricetown on Hwy 16. The trees have grown up around it a bit (compared to this photo that my friend took years ago - sorry, didn't have my camera for a current shot!), so I parked my car on the road and got out for a better view. The house was originally a trailer, but Ed built an addition and added the shoe-like details.
I just couldn't help but smile while checking out this unique house! Don't miss this photo op during your next trip through Smithers/Moricetown.
July 29, 2011 | Tips from Travellers >
Smithers, Sightseeing Tours
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It's a great time of year to see some of Northern BC's most beautiful wild flowers! I recently took a scenic drive into the Babine Mountain Provincial Park outside of Smithers to see all the flowers growing in the fields and along the road.
I began my drive by heading up the Old Babine Lake Rd passed Driftwood Canyon Provincial Park. There are a few flowers to be seen on this leg of the drive (really, it's hard to notice anything else but the gorgeous mountain views!), but the best flowers begin shortly after Driftwood Canyon. I followed the road as it passed over a couple of one-lane bridges which span the Driftwood Creek before coming to a large field on my right side. This field was covered in colouful wildflowers, ranging from the classic Oxeye Daisy and Yellow Buttercups to the invasive-but-still-pretty Red Hawkweed.
As I continued my drive over more one-lane bridges and into the Babine Mountain Park, the wildflowers became more diverse and could be found right alongside the road. The 20km park speed limit gave me a great excuse to take my time and enjoy the scenery! I saw Wild Roses, the large white Thimbleberry flowers and the smaller white Bunchberry flowers, and lots of Indian Paintbrush as well. In a couple select spots, I was also able to find my favourite - Red Columbine! I always enjoy seeing how the different plants grow in intermixed groups, providing an awesome mosaic of colours against the vibrant green foliage.
I turned around at the Harvey Mountain trail head and headed for home, but I look forward to returning to this area later in the summer to see all the late-season flowers like Fireweed and Yarrow. So while you're keeping your eyes out for moose and other wildlife on our Northern BC highways and rural roads, make sure to take note of our beautiful coloured wildflowers along the way too!
July 29, 2011 | Tips from Travellers >
Smithers, Wildlife Tours
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I recently rediscovered my inner child and went searching for frogs and salamanders! As a kid growing up in Northern BC, my sister and I spent many hours hunting for amphibians in our neighbourhood. I always loved that feeling of turning over a piece of wood and finding those big beady eyes staring up at you!
My recent excursion took place on the shores of Lake Kathlyn in Smithers, but any moist, wooded area near you will likely do the trick! It took me a few minutes to find the right hunting spot, but my patience was rewarded with numerous great finds! My photo is of a salamander that I found inside an old log (the best place to find salamanders by the way - a nice moist rotting log on the forest floor!), but I also found a few toads of miscellaneous colours and sizes hopping around in the swampy areas next to the lake. Our rainy summer has provided great amphibian homes this year!
The numbers of amphibians in Northern BC are declining every year, so I really encourage you to get your hands dirty and learn about these critters in their natural habitat before it's too late! Contrary to popular belief, you won't get warts from touching frogs...and I've kissed a few as a kid and they didn't turn into princes either :) Just please be very gentle if you choose to pick up any toads or salamanders and carefully return them to exactly where you found them.
Happy hunting!
July 28, 2011 | Tips from Travellers >
Fort St. James, Camping
There are many beautiful lakes around the Fort St James area, but my favourite that I've recently visited is Tezzeron Lake. I stayed at the Cinnabar Resort and had a great time exploring the lake and surrounding natural attractions. The attached photo is of one of the many beautiful sunrises that we saw during our stay!
The Cinnabar Resort is located about 50km north-west of Fort St James. It is home to a University of Northern BC Research Centre and neighbours the also-beautiful Tezzeron Resort. We stayed in one of Cinnabar's cozy cabins (mmm I love the smell of a wood stove!) which sleeps 4 people in bunk beds and is equipped with a small kitchen, but you could also pitch a tent at one of their lakeside tent sites a little further up the beach.
We borrowed a canoe to explore a nearby island and found lots of evidence of the resident River Otter's presence! These guys sure eat a lot of fish! Speaking of fish, be sure to bring your rod because the lake is full of them, and you won't be crowded by other fisherman since there are only 3 access points to the lake (these 2 resorts and one forestry recreation campsite).
Nearby, we hiked up Pinchi Mountain to get a 360 degree view of Tezzeron, Pinchi, and Stewart Lakes. On another day, we walked a short interpretive trail built by the local First Nations youth that takes you to a genuine pit house that the youth built. This pit house, along with the surrounding cache pits and culturally modified trees provide a fantastic bit of cultural history of this area. The resort caretakers can help you find these two attractions.
The Cinnabar and Tezzeron resorts are open year round, so you can visit the beautiful and peaceful Tezzaron Lake any time you please!
July 28, 2011 | Tips from Travellers >
Fort St. James, Wildlife Tours
Looking for a great Salmon viewing opportunity? Last year I found a beautiful place that had TONS of Salmon just outside of Fort St James.
Tsilcoh Falls is a short distance north of Fort St James. Drive through town and travel on the Germansen Landing Rd for 10-15km (passed the turnoff for Murray Ridge ski hill), then turn left onto the Pinchi Forest Service Rd. After about 5km, you'll see the sign marking Tsilcoh Falls on your left side. There's a nice big parking lot with pit toilets and a picnic area, and it's just a short walk down a trail to a great rocky viewpoint (careful, the rocks were a little slippery).
From this viewpoint, I got to see Salmon jumping up the small falls. You always hear how tough and treacherous the Salmon's spawning journey is, but this really put it into perspective for me - those fish really have to work to get up those falls! I visited the falls in the middle of August, but of course the best Salmon-viewing dates always fluctuate a little.
I definitely recommend visiting Tsilcoh Falls during this year's Salmon run to see these awesome fish in action!