August 12, 2012 | Tips from Travellers >
Houston, Science, Nature or Animals
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It always makes me smile when visitors come and ask where they can find wildlife, especially moose. Living in Houston all my life I take the wildlife for granted because I always see them; moose and deer, coyotes and foxes, and the smaller mammals that live in our forests. I always end up telling people that if they are lucky they will find animals, but we can never guarantee anyone will find anything. Last night I was very lucky. Driving down Buck Flats I ran into a variety of animals. Buck Flats is an area just passed the main town with a lot of forests and open fields, which is why animals enjoy the area I guess. The very first animal I saw was moose, and it wasn't just one moose it was a pair. I was able to pull over and just watch them as the crossed the road and into the bush. As I continued my drive I saw a mother black bear with two cubs. She ran across the road with the two babies following her; she quickly disappeared into the overgrown bush. They looked so sweet and moved so quickly I felt bad for disturbing them. Around almost every corner I saw wild rabbits sitting on the side of the road watching the vehicles pass. I also saw chipmunks scurrying around but they were faster than the rabbits and I was unable to get a good picture of them. Finally I saw a coyote wandering through the open fields close to the end of my trip. Now I know where to send people when they ask to see wildlife, even though it isn't guaranteed and there isn't a specific stop along the road that you can watch animals. In fact I was looking for Buck Falls when I ran into all of these animals. I guess you never know what to expect in our beautiful Northern wilderness.
August 12, 2012 | Tips from Travellers >
Houston, Science, Nature or Animals
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I finally attempted to find Buck Falls again. My first attempt was a failure; I ended up taking a wrong turn, I got frustrated and ended up going home without seeing the falls. This time I asked around to find the correct path. After turning on to Buck Flats off of Highway 16, I traveled all the way to the fork in the road. From here there is a sign directing you left to the falls. Drive another 3.5km, and stay left. That was where I made my mistake on my first attempt. The road to the falls instructs you to use a radio to call up, but it isn't necessary to get to the falls. Seeing that sign the first time is what caused me to question if I was going in the right direction. If I had of stayed on the road until you get to the bridge I would have found the falls. The trail itself is found on the left side of the road just on the far side of the bridge. The trail leads right down to the water in a few areas and provides great vantage points to see the river. I loved the view, but I was too nervous to travel too deep into the forest. I saw the first two falls and could see the top of the third, but I didn't go and look for the rest. The rushing water was so peaceful to listen to and the area was beautiful and peaceful. Now that I know how to get to the falls I plan on returning but this time I'll bring more people.
August 11, 2012 | Tips from Travellers >
Houston, Arts, Culture & History Tours
I am inviting you to come with me on a sped up version of the Houston Art Walking Tour. The tour takes roughly 30 minutes to complete. Starting at the Houston sign in front of the Visitor Center and ending just across the street from the Visitor Center, the art walking tour is an easy sight seeing adventure to go on. For a complete description of all the attractions seen, please come visit us at the Houston Visitor Center.
August 11, 2012 | Tips from Travellers >
Houston, Historic & Heritage Sites
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I went and explored the historic buildings in Houston the other day. The most prominent features of this historic walk are the first school house and first church built in Houston. While the historic walk is a work in progress, it is already very interesting. On weekdays during the summer anyone can tour through the first church and truly step into the past.
The Houston Visitor Center offered information on the first school house constructed. Apparently the school house has been standing since 1916! The school house is one room with no washroom or running water; it was heated by a wood space heater. The school was used until 1954 as a school and as a meeting area for council members.
I was able to find information about the church as well. The church was the Church of St. Clement and it too was originally constructed in 1916. Originally it was used as a Mission House, but was later rebuilt as a Church of St. Clement in 1953. When the church became too small for the growing Houston population, a new church was built and the old church was retired.
It amazes me how well the old buildings are preserved. Along the walk as well you can see some old fire equipment along with other miscellaneous things. Taking in all the historic buildings and things really helped me connect with the town I was raised in.
August 11, 2012 | Tips from Travellers >
Houston, Fishing
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For Father's Day this year I went with my dad to Irrigation (Dunalter) Lake to see if the fish were biting. Usually we are never disappointed and this trip was no exception. In the three hours we were out on the lake we caught and released five rainbow trout. The lake, which is so close to Houston, is my favorite spot to enjoy peaceful fishing. With electric motors only allowed on the lake, few people go to Irrigation Lake to fish. Everyone is missing out though; you are enveloped by the quiet, pristine surroundings during the spring and early summer. While fishing I love watching the eagles catch fish and loons move so gracefully around the lake. As the summer continues the fish tend to dive deeper and bite less often due to the heat.
The heat does have an upside though. People are drawn to Irrigation Lake in the summer, but they aren't fishing they are swimming.
Irrigation Lake is one of the most popular swimming areas in the summer when the weather turns hot. With a small beached area and picnic spots all around, the spot is very well-liked. Irrigation Lake still offers more for people to enjoy though! Walking trails start on either side of the parking lot and take you almost all around the lake. Also with campfire pits, it is a relaxing area to enjoy your evening.
Though I enjoy cooling down at Irrigation Lake this summer, I cannot wait for fall to come. When the weather starts cooling down again the fish will be biting once more and that's my favorite thing about Irrigation Lake.
August 11, 2012 | Tips from Travellers >
Houston, Attractions
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Staring at the big grizzly bear outside of the Houston Visitor Center gives me, and everyone else who witnesses it, an idea of the enormous power found in the wild. I can't help but feel in awe of this 11 foot tall brute, and know the sheer terror that must have gone through the people who saw it when it was still alive. The phantom bear lived on Hungry Hill, feeding off the livestock owned by local ranchers. The bear was caught in 2005, when it was finally discovered by a predator control officer. After the bear was caught he was estimated to be 18-22 years old. Taking a picture of the phantom bear of Hungry Hill was very difficult. The glass surrounding the bear causes reflections so you need to be cautious when taking a picture or you'll end up with unwanted artifacts in the image. I was lucky enough to take a decent picture of the bear, but I probably looked pretty silly trying to take it at the perfect angle. In order to truly value the power, beauty, and magnificence of the 975 pound bear I encourage everyone to stop and check him out.
August 10, 2012 | Tips from Travellers >
Houston, Hiking
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The walking trails located along Buck Creek is so easy to get to, I've spent the majority of my summers on it. We always take our dogs down to the trail as well because there are different pull outs that lead to the river. The dogs love to wade out into the slow moving current to cool off during the warm summer months and I'm no exceptions. The cool water feels great during the summer and because it is lower and slower moving it is easy to wander through. The trail offers more than just an easy place to cool off. In previous years we could walk down the Creek and watch beavers build their dams. Even though the trail is located right in town you can usually expect to see some wildlife. The Buck Creek Dike trail can also be a long walk. I've walked along the entire trail before, it reaches from behind Supervalu all the way to the motor cross track. The trail is very secluded in areas and always close to nature. The Buck Creek Dike has just been upgraded as well in these last couple of years. New benches have been placed all along the trail making it more relaxing. This easy walking trail is one of my favorite areas to visit in Houston.
August 10, 2012 | Tips from Travellers >
Houston, Science, Nature or Animals
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The other day I took a drive out to Silverthorne Lake just to check out the area but it turned into a bigger adventure then I expected. While I was there I ran into different animals including woodpeckers, grouse, rabbits, and even a lynx! Sadly I didn't have time to grab my camera before the lynx had disappeared back into the bush. I wandered through the trails enjoying the nature and scenery laid out all around me. After the walk I wandered back to the lake and had a picnic in the covered shelter. I enjoyed the walk, water and wildlife found at Silverthorne Lake and definitely plan on going back.
The paths are well maintained because during the winter they are cross country ski trails. If you are interested in heading onto the advanced trails you can find other shelters along the trip. To find Silverthorne Lake, head south of Houston on Buck Flats Road. While the road isn't paved the entire way it is well maintained and easy to find.
I am heading back soon to hopefully get a picture of my lynx and enjoy the peacefulness of the area once again.
August 08, 2012 | Tips from Travellers >
Houston, Bird Watching
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Searching for the beautiful birds of Northern British Columbia? I was and I found them!
In the Duck Pond walking trail in Houston, I found a variety of water fowl and other birds. For hours I wandered around searching for Mallards, Pintails, and Common Goldeneyes. My favourite minute was the low flying eagle. Surely searching for prey along the fields next to the walking trail, the eagle was continually circling lower and lower. He dropped out of sight unfortunately but watching it fly was truly breathtaking. After watching the eagle I decided to check if I could find any small mammals or small amphibians. Sadly I couldn't find any small mammals; I must have been to loud walking around. After a few salamanders and frogs I had my fill though, I'm more of a bird person.
The walking trail itself is a very pleasant walk. Thanks to a group of local youths who, in 2001, helped clean up and clear the walking trail. Also, thanks to the youth, a viewing platform was built along with many ideally located benches. As an easy trail with lots to see, the Duck Pond walking trail was the perfect way to spend my lazy Sunday afternoon.
July 17, 2012 | Tips from Travellers >
Houston, Attractions
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This week I was able to embark on a totally new experience. By signing up at the Houston Visitor Center I was able to go on a mill tour later that day. I got to put on all the equipment a regular mill employee wears (not including the steel toed shoes) and tour throughout the entire mill. Starting outside we saw as the logs were prepped and sent into the sawmill. We then went into the sawmill ourselves and had some of our questions answered by mill employees. From the sawmill we then got to see the planer. From the planer we saw as the lumber was packaged and placed on train cars. The whole trip was very informative and loud.
It was very nice to have the chance to see what goes on in a mill setting. I had many opportunities to stop and take a picture and just watch as the lumber was being split and sorted. The fact that the Visitor Center offers two tours three days a week was great as well. The tour was able to suit my schedule.
If you are looking to explore somewhere new, make sure to take the opportunity to explore Canfor Mill. As one of the few areas that allow mill tours to operate, it is truly a must see attraction.