August 02, 2012 | Tips from Travellers >
Prince George, Food or Wine
For many that know me... food and travel are common partners in my life. This close relationship was once again revisited at Purden Lake Resort where I discovered a quaint little lodge with fabulous pie and great company!
Purden Lake Resort is located approximatley 63 km east of Prince George on the Yellowhead Highway. Although it had burnt down a couple of years ago, the resort has been re built and is now fully functional. The Purden Lake Resort staff bake and cook a variety of foods including breads, cookies, soups and sandwhiches; however, my favourite treat at Purden Lake Resort is to have a huge piece of their delicious pie.
So whether you are camping at the resort or in the provincial park, or are simply returning from a hike at any of the local trails found in the area.... be sure to stop in at Purden Lake Resort for a slice of pie in the barber's chair (which they do have close to the fire place:)
August 02, 2012 | Tips from Travellers >
Fort St. James, Historic & Heritage Sites
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Ft St James National Hisotric Site is located approximatley 1.5 hours from Prince George along highway 27. Although the drive might be far for some, don't let it discourage you. At the end of Highway 27, you will find a small hidden northern BC gem- the national historical site that was the based of the fur trade industry way back in the day.
After arriving at FSJ National Historical Site and previewing their introduction video, you are able to either do a guided or self guided tour of the site. Your first stop will be the Fur Warhouse. At the Fur Warehouse, if you have young ones (or are young at heart), you can grab a rabbit fur to save for future trading at the Trade Store. From the Fur Warehouse, you'll past the Fish Cache and find yourself in the Men's House. Take a few minutes to enjoy the Men's House and experience the 1890's version of the lazy boy and reflect on the lonely life that many men within the region led. From the Men's House you can head over to the Trade Store where you will have the opportunity to barter over the rabbit pelt and see what kind of deal you can secure with the shopkeeper, see the goods that were available to the region and imagine just how long the journey would be to get all those wonderful goods into the region. Be sure to stop in at the Murray House to say hi to the gals who work there and be sure to enjoy some of their oven fresh cookies! This year, the National Historic Site has also provided the opportunity for taking a traditonal tea as well (although, you should be sure to book ahead of time!).
July 16, 2012 | Tips from Travellers >
Prince George, Hiking
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Upon a recent excursion into Northern BC and looking for relief from the wonderful summer heat we discouvered the Ancient Rain Forest 111km east of Prince George on the Yellowhead Highway. This little treasure is well known amongst the locals in Prince George and McBride; however, typically I am in a hurry to get to Jasper National Park and rarely take time out of my travels to explore this little gems.
Although the turn off to the Ancient Forest is a little hard to find (especially if your having philosophical debates with your buddies) keep your eyes peel to the right side of the road (the turn off to the parking lot is located just past the Driscoll Ridge turn off). The trail typically starts from the right hand side and the heavy moisture rich smell that is typically associated with the coastal forests will begin to invaded your olfactory senses. As you make your way up the trail, the smell of the rainforest will draw you in even more. Follow up the trail to find the Big Tree- this is the oldest and biggest tree within this rainforest; on the way there be sure to you stop for a photo at the massive cedar tree that you can `lift`with your bare hands.
From the Big Tree, you are taken into the cedar ciricle- be sure you look up to see the ciricle of trees as they tower up above you. We just had to take the panaoramic shot as we circled under neath the spiraling trees. From the cedar circle, we found ourselves at the water fall were we were able to forlick in the water for a little. The water fall lead us to the dead beard area and from dead beard we made our way back to the parking lot
The Ancient Rain Forest is truely ahidden gem of Prince George and northern BC and one that should be on everyone`s to do list- whether you are a resident or visitor.
July 06, 2012 | Tips from Travellers >
Prince George, Hiking
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An opportunity to be a prospector... well at least a prospector that excelled at finding nuggets along the Fraser River- this was me the other evening. It had been a while since I'd been on the Fort George Canyon Recreational trail when a friend and I decided to give it a go. The trail was 2.3 km's down to the river's edge which was fast moving and high due to the past month of rain; however, it provided us an opportunity to explore up river more. Once on the river's edge, we proceeded up river where we found rocks, rocks and more rocks. My friend is somewhat of geological fantantic and we went to work searching for nuggets! Boy... did we find nuggets! The colour variety was amazing and the shapes were wonderful. Although buggy this did not deter us from collecting a few for making jewellery and other creative stuff in the near future. I definetly recommended this trail (which is an easy identifiable and well marked trail) for families who are wanting to explore more of the Prince George area and who perhaps would like to find the hidden treasures of the Fraser River.
June 08, 2012 | Tips from Travellers >
Prince George, Food or Wine
After returning home from university, I was surprised to find out Nancy O's- a local restaurant gem that opened while I was away. Nancy O's make all of their food with local products, fresh and hand made daily. Though I am a fan of locally produced food paired with a local beer/wine, I was even more impressed with the night life that Nancy O's provide.
Since returning, I have visited Nancy O's on a regular basis and have always been impressed with the variety of local and regional musicians that the restaurant brings in. The music ranges from blues- to rock folky and everything in between. In addition to the great food and music, the people at Nancy O's could not be better and truely provide a unique Northern BC experience with prompt service.
June 02, 2012 | Tips from Travellers >
Prince George, Parks
A recent venture north of Prince George led to a discovery of a well hidden gem and opportunity- the opportunity to see vegetation and plants from all of Canada's provinces and territories at Good Sir Nature Park, operated by Jim Good.
Jim Good was a forest ranger many, many years ago whose hobby is Canadian plants and wildlife and the photography of them. Over the years, Mr. Good has developed his 160 acres of land into a private park that allow for locals and tourists to explore the trees, plants and vegetation of Canada. In addition to exploring the gardens he has (i.e. the Botanical Garden's, the Arctic garden, etc), Mr. Good provides camp sites with pre-cut firewood, use of his cabin and a spot for a RV; all of this is just based on donations provided by guests.
Hopefully, if you are lucky, you will meet up with Mr. Good who provides stories and walking tours throughout his propery, open up his interpretive centre for you and who will welcome you with open arms.
Good Sir Nature Park is a park for the whole family to enjoy!
May 24, 2012 | Tips from Travellers >
Prince George, Food or Wine
Recently I had dinner at the Shogun located in Coast Inn of the North. The staff at the restaurant were superb and had seen to our needs without intruding in on our evening. The sushi was freshed and amazing and my friends enjoyed their bento boxes immensely. After dinner was served, we were treated to a show by the chef where he demonstrated traditional Japanese drumming. I would recommend Shogun to anyone travelling through Prince George with a craving for sushi!
May 22, 2012 | Tips from Travellers >
Prince George, Arts, Culture & History Tours
Over the May long wekend, I participated in Seebach days at Huble Homestead, located approximatley 30 minutes north of Prince George. It was a step through a time capsule where I dressed up in an old fashion night gown that came down to my ankles (don't want to show any skin), watched sheep being sheared, was able to feed the sheep, watched the 'men' fire blackpowder rifles in the field and got to eat just plain old tasty candies- the candies that my great grandmother use to make for me. The staff at Huble Homestead were all interactive and were more than willing to share with me their more 'traditional' way of life and let me assit with some of their day to day activities such as gathering things from the root cellar, making beds and playing games with the children that came to the site through out the day. Huble Homestead, although some in size, was a treasure that I had not experienced before and provided a wealth of historical knowlegde and entertainment throughout the day, while encouraging me to take that step back in time!