July 20, 2010 | Tips from Travellers >
Fort St. John, Attractions
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Whenever I drive north on the Alaska Highway, I always look
forward to seeing the giant lumberjack about 30km north of Fort St. John on the
south side of the highway. It has been that way since I was a child. I used to
beg my parents to stop so that I could jump out of the car, walk up to him and
just see how large he was, and just how small I was. His yellow hat, red shirt,
blue jean coloured pants, his silly grin are pretty much legendary to people
who drive up the highway. Many people love to stop and take pictures with this big
friendly giant.
July 20, 2010 | Tips from Travellers >
Fort St. John, Sightseeing Tours
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After living away from the Peace region for a few years, I
totally forgot how beautiful the wide open skies are! It seems every summer
evening the sky is beautiful when the sun is setting, and the light bounces off
the clouds to create a seemingly never ending heaven. There is a window of
opportunity for some fantastic and fun photos.
My friends and I took a drive up
the highway and on the drive back I glanced at the setting sun and it was
something out of the
Africa savannah. The sun
was huge and beautiful, I had to snap a picture with the sky bright pink and
orange and then giving way to blue, it was almost a spiritual feeling and then
I remembered why I love the summer evenings in the Peace.
July 12, 2010 | Tips from Travellers >
Fort St. John, Wildlife Tours
One of the most amazing things about the Peace Region in the summer is all of the butterflies that are around. There are many different varieties but my favourite to find are the beautiful Monarch butterflies. I was told these amazing creatures migrate to the north from Mexico! I can’t believe they can fly over the Rocky Mountains to reach their destination.
My mother and I decided to go for a drive in the rural country roads of the peace, directly north of Fort St. John. The farm land out there is beautiful, the agriculture rich land spans far and wide, and the lovely rolling hills are very pastoral.
Driving along the road we could see many fields of canola, wheat and barley, but along the side of the road there were wild berries and wildflowers, and dancing amongst these wildflowers were many butterflies.
We pulled over to pick some of the berries and seating ourselves in the tall grass, butterflies fluttering around us, and eating some delicious berries, it was something out of a book. It was such a pleasure; this beautiful drive with berries, barley & butterflies.
July 12, 2010 | Tips from Travellers >
Fort St. John, Parks
One of my favourite places to explore the wilderness without venturing too far from my home in Fort St. John, is Charlie Lake Provincial park. Located about 12 km north of Fort St. John on the Alaska Highway it makes for a quick weekend getaway of camping or even just an evening campfire.
Of the many provincial parks I have been to in northern BC this one is the best for a multitude of reasons. I love that there are so many tall trees, it blocks out the noise from the Alaska highway so the sound is truly that of a truly serene wilderness. There are birds sweetly chirping, butterflies dancing and little chipmunks quickly darting around the tall trees.
I also love that the sites are NOT pushed right next to each other, don’t get me wrong I enjoy getting to know the other people in the campsite, but when it feels like you are in a parking lot, it certainly lessens the experience. Each site is a good distance from the neighbours for definite privacy.
The park itself is quite large with numerous site, but one of my favourite things about the park is in the centre of park there is a great picnic and play area that is perfect if you just want to spend the day. There is a really fun playground for children and youth and a large open field for things like Frisbee, soccer or even a fun round of touch or tackle football.
Check out Charlie Lake Provincial Park, it is fun for the whole family.
July 12, 2010 | Tips from Travellers >
Fort St. John, Art Galleries & Artists
Like so many unique trends that have started over the years, it all starts with a small idea. Fort St. John ceramic artist Shannon Butler has started a local phenomenon.
She created a ceramic figurine, a little owl with a rainbow coloured body, a heart where a heart should be, and a relaxed look in his eyes, she came up with a signature phrase, “Rainbow Owl got your back.”
There was no looking back after that, he is sometimes hilariously honest and sometimes sentimental and a bit sad, but either way he has lots to say, and there really is a phrase that could apply to everyone. “Rainbow owl is poor in money and rich in friends" is one of my favourite phrases as a poor student; in my travels I have met so many interesting people, I am poor in money, but rich in friends. I felt a connection with this cute and hilarious character.
Shannon had stickers made and they sold like mad, they are beginning to appear all over town, she had t-shirts made and now I am starting to see them around town. It is great that there is a local character that is starting to have some voice. I would encourage everyone to check out what Rainbow Owl has to say by visiting Shannon Butler’s studio at 10510 101 Ave in Fort St. John.
July 12, 2010 | Tips from Travellers >
Fort St. John, Gardens
In the summer time the city of Fort St. John transforms into a
flower & garden oasis. The main streets of Fort St. John
are lined with luscious hanging baskets, beautiful flower pots, growing sidewalk
trees, and colourful planters.
The city has clearly put lots of time and work into
beautifying the city, walking around the city I overhear comments on the lovely
flowers all around and the remarks come from residents and visitors alike.
The flower pots aren’t just any flower pots, they are each a
unique stamp on the city. The local Arts Council organizes local artists of all
ages and skill level to paint the pots. The designs, patterns, and pictures on
these pots truly display the talent of local artist. Each year many of the pots
are auctioned off which raises money to add more pots and put new ones out each
year! It is fantastic.
Take a walking tour of downtown Fort
St. John because having the flowers,
trees and local art around the city makes the ambiance and experience of Fort St.
John a pleasure to experience.
June 27, 2010 | Tips from Travellers >
Fort St. John, Dining
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Whenever I go for lunch with a friend, we always hum and haw
about where we should go. There are so many options in town and it makes it
hard to decide. Lately I have been either exploring a new place, or trying out one
of the places I haven’t been to in ages.
One such place is Cosmic Grounds…or should I say Patch Java.
A local coffee enthusiast who roasts his own coffee took over ownership of the
popular local coffee establishment and is making it his own. Although the menu
is still similar, the special was certainly something different for most lunch
places. BBQ ribs, with soup and a scone for under $10 was a fantastic deal, but
I was in the mood for something lighter, I bought a chicken salad wrap with a
bowl of soup. I liked the ordering system of picking up a sandwich/wrap
form and picking exactly what I wanted.
I was also really impressed with the
green consciousness of this place. The sandwich forms were laminated so they
can be re-used and the woman ringing us through encouraged us to use the free
water cooler with washable glasses rather than the requested bottled water that
I am usually forced to purchase. I was grateful that the woman suggested we
enjoy their complimentary water cooler; it saved me several dollars at the same
time saving a plastic bottle.
The wrap was fantastic and very filling, the soup was warm
and tasty and I would certainly recommend that people stop by and see the new
Patch Java.
June 20, 2010 | Tips from Travellers >
Fort St. John, Art Galleries & Artists
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Fort St. John has one of the most thriving arts communities I have ever encountered. There is art all over the city, from the streets laden with hand-painted pots, to the art adorned walls of the local cafes; there really is art all over Fort St. John.
On a hot Sunday afternoon, art lovers and community enthusiasts gathered at Whole Wheat & Honey café to enjoy some local artist’s wares, it was packed with people, local musicians playing and with cool refreshments offered it was a great way to spend part of my Sunday afternoon.
I bought a new necklace made by local potter Shannon Butler, a beautiful wall-hanging by Catherine Ruddell and also a lipstick case by Megan Brooks. All of these local artists have great talent, enthusiasm and community spirit and it was my pleasure to enjoy all they had to offer at the Summer Solstice Art Fair.
July 05, 2009 | Tips from Travellers >
Fort St. John, Art Galleries & Artists
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One of the unknown facts about Fort St. John is that it has a thriving arts community. There are many events and artist hotspots where numerous talented local artists are anxious to display their creations.
Potter Shannon Butler is one such brilliant artist who opened up her own studio called Kilnhouse Studio and has a variety of pieces for sale. I heard about Shannon Butler from many sources, she has had a few articles written in our local paper, several of my friends know her and have bought work from her, and my brother bought a beautiful mug from her and won’t let anyone use it!
I stopped into her studio a few weeks ago and had a look around at her wares. I was very impressed with her pieces and the great skill she showed. I was especially fond of her necklaces. They are very unique because they have original art attached to a beautiful silk ribbon. I had to buy one. I selected a necklace with a moose on it (since I collect moose things). The necklace is so comfortable! Normally I don’t wear necklaces because they irritate me, but Shannon Butler’s creation is great because the silk ribbon just feels so nice. I loved my moose necklace so much I went back and bought another necklace with some flowers on it. Whenever I wear one of my necklaces I get plenty of compliments and people inquire how to get one. “Kilnhouse Studio” I tell them!
June 21, 2009 | Tips from Travellers >
Taylor, Historic & Heritage Sites
One of the major events in the Peace Region for Aboriginal peoples is the Spirit of the Peace Powwow. This year the event was held from June 19th – 21st, 2009.
I had been looking forward to the event for sometime because it is a chance for me to get together with family and friends and celebrate my aboriginal heritage and history. Everyone is welcome to the event and it can be a very interesting and knowledge-gaining experience.
At this event there were four grand entrance times. At the grand entrance participating dancers, organizers, and elders entered the circle dancing to traditional and sacred drumming and singing. After the grand entrance there were different groups of dancers (dressed in traditional attire) dancing. I always enjoy the sounds of the bells jingling from the costumes as the dancer’s rock back and forth and jump to the drumming. It was very emotional for some people attending; even I began tearing up without an explanation.
Also at the event were people selling handmade jewellery, dream catchers, clothing and moccasins. I had my eye on a pair of handmade wrap around moccasins with beautiful beading on them, but someone was faster than I was. There were also food concessions. They had run out of bannock before I got there though.
If anyone should get a chance to attend a Powwow in the future, I would strongly recommend you take the chance, it can be a once in a lifetime experience. Many aboriginal people are happy to share their culture and traditions with everyone who is interested.